Yes
DMX is being replaced by two things that will work together called
ACN and
RDM. The goal of these two systems will be that you
plug your intelligent gear into the lighting
system using
ethernet. And your
system recognizes exactly what you just plugged in. Nothing to set, the
system will just know what is there.
ACN will be the universal language
protocol that will allow a
Strand console and a
ETC dimmer to talk to each on this
network.
RDM is the ability for devices introduce themselves to the
network.
However this is a long way away from being reality. At this
point there are a lot of
ethernet based systems going in but they are all "
ACN Ready". Because they just decided on what the
protocol standard would be a few months ago and it's a way off until it really exists. So currently
ETC and
Strand systems are talking a different
protocol on their
ethernet networks. But that's not a big deal...
So for then next few years what you will see is a combination of
Ethernet and
DMX that coverts by use of little "nodes". My new theater is going to be running all
Strand ethernet between the
console, dimmers, and a computer that is part of the
network... from there it goes out to the
house as
ethernet but converts back to
DMX through nodes before any devices can hook in. Eventually that will change but it's a long way away. If I want to
plug an
ETC console in, I just hook it up on
DMX and run it through a
node into the
Strand ethernet network. You'll notice that the moving light manufacturers talk about being
ACN and
RDM ready but there is no
ethernet jack on the device yet. It's all way out there for now.
So in the end, the advice is to not be concerned about any of this. In the short run if you want to run
ETC dimmers and a
Strand console together that's no big deal... you just need a
node to translate from
DMX to the
ethernet protocol of the dimmers.
As for more on
console recommendations now that we know a little more about your needs. I'm a big fan of Congo/Congo Jr. for a mix of
conventional and intelligent gear. The stuff programmed into the moving light's section of the board is really powerful and will make you look like a genius
programmer the first time you try it. But it's got a
bit of a learning curve. If you are more concerned about simple operation, the
Strand Palette consoles are far less intimidating and easier to teach a newbie on (like a good old
express) but the software is pretty good with intelligent gear as well.
In my case I kind of got stuck with a
Strand system but I'm very happy with what I'll be able to do with the Classic
Palette for teaching new students how to use the
system. If my big time fund raising is successful and I'm able to get a bunch of intelligent gear, I'm going to get a Congo Jr. to swap in for more high end work. If I had the decision to make myself without contractors and stuff to deal with, I would have gone all
ETC and Congo from the start. But I have to admit the
Palette will be a much better option for teaching new students.
