We’ve been working hard behind the scenes on our next major release of Pharos Designer. While we’re not quite ready to reveal the exciting new capabilities coming next year, we do have some notes about wider platform changes which we’re ready to share now.
In summary: in the first half of 2027, customers will be able to choose which Pharos Designer software version they’d like to use to deliver projects, with the reliability and high-quality support customers expect from Pharos.
Project file compatibility
We’re making substantial architectural changes to the core of Designer, enabling our hardware and software to perform better than previously possible. As a result, current Designer 2 projects will not open in future software versions beyond Designer 2.
We don’t expect that existing installations, with working systems that have already been delivered, should be moved on from Designer 2. If a project does need to move to benefit from the advanced capabilities, our export and import tools will help transfer project data such as layout and patch, ahead of recreating the playback and triggering programming.
For more information, see the FAQs below.
Ongoing software support
Designer 2 will continue to receive maintenance updates. These include security updates and bug fixes, but may not include major updates to support future desktop operating systems.
Hardware compatibility
As with any major release, manufacturers must make choices about the validity and overhead of continuing to support older and discontinued hardware.
Supported in new Designer versions
The following current products will be supported in the new Designer versions:
| Type | Pharos Designer | ETC Unison Mosaic |
|---|---|---|
| Controllers | LPC LPC X S3 | MSC MSC X Mk3 |
| Remote devices | RIO 84 / 80 / 44 / 08 RIO A RIO D4 RIO G4 EDN | MRIO-84 / 80 / 44 / 08 MRIO-A MRIO-D4 |
| Wall stations | TPS 5 TPS 8 BPS | M-TS5 M-TS8 BPS |
Unaffected
The following products are not configured in software and are therefore unaffected:
| Type | Pharos Designer | ETC Unison Mosaic |
|---|---|---|
| Accessories | SDI Repeat Switch | MSC-NET Mk3 |
Designer 2 only – still available to purchase
The following current controllers will not be supported on new Designer versions, but will remain supported in Designer 2 and will continue to be available to purchase until further notice:
| Type | Pharos Designer | ETC Unison Mosaic |
|---|---|---|
| Controllers | VLC S2 VLC+ VLC+ M | Atlas Mk2 Atlas Pro |
Designer 2 only – end of life
The following recent end-of-life devices will only be supported in Designer 2:
| Type | Pharos Designer | ETC Unison Mosaic |
|---|---|---|
| Controllers | TPC EXT LPC X rev2 VLC rev1 | MTPC MSC X Mk2 Atlas |
| Remote devices | RIO D | TPC-RIO MRIO-D |
| Wall stations | TPS (original) | M-TS |
High channel count projects
We’re working on a new approach to managing projects requiring very high-capacity controllers. This solution will launch later in 2027. Until then, customers are encouraged to continue using VLC products in Designer 2.
Mosaic software
As recently announced, ETC are transitioning from Unison Mosaic to Pharos Designer. Mosaic Designer 2 releases will continue as outlined above.
Want to learn more?
If you have any queries or concerns regarding these platform changes, please consult the FAQs below or contact your Sales representative. Pharos Support are also able to offer guidance.
Visit the Pharos exhibits at IAAPA Expo (ETC Stand, S1858, Orlando, Florida) or LiGHT26 (Stand 43, London, UK) to learn more about this major release of Designer software.
FAQs
Why is there no project migration tool?
When we released Designer 2, we did offer conversion tools for projects from Designer 1, because the project data could be mapped and recreated. With the upcoming release, the fundamental changes in how the controllers calculate and generate lighting output do not allow for a like-for-like translation, and we could not guarantee that any migration tool would automatically deliver recreated programming that looks the same.
We decided not to hold back development – and delay release – by trying to offer migration. Supporting migration tools through every subsequent release adds significant overhead to our development efforts when adding new features. We have heard that customers would prefer us to continue to innovate without these considerations holding us back.
If I need the new features, how do I move a Designer 2 project forward?
We don’t expect that existing installations, with working systems that have already been delivered, should be moved on from Designer 2. However, where this is required, the following will be available and should be considered:
- Export and import tools from Designer 2 into the new software, supporting:
- Fixtures, including layout and groups
- Pixel matrix information
- Universe and patch information
- Touch interfaces
- Timeline flags
- eDMX pass-through buses
- It isn’t possible to transfer all aspects of a Designer project – like timelines and triggers – because of the fundamental changes that have been made to support new features and capabilities. However, we’re confident that the import options we are able to provide represent a significant time saving compared to starting over.
- Side-by-side working: software versions can run concurrently on the same computer, allowing side-by-side windows for comparing and rebuilding programming from one version to another. As well as the graphical UI, Reports is a useful tool for comparing project programming data.
For more information on versioning and upgrading, take a look at our Introduction to Versioning and Upgrading video.
Does every major version change make my projects incompatible?
Not necessarily. Our long-term roadmap does include further major releases, but we anticipate that compatibility will largely remain intact when upgrading to those versions, as the underlying new programming architecture will persist. Specific parts of a project file may need to be rebuilt to support new features.
Why isn’t the VLC family of controllers moving to the new software platform?
We are working towards bringing our controller offering back under one LPC umbrella, and we are exploring alternative solutions for addressing high-channel, single-canvas requirements.
In the meantime, for these projects, you can continue to purchase VLCs and programme them confidently in Designer 2.
Will the current LPC really be supported on the new Designer versions?
Yes. We’re pleased to be able to offer this, and hope it makes life easier where existing projects need to move to the new software. Plans are still being finalised, but customers should expect that some of the new features coming to other LPC family controllers won’t be available on the current LPC, or may come with additional restrictions.
What about Pharos Express?
Express is unaffected by these changes.
Are these changes coming as a result of the acquisition by ETC?
No. These changes have been planned for a very long time. ETC is excited about the future of Designer.
Can I move my existing hardware forward to new Designer versions? Will I be able to move it back?
Yes. A simple firmware reload will be required to upgrade compatible devices (see the hardware compatibility tables above), and hardware can similarly be reset to Designer 2 as required.
