Controlling Lights Via Max

Hello,
I'm interested in being able to control lights using Max. The intent is to create an interactive art installation in which other actions/stimulus (to be decided later) will be used to effect the intensity of lights within the installation. Ideally, these are going to be standing tube lamps placed at random points within the studio space. I'm fairly fluent with Max, but I don't know too much about lighting equipment and interfacing in general. I guess what I'm asking is if anyone knows/can suggest possible hardware setups to interface Max with lights. I have read some of the other forums dealing with Max-DMX setups but I'm wondering if there are other possibilities or if anyone has specific hardware they've used for this type of thing. At the moment I'm looking for a fairly simple setup...simple meaning somewhat cost effective to start.

Can I simply plug standard lamps into to a DMX dimmer with a DMX/USB interface? Will that work?

Thanks,