LightAct 4.13 Beta 1

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This changelog was created on 15 December 2025. It includes 10 Epics and 62 upgrades.

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Robust Lightsync For 4.13

This epic focuses on making LightAct’s framelocking mechanism more streamlined and robust with better management of various states.

Improvements

There are 1 new improvements in this epic.

LA4-6137: Lightsync Unintentional Kicking Out Of The Session

Implemented mechanism to prevent machines from being prematurely disconnected from LightSync session.

Status: Testing

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Flexible Asset Management For Big Shows

Improve asset management with enhanced manual refresh options and thumbnail generation, ensuring efficient performance and streamlined asset syncing across servers.

Features

There are 4 new features in this epic.

LA4-6237: If There Is A Missing Asset, Layers Shouldn't Be Set To None.

Missing assets upon project file opening can lead to layers defaulting to 'None' in the dropdown, causing significant setbacks.

Status: Done | Requesters: KGR

LA4-6089: Non Blocking Asset Import

Added option to disable FileWatcher for user-controlled asset imports during shows. Asset imports now non-blocking with Swift notification and detailed logging.

Status: Done | Requesters: AKL

LA4-5943: Asset Import Changes

Asset ingestion is now divided into three non-blocking phases: import, get data (optional), and load & play. Some exceptions may apply.

Status: Done | Requesters: AKL

LA4-6093: Drag From Thumbnail?

Enable drag-and-drop functionality from the entire asset row or at least from the thumbnail for video layer creation.

Status: Done | Requesters: SBA

Improvements

There are 2 new improvements in this epic.

LA4-5817: Asset Versioning For No Version In The Filename

If you have assets without version suffixes and assets with them, all of them will be listed in the Version dropdown. The one without the suffix will be listed as ‘No version’.

Status: Done

LA4-5414: Gui Improvement Of Assets Window

Remove two icons and mode column; streamline status display with asset icon colours and update tooltips for clearer communication.

Status: Done

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Proxy Video Files & Notch Downscaled Playback

Introducing enhanced video playback capabilities: Proxy video file support allows Primary and Editor machines to play videos in lower resolutions, optimizing Viewport previews. Additionally, the Notch downscaled playback feature enables machines to downscale Notch rendering when full-scale resolution is unnecessary. Enjoy a streamlined and efficient preview experience.

Features

There are 2 new features in this epic.

LA4-5274: Proxy Video Files

Implement proxy video file support allowing users to provide lower resolution video files, identified by specific naming conventions (_proxy2 or _prx2 for 2x lower resolution, (_proxy4 or _prx4 for 4x lower resolution etc.).

Status: Done

LA4-6132: Downscaled Notch Playback

A new checkbox, 'Apply to Notch Blocks', has been added under Preview downsampling. When checked, it downscales the Play Notch Block node's resolution before rendering, then upscales it to the correct resolution, enhancing performance efficiency.

Status: Done

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Easy-peasy Lightnet For 4.13

Enhance LightNet cluster management with easier and more versatile connection management and better performance indicators for all the machines in the cluster.

Features

There are 7 new features in this epic.

LA4-5474: Performance Graphs For All Cluster Machines In Performance Window

Enable near real-time server performance data display in the Performance window when LightNet is active. Graphs should use Machine colour and display computer name labels. Add 'Status message frequency' dropdown in Preferences to adjust update intervals, ranging from 100ms to 1s for updates.

Status: Done

LA4-6187: Ability To End Lightsync From Non-primary Machines

Added an "End LightSync" button in the LightNet Management Sync column, allowing non-primary computers to stop a Primary from hosting a LightSync session.

Status: Done

LA4-6075: Turn Into A Secondary + Invite Into A Cluster By Dragging

Enables server drag action within the user's own cluster. Primary servers convert to Secondary and join the cluster, while Backup or Editor roles simply join. In the GUI, other clusters should not display a green icon; it remains white.

Status: Done

LA4-6073: You Should Be Able To Uncheck Device Checkboxes

Resolved an issue allowing users to uncheck checkboxes, crucial for effective "Transmit to others" functionality. Added a "None" option to prevent accidental selections. Now, users can manage nodes without enabling any checkboxes, ensuring smoother workflow and preventing unnecessary node creation.

Status: Done

LA4-5994: Force Vsync On All Outputs

Replaced the VSync checkbox with a "Vertical Sync" dropdown, offering two options: "VSync one output window" (default) and "VSync all output windows". Each setting is logged per output window. A basic tooltip provides clarity on the "Vertical Sync" settings.

Status: Done

LA4-5924: Minimize Gui Window Automatically

The GUI window will now automatically minimise to the taskbar when the output window is enabled on the same display as the GUI or any display on a secondary server. This enhancement aims to improve performance by potentially reducing the rendering load.

Status: Done

LA4-5476: Performance Top Right Indicator In Lightnet

The performance indicator on the primary server now reflects the status of the entire server group. If any server experiences a frame per second (FPS) drop from 60 to 30, the primary indicator will turn yellow, ensuring comprehensive performance monitoring.

Status: Done

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Flexible Backup Lightnet Role

Enhanced backup functionality allows server selection for improved efficiency and faster switching, especially for large events.

Features

There are 3 new features in this epic.

LA4-6065: Manual Backup Vs Automatic Backup Switch

Enable manual triggering of a Backup server to take over the role of another server within the same cluster by dragging the backup server onto the one that needs to be replaced. If the servers are not in the same cluster, or if the dragged server is not in a Backup role, no changes occur.

Status: Done

LA4-6064: Backup Switch Should Happen Faster

When the Selective Backup feature is enabled, output windows on Backup servers mirror the settings of a primary server. Upon failure of a primary server, the backup verifies and synchronises output configurations to ensure a seamless switch within a single frame. If configurations differ, new output windows are established.

Status: Done

LA4-5187: Selective Backup & Automatic Functionality

Configure specific backup servers to manage designated servers, with an optional automatic failover feature. A "Setup" button allows assigning server responsibilities. By default, automatic failover is disabled, but enabling it reveals server assignment options. This feature is contingent upon a specific licence condition and is reflected in server roles.

Status: Done

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Better Timeline Programming

Enhanced features ensure faster and more efficient timeline programming.

Features

There are 11 new features in this epic.

LA4-6308: Splitting Layers

Introducing the "Split at Playhead" feature: Easily divide video layers into two sections at the playhead position. This option appears only when the playhead is on a layer. Upon activation, it seamlessly splits the layer, adjusting the Start and Duration properties accordingly, akin to a copy-paste operation. Enjoy precise edits without hassle.

Status: Done | Requesters: HIB

LA4-6211: Snapping When Jumping On The Timeline With Left Mouse Button

The playhead will now snap to the nearest section beginning or end, marker, or layer boundary within the snap area on the timeline. If none are present, snapping will occur to the closest vertical line. This enhances precision when jumping across the timeline using the left mouse button.

Status: Done | Requesters: HIB

LA4-6208: Focus To Playhead

Implemented 'focus on playhead' action in additional cases. Now activated when pressing jump buttons: Additionally, if enabled, the focus action triggers when the playhead exits the right of the timeline editor, ensuring constant visibility.

Status: Done | Requesters: HIB

LA4-6205: Proper Locking Of Tracks

When a track is locked, creating or editing layers on it is now restricted. Users are prevented from adding new layers via double-clicking, shortcuts, right-click menus, or dragging assets onto locked tracks. Additionally, layers cannot be dragged onto tracks that are locked. This update ensures that track locking effectively secures the entire track, preventing unintended modifications.

Status: Done | Requesters: HIB

LA4-6204: Alert With Overlapping Custom Tc Times

Enhanced timeline properties to improve user experience. The “Section” column now features editable section names. The “Start TC” is displayed without the label in rows, while “End TC” is computed based on the Start TC and section duration. If the “End TC” overlaps with another section’s Start TC, the label turns yellow. Additionally, the “End TC” column will hide if the screen width is insufficient. A new warning feature alerts users of overlaps when setting custom TC times, addressing the Hibino feature request for conflict detection.

Status: Done | Requesters: HIB

LA4-5765: Ability To Delete Any Track

Remove the minus button for track deletion. Add a trash bin icon next to the track name or lock icon for improved functionality.

Status: Done | Requesters: HIB

LA4-6214: All But Excluded Section

Introducing a new option, "Follow in all but these sections," allowing users to specify sections they wish to exclude from sync. This feature operates inversely to "Follow in these sections only," ensuring sync is enabled in all sections except those selected.

Status: Done | Requesters: HIB

LA4-6203: Master Fade & Volume And Render Time Displayed In Timelines Window

Displayed within the Timelines window are now the Timeline fade and Timeline master volume. Extended tooltips align with those in the Timeline Editor. Additionally, master volume and render time features have been introduced, addressing user feedback for enhanced functionality.

Status: Done | Requesters: HIB

LA4-6161: Playback Speed Multiplier For Timeline

Playback speed adjustment for timelines is now possible, provided the timeline is not synchronised. This feature was requested during training.

Status: Done | Requesters: HIB

LA4-6069: Select All To Left/right On The Same Track

Added commands to select all layers on the current track: right, left, or all directions.

Status: Done

LA4-5768: Assign A Mapping/asset To All Layers In A Timeline/track

Improved timeline drag-and-drop menu: Simplified asset and mapping assignment options, including "Assign to all layers" and "Assign to all layers on this track." Removed default option for enhanced user experience.

Status: Done

Improvements

There are 4 new improvements in this epic.

LA4-6206: Non-whole Project Framerates Don't Work

Resolved an issue where setting Project Settings to non-standard frame rates (e.g., 29.97, 59.94, 48) caused misalignment between the timeline display and playhead time. This also affected single-frame scrolling functionality. Non-whole project frame rates have been temporarily removed but will be reinstated once the issue is fully addressed.

Status: Done | Requesters: HIB

LA4-6340: Show Play Times

Added a "Show Play Times" checkbox. When selected, play times will be displayed; when unselected, they will be hidden.

Status: Done | Requesters: SUP

LA4-6331: Pasting Layers If There's Not Enough Space

Enhanced layer-pasting functionality now verifies available space and unlocked track status before pasting. If either condition fails, it automatically seeks the next available track. If no suitable track exists, it creates new tracks to accommodate the pasted layers, ensuring seamless integration with their original durations.

Status: Done | Requesters: HIB

LA4-5692: Duplicate Timeline Should Also Be In Properties Menu Of Timeline Editor Window.

Add 'Duplicate Timeline' option to the Properties menu in the Timeline editor for enhanced accessibility.

Status: Done

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Qol September 25

Various Quality of Life improvements done in September 2025.

Improvements

There are 10 new improvements in this epic.

LA4-5084: Integer As Dropdown_remap Value

When setting Appearance Integer as a dropdown, the Remap value is now hidden and disabled.

Status: Done

LA4-6186: Non-latin Characters In Project Names

Support for non-Latin characters in project file names is temporarily removed due to crash issues. Invalid characters will trigger a warning.

Status: Done

LA4-6179: Dragging From Variable Group

Fixed unnecessary Getter/Setter menu appearance when dragging from variable groups.

Status: Done

LA4-6172: Timecode Monitor Window Should Show All Tc Sources.

Redesigned timecode monitor to always display all TC sources, allowing name editing and offsets. Displays "No MIDI Receiver" when no sources are present.

Status: Done

LA4-6152: Multiple Incoming Art-net Tc

Support added for multiple incoming Art-Net TC sources, enhancing flexibility and integration capabilities.

Status: Done

LA4-5879: Incorrect Number Of Core Count In Some Cases

Incorrect CPU core count for Intel Xeon Gold 5512U; should be 28 cores, 56 threads.

Status: Done

LA4-5680: Projectors Should Not Appear In Mapping Dropdowns

Remove Projector from Mapping dropdown as it no longer supports Canvas (legacy), now hidden under -legacy launch argument. Affects approximately 0.5% of projects.

Status: Done

LA4-5446: Hide Viewport Warnings So That The Client Doesn't See Them

Option to hide all viewport warnings.

Status: Done | Requesters: MFR

LA4-3811: Better Logs

Added logs for enabling OSC Receiver with missing, empty, or incorrectly logged file paths.

Status: Done

LA4-5652: Framecount Should Be Visible In Asset's Properties

Feature inquiry regarding calculating numbers using time and FPS. Clarification on task difficulty requested, with a suggestion to defer if low priority.

Status: Done | Requesters: MVI

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Qol October 25

Quality of Life enhancements planned for October 2025.

Improvements

There are 1 new improvements in this epic.

LA4-6070: Restore To Default

Added "Restore to default" command for unconnected inputs in variable groups.

Status: Done

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Node Upgrades For 4.13

New and upgraded nodes added in LightAct 4.13.

Features

There are 6 new features in this epic.

LA4-5767: On Shutdown Node

Introducing "Run on Shutdown", a simple node that triggers once when LightAct closes. Keywords: close, exit.

Status: Done

LA4-5580: Absolute Value

Introducing a node that outputs absolute values for Int, Float, and other types, ensuring all components receive absolute values.

Status: Done | Requesters: SUP

LA4-6171: Vignette Function

Introducing 'Texture Vignette' node with intuitive controls, enabling enhanced texture manipulation without overhauling existing code.

Status: Done

LA4-5795: Ability To Output Softedge Handles

Enable Softedge lines for Output during setup. Update "Draw handles" checkbox to "Render handles" for consistency with Warp nodes.

Status: Done

LA4-5706: Nodes For Json Packing And Parsing

Feature request received for JSON Parser and Packager nodes in LA4, based on previous implementation in LA3.

Status: Done

LA4-5634: Expression Node

Introducing an Expression Node with default float inputs, allowing users to create custom equations and add inputs dynamically for enhanced flexibility.

Status: Done | Requesters: SUP

Improvements

There are 5 new improvements in this epic.

LA4-6481: A Node That Toggles Sending Of Dmx

Introducing the new "Set DMX Out State" node! This feature enables users to effortlessly toggle the "Send DMX" checkbox in the DMX Out window using a simple boolean input. Enhance your workflow efficiency with this intuitive control option.

Status: Done

LA4-6216: Scale X In Scale Y In Render Texture

Introduce separate Scale X and Scale Y inputs for better dimension control, ensuring compatibility with previous versions.

Status: Done | Requesters: SUP

LA4-5802: Project Framerate Info In Nodes

Integrate Project framerate information into nodes by adding an output pin to the Application Tick node or creating a new Project framerate node.

Status: Done

LA4-5238: Content Override Boolean

Add a "Content override" boolean option to some Get data nodes telling you if an object has Content override enabled or not.

Status: Done

LA4-5135: Panning Of Node Windows

Improved window panning behaviour: Node dragging now initiates immediate panning, with speed increasing as cursor approaches window edge.

Status: Done

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Curve Editor Upgrade 25

Enhanced Curve editor for faster, easier multi-curve workflows and keyframe management.

Improvements

There are 1 new improvements in this epic.

LA4-5229: Double Click Create A Point

Double-clicking in the curve editor creates points directly at the click location for single-component curves and on existing curves for multi-component curves.

Status: Done

Other Upgrades

There are 5 new upgrades in this epic.

LA4-6482: A Node That Toggles Sending Of Dmx - For 4.12

Introducing the new "Set DMX Out State" node, designed to streamline your workflow. This node allows you to toggle the Send DMX checkbox in the DMX Out window effortlessly with a simple boolean input, enhancing control and flexibility in your lighting setups.

Status: Done

LA4-6434: Pixel Straddling Option In Dmx Fixtures

The pixel straddling property determines whether a single DMX pixel can span across universe border. The checkbox is part of the Fixture editor under Pixel properties, and is enabled by default.

Status: Done | Requesters: SBA

LA4-6404: Mosys & Freed Receiver Cause Crash

Resolved crashes when creating MoSys and FreeD Receivers in new projects.

Status: Done

LA4-6309: Adjustable Max Pixel Number In Dmx Fixtures

Max number of pixels in a DMX fixture has been increased to 1024.

Status: Done

LA4-6268: Deltacast Sender With Sdi Card Not Working

Resolved an issue where the Deltacast Sender node failed to initialise with the DELTA-12G-e-h 4i2c card.

Status: Done