If
you buy laser show equipment, you should check that it is genuine "ILDA
Certified" compatible. This means that a laser show controller can properly
"talk to" and control a laser show projector.The ILDA Certified program
If
you buy laser show equipment, you should check that it is genuine "ILDA
Certified" compatible. This means that a laser show controller can properly
"talk to" and control a laser show projector.
Manufacturers may say "ILDA" or "ILDA connector" or "ILDA compatible" in their advertising and sales materials. But only genuine "ILDA Certified" equipment, displaying the ILDA Certified Logo, has been certified by the manufacturer to meet the requirements of ILDA, the International Laser Display Association.
You can check on this page for a list of ILDA Certified equipment.
About the ILDA Standards
ILDA publishes standards for mechanical and electrical compatibility. The ILDA Standards are public -- anyone can purchase them and design equipment to meet the standards. These standards include the "ILDA connector", a DB-25 (parallel port style) connector that goes on a laser show controller and on a laser show projector. If both devices are compatible, then the controller can talk to the projector.
WARNING: A DB-25 connector alone does not mean that a projector is ILDA compatible. Some manufacturers have used DB-25 parallel port connectors, but they have non-standard electrical connections. Some of these manufacturers have even advertised "ILDA compatible" when the connector is not. The simple fact is these non-standard, incompatible devices will not work properly with true ILDA Certified equipment.
How equipment is certified
There are four main steps in the ILDA Certified program:
1 Application: A manufacturer applies for the ILDA Certified program. ILDA then sends them a checklist highlighting the specific standards which must be met. It also gives tips on how to meet the standards.
2 Checking: The manufacturer goes through the checklist. They confirm whether their equipment meets each item of the checklist. If it does not, they need to fix or redesign their equipment so it meets each point of the checklist.
3 Documentation review: The manufacturer sends documentation back to ILDA stating that they have met each point of the checklist. ILDA checks the documentation.
4 Approval: If everything is OK, ILDA assigns a registration number. The manufacturer is approved to use the trademarked words "ILDA Certified" and the ILDA Certified Logo. There are some conditions and requirements attached to the use.
If equipment is non-compliant
Should the equipment be later found to be non-compliant, the registration number is revoked and the revocation is put here at the ILDACertified.com website. Reasons for revocation could include: