The Basics of Pixel Control

Introduction

Pixel control allows for users to have complete control over their lighting experience. Unlike screens or standard lights, pixel LEDs provide a micro level of control for a macro level of impact.

This means they can also provide subtle ambient lighting when required and fantastical display lighting as well. The smooth, silk vibe of a trendy night life location. The impressive, powerful lighting façade on a skyscraper. All can be achieved with pixel LEDs.

What is Pixel and Why Does it Matter?

A pixel is like a tiny light. It has little colored bulbs inside; red, green, blue, and sometimes white. A tiny “brain chip” tells the light what color to shine. The light can be a little bit bright or very, bright. Kind of like turning the volume up and down on music, but with light instead.

• Mechanism: The chip inside the pixel listens to instructions which informs the brightness. Each pixel repeats the instruction to the following pixel in the chain. Resulting in an LED strip.
• Impact: This enables long runs of LEDs to be controlled from a single output, allowing installations like building facades, themed attractions, or interactive art pieces to become dynamic canvases.

Why do you Need a Pixel Controller

A pixel controller is the translator between the data source and the pixels themselves. It performs three key functions.

• Data Parsing: the pixel controller creates and orders a que of information for the pixels. Ensuring the pixels aren’t bombarded with information.
• Mapping: the pixel controller tells which pixel to light up, which group of pixels to light up and how to light up.
• Signal Generation: outputting precise waveforms to pixels at the correct timing, ensuring each pixel knows exactly when to shine.

Advatek's PixLite® Mk3 Range

All Advatek PixLite® Mk3 devices share the same industry leading technology and the embedded SHOWTime™ feature set. This means uniform functionality across the range. Specifiers gain:

• Consistency: every model delivers the same industry leading pixel control.
• Flexibility: choose device form factor (A, E, or Long Range Series) based on system design. Allowing you to have the perfect controller size for your installation.
• Future Proofing: firmware updates ensuring ongoing compatibility with new pixel protocols.

Product Series in Context

• A Series: Full integration with onboard power distribution, smart fusing, and per-port monitoring. Suited to robust, safety-critical installs.
• E Series: All the power of the Mk3 processor, without power distribution. Allowing you to run more power to your pixels. Ideal when centralized or custom power is specified.
• Long Range Series: Transmitters that allow for 300m between the controller and the pixels. Compact receivers installed near the pixels. The "D" in the receivers means Data Only (no clock line), providing long-distance reliability with electrical isolation.

Commercial Value for Specifiers and Integrators

Pixel control is not just technical, it is commercial. The right choice of controller affects installation cost, reliability, and long-term support.

• Reduced Infrastructure Costs: Daisy-chaining and long-range options cut down on system complexity. Cutting down on total cost.
• Global Certifications: ETL, CE, FCC, RCM, UKCA. Compliance is assured across markets.
• Designed to Last: Conformal coating, QA-tested assembly, and a 5-year warranty provide peace of mind.
• Support and Tools: Advatek Assistant 3, diagnostic reporting, and exportable configurations simplify system set up.

Conclusion

At its core pixel control is about accuracy: taking thousands of tiny lights and turning them into something amazing. Advatek’s PixLite® Mk3 range of controllers simplifies this process with industry leading hardware and support. Offering a product family which can achieve awe-inspiring installations in any space. A product family which not only dazzles but has the staying power and support to be in place for years.

For specifiers and integrators, this means confidence that every installation. Whether a theme park, architectural façade, hospitality space or entertainment venue. Will deliver exactly what you desire.