When we use the standard 256 values to control a parameter (whether as 0 to 100 percent or open to closed iris) we are using 8-bit DMX control. This provides a decent resolution for most parameters, as 256 steps allows for fairly slow movement without seeing the steps in the parameter movement. For instance, crossfading from 0 to 100 percent over four minutes equals almost one step per second. With a color wheel or dimmer flag, this will usually look smooth. However, if you are panning a fixture from stage left to stage right, you are likely adjusting only between a small range (25 to 50 percent). If you try to do this over four minutes, you will certainly see shaky or steppy movement as the fixture pans because, with 8-bit DMX, it results in a step nearly every four seconds! You need more steps (a higher resolution) to have smooth movement. By combining two DMX channels, we can increase the number of values to control a parameter from 256 to 65536! This is the premise of 16-bit DMX control, where a greater range is mapped to the 0 to 100 percent values of a channel.
-Brad Schiller, from “Feeding the Machines,” PLSN, June 2017, page 81
