ENTTEC has a new way to get control of LED pixels – and it’s easier than ever!
A few months ago, I got my first chance to see ENTTEC’s new Pixel Port, and the possibilities really excited me. The Pixel Port takes what can really be confusing (using LED pixels in your lighting), and makes it much less complicated.
For the first time, I feel like using pixels is accessible to non-engineer types. Check out my full review below:
Links Mentioned:
ENTTEC’s ELM Media Server Software – the media server designed for pixels.
ENTTEC’s NMU Software for managing your Pixel Port. (make sure you have the latest version to talk with the Pixel Port)
ENTTEC’s Pixel Tapes – I am using the 8P60 (5V) in this review video.
What is the ENTTEC Pixel Port?
So, what is the ENTTEC Pixel Port and who is it for? This product is great for those who are just getting started working with Pixels.
The ENTTEC Pixel Port is a great tool for those smaller productions, churches, and those who are new to working with Pixels.
When working with Pixels there a few things you’re going to need such as the LEDs, a Pixel Controller, Power Supply, and a software program to control it with.
The ENTTEC Pixel Port helps combine some of the steps and provides an easier set-up. The Pixel Port takes your pixel information from your lighting console or media server and outputs to your pixels.
It also includes the power supply, so you literally can pixel map with just 1 box!
Setting Up the ENTTEC Pixel Port:
Setting up the ENTTEC Pixel Port is very simple. First, you will want to download the ENTTEC’S Node Management Utility.
Once downloaded and opened the Pixel Port should show up on your network. Then you can click to go to the webpage to configure your settings.
Advantages of the ENTTEC Pixel Port:
One of my favorite advantages of this Pixel Port is the ability to control your Pixels with 17 DMX Channels.
Normally, when you are controlling Pixels, you would have to patch each one into your media server or lighting console. On a given Pixel Tape you may have anywhere from 60 – 120 pixels per meter. That can build up to a lot of DMX Channels very quickly.
If you’re in a time crunch or have a more basic lighting console the ENTTEC Pixel Port will allow you to patch your pixels in just 17 channels and get control of your fixtures.
Who is the ENTTEC Pixel Port For?
The ENTTEC Pixel Port is designed for those who are just starting out with pixels and smaller pixel projects. This is a great way to get started without having to spend a lot of money or having to go through the motions of figuring out the setup, power supply size, etc.
More on the ENTTEC Pixel Port:
As I mentioned in the video, the Pixel Port is a really great way to begin with Pixel Tape or other Pixel Products.
It communicates via Art-Net or sACN directly to your lighting console – so there is no need to convert your networked DMX out of your console into standard DMX signal – you can go right in via your network!
Learn more about Art-NET and sACN here.
If you’re looking to use a few hundred, or even a thousand pixels, a few Pixel Ports are the way to go!
While some soldering and math will be required, it’s not going to be quite as intense as the “old way” where you had to splice in a power supply as well at the beginning of your pixel string.
As always, consult the installation guide for your specific pixels to find out how much you can run at a certain distance.
Need to do thousands of Pixels?
You’ll want to take a look at ENTTEC’s Pixelator and Pixel Link system. This system allows you to manage larger number of pixels with more simple wiring and configuration all in one box!
