What is Art-Net?

Art-Net is actually a data communication protocol, a method of signal transmitting (DMX512 and RDM) over an ethernet network. Generally speaking, it is made use of communicating between smart DMX/RDM controllable lighting and computer operating lighting control software. DMX was developed to control as much as 512 channels, and Art-Net is a simple application of DMX512 protocol over User Datagram Protocol (UDP) through which relevant lighting control info is conveyed in IP packages. It is widely used to transmit and receive lighting data, to detect and upgrade lighting fixture.

Art-Net is owned and copyright by Artistic Licence Holdings Ltd. Artistic Licence had released the standard and made it readily available for any individual to use on a royalty-free basis.

Versions of Art-Net

During the course of the past 2 decades, DMX lighting fixtures increased by leaps and bounds, the market was in great need of a lot more channels, the limit of DMX universes became problematic. Art-Net has undergone 4 versions to address the issues.

Art-Net I

The very first version of Art-Net was developed and released in 1998, it is now called Art-Net I. Art-Net I substantially used broadcast data for all communications, but it had a universe limit giving approximate 40 universes. However, with the trending DMX RGB lighting fixture emerged in the market, Art-Net I could not meet the demand of growing channel quantity, the broadcast topology was finally eliminated after years of the competition in the lighting industry.

Art-Net II

Art-Net II was developed to solve the problem of 40 limited universes, releasing in 2006 by using unicast packets with effective limit of 256 universes. Art-Net II decreased enormous network loading, enabling Art-Net II systems to level as much as transmission capacity of the network

Art-Net III

In 2011, Art-Net III was released to address problems in managing larger amounts of universes. The quantity of universe can be addressed from 8 bit to 15 bit, making it possible to address as many as 32,768 universes.

The lighting designer can develop gateway with more than 4 ports by using Art-Net III. Nevertheless, a unique IP address is a must for logical block of 4 ports, making it difficult to deal with large scale lighting jobs.

Art-Net IV

In 2016, a further updated version Art-Net IV was released, the up-to-date version solved the problem of multiple IP addresses by integrating a brand-new approach of managing gateways that support a number of DMX ports. This solution allows a gateway with only one IP address to support 1,000-plus DMX ports.

Besides, Art-Net IV make it possible for the technicians to use sACN along with Art-NET as well as RDM to deliver enhanced lighting control solution.

Features of Art-Net

1. One network to large scale of DMX universes

    Up to 32,768 DMX universes over only one network

2. One gateway with one IP

    As many as 1,000 DMX ports with only 1 IP address

3. Compatible with sACN and RDM

    sACN can be together used with Art-Net and RDM

4. Unicast transmission

    Unique IP address to deliver specific data (one to one)

5. Merging of DMX

   The capacity to use multiple controllers

6. Industry-standard lighting control protocol

    Excellent for configuration and pixel mapping

7. UDP-based packets

    DMX and RDM data through Ethernet network

8. Cost zero

    Art-Net protocol is royalty-free by Artistic Licence Holdings Ltd

9. Third party manufacturer support

    Numerous suppliers in the market

10. Excellent for large scale installations

     Perfect solution for sizable jobs