Question
Can I Convert an Obsession Showfile to an Express/Expression 3 Showfile?
Answer
Short answer: Yes-ish.
These consoles operate in very different ways--one is a tracking console, one is a cue-only console. They handle effects differently as well. Using the most recent version of Obsession Offline on a Windows pc, you can load an obsession 4 or 5 showfile (if working with an Obsession I showfile, use obstrans to convert to a version 4 file first) through the simulated console method and then go to the windows File menu and write an ASCII file. You can then Read that showfile through the Window menu in Expression Off-Line on the PC and save a standard exp3.shw showfile to be loaded on the console.
As with any showfile conversion, there will most likely be some data loss and the show should be checked in its entirety and adjusted prior to performance use.
If this process seems daunting, there is a company called West Side Systems (www.westsidesystems.com) which specializes in showfile translation and conversion services.
Question
Can I Convert an Express/Expression 3 Showfile to an Obsession (I or II) Showfile?
Answer
Short answer: No.
These consoles operate in very different ways--one is a tracking
console, one is a cue-only console. There is no ASCII import option for Obsession software, only an export.
There is a company called West Side Systems (www.westsidesystems.com)
which specializes in showfile translation and conversion which may be able to provide some assistance if you find yourself in this situation.