uses will be in the fields of architectural and stage lighting. This protocol will change the way that Lighting Technicians setup and maintain their lighting rigs, It can provide: Identification and classification of connected devices (Fixtures, Dimmers, Splitters, etc...) Addressing of devices controllable by DMX512 Status reporting of fixtures or other connected devices Configuration of fixtures and other DMX devices Compatibility with existing DMX hardware RDM was designed from the outset to work with existing DMX devices. The use of a different start code ensures all DMX-compliant devices that do not support RDM will simply ignore any RDM messages, however not all DMX devices have been made strictly to the DMX specification, and so devices that do not check the start code of incoming DMX packets will try to interpret RDM messages as DMX packets, which can result in flicker or other types of misbehavior. Any devices that provide galvanic isolation or buffering on the DMX line (such as DMX splitters) have traditionally been designed to allow transmission in one direction: from the controller to the devices. As RDM requires bi-directional communication these devices will typically fail. Only devices that have been designed with RDM compatibility as a feature will typically work. Older DMX splitters that are not RDM compatible should still reliably send the DMX data, and block RDM communication. Adoption RDM was ratified in 2006. It took a while for it to be widely adopted. There are now several mainstream lighting consoles supporting RDM as well as a growing list of RDM “responders” such as colour scrollers, dimmers, various LED Stage Lighting fixtures, and moving lights. Data distribution products including wireless DMX/RDM links are now available. Support DMX512 / RDM testers and configuration tools are available. With these tools a system containing RDM responders can be addressed, configured, and monitored without requiring a RDM console. The introduction of test tools has greatly increased the ability to design and evaluate RDM controllers and responders. Some companies make RDM-injector devices that go between the DMX controller and the responders. They inject RDM packets into the DMX data stream. Cross-compatibility As with any relatively new protocol, some inter manufacturer compatibility issues have and will crop up. To overcome these problems the DMX community has taken several actions. The RDM Protocol Developer and User Forum exists to allow implementers to ask questions and work through potential problems. PLASA is holding RDM plugfests