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About 20 years ago, most manufacturers used their own, proprietary control protocols. This forced system
designers to use only fixtures and control consoles from the same manufacturer. There was no control standard
to allow the use of different products.
A standard is a set of widely agreed-upon guidelines for interoperability at both communications and mechanical
levels. Standardization of protocol and equipment provides many benefits to manufacturers and end users.
These benefits include:
• Increased product quality and safety
• Reduced development time and cost
• Sound engineering practices
• Protection against obsolescence
The following organizations have developed standards that relate directly to the DMX 512 protocol:
• USITT
• ESTA
• ANSI
• EIA/TIA
2.1 USITT
The United States Institute of Theatre Technology (USITT) supports, develops, and promotes a wide variety of
standards for the theatrical and entertainment industry. In 1986, USITT developed the DMX 512 protocol as a
simple, flexible, and reliable standard for lighting control.
In 1998, USITT transferred maintenance of the DMX 512 protocol to the Technical Standards Program of
ESTA. The standard is constantly revised and updated as technology continues to advance.
2.2 ESTA
The Entertainment Services and Technology Association (ESTA) is a non-profit trade association representing
the entertainment technology industry. ESTA promotes professionalism and growth in the industry and provides
a forum where interested parties can come together to exchange ideas and information, create standards and
recommended practices, and address issues of training and certification.
2. Industry Standards
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