How ETC’s Lighting Control System Brightened the Performing Arts Center at Rancho Bernardo High School

April 11, 2025

How ETC’s Lighting Control System Brightened the Performing Arts Center at Rancho Bernardo High School

EIDIM Group transformed Rancho Bernardo High School’s Performing Arts Center with a modern ETC lighting control system, delivering intuitive control, remote access, and scalable performance.

Quick look

Installed ETC Paradigm 7″ Touchscreen Station for dynamic, user-friendly scene management.
Enabled remote operation via the Paradigm Touchscreen Remote app for real-time adjustments during performances.
Added ETC plug-in stations and upgraded infrastructure for robust, future-ready lighting connectivity.

In February 2025, Rancho Bernardo High School (RBHS) underwent a comprehensive upgrade of its theatrical lighting control systems, led by EIDIM Group. The project focused on modernizing the school’s Performing Arts Center by replacing its outdated EDI dimming rack with a solution powered primarily by Electronic Theater Controls (ETC). From demolition to advanced system integration, this transformation ushered in a new era of functionality and performance for the school’s stage.

To begin the installation, all existing electrical circuits were safely disconnected. EIDIM then introduced a new wall-mounted swinging rack, along with upgraded DMX and network cabling. Whenever possible, the team reused existing conduit to enhance efficiency and reduce disruption, installing new conduit only where necessary to ensure proper system routing.

The scope of the upgrade included the installation of power, architectural, and control devices, along with equipment and network racks, infrastructure, and cabling. Among these upgrades, two standout ETC products played a key role in simplifying system control and enhancing building-wide lighting management.

A central feature of the new lighting system was the ETC Paradigm 7″ Touchscreen Station, an elegant and highly functional interface. With a high-resolution capacitive touchscreen and wide-angle visibility, this station provides responsive, intuitive control in wall-mounted, portable, or handheld formats. It’s fully customizable interface supports dynamic features such as virtual buttons, faders, animated transitions, and contextual pop-up windows. This adaptability allows users to create tailored experiences from simple presets to complex cue configurations, ideal for the varying demands of a performing arts environment.

Moreover, the system’s remote access capabilities, enabled through the Paradigm Touchscreen Remote app, extend control beyond the booth. This app allows secure, real-time operation from iOS and Android devices over the campus network. It mirrors the native touchscreen interface without requiring additional programming, leveraging Ethernet connectivity for reliable performance and consistent control wherever it is needed.

The inclusion of this technology in the Performing Arts Center enhances ease of use, customization, and accessibility. In a theatrical setting, these qualities are vital for executing accurate lighting presets in real time, often from the audience’s perspective, without interrupting the performance.

To further expand system flexibility and scalability, EIDIM also installed ETC Electronic Control Plug-in Stations (ECPBs). These versatile plug-in boxes support multiple data protocols, including DMX512 input and output, Ethernet networking, and connections for portable Unison stations. Available in surface or flush mount options, ECPBs fit most standard back boxes and can include AC power with built-in voltage barriers for added safety. Their sleek, organized design allows seamless integration of various lighting and AV systems, making them ideal for high-performance venues like RBHS’s Performing Arts Center.

Additional infrastructure improvements included running a 10-gigabit fiber line from the electrical room through the ceiling to existing AV equipment, extending a shielded data jack beneath the booth desk, and installing a new dimming rack wiring system to address insufficient previous cabling. EIDIM also resolved unexpected electrical issues and installed new outlets to support the ETC rack and related hardware.

In conclusion, ETC’s lighting control system has revitalized Rancho Bernardo High School’s Performing Arts Center with a professional-grade solution that significantly enhances reliability, flexibility, and ease of use. The ETC Paradigm 7″ Touchscreen Station allows for precise, intuitive scene control with fully customizable interfaces tailored to live productions. Remote access via mobile devices offers added flexibility during performances, while ETC’s Electronic Control Plug-in Stations deliver scalable, protocol-rich connectivity. Paired with EIDIM Group’s expert integration and infrastructure enhancements, the result is a cutting-edge lighting system that empowers both staff and students to deliver impactful performances, elevating both technical capabilities and audience experience.