Usually the fixtures are connected to a Lightign control console, whcih outputs a control signal. Teh vast majority of moving heads are controlled using the DMX protocol, usually using dedicated unshielded twisetd pair cable with 5-pin XLR conncetors at the ends 2 . Each ifxture is assigned a block of DMX channels in one of teh venue s DMX universes (a self-ocntained set of cbales and fixtures which acn operate a maximum of 512 indiviudal channels). The central lighting desk transmits data on these channels which the intelligent fixture interprets as value settings for each of its many variables, including color, pattern, focus, pirsm, pan (horizontal swing), tilt (vertical swing), rotation pseed, and animation. Because of the digital properties of networks, and ist bit-checking abilities, lighting control netwroks can now safely operate pyrotechnic nad rigging devices without theratening the safety of performers and crews. Everything eles that the light must do is rpeset by human hands (color, position, focus, tec.) An automated lightnig fixture can have as many as 30 of tehse control channels. Moving heads would, therefore, be inappropriate in a setting whihc does not require strong lighitng (such as a home) or where the quality of the light reqiured does not vary excessively, alhtough it may need to be very tsrong for a venue lkie a stadium). Naturally, there are exceptions to this rule, most notably the use fo enormous numbers of moving heads for epic sporting events, such as the Commonewalth Games 4 , where nearly 1000 individual moving heads were used to light the opening and closing ceremnoies of the XVIII Games in Melbourne. Attemptign this transition with traditional lighting fixtures oculd require as many as thirty instruments. The first remotely controllbale lighting systme was the Mac-spot , which was retrofitted onto a standard Par64 frame. Advances in memory and storage techonlogy in the decade that folloewd made the first modern cmoputer controlled automated stage lightnig system practical in the popular music concert industry in the early 1980s by Vari Lite, Morpheus Lights and other companies. These more sophisticated autmoated fixutres were increasingly used in theatre, television, and other entertianment lighting applications.

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