Introduction

xLights is an advanced software suite used for creating intricate lighting displays, offering comprehensive control over LED setups, including pixel-based lighting systems. By combining Pixel LED Animator with xLights, you can create mesmerizing pixel animations and seamlessly synchronize them for professional-quality shows. This tutorial will guide you through the process of using these two tools together.

Step 1: Set Up xLights Software

  1. Download and install the latest version of xLights from the official xLights website.
  2. Launch xLights and go to the Setup menu. Configure your lighting setup by adding your controllers, mapping out your pixel displays, and ensuring everything is properly connected.
  3. Verify that your lighting controllers are properly configured to communicate with your LED hardware.

Step 2: Create Animations in Pixel LED Animator

  1. Open Pixel LED Animator and design your custom pixel LED effects. Adjust elements like color transitions, timing, and pixel arrangements to create unique lighting effects that suit your show.
  2. Once your animations are complete, export them as AVI video files. This format is supported by xLights for easy integration.

Step 3: Import AVI Files into xLights

  1. Open xLights and navigate to the Sequence tab.
  2. In the Sequence Editor, go to the Add Media section and select the Video option.
  3. Browse to the location of the AVI file you exported from Pixel LED Animator and import it into your xLights sequence.
  4. The video will appear in the timeline where you can align it with your lighting controls.

Step 4: Synchronize and Control Playback

  1. Drag the imported video to the desired position on the timeline.
  2. Adjust the playback settings such as speed, brightness, and looping. Ensure that the timing of your video matches your LED setup’s synchronization.
  3. Test the playback to confirm that everything is aligned and that your LED display is synchronized with the video.

Step 5: Finalizing the Show

Before going live, ensure that everything is functioning as expected:

  • Preview the sequence in xLights to ensure the video plays as intended on your LED display.
  • Check the timing and brightness settings to fine-tune the final look of your show.
  • Once satisfied with the preview, save your sequence and get ready to perform your show.

Troubleshooting

Video Playback Issues

If you experience issues with the video not playing in xLights, ensure that your system has the necessary codecs installed. You can use K-Lite Codec Pack or ffdshow to support various video formats.

Synchronization Problems

Make sure that your xLights controllers and LED hardware are properly connected and that the communication settings in xLights are accurate. Incorrect configurations can cause timing issues or out-of-sync playback.

Conclusion

Integrating Pixel LED Animator with xLights allows you to create intricate and synchronized pixel LED animations for stunning lighting displays. By following this tutorial, you’ll be able to design and control your animations effectively, ensuring a professional-quality show every time.

For more information about xLights, visit the official xLights website.