Stand Alone / Play on Controller Options for Holiday Displays

Stand Alone / Play on Controller Options for Holiday Displays

This article covers common questions about "Stand Alone" playback of sequences. Let's start off with some basic information:
  • The typical process for a holiday lighting display is as follows:
    • Sequence is written for controllers in display
    • Sequence is loaded into a "player" that then pushes out the data (e1.31, LOR protocol, etc)
    • The player is scheduled to play specific sequences in the player on a schedule
    • Data is sent to controllers and lights light up
  • FAQ
    • How do I use my Light-o-Rama director (G3-MP3, etc) with modern e1.31 pixel controllers?
      • The LOR director is an older technology that only works with RS485 interfaces and thus only works with LOR specific controllers using the propiritarty LOR protocol. As such, the LOR director can ONLY be used with LOR controllers and no modern controllers on the market. Sadly, this means that this device is no longer useful when moving to these modern controller systems.
    • Can I control my Light-o-Rama controllers using other newer non-LOR "director" type devices?
      • Yes, you can use a standard PC, the HinksPix PRO and the FPP - see the chart below. This assumes you run the LOR controllers in DMX mode from the RS485 port of an e1.31 controller - see this link
  • See the chart below for specific technical details of each common solution for stand alone playback:

Standard
PC Computer 		HinksPix PRO Light-o-Rama Director
G3-MP3 		Falcon Pi Player
FPP 		N4-G4-MP3 Showtime Director
(4 Network Jacks)
Software Compatibility

xLights Yes
xSchedule (free)		 Yes No Yes No
Light-o-Rama S5 Yes No Yes No Yes
Vixen Yes No No No No
Other
Resolume
Madrix 		Yes No No No No
Interface(s)
Protocol(s)
e1.31
(Ethernet) 		Yes Yes No Yes No
Artnet
(Ethernet) 		Yes No No Yes No
DDP
(Ethernet) 		Yes No No Yes No
LOR / LOR Enhanced
(RS485) 		Yes No
Yes (DMX mode on LOR controller) 		Yes
ONLY SUPPORTS
LOR CONTROLLERS 		No
Yes (DMX mode on LOR Controller) 		Yes
ONLY SUPPORTS
LOR CONTROLLERS
e1.11 / DMX 1990
(RS485) 		Yes Yes No Yes
General Cost (in USD) Hardware $200 - $1000 $35 (over cost of regular controller)
Built-in functionality on controller 		$269.95 $50 to $150
Depends on options
Purchase Link 		$299.95

Max Pixel Count
50,000+ 24,480
(on controller or external) 		2,600
Limited Distances at this count 		30,000+ 2,600 per network cable output
10,400 per director (4 networks)
FM Transmitter External External
 External ExternalExternal
Video playback Yes No No Yes No
Easy of Use Easy Easy Moderate Complex Moderate
Storage method Local Hard drive Micro SD Card SD Card Micro SD Card SD Card
Controller to Controller Linking No Yes
Wired or Wireless
 No Yes
Wired (FPP to FPP) 		No
WiFi Control N/A Yes
Master / slave with full wireless		 No Yes - for access to interface / controlYes (non-standard)
Only valid for legacy AC based lights, not pixels
Form Factor Laptop to Desktop Built-into Controller Stand alone box
Size of package of Oreo's 		Stand alone box
Size of two packs of cigarettes 		Stand alone box
Size of package of Oreo's
Scheduling (Built-in Clock) Yes Yes (on-board battery & internet time) Yes (on-board battery) Yes (optional on-board battery & internet time) Yes (on-board battery)
Display / Interface Yes Yes / OLED Display
Shows song, frequency, other details
Web interface / Remote control		 None Optional OLED Display
Optional HDMI Output (not typical)
Web interface / Remote control		4 Basic LED segmented numbers
No remote control