VCS 2024 Virtual Matrix Optimization and Sequencing, Kevin McEnery

In this in-depth presentation, Kevin walks through the intricacies of Virtual Matrix optimization and sequencing for holiday light shows, providing intermediate-level insights into effectively utilizing high-resolution videos and projector displays within Xlights. Kevin's expertise guides attendees through various aspects of high-resolution video integration, including setup, rendering, and performance optimization for a seamless viewer experience.
Kevin's approach focuses on the practical use of projectors and high-resolution matrices to enhance the quality of displays. He provides step-by-step instructions for optimizing matrix configurations, creating high-quality video content for your display, and managing render times for complex sequences. This presentation is perfect for those looking to elevate their holiday light shows by incorporating dynamic video and special effects in a highly optimized and efficient manner.
*What to Expect:*
Explanation of Virtual Matrix and projector configurations.
Techniques for reducing pixelation in video displays and achieving high-resolution output.
How to optimize matrix and projector settings in Xlights.
Overview of FPP setup and configuration to run high-resolution MP4 files on projectors.
An approach to matrix rendering layouts to generate video content within Xlights.
Balancing render times with high-quality output for projectors or P5 panels.
Advanced tips for sequencing and integrating effects with video.
*Topics Covered:*
1. The importance of high-resolution video for projectors and P5 panels.
2. Virtual Matrix setup for FPP and how to reduce render times.
3. Managing resolution differences across devices and projectors.
4. Step-by-step guide for rendering high-quality video in Xlights and exporting it for projection.
5. Practical examples of how to incorporate video into holiday light displays, including face effects and special transitions.
6. Leveraging Xlights and FPP for seamless projection of high-resolution content.
*Helpful Links:*
*Xlights Documentation:* [xlights.org/do...](xlights.org/do...)
*FPP Project Setup:* [falconchristma...](falconchristma...)
*Projector Options for Holiday Lighting:* Explore Optoma and Epson projectors suitable for 4K and 1080p video projections.
This presentation is perfect for those with some experience in Xlights and FPP, looking to improve their video quality and overall display performance. Learn how to optimize Virtual Matrices, reduce render times, and elevate your holiday light shows to the next level by incorporating high-resolution video!

[@steviep3736]

to be sure I understand I can setup the virtual display in the sequence /layout and set the resolution to the higher resolution but just put the file on the player, how do I keep it from rendering and taking so long, I feel I'm missing something

[@WeekendBuilds]

This was incredibly helpful! I was just going to let my system chug on the renders and deal with 1/2 (probably 1/4) resolution. Which pains me as I'm a live video technician in my day job. I ended up taking my setup from a single pi to a multi-pi because of this seminar. Trying to take some of the load off the master controller since I have a lot of video to play. Great work!

[@thesavvyninja885]

I am halfway through this video. Hopefully, he addresses multiple virtual matrix. I had 1 last year, add 2 this year, trying to figure out if I need a pi for each matrix. Even though PI has 2 virtual matrix slots.

[@WeekendBuilds]

@@thesavvyninja885 Its my understanding that you would want a pi for each display. Instead of playing your .fseq file which has pixel data it's just playing a video (h.264 compressed .mp4 in this case). When you set up your playlist in FPP and add a new sequence to it you get the option for the fseq file as well as "media" which is where I select the video to be played. In your case I think you would run a pi on each matrix (projector, or TV, or whatever output device) set FPP on those pis to remote mode and then load your videos to each pi individually. The trick there is that you name all your matrix videos the exact same file name. That file name is what you set for media on your FPP Player (master controller). Now each pi is playing a different video but the system all thinks its the same file. Basically bypassing a limitation within FPP. I haven't done a lot of testing, but a Pi Zero 2 W is basically a stripped down Pi 3, so it should be more than capable of playing video and they're relatively inexpensive. I've got one on the test bench now myself.

[@knowyourjoe8826]

I am new to this and just learning. Attempting to setup our first display using xLights. I hear people talking about using a projector to create a vertical matrix. Since we already have a projector it seems like a cost effective way for us to add a matrix and other effects to a display. I am not sure what they actually look like as most people tend to talk about how to do it rather than show one in action. I suppose I will find when I get to that point. Still trying to understand some of the basics. Ultimately want to have a project matrix for some parts and use projected video for some others. I am not there yet but will be. Thanks for making this content.

[@thesavvyninja885]

I already own a high-quality video upscale program. I wonder if I render the video in xlights at the low resolution matrix setting and then throw it into the video upscale program and snd upscale it to 1080p if that will get the same results.

[@WeekendBuilds]

Depending on what your up-scaling program is doing the best you can hope for is it becoming "blurry" or "unfocused". Sorry those terms are not super clear. Most upscaling software will add a blur after the upres to soften the appearance of pixelation or pixel stair-stepping. Its always recommended to start with the highest quality and compress down. It also depends on what you're playing back. If its effects running on a matrix, it might be fine. but for video especially if its people or any kind of non-animated video its going to be pixelated. I've been a video technician professionally for the last 15 years. Up-scaling is a no-go for my applications, BUT, I'd recommend testing it out. You might find that you can live with the pixelation, or your viewing area is far enough away that visually its not an issue. Good luck!