Should I Use xLights, LOR, or Vixen?

Choosing the right sequencing program can be the difference between frustration and hope! Watch to find out what I think the best program for you is - and it's not the same for everyone!
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[@davidenloe]

Thank you... I am new to this type of lighting and this was one of the big questions I had. Keep up the great work!!!

[@alexplorer]

I'll say bluntly what you said more diplomatically: Stay away from LOR. I'm in the process of switching over to xLights because LOR has actually taken steps backwards. I used LOR for many years, and while I had some complaints and could see room for improvement, I was okay with it. However, when they moved from S4 to S5, they lost me. And I'm sure I'm not the only one. They tried to do a better integration of pixels into the sequencer, but they almost seemed to be starting from a new batch of code because it's just a mess. Some things were missing (e.g., little things like some options for playback speed, keystrokes for navigating, etc.) that should never have disappeared from the previous version. Their layout is a mess in so many ways big and small that I can't convey all the obvious improvements they could have but still haven't made to it. On top of the bugs, the new incarnation doesn't integrate all the many, many separate programs: the hardware utility, listener, sequencer, scheduler, show builder, etc. that has always been a source of frustration in what should always have been a single piece of software. (For those unfamiliar with those, here are some fun facts: You have to run several of those simultaneously. Also, you can't run a different set of those simultaneously. Ugh!) Their big shift with the new version was from controllers/channels to prop-based sequencing. So basically they're just copying what xLights has been doing. I upgraded because I thought it would be a step forward within a program I was already familiar with, but it's just been a lot of frustration and disappointment. They're charging a lot for full functionality (i.e., You need to spend a bunch more to get the "Pro" version of ShowTime Designer with all the pixel features, plus even more if you want to do extras with pixel trees via their SuperStar Sequencer), and I am definitely not getting my money's worth since I completely quit using it within a month of upgrading. If you're new to this hobby, just go with xLights and skip LOR. I wish I had.

[@lightingman117]

100% I still use S4 because S5/S6 suck

[@rwhiteb13]

I am switching from Vixen to xLights this year. I liked Vixen but it seemed limited compared to xLights.

[@rayrios4361]

Hi David big fan of your channel Learn Christmas lighting. Just wondering if you had any sequences from the old vixen I did I can use and learn from.🙏🏽

[@LearnChristmasLighting]

No, sorry

[@flyordieinafire]

Do you think Charlie Ray on ytube light shows are using one of these?

[@jeffbekeris]

Does xLights control AC, non-pixel lights? My display is now a combo of RGB and AC lights. I need software that runs both.

[@LearnChristmasLighting]

Yes :D 🎄🎉

[@cindyblanton3960]

Does x-lights have controller kits take my own . I am not hip on all the lengo if I had a list of things that I need to build one I can probably get it done.

[@LearnChristmasLighting]

This will help you: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p5SveIqNmbKcY7s For more resources and help from me personally, check out Learn Christmas Lighting Academy: learnchristmaslightingacademy.com/learn-christmas-lighting-academy/

[@joestewart6027]

Can Xlights run “regular” lights as well as pixels? I have been running a show with “regular” lights and Vixen, but I want to add pixels.

[@LearnChristmasLighting]

Yes, and if you are using LOR controllers, you can use your controllers as well. Some other controllers may be compatible as well.

[@joestewart6027]

@@LearnChristmasLighting Thanks for the reply! I have been using an Arduino as my controller.

[@cindyblanton3960]

What kind of controller should I use with x-lights program

[@rwhiteb13]

Falcon or Alphapix (Holidaycoro). I have 4 Alphapix controllers and they are bulletproof.

[@jaski1594]

WLED on a esp8266 is super easy and super cheap!

[@jaski1594]

I should have said WLED using a D1 Mini (esp8266)

[@mike_x48954]

@@rwhiteb13 Alphapix are terrible compared to the Falcon, Kulp and Advatek controllers because thy don't support basic features like virtual strings and xlights cannot automatically configure the controller for you.

[@tjbalistic]

Has Vixen improved in the last 2 years?

[@LearnChristmasLighting]

I haven't checked it out since early this year, but there wasn't any major reason to switch over (in my opinion) at that point.