The Path Ahead Print E-mail

Pathway has played an instrumental role in defining the future of entertainment lighting networks for more than a decade. We've witnessed (and helped to drive) an exponential expansion in the functionality of equipment on DMX512 networks, and by consequence the size of the market for DMX equipment.

Now, as we look to an exciting Ethernet future, there are much greater advances just around the corner. These developments have huge ramifications for both new and legacy entertainment venues. So, to assist designers of new projects and operators of existing facilities, here is the Pathway view of the future:

 

The Future Is Ethernet

 

Ethernet distribution systems for entertainment lighting data offer a number of advantages to our industry including:

    * Readily available, mass market network components, hardware and software

    * Readily available installers and industry standards for installation

    * High speed, high volume data transfer

    * Easy configuration and monitoring of networked equipment


Ethernet systems are becoming extremely commonplace with small networks even appearing in many homes. This widespread adoption of Ethernet technology continues to drive the cost of networking devices and components ever lower, making them easy for smaller theatres to justify.


The high carrying capacity of Ethernet means that a single run of Cat5 cable can carry up to 64 or more universes of DMX (that's 32,768 DMX channels!). Distributed processors associated with Ethernet networks can provide customized channel-by-channel merging and routing of that DMX data to suit just about any requirement. And we finally have true bi-directional data transfer, making possible needed functionality our industry has always had to do without.


DMX Lives On

The excitement and promise of Ethernet has knocked DMX512 out of the limelight, but not out of the game.

Our industry has more than fifteen years' worth of investment in a huge range of DMX equipment. Most of it still has many years of useful life ahead of it. Very few, if any facilities are in a position to discard DMX equipment simply because the communication protocol that supports it has been eclipsed. Operators want to and need to realize the full benefit from their existing DMX capital investments.

DMX will continue as an industry workhorse for more than just accounting reasons. Even with all the Ethernet possibilities, DMX is still the most practical and cost-effective way to control many types of equipment, including dimmers, scrollers and moving lights. DMX has plenty more work to do.

DMX is not dead. It will live on.

Where Do We Go From Here?

Acknowledging the continuing demand for DMX devices, the ESTA Technical Standards Committee is working hard to create a new specification for DMX that will help move it into the future, including a hybrid DMX/Ethernet world.

One of the key features of the next generation of DMX is Remote Device Management, or RDM for short. RDM allows "intelligent" equipment, that is, equipment with microprocessors, to be controlled, diagnosed and reprogrammed over the same DMX line that is already connected to it.

See Status of Equipment
RDM will also permit monitoring devices to report back to operators the operational status of any RDM enabled unit, flagging trouble or error conditions such as a burnt out lamp. The role of the network will expand from a means to simply send signals to a complete bi-directional communication and equipment management system.

In the RDM future, an operator could conceivably look at a PC screen and be warned that a moving light fixture's remaining lamp life was getting low, or that an access cover was not properly latched. They could use that same PC to remotely install an updated version of the fixture's operating software. Moreover, a console could query a fixture for all of its attributes, effectively putting an end to out of date fixture libraries.

DMX Stronger than Ever!

RDM ensures that not only will DMX survive; it is being made stronger than ever. It will also help integrate DMX equipment into an Ethernet lighting network. The irony of Ethernet is that it actually boosts the effectiveness and functionality of DMX, increasing the market's acceptance of Ethernet-based systems while ensuring continued demand for DMX equipment.

A Plan for Complementary Coexistence

Given the Ethernet future and a revitalized DMX, what steps should facility operators take? It's not an either-or situation. Invest in the network that will accommodate both.

How Pathway Products Fit In

The core element in Pathway's contribution to the new Ethernet-DMX world is Pathport, the smart Ethernet node that was first introduced to rave reviews and a Product of the Year award at LDI 2000. Pathport gives you the opportunity to exploit the potential of Ethernet and extend the useful life of your existing and future DMX equipment.

Pathport is ACN and RDM ready. This means that RDM enabled devices connected to a Pathport network would be able to extend their RDM features over the network. Supplementary software (plug-ins) for Pathport Manager will help arrange and manage RDM data into a user-friendly, informative and relevant display.

A Pathport Manager plug-in for High End Systems moving lights was introduced at LDI 2001. This was the first-ever demonstration of a working RDM-type implementation, and what's more, it functioned over a hybrid DMX-Ethernet network.

Plug-in support for other RDM enabled manufacturers will follow in 2002.

Benefits

Pathport will allow facilities to migrate to the new Ethernet technology without having to replace expensive hardware.


Conclusions

    * DMX512 lives on and so does DMX hardware
    * Pathway brings both Ethernet and DMX together
    * Great possibilities for improved value and functionality
    * We look forward to helping to shape the future with our clients!

For more information, contact:

Dave Higgins or
Robert Armstrong
 
Pathway Connectivity
1439 17th Avenue SE, Unit 103
Calgary, AB T2G 1W4
Canada
403.243.8110
 
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