Communications Interfaces

Communication interfaces in simple terms is how your computer and light controllers talk with each other. There are many kinds used in Christmas lighting, with the main ones being:

• Distributed Display Protocol (DDP) (Ethernet-based)
• E1.31 (Ethernet-based)
• DMX512 (RS485)
• Light-O-Rama protocol (RS485)

Information for other less common communication interfaces may also be available within this area. For electronics that convert from one communications interface to another, see Protocol Bridges