A new way to program S-PLAY: introducing S-PLAY Programmer
Lighting control has always been about precision, timing and reliability, but until now, programming an S-PLAY SP1-1 meant being connected to the hardware itself.
With the release of S-PLAY Programmer, ENTTEC introduces a new workflow for building automated lighting shows: a free desktop application that allows users to create complete S-PLAY projects offline, then deploy them to hardware when ready.
For integrators, designers and programmers, this changes how projects are built. Shows can now be prepared in advance, refined remotely, and deployed on-site in seconds, without the need for a live connection during the programming process.
Whether working across multiple installations or preparing content ahead of a commissioning visit, S-PLAY Programmer brings flexibility to every stage of the workflow.
Behind the scenes, the software builds on the same proven system that powers ENTTEC’s flagship S-PLAY SP1-1 show controller, extending its capabilities beyond the browser interface into a dedicated desktop environment.
At its core, S-PLAY Programmer uses the same familiar interface as the S-PLAY web UI, including cue creation, playlists, schedules and triggers: ensuring existing users can start immediately with no learning curve.
But beyond familiarity, the desktop software introduces entirely new capabilities designed to streamline content creation and deployment.
One of the most significant additions is Scene Cues, a new cue type exclusive to the desktop software. Instead of recording effects in real time, users can generate complex, shader-based animations and render them in seconds.
This dramatically reduces programming time, particularly for long-duration shows, where traditional recording workflows would otherwise take hours.
S-PLAY Programmer also introduces a Fixture Layout system, allowing users to map the physical position of their lighting fixtures. This enables animations to move naturally across a space, ensuring effects such as waves, gradients and motion follow the real-world installation.
Software details:
Product: S-PLAY Programmer (SKU 70100)
Compatibility: S-PLAY SP1-1 (Firmware v3.2+)
Platforms: macOS & Windows
License: Free (no subscription required)
Key capabilities:
• Offline show programming
• Scene Cues (shader-based animation engine)
• Fixture Layout mapping system
• Multi-device deployment (up to 250 S-PLAY units)
• Show extraction, editing and redeployment
• Live preview on connected hardware
From early-stage concept development to final deployment, S-PLAY Programmer enables a more efficient and flexible workflow.
Shows can be built in the studio, refined on the road, and deployed on-site with minimal setup, reducing commissioning time and allowing teams to focus on creative execution rather than technical constraints.
When connected to a network, the software automatically discovers available S-PLAY devices, allowing users to deploy shows instantly. A single project can be sent to multiple controllers simultaneously, making it ideal for large-scale or multi-site installations.
Faster workflows for real-world installations
In real-world projects, time is often the most critical constraint. Whether programming a façade, a themed attraction or a multi-zone installation, reducing setup time can make a significant difference.
By removing the need for constant hardware access during programming, S-PLAY Programmer allows teams to work in parallel, prepare multiple shows simultaneously, and deploy with confidence.
This makes it particularly valuable for integrators managing multiple S-PLAY installations across different locations.
For new projects, it’s another reason to consider the S-PLAY SP1-1 as the backbone of your next installation..
Expanding the S-PLAY ecosystem
S-PLAY Programmer represents a natural evolution of the S-PLAY platform, extending the capabilities of the S-PLAY SP1-1 beyond its built-in web interface.
While the hardware remains the core playback engine – handling DMX, Art-Net and sACN output with precision – the desktop software enhances how shows are created, edited and managed.
Together, they form a complete solution for automated lighting control, combining reliable hardware with a faster, more flexible programming workflow.
Available now as a free download, S-PLAY Programmer offers a powerful new way to build and deploy lighting shows with ENTTEC’s S-PLAY system. For existing users, it’s a major upgrade in workflow efficiency.
