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Appendix A - Definitions, acronyms and abbreviations
ACN –
the ESTA Architecture for Control Networks standard [ACN]. It specifies an architecture —
including a suite of protocols and languages which may be configured and combined with other standard
protocols in a number of ways to form flexible networked control systems. ANSI
E1.17
Art-Net
– an Ethernet & UDP based specification for transport of DMX and RDM data. Additionally, Art-
Nethas built in mechanisms for the control of video projectors.
DMX512
– Digital Multiplex 512 channels is the ANSI protocol for controlling theater equipment ANSI
E1.11.
ESTA
– Entertainment Services and Technology Association, is a non-profit commercial trade association
representing the North American entertainment technology industry. ESTA develops standards and
recommended practices that facilitate the use of new and existing equipment, improve communications
and promote safe working conditions in the industry.
Ethernet –
A high speed serial communications network used throughout the industry.
InfoTrace
– Wybron’s information control and management system that provides two way communication
and control for everything on a lighting rig.
MAC Address
– Media Access Control Address. This is a unique number that is hard coded into every
Ethernet device. The MAC address is set in a unit when it is manufactured and it should never change.
Net-IT
– This is a product that receives or DMX512 over Ethernet and does a protocol translation to
straight DMX512.
RDM
– Remote Device Management Protocol (RDM) permits intelligent bi-directional communication
between devices from multiple manufacturers utilizing a modified DMX512 data link. RDM is an EF 1.0
implementation of ANSI E1.11.
RDM Controller
– Devices that primarily act as controllers and distribution devices that do their own
discovery.
RDM Responders
– Devices that typically receive and act on DMX512 data and/or act on RDM
messages.
UDP –
Unigram data packets. These are packets of data sent over an Ethernet network which do not
guarantee delivery.
UID
– Unique Identifier, each RDM compatible device in an RDM system must have it’s own unique
identification number. This number is used to identify the RDM message sender and intended recipient.
XLR Connector
– A positive locking electrical connector commonly used in intelligent theatrical
equipment. For this product five pin connectors are used to carry DMX / RDM control signals and four pin
connectors are used to carry power and control signals.
