Why microSD Card Selection Matters
SHOWTime™ allows compatible PixLite® Mk3 controllers to record lighting data and play it back locally from a user-supplied microSD card. For the most reliable long-term performance, Advatek recommends using a proven industrial microSD card rather than selecting a card based on capacity or speed rating alone.
During playback, PixLite® continuously reads lighting data from the card at a steady rate. This differs from many “high endurance” applications, such as dashcams and video cameras, which are designed primarily for constant write. SHOWTime™ requires robust performance for constant read.
Advatek is conducting ongoing testing across a range of microSD card types, models and capacities. Based on the results to date, the SanDisk Industrial models listed in this article are our current recommendation for SHOWTime™ installations.
Minimum Requirements
A microSD card used with PixLite® Mk3 must meet the following requirements:
- Form factor: microSD
- File system: FAT32
- Speed rating: Class 10 or higher
- Capacity: Up to 2TB
The card can be formatted from the SD Card page of the PixLite® Mk3 Management Interface.
FAT32 limits each individual file to approximately 4GB. This applies to each recorded SHOWTime™ scene file rather than the total amount of content stored on the card.
Meeting these specifications confirms basic compatibility, but it does not guarantee equal long-term performance across every card model.
Advatek's Testing
Advatek is conducting ongoing testing across a range of microSD card types, models and capacities.
This testing goes beyond confirming that a card can be detected, formatted or used for a short recording. The aim is to identify cards with the greatest likelihood of maintaining reliable operation under the sustained access required by SHOWTime™.
Based on Advatek’s ongoing testing, the current recommendation is to use the following SanDisk Industrial microSD cards:
8GB: SDSDQED-008G-XI
16GB: SDSDQED-016G-XI
32GB: SDSDQED-032G-XI
64GB: SDSDQED-064G-XI
Advatek continues to evaluate additional microSD card models, and these recommendations may be updated as further long-term testing results become available. For the best long-term reliability with SHOWTime™ playback, use one of the specific models listed above.
Check the Complete Model Number
When purchasing a card, check the complete model number rather than relying only on the brand, capacity or product-family name.
Similar-looking SanDisk cards may use different memory technology and should not be assumed to provide equivalent performance. For example, the recommended 32 GB model should be identified specifically as:
SDSDQED-032G-XI
Where a supplier does not display the complete part number, confirm it before purchasing.
Installation Guidance
For permanent SHOWTime™ installations:
- Use the latest available PixLite® Mk3 firmware
- Keep a backup of all SHOWTime™ scenes and playlists
- Do not remove the microSD card while it is being accessed
- Handle the card carefully and avoid unnecessary removal
- Consider keeping a spare recommended card on site
- Install the controller where the microSD card cannot be accidentally removed or tampered with.
Based on testing completed so far, Advatek recommends the four SanDisk Industrial models listed above. Testing will continue, and our guidance may be updated as further long-term results become available.