mDMX is the latest in the line of data transmission products from Avolites.
mDMX sends multiple 512 channel DMX universes over mains cable at normal DMX data transfer speed.
Using mDMX there is no need for a separate DMX cable saving time and cost, fixtures can either have mDMX receivers built in, or use an mDMX receiver which distributes DMX in the usual way.
Unlike wireless systems which will always be susceptible to interference, mDMX uses cable giving it “cable reliability”.
Cable lengths of at least 250 meters carrying 4 DMX universes can be used. Additional universes can easily be accommodated by using a second mains cable.
mDMX is compatible with Avolites’ eDMX thus completing a toolkit of data transfer products and by providing a fully integrated solution the most appropriate technology can be selected, mixed and matched.

About mDMX.

mDMX is a unique and highly reliable and innovative method for sending DMX over mains cabling using Ethernet. mDMX uses multiplexing technologies to modulate multiple universes of DMX down a standard mains cable. The attraction of running just one cable is obvious and mDMX has been designed for situations where data cable management is a problem e.g. moving trusses and scenery, FOH data runs, etc.
mDMX currently has a proven capacity of 4 DMX universes running concurrently over a distance of up to 250 meteres. mDMX is fully compatible with the versatile and popular Avolites eDMX wireless system.
Importantly unlike wireless systems mDMX does not share bandwidth with other devices making it “cable reliable” and therefore can be considered virtually interference free and certainly as interference free as a standard DMX cable.

How it Works.

mDMX coverts the DMX 512 data into Ethernet packets using the WENDI protocol. These packets are then processed using an enhanced form of orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) with forward error-correction, similar to the technology found in DSL modems. In the case of OFDM, the available range of frequencies on the mains cable subsystem (4.3 MHz to 20.9 MHz) is split into 84 separate carriers. OFDM sends packets of data simultaneously along several of the carrier frequencies, allowing for increased speed and reliability.
If noise or a surge in power usage disrupts one of the frequencies, mDMX will sense it and switch that data to another carrier. This rate-adaptive design allows mDMX to maintain an Ethernet-class connection throughout the mains cable without losing any data.
Currently mDMX is rated at 14 Mbps, which is faster than most wireless solutions [wireless DMX not wireless Ethernet], and makes it compatible with eDMX (Avolites’ wireless technology).
mDMX is based on an international standard which governs data throughput and RF interference.
mDMX limits the amount of RF interference through the low power transmission system employed.

mDMX does NOT use, and should not be confused with BPL (Broadband over Power Line) technologies, which is not a ratified IEEE standard at this time. The underlying technology used by mDMX is licensed for use by FCCI, and ETSI. mDMX is patent pending.

mDMX will be available in November 2006.

Contrasting Wireless and Mains DMX systems.