TLDI v2.5 was released in 2006. Since then, computer graphics & monitors have improved immensely.  When I went to update TLDI to version 3 I found instead of ‘just’ updating a few segments, I had to instead re-work the entire title to take advantage of new technology!  All example photographs are now High-Resolution images.

What’s completely new?

• “Lighting Control” is a new segment which includes a brief history of lighting, and videos for an introduction to light boards (the most requested upgrade!), DMX, and “intelligent fixtures”.
• Two complete plays have been included as lighting projects (with a third used as an example) which includes scripts, costume renderings, groundplans, and even videotaped rehearsals – something I’ve always felt missing in “paper projects” for beginning lighting designers.
  

• Color has been expanded to nearly 400% its original size!  With more animations of explanations, tons more photographs of examples, and a few interactive experiments.
• Angles and Basic Light Systemshas also been expanded primarily with over 50 new photographs exploring distribution and demonstrating larger areas through angles.
• Light as Scenery and Special Effects has over half-a-dozen new videos – some with accompanying animations to explore scrims & cycs.
• The Mini Light Lab has expanded so greatly, I had to make it a separate program!  Still included free on the disc, there are now 11 different models to choose from, over 500 backgrounds are included, and even 5 set pieces (with 3 lighting positions of their own) you can place in the mid-ground.  In addition to the (9) standard lighting positions, there are now true side lights (in addition to “high sides”) and each can be set to one of over 200 color gels.
• All lecture-style videos and audio clips have English captions available, and keyboard control is available within nearly all segments.