As a digital alternative to the usual 1-10 V technology, it offers various smart functions to ensure the same level of convenience as that offered by complex bus systems – although it is much easier and less expensive to install. This is because a normal 5-wire NYM cable, for example, which is often present in the existing electrical installation, can be used both for the power supply and for control signal transmission. In addition, far fewer control components are needed than in a conventional 1–10 V system. This is because ballasts with a DALI interface are flexibly addressable. In other words, they can be controlled individually but also belong to one or more groups. In addition, they offer greatly enhanced functionality since they can save information for various light scenes, transmit status and error messages and reach dimming target values at the same time as all the other devices, to name but a few examples.