> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://mintlify.com/AcChosen/VR-Stage-Lighting/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Introduction

> Professional stage lighting for VRChat with DMX512 control and AudioLink integration

<Note>
  VR Stage Lighting is a Unity framework that brings professional-quality stage lighting into VRChat worlds with real-time DMX control and audio-reactive effects.
</Note>

## What is VR Stage Lighting?

VR Stage Lighting (VRSL) is a comprehensive Unity package designed to emulate the quality, control, and complexity of professional stage lighting in VRChat. Built over years of development, VRSL provides a performant, hardware-accelerated lighting system that works seamlessly in VR environments.

The framework includes:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="DMX512 Control" icon="grid" href="/concepts/dmx-system">
    Real-time lighting control via DMX512 protocol through video streaming
  </Card>

  <Card title="AudioLink Integration" icon="waveform" href="/concepts/audiolink-integration">
    Audio-reactive lighting effects synced to music in real-time
  </Card>

  <Card title="Shader-Based System" icon="sparkles" href="/concepts/shader-architecture">
    Hardware-accelerated rendering with GPU instancing for optimal performance
  </Card>

  <Card title="Unity Editor Tools" icon="wrench" href="/api/editor/manager-window">
    Comprehensive editor tools for fixture management and DMX patching
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Key Features

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="DMX512 Video Streaming">
    Control lights in real-time using industry-standard DMX software through the Artnet Grid Node system. Stream DMX data via video to synchronize all players in your VRChat instance.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Moving Lights">
    Full-featured moving lights with pan/tilt control, gobo projection, color mixing, and volumetric rendering. Includes spotlight and washlight fixtures.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Static Lights">
    PAR lights, blinders, flashers, and light bars with individual control over intensity, color, and strobe effects.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Audio Reactivity">
    Native AudioLink integration allows lights to react to different frequency bands of audio, creating dynamic light shows synchronized to music.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="VR Optimized">
    Shader-based rendering avoids expensive Unity real-time lights. GPU instancing and batching ensure smooth performance even with dozens of fixtures.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Local Control">
    Per-user UI control panel allows players to adjust brightness levels locally without affecting others, ensuring accessibility and comfort.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## How It Works

VRSL uses a unique approach to bring professional lighting control into VRChat:

1. **Video-based DMX transmission** - DMX data is encoded into video pixels and streamed through VRChat's video player system
2. **Shader-based decoding** - Custom shaders read the video pixels and extract DMX channel data directly on the GPU
3. **Hardware acceleration** - All lighting calculations happen in shaders, with GPU instancing for minimal overhead
4. **UdonSharp control** - Optional runtime control through VRChat's UdonSharp scripting system

This architecture enables:

* **Synchronized control** across all players in an instance
* **Live streaming** support for real-time performances
* **Low latency** DMX response times
* **Minimal CPU usage** with shader-based computation

## Use Cases

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Virtual Clubs" icon="music">
    Create immersive nightclub experiences with professional lighting synchronized to DJs and live music
  </Card>

  <Card title="Concert Venues" icon="microphone-stand">
    Build virtual concert halls with full lighting rigs for live performances and music festivals
  </Card>

  <Card title="Theater Productions" icon="masks-theater">
    Design theatrical lighting setups with precise control over spotlights and scene lighting
  </Card>

  <Card title="Event Spaces" icon="calendar-star">
    Craft customizable event venues with dynamic lighting for meetups and gatherings
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Getting Started

Ready to add professional lighting to your VRChat world?

<Steps>
  <Step title="Install the package">
    Add VRSL to your Unity project via VPM (VRChat Package Manager)

    [View installation guide →](/installation)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Choose your control method">
    Decide between DMX control (requires external software) or AudioLink (audio-reactive)

    [Learn about control methods →](/concepts/dmx-system)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add your first fixture">
    Place lighting fixtures in your scene and configure them

    [Follow the quickstart →](/quickstart)
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Community

Join the growing VRSL community:

* **Discord**: [vrsl.dev](https://vrsl.dev) - Get help, share creations, and discuss lighting design
* **Example World**: [Club Orion](https://vrchat.com/home/launch?worldId=wrld_b2d9f284-3a77-4a8a-a58e-f8427f87ba79) - See VRSL in action
* **GitHub**: Report issues, contribute code, and follow development

<Tip>
  Check out the [Orion Music Festival example video](https://youtu.be/b6SjQHFF6Qo) to see what's possible with VRSL!
</Tip>