#what-to-do-with-lighting

In the fast-paced world of stage lighting, where reliability can make or break a performance, True DMX ports are a critical feature on devices like DMX splitters, nodes, and controllers. These ports, often labeled distinctly on professional equipment, ensure robust signal distribution in complex lighting networks. This article explores what True DMX ports are, how they function, and why they are essential for building resilient DMX networks in theater, concerts, and live events.

In lighting design, beautiful results depend on invisible infrastructure. Behind every stable ArtNet-controlled show or façade lies one critical component: the switch. A dedicated ArtNet switch is more than just a networking tool - it’s the backbone of your lighting data distribution.

While many installations begin with generic IT switches, large-scale or latency-sensitive lighting systems benefit enormously from equipment designed specifically for real-time control protocols like ArtNet and sACN.

In professional environments, DMX controllers are pivotal for managing lighting—whether for architectural illumination, theater stages, or urban landscapes. Their stability is critical, and the presence of a reset button on the controller’s casing may seem trivial but is, in fact, a warning sign of potential flaws in the device’s design.

In professional DMX installations, dozens or even hundreds of luminaires, controllers, splitters, and amplifiers are connected in a shared network through which the signal is transmitted. But what happens if a high-voltage surge ⚡️, for example, due to a short circuit, connection error, or even during a thunderstorm, enters one of the sections? Without galvanic isolation, such failures can damage or destroy all equipment across the network.