NEW: Importing Package Sequence xLights 2021.5 FAST!

[@romeoC9968]

This is an outstanding enhancement the developers have done. Thank you for showing us this in a quick, easy to digest tutorial. One thing I would like to see on your followup video (I haven't seen it anywhere yet)......after you've done the import and visually it works in the house previous, can you show what happens when you "check sequence". What errors do the pros experience that they have to fix.

[@PixelProDisplays]

The Check Sequence actually is a misnomer. It may be more accurate to call it Check Layout. Check Sequence looks at multiple layout issues such as channel overlap, output assignments, upload testing, and more. To understand the report, just read through and look at the categories as most are self explanatory. The typical issues I see have to do with effect formatting. Some of those over time have worked themselves out as well.

[@RapierGlass]

Thanks for this very helpful video. On an amusing note, you triggered my Alexa too. 🙂

[@PixelProDisplays]

😂 I forgot about that. I've since change the "activate" word on my office Echo LOL. It doesn't happen anymore now.

[@mynameisneb]

I love it! My only suggestion is maybe a link to audio under the item tab while looking at the sequences available? That way we know we have the matching music

[@PixelProDisplays]

Sorry, the audio is not available. 4 years ago, you had to cut your own audio for the sequence because it was a mash-up. Sharing audio goes against the artist's copyright .

[@davidcase2365]

Great update. two catches. First - If the xlights zip includes a sound track (like Polar express), the import logic does not recognize the file as an xlights file. By extracting the files to a standalone folder, you can still open the XML. (Mapping is not as friendly.) Second - It would be nice to have an option to view the original presentation as well. Thanks

[@PixelProDisplays]

Yes we learned few hours after the video launched that package sequences from the Google drive include some MP3's. Those are Password Protected and this process won't work on them. This is the original presentation, I will produce a new video that ties in more to the PPD content.

[@davidcase4600]

Updated solution. If the zip includes an mp3, whether Google, think tank, or purchased that way... unzip the folder, remove the mpa, then rezip.... and it works!

[@whitetomm]

Thanks for the video, where we are saving imported sequence? In the show folder or imported sequence folder?

[@emanuelortiz3667]

Like and subscribed

[@percydoucet1838]

Hi great video. Did you do a follow up video on this.

[@PixelProDisplays]

Thank you. We have not made a follow up video yet.

[@Kev7274]

Love It!!

[@Kev7274]

Some google drive sequences won't work. Get an error about not a valid sequence package. Any idea as to why and a quick fix or is it necessary to do the older way?

[@PixelProDisplays]

@@Kev7274 The password protected files are not going to work. The devs don't run the google drive and didn't know about the password. They will try to fix that but may not work.

[@Kev7274]

@@PixelProDisplays I even unzipped and repackaged the zips,some work some don't. Must be the way the sequences are exported. Thanks for the reply. Appreciate it.

[@reubenguerra3098]

That was quick and easy!! Thank a lot!

[@tejtrambharatt5182]

Hey Clyde what would cost for you to help me set up Xlights on my computer so I can download and map sequences from PPD .?

[@richliebke1632]

I have updated the xLights two version 2021.5 just followed the steps that you did on the video. I have downloaded the sequence from Google drive. The sequence file name is Mr Grinch Titan (Curtis Short).zip under Google drive folder Xlights Share > Free Sequences > Christmas Now I’m getting an error saying (the file you are attempting to import does not appear to be a valid a xLights sequence package). Please help any ideas what I’m doing wrong Thanks Rich

[@PixelProDisplays]

Not sure the issue, I've passed this along to David Priem... actually just saw your FB Post.

[@richliebke1632]

@@PixelProDisplays thanks keep up the great videos

[@davidcase4600]

I too get the non valid xlights sequence message from several of the under review videos on Google drive. I am thinking they are incomplete submissions? I noted several downloads did not ask for the password.

[@leechburglights]

@@davidcase4600 The password protected files are not going to work. The devs will try to fix that but may not work. This is all due to the inclusion of an MP3 file with the sequence and locking out so google doesn't find them. Any package sequence you purchase, it should work if they are not locked.

[@raymundolopez431]

I change my computer and I don't understand how to transfer all my layout to the new computer?

[@alexandergutierrez9301]

You should use the backups file

[@PixelProDisplays]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jnq8i3eGpJWogbM

[@johnnagy1575]

ok , how do I save everything in xlights ? tired of spending hours on a sequence , then losing all my work when xlights crashes , or decides too lose a group model folder . aggravating

[@PixelProDisplays]

File then Save. Type in the name you prefer to call it and click Save. If xLights crashes, you should be able to recover the backup save file. After a crash xLights will note on startup that a newer file has been found. Click yes and you should be right where you left off. You can change the autosave option in File>Preferences>Sequence>then Auto Save Intervals. Hope this helps

[@johnnagy1575]

tried that , does not backup models , faces , sequencer effects , ect if xlights decides too remove a folder from the layout , but the effect is still in the sequencer

[@robertvanorsdale6387]

@@johnnagy1575 if you goto your shoe folder in windows. There is a folder called backups, this is where the rgbeffects file which contains yours models, groups, etc and the network file which is your controllers and ip addresses.

[@llatrel]

I'm a little confused. I was already doing this in previous versions. How is this a new feature/function?

[@PixelProDisplays]

The feature is... you do not unpack/extract the downloaded package sequence. You also do not need to switch xLights to a different directory, open the sequence and render to FIX broken shader, picture, and video file links. The whole process of importing sequences with these kinds of files caused rendering issues for users. Many times the tree or matrix would show up all red because of errors.

[@williamdoyle7887]

What about the audio?

[@williamdoyle7887]

I used the song I purchased. But the timing was off

[@PixelProDisplays]

@@williamdoyle7887 Sorry, the audio is not available. 4 years ago, you had to cut your own audio for the sequence because it was a mash-up. Sharing audio goes against the artist's copyright .

[@williamdoyle7887]

@@PixelProDisplays I'm new @ this. And I have decided to use your company for my sequences. But how does one go about matching a music file to a downloaded sequence. If you can point me to a video or blog that would be greatly appreciated. I feel the more I play with xlights, the more I learn.

[@PixelProDisplays]

@@williamdoyle7887 William, please email us so we can help you: [e-mail]

[@williamdoyle7887]

@@PixelProDisplays Thanks for reaching out. After lengthy research I resolved my audio issue. But you guys are awesome. My business is coming your way after my prop builds. Looking like summer.