The General Device Type Format, conceived and jointly developed by the GDTF development group, comprised of Vectorworks, MA Lighting, and Robe lighting, creates a unified definition for the exchange of data for the operation of intelligent luminaries, such as moving lights. It is officially recognized as an open standard for the entertainment industry worldwide by DIN SPEC 15800 and it allows us, as a lighting devices manufacturer, to provide our customers with quality data describing our devices.

To learn more about GDTF and it's current status, see our conversation with a TPI editor Jacob Waite at LDI in the GDTF and MVR: Unlocking the potential of data driven design article.

As for Robe's GDTF files, we have been progressing with our development. All currently available Robe GDTF files have been converted to use the latest features of the GDTF 1.2 Specification, together with the new modern type of 3D models in the form of glb files. This allows wider range of software applications to utilize more of the data provided inside of Robe GDTF files.

As GDTF 1.2 extends the possible device description for example in more detailed information about wiring and connections,we now specify detailed information about power inputs and outputs, control data (DMX, RDM...) inputs and outputs and in some cases also about for example video connections. This is allowing planning software to create detailed planning and power/data distribution calculations and drawings.

To make planning drawings even better, we have added 2D symbols and DMX Modes descriptions, everywhere, to make sure event planners see real device shapes and have better idea about what each DMX Mode does.

There have been further improvements to the Robe GDTF files in more rigorous testing of the raw data and also by testing our device files in various software that uses GDTF. Of course, all the previously already provided data like precisely measured spectrum color distribution, high quality gobo images, physical values describing physical behavior like ranges, speeds or accelerations are still part of the already provided dataset of GDTF.

All Robe GDTF files can be found on this dedicated page, you can read more about the Robe GDTF initiative on our GDTF Innovations page.