The Path Ahead: Pathway Connectivity

ENTECH 2008 saw Jands taking on distribution of the Pathway Connectivity range of data processing and distribution systems. Creating great interest among venue managers and consultants was the Pathway Pathport series of Ethernet DMX distribution nodes. Available as a wall-mount, rack-mount or portable unit, Pathport nodes form a true DMX management system featuring:

•   Access to 64 universes of DMX over a single Cat5 cable;
•   Full DMX channel patching;
•   Full DMX routing;
•   DMX merging on a universe or channel basis;
•   DMX prioritising on a universe or channel basis;
•   Front panel universe selection on rack-mount models;
•   Powerful yet user friendly configuration software;
•   Optional PDA and wireless configuration tools;
•   ESTA RDM and ACN ready.

Pathway has played an instrumental role in defining the future of entertainment lighting networks for more than a decade. They have witnessed (and helped to drive) an exponential expansion in the functionality of equipment on DMX512 networks, and by consequently 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
•   Simplified cabling infrastructure utilising Power Over Ethernet solutions

Ethernet systems have become 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 venues 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!). Pathway’s distributed processors associated with these Ethernet networks can provide customised channel-by-channel merging and routing of that DMX data to suit just about any requirement as well as providing true optical isolation of data at each distribution point. Pathport delivers 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 twenty 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 realise 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 also permits 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 revitalised DMX, what steps should facility operators take? It's not an either-or situation. Invest in a network that will accommodate both.

How Pathway Products Fit In

The core element in Pathway's contribution to the 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 extends 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 are able to extend their RDM features over the network. Supplementary software (plug-ins) for Pathport Manager helps 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 as far back as 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.

Benefits

Pathport allows facilities to migrate to Ethernet technology without having to replace existing  DMX hardware. Furthermore, it does so without the need for expensive custom cables or power supplies.  By addressing both current and future protocols (DMX512, RDM and ACN) it is a future proof solution to data management for modern performance lighting applications.  Pathport removes the need for third party mergers, isolators and other data management devices by incorporating all this functionality in the one easy-to-use system, saving you time and money.

Pathway Connectivity and Pathport open the door to the next millennium for the performance lighting world.