In Chapter 4, I spend a little time writing about extreme synchronized light and music shows. Here are the links from that chapter. Light show groups and ‘minis’, hardware suppliers, software suppliers, and design and installation services.
An excerpt from Twinkle! Chapter 4
NOTE: Synchronized light shows are definitely not for the faint of heart or the uninitiated. These are serious undertakings that involve all-year planning and weeks of installation of high-tech wizardry. Let’s not even get started on the budget. It’s probably best to tell your spouse the final cost on December 26. Even a modest synchronized light show with custom programming will cost you as much as a decent used car – and yes, I’m aware of that oxymoron. Most extravagant displays? It’s either this or one of those trips into low orbit with Richard Branson. So, this is the only place in this book where we’ll discuss them. They’re cool if that’s your thing. I’ve spent most of my career designing and installing synchronized light shows for everyone from Cesar Millan to the Atlanta Braves. But that’s not what this book is about. This book is about the basics, helping you get started and helping you turn your dreams into neighborhood joy.
Decorating Groups
- Christmas Expo christmasexpo.com
- PlanetChristmas planetchristmas.com
- Transworld’s Christmas Show transworldchristmasshow.com
- Florida MegaMini floridamegamini.com
- Pacific NW CLAP nwclap.com
- So Cal Mini socalholiday.lighting
- North Texas Holiday Light-O-Holics ntxhlworkshop.com
Hardware Manufacturers
- Experience Lights is a manufacturer of RGB pixel controllers and related systems and RGB light show accessories known for innovative and feature-rich designs: experiencelights.com
- Light-O-Rama manufactures AC and RGB light control systems and light show sequencing software. The first commercial provider to offer fully assembled, ready-to-run, and fully integrated light show control hardware and software: lightorama.com
Suppliers of Light Show Props and Accessories
- Mattos Designs is a manufacturer and supplier of props, accessories, RGB lights, components, and decor; everything you could possibly need to bring your holiday vision to life mattosdesigns.com
- Boscoyo Studios is a manufacturer of corrugated plastic props and accessories for RGB light shows: boscoyostudios.com
- Light Show Programming Software
- xLights is a free and open-source program that enables you to design, create, and play amazing lighting displays through the use of DMX controllers, E1.31 Ethernet controllers, and more: xlights.org
- Light-O-Rama is a manufacturer of light show hardware and software. The Light-O-Rama Show Time Sequencing Suite is the premier commercially supported sequencing software used for creating synchronized light shows: lightorama.com
Service Providers
- Extreme Lightscapes is a design/install company that works on projects all over the world. If your vision is extreme and you are looking to pay someone else to do all the heavy lifting, these guys have you covered. Disclaimer: I was the founder of Extreme Lightscapes, and I know the current owners very well. I endorse them fully. There are other similar service providers in the United States, but only some (like maybe 1 or 2) have as much experience as Extreme Lightscapes. www.extremelightscapes.com
This list is far from complete. There are many other groups and companies that can help you dive into the world of synchronized Christmas light shows. If you represent an organization I haven’t mentioned here or in the book, and would like to be listed here, please shoot me an email with your information.