New in Lightwright 5 is Lightwright/Vectorworks Data Exchange, a "new and easy way" to share data with Vectorworks Spotlight 2009. This allows lighting designers, for the first time, to make changes in either programme and to have those changes be automatically updated in the other programme, eliminating importing, exporting, and merging, and saving designers time and trouble.
Some of Lightwright 5's new features include: any number of show files can be open at the same time; worksheet reconciliation compares and synchronizes show files; share files and new fast and flexible work notes via built-in email; a drag and drop color scroll design window, and automatic dimmer load balancing.
For a brief history of Lightwright, see Rob Halliday's Classic Gear column in the June 2009 issue of Lighting&Sound International magazine.
(Jim Evans)