Summary: In this week’s episode, we have some special guests from ENTTEC: Crystal and James. We break down the basics in Pixels, what you need, and how to use it.<br> Main Segment (1:08)<br> On this week’s Episode, we have special guests from Enttec: Chrystal and James. We’re going to cover the basics of how to get started with LED Tape and Pixels.<br> If you haven’t yet, I would recommend checking out <a href="http://www.churchstagedesignideas.com">www.churchstagedesignideas.com </a> where different church stage ideas are shared almost daily. This site is great for those working on a budget but wants to design a great stage. One of the key tools is using LED Tape which we will dive into in this episode.<br> What is LED Tape?<br> James: LED Tape is exactly what it sounds like. It is a strip of tape that has a bunch of diodes on it. It can be as sophisticated and simple as you want it to be.<br> You can normally create different colors with LED Tape. Just like an LED Fixture you can create and use different colors. You can use different combinations of green, blue, white, etc.<br> What gear do I need?<br> LED Tape or Pixel Tape doesn’t have a DMX you can just plug in. You’ll need a box that can communicate the “language”.<br> Crystal: There are a few different boxes that you can use. The best way to start is to know what “language” your Pixel or LED Tape speaks. This information should be available with the documentation.<br> For Pixel Tape you may want to use a box that would be called a Driver or Encoder. This box basically acts as an encoder that can speak the equipment language. This box would handle your tape’s data, LED, effects, etc.<br> Constant Voltage Tape (RGB Tape) also needs a box or driver but its main focus is on Power because the “language” is Electricity.<br> What types of LED tape are there?<br> James: There are two very basic types of tape: RGB (Constant Voltage) Tape and the Pixel Tape.<br> The RGB Tape or the Constant Voltage Tape you have a green, red, blue, and neutral to connect to the box.<br> For the Pixel Tape will have three instead of four connections: Power, Voltage, Common, and Data. Each LED has its own processor.<br> What is pixel tape, and other pixel products?<br> There are other kinds of LEDs that you can use other than Tape.<br> Crystal: There are diodes, dots, Christmas light style, circle, etc. These can take any form factor and the sky really is the limit.<br> As far as shapes you can do just about anything.<br> How do you make this stuff work?<br> We covered the types of Boxes but how does it work?<br> James: With Pixel Tape it can get really big, really fast. But to keep it simple you can use DMX without losing any signals. The signal remains strong. But with Tape the longer it is the more the tape would fade out. You can visually see the color variation.<br> In the industry, the length of the Pixel Tape and keeping the connection strong seems to be an area that people struggle with. The rule of thumb is that every 4 – 5 feet of Pixel Tape you want to set up a new connection to keep the colors strong.<br> Crystal: What James is referring to is known as Voltage Drop. You can Google Voltage Drop Calculator to help prevent this issue. Most Tapes are 5, 12, or 24 Volt. So, if you have a choice to use less power the 12 Volt is actually your best option.<br> Software – can you use a regular lighting console?<br> Now, how can you control these? Will a Standard Lighting Console work?<br> James: Yes, you can use a lighting console. Any DMX Console can technically control any DMX Light. One of the ways we look at Pixels is how many Pixels per meter are you working with?<br> Some companies have 30, 40, sometimes more per Meter. Super high density will fill up your DMX Channels in less than 3 feet. So you want to utilize your equipment and software to the best ...
