Testing Procedures

IFE founders have developed a thorough testing process for each piece of RDM equipment that comes through the organization's labs. The process involves examining all RDM hardware and software, ensuring the equipment meets the ESTA-developed protocol standard and works hand-in-hand with other RDM products, no matter the manufacturer.

To better understand this process, consider how RDM works. RDM consists of two layers: A physical "hardware" layer and a protocol layer. The physical layer describes how devices connect and talk to each other. The protocol layer "translates" the feedback data into a format humans can understand and use – for example, Wybron's Infogate Graphical User Interface.

The IFE testing process examines both layers by using proven RDM equipment manufactured by Enttec, Howard Eaton Lighting Ltd., and Wybron. To examine the physical layer, Enttec's Sniffer monitors the low-level parts of the protocol and tests for the required parameters. Wybron's Infogate GUI tests the "human interaction" layer.

Once the tests are finished, each manufacturer will receive a report describing the equipment's performance, with the report including screen shots and timing values. If a piece of equipment fails the test, the manufacturer will receive a report troubleshooting any problems and suggesting possible solutions.

Read about the entire testing procedure in this .pdf document (6.4 MB). Since this is the first try at a compatibility test, it's likely that the document will change. If you have suggestions, please send us feedback!