ESTA‘s Technical Standards Program announces publication of four recently approved standards, now available for download at tsp.esta.org/freestandards. They are also available for purchase at the ANSI WebStore, and at Accuris.
ANSI E1.31 – 2026, Entertainment Technology-Lightweight streaming protocol for transport of DMX512 using CAN describes a mechanism to transfer DMX512A packets over a TCP/IP network using a subset of the ACN protocol suite. It covers data format, data protocol, data addressing, and network management It also outlines a synchronization method to help ensure that multiple sinks can process this data concurrently when supervised by the same controller. This revision includes support for both IPv6 and IPv4.
ANSI E1.53 – 2025, Overhead mounting of luminaires, lighting accessories, and other portable devices: specification and practice establishes requirements for the primary and secondary mounting devices for portable stage and studio luminaires and accessories, and for similarly fastened special effects machines. The standard offers guidance on how to properly affix these mounting devices.
ANSI E1.54 -2021 (R2025), ESTA Standard for Color Communication in Entertainment Lighting is a reaffirmation of the previously published version. It specifies the color space to be utilized when communicating color between lighting controllers and color-changing luminaires. The method is generic and is neither manufacturer-specific nor color technology-specific. It facilitates communication of chromaticity only.
ANSI E1.59 – 2021 (R2025), Entertainment Technology-Object Transform Protocol (OTP) describes a mechanism to transfer object transform information such as position, orientation and velocity over an IP network using a subset of the [ACN] protocol suite. It covers data format, data protocol, data addressing, and network management. Data transmitted is intended to coordinate visual and audio elements of a production and should not be used for safety critical applications. This version is a reaffirmation of the previously published standard.
ESTA’s Technical Standards Program now has twenty-two draft standards in public review. Highlights include:
*Thirteen from the Control Protocols Working Group, including reaffirmations for 0-10V analog controls, message sets for RDM, portable DMX cables, reviews of new drafts for the Next Generation Control Model (all eight parts!), and one standard to withdraw because it’s outdated;
*One from the Floors Working Group, covering fall prevention from parade floats;
*Three reaffirmations addressing fixture ballast cables, GFCIs, and Stage Pin connectors, plus the latest draft revision of Event Electrical Guidelines in Canada, all from the Electrical Power Working Group;
*Four from the Rigging Working Group, including substantive revisions for aluminum truss, and powered hoist system, and two reaffirmations — one for boo-and-base assemblies, and the other for hand-operated chain hoists.
Download draft standards and review forms at tsp.esta.org/publicreview. Submit comments on any of them before April 13, when all of the review periods end.
