The Pharos Designer VLC+ (Video Lighting Controller+) is designed to control the world’s largest HD video and lighting façade projects.
The VLC+ M is supported in Pharos Designer 2.15 or later.
The VLC+ is supported in Pharos Designer 2.6 or later.
Powerful processor
The VLC+ renders multiple layers of effects and HD video from internal storage or live input, and features processing including rotation and masking. Up to an unprecedented 3,000 universes (1,536,000 channels) of eDMX can be output from a single control unit with integrated show control.
The next generation 1U VLC+ M supports the 50, 100, 250 and 500 universe capacities, with HDMI & DisplayPort connectivity, and an audio input port which offers two channels of on-board Linear Timecode. The 2U VLC+ supports the 1000, 1500 and 3000 universe capacities, with DVI inputs and outputs.
Playback two full HD videos, while seamlessly crossfading into two further videos
Wrap video content around a structure, with the built-in video composition reducing the need for external equipment
Offers simultaneous playback and blending of multiple layers of video, picture-in-picture and adjustable masking
Translate and rotate multiple layers of content during playback
Features
Render Engine
Make your light fixtures a canvas onto which you can paint with creative effects or video playback. The powerful Pharos Designer 2 software allows you to build your fixture layout fast with pixel-precise adjustment. Then use individually controllable and independently running timelines to build dynamic, striking, pre-programmed lighting displays across your canvas. Read more
Designer Trigger
Designer Trigger is a rules engine that uses conditional logic and a broad range of interfaces and protocols so you can control your lighting with responsive, reactive programming. Send and receive any command, to and from any system. Conditional logic is supported, along with a powerful built-in scripting language for unlimited flexibility. Read more
Massive Capacity
Big just got a whole lot easier. The VLC+ can output all commonly used eDMX protocols (sACN, Art-Net, KiNET, as well as the EDN), over Gigabit Ethernet and there are no restrictions on using these protocols simultaneously. The VLC+ renders effects and video from internal storage or live input onto a canvas up to 16,000 pixels wide or high, and can output from 50 up to 3,000 universes of eDMX from a single unit.
Composition Engine
Programmed using our Designer 2 software, the powerful composition engine lets you move and rotate video content in real time, apply custom masks for video transparency, and apply colour and intensity gains to user-defined areas of the image.
High Definition
Live video can be captured on the video input at resolutions up to 1080p60. Dual 1080p30 internal playback means two full HD video streams can be played by the video lighting controller, and cross-faded seamlessly into two further streams. In total, up to eight players are available, subject to performance limitations. Support for all major formats such as H.264/MPEG-4 AVC, MJPEG and QuickTime with the built-in SSD providing plenty of capacity for media storage.
Remote Management
Future-proof your lighting projects by connecting your Designer Controllers to Pharos Cloud. This allows remote, but direct, control of your controllers from anywhere in the world, letting you check the status, fire triggers, schedule events, upload new projects and much more. All through one portal, accessible at your own Internet domain. Read more
Scalable
The right fit for every installation. Multiple Pharos Designer controllers can be seamlessly linked together to work as one via a standard Ethernet network to synchronise your façade and your interior lighting automatically. For additional integration options simply add Remote Devices to further extend the network. Whether one controller or many, it’s all easily programmed using our Designer 2 software. Read more
Perfect for very large video and lighting applications such as observation wheels, bridges, and stadia
Rugged Unit
Rugged 19″ rackmount device is self-contained using SSD for media, ensuring dependable, 24/7 operation. Designed and manufactured in the UK, with a 5 year warranty.
Gigabit Ready
Separate Gigabit Ethernet ports for management and DMX-over-Ethernet (eDMX) output.
Easy to use
Easily build huge lighting projects for use across stadiums, architecture and landmarks with powerful Pharos Designer 2 software, with tools to simplify high pixel-count layouts
Video Layers
Additional video layers can be made available for playing up to 8 presets, media, text or other such content simultaneously, subject to hardware performance limits.
Unsure which controller to choose? Learn more about the LPC & VLC families here
TECHNICAL INFORMATION & DOWNLOADS
VLC+ M Datasheet
Click on the image below to download the datasheet.
Download Software
Download the latest version of our Designer software.
Comparison Chart
See and compare features and specs of all our products.
VLC+ Datasheet
Click on the image below to download the datasheet.
Supported Fixtures
LEDs
RGB, RGBA, RGBW, RGBAW and W in any colour order, 8-bit or 16-bit
Fixture Library
Pharos offers an online fixture library with over 30,000 fixture profiles, for easy download of your luminaires
Output
RDM
Not available on VLC family controllers
sACN
ANSI E1.31 (with per fixture priority) standard
Art-Net
Art-Net I, Art-Net II, Art-Net 3, Art-Net 4 (transmit only). Configurable broadcast override
KiNET
KiNET V1, V2, V3; PDS/Data Enabler discovery
Pathport
Pathway Connectivity protocol
EDN
Via EDN: natively integrate, and output DMX, with the EDN
Video Out
DisplayPort for video-mapped fixtures (VLC+ M)
DVI-I output for video-mapped fixtures (VLC+)
Audio Out
Audio Output with two audio layers; a background layer for ongoing audio, and an alert layer for high-priority overriding
Simultaneous
Multiple protocols can be in operation simultaneously
Capacity
Limited by patched channels, not universes used
Scalable
Synchronises with up to 40 Pharos Designer Controllers over network
Triggering & Integration
Startup
Commences programmed playback automatically on receiving power
Clock
Battery-backed real-time clock for calendar and time-based triggers
Astronomical
Sunrise/Sunset/Twilight and Lunar phases
Ethernet
UDP, TCP, Multicast; send/receive any Ethernet message
RS232 Serial
Configurable port; send/receive free syntax in ASCII, HEX or decimal
RS485 Serial
Via RIO: configurable port; send/receive free syntax in ASCII, HEX or decimal
eDMX
sACN or Art-Net
Inputs
Via RIO: contact closure, active low, active high or 0-24V analog level
Outputs
Via RIO: isolated relay outputs (48V, 250mA)
MIDI
Via RIO A: MIDI Notes, SysEx or MIDI Time Code
Timecode
Linear Timecode (SMPTE, Film, EBU, NTSC) (VLC+ M)
Via RIO A: Linear Timecode (SMPTE, Film, EBU, NTSC) (VLC+)
Audio Level
Via RIO A: stereo 30-band spectrum analysis
DALI
Via RIO D4: transmit and receive DALI commands
Web Interface
Built-in or custom designed
Conditions
Full conditional logic support
Scripting
Lua scripting for total flexibility
IO Modules
Supports our extensive IO Module library for easy integration
Scalable
Supports Pharos Designer Remote Devices
Interfaces
Ethernet
Network port for device access and management; Neutrik etherCON (RJ45 compatible) for 10/100/1000Base-TX Ethernet; Static IP or DHCP
eDMX
Two dedicated Ethernet ports for lighting data; Neutrik etherCON (RJ45 compatible) for 10/100/1000Base-TX Ethernet; Static IP or DHCP
Serial
RS232 * (VLC+ M)
RS232 via DB9 connector (VLC+)
USB
Two USB 2.0 Type A ports (for future development)
Audio Output
Stereo balanced line level analog port * / SPDIF (RCA) port (VLC+ M)
Stereo analogue & digital audio ports with RCA connectors (VLC+)
Audio Input
Stereo balanced line level analog port * (VLC+ M)
Video Output
DisplayPort for monitoring or video-mapped fixtures (VLC+ M)
DVI-I output for monitoring or video-mapped fixtures (VLC+)
Video Input
HDMI live video input to capture resolutions up to 1080p60 (VLC+ M)
DVI-D live video input to capture resolutions up to 1080p60 (VLC+)
* Install-friendly 0.200″ (5.08mm) plug in rising clamp connectors (included)
Specifications
Certifications
CE compliant, UKCA compliant, ETL/cETL listed, may be used as part of a Title 24 compliant lighting control system
Power
100-240V AC, 50-60Hz, 0.4-0.2A
40W typical (100W maximum)
IEC connector with switch (power cable not supplied)
Configuration
Pharos Designer 2.15 or later (VLC+ M)
Pharos Designer 2.6 or later (VLC+)
Data Storage
Internal 128GB SSD (supplied) (VLC+ M)
Internal 512GB SSD (supplied) (VLC+)
Temperature
0°C to 50°C (32°F to 122°F)
Humidity
10-90% relative, non-condensing (VLC+ M)
10-50% relative, non-condensing (VLC+)
Ingress
IP20
Physical (VLC+ M)
19″ Rack unit, 1U, 13.5″ deep
48.3 x 34.3 x 4.5 cm (19 x 13.5 x 1.8 in)
3.5 kg (7.7 lbs)
Physical (VLC+)
19″ Rack unit, 2U, 16″ deep
48.3 x 40.6 x 8.9 cm (19 x 16 x 3.5 in)
7.6 kg (16.8 lbs)
Shipping (VLC+ M)
57 x 45 x 17 cm (22 x 18 x 7 in)
5.5 kg (12 lbs)
Shipping (VLC+)
55 x 52 x 22 cm (21.5 x 20.5 x 8.5 in)
10.0 kg (22 lbs)
Recovery
Hardware watchdog and recessed reset button
Warranty
5 years
Order Code & Variants
VLC+ M 50
Designer Video Lighting Controller Plus M 50 (25,600 channels eDMX)
VLC+ M 100
Designer Video Lighting Controller Plus M 100 (51,200 channels eDMX)
VLC+ M 250
Designer Video Lighting Controller Plus M 250 (128,000 channels eDMX)
VLC+ M 500
Designer Video Lighting Controller Plus M 500 (256,000 channels eDMX)
VLC+ 1000
Designer Video Lighting Controller Plus 1000 (512,000 channels eDMX)
VLC+ 1500
Designer Video Lighting Controller Plus 1500 (768,000 channels eDMX)
VLC+ 3000
Designer Video Lighting Controller Plus 3000 (1,536,000 channels eDMX)
