Introduction
Advatek’s PixLite® Mk3 controllers are trusted around the world to deliver pixel lighting control at various scales. They work with industry standard DMX over Ethernet protocols (eDMX), namely sACN and Art-Net, allowing creative tools like lighting desks, media servers and pixel mapping software to be used to generate dynamic effects. Using the SHOWTime™ feature set included in PixLite® Mk3 controllers, these lighting effects can be recorded, saved to the controller’s microSD card, and triggered to playback without the original content source present.
The PixLite® Mk3Control4 driver, created by Chowmain Software, makes it possible to bring this functionality directly into Control4 projects. Through Composer, installers can link a PixLite® Mk3 controller and expose simple controls for solid colors, brightness, and SHOWTime™ scene or playlist playback. Device information and fault feedback are also available to ensure reliable operation.
For Control4 dealers, this means pixel lighting can be treated much like any other lighting load in a project: color and brightness controls appear in the familiar interface, and advanced options such as SHOWTime™ content are just a few clicks away. For PixLite® users, it provides a straightforward path to integrate with Control4’s ecosystem in residential, hospitality, and light commercial spaces.
Connecting Control4 to PixLite® Mk3
The driver communicates with PixLite® over its built-in API. Setup is straight forward:
- In Composer Pro, add the driver to the project.
- Enter the IP address of the PixLite® controller in the driver properties.
- If a password has been set on the web interface for the PixLite® controller, supply the admin password.
Once the driver is connected, Control4 will begin exchanging commands and feedback with the controller automatically.
Direct Color and Intensity Control
The simplest and most immediate feature of the driver is the ability to set a solid color across all pixels attached to a PixLite®. Using the RGBW parameters, a dealer or end user can pick any color value, and the controller will set every connected LED to that color.
Alongside color, the driver exposes a master intensity control. This acts like a dimmer for the entire pixel load, scaling brightness up or down no matter which content source is active.
This functionality is especially useful as it aligns with how Control4 handles conventional lighting. Dealers don’t need to build complex logic: one driver parameter can affect hundreds or even thousands of LEDs, giving large installations an intuitive control surface that behaves the way clients expect.
SHOWTime™ Scene and Playlist Playback
Beyond static colors, the driver unlocks full SHOWTime™ integration. Any scenes or playlists recorded onto the microSD card are automatically discovered by the driver. These appear in Composer as selectable options, meaning dynamic content can be recalled as easily as part of a state within Control4.
Scenes provide single effects that can be played on demand, while playlists string multiple scenes (and even solid colors) together into a sequence. Playback can be started directly from Control4, giving end users the ability to trigger animations, chases, or pre-programmed shows as part of their Control4 interface.
This makes it possible to blend everyday use, such as static accent colors, with more dramatic, event-style effects, all without leaving the Control4 ecosystem.
Playback and Control Features
The driver provides several options for managing how content is run on the PixLite® Mk3, including:
- Transport controls: start, pause, skip forward, or go back through playlists.
- Input mode selection: switch the controller between live streaming (sACN or ArtNet input) and SHOWTime™ playback.
- Freeze: hold the current output frame in place, whether the content is coming from live data or a recorded file.
- Blank: immediately black out all outputs with a single command.
These controls ensure the integrator or end user always has a way to step in, pause, or reset the lighting as needed.
Device Monitoring and Feedback
The driver returns useful system information from the PixLite®, so installers can keep track of the hardware within Control4:
- Device information, including the user-assigned name and firmware version.
- Playback state, showing whether the controller is idle, playing, or paused.
- Error reporting, such as the last error logged or a notification if the microSD card is missing.
- Device temperature.
This feedback is displayed within Composer and can also be tied into programming logic for alerts or conditional actions.
Advanced Monitoring (PixLite® A-Series Only)
For projects using PixLite® A-Series controllers, the driver unlocks additional monitoring features:
- Electronic fuse status, reported live to Control4.
- Current measurement, showing the real-time load on each pixel output.
These values can be used to anticipate faults, notify technicians of issues, or log long-term performance data. For environments where reliability is critical, this allows Control4 to act as both a control system and an early-warning monitor.
Getting Started / Resources
A resource bundle is available for anyone integrating PixLite® with Control4. This includes:
Annex: Full Feature Reference
For technical completeness, the driver supports the following functions as provided by Chowmain Software:
- FREE Manufacturer sponsored driver
- 2-way IP Control
- Native Control4 Color Lighting Functionality
- Lighting Extras
- Status
- Mode
- Operation
- Playback State
- Temperature
- Current Draw
- eFuse Status
- Mode
- Live
- Freeze
- Blank
- Playback
- Play
- Pause
- Play/Pause
- Restart
- Previous
- Next
- Previous Scene
- Next Scene
- Scenes
- Scene List
- Playlists
- Playlist List
- Programming Commands
- Execute Playlist
- Execute Scene
- Playback Controls
- Set Intensity
- Set Mode
- Actions
- Identify
- Test Mode
- Driver Events
- Connected
- Disconnected
- eFuse Good
- eFuse Bad
- Error
- No Error
- SD Card Not Found
- Keypad Bindings
- Intensity On
- Intensity Off
- Intensity Toggle
- Play
- Pause
- Play/Pause
- Restart
- Previous
- Next
- Previous Scene
- Next Scene
- Mode Live
- Mode Freeze
- Mode Blank
Summary
The Control4 driver for PixLite® Mk3 allows dealers to integrate pixel lighting as naturally as any other lighting load in a project. Solid color control and intensity provide the most familiar interface, while SHOWTime™ scenes and playlists add dynamic options when needed. Monitoring and feedback ensure that the system remains reliable, and A-Series controllers add advanced diagnostics for predictive maintenance.
With a single driver, Control4 projects can now include thousands of LEDs, all managed through the same interface that dealers and clients already know.
Photo Credit: Digital Ambience