The Pharos Designer VLC (Video Lighting Controller) is an extremely capable and cost effective architectural lighting control solution for large LED pixel arrays; such as building façades, bridges, and presentation walls.
The VLC Series 2 is a next generation hardware platform with improved performance and connectivity. Updated ports include HDMI and display port connectivity, and an audio input port which offers two channels of on-board Linear Timecode.
The VLC S2 is supported in Pharos Designer 2.15.2 or later.
Highly flexible
The VLC makes it simple to play video content across your array, either from locally stored HD media files or an HDMI video input. It also offers a range of creative generative effects, the versatility of powerful show control, and integration features. Capacities from 50 to 1500 eDMX universes.
Multiple Pharos Designer Controllers can be used in the same system to synchronise your façade and your interior lighting automatically
Additional integration options are supported by our range of Pharos Designer Remote Devices and IO Modules
Installations can be managed locally with the built-in web server, and from anywhere in the world via Pharos Cloud
The VLC controls large systems where the fixtures act as a single array at our lowest ever price per channel
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.
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
Huge Capacity
Big just got a whole lot easier. The VLC can output all commonly used eDMX protocols (sACN, Art-Net, KiNET) over Gigabit Ethernet and there are no restrictions on using these protocols simultaneously. There are six VLC variants with pricing based on channel capacity, ranging from 25,600 channels up to a massive 768,000 channels (50-1500 DMX universes).
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 Designer controllers can be seamlessly linked together to work as one via a standard Ethernet network giving impressive scalability. 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
High Definition Video Displays
Live video can be captured on the HDMI input at resolutions up to 1080p60. Internal video playback at up to 1080p30 supports all major formats such as H.264/MPEG-4 AVC, MJPEG and QuickTime. The built-in 128GB SSD provides plenty of capacity for media storage.
Custom Interfaces
Pharos Designer controllers have a Web Interface accessed on a local area network to provide real-time status, view the event log and to fire triggers on the controller. Create a custom web interface for your lighting installation that gives your users the control they need and the look they expect. Our built-in web server supports an extensive JavaScript API and access control with multiple user levels.
VLC or LPC X?
Learn more about which controller best suits your requirements here
Rugged Unit
Rugged 1U 19” rackmount unit designed for 24/7 operation and total reliability. 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.
Huge Capacities
Available in multiple variants with capacities ranging from 50 universes (25,600 channels) up to a massive 1500 universes (768,000 channels) from a single control unit.
Unsure which controller to choose? Learn more about the LPC & VLC families here
TECHNICAL INFORMATION & DOWNLOADS
VLC Datasheet
Click on the link 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.
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
Video Out
Display port for video-mapped fixtures
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
Timecode
Linear Timecode (SMPTE, Film, EBU, NTSC)
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
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 port for lighting data; Neutrik etherCON (RJ45 compatible) for 10/100/1000Base-TX Ethernet; Static IP or DHCP
Serial
RS232 *
USB
Two USB 2.0 Type A ports (for future development)
Audio Output
Stereo balanced line level analog port * / SPDIF (RCA) port
Audio Input
Stereo balanced line level analog port *
Video Output
Display port for monitoring or video-mapped fixtures
Video Input
HDMI live video input to capture resolutions up to 1080p60
* 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 (50W maximum)
IEC connector with switch (power cable not supplied)
Configuration
Pharos Designer 2.15.2 or later
Data Storage
Internal 128GB SSD (supplied)
Temperature
0°C to 50°C (32°F to 122°F)
Humidity
10-50% relative, non-condensing
Ingress
IP20
Physical
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 (6.8 lbs)
Shipping
57 x 45 x 17 cm (22 x 18 x 7 in)
5.5 kg (12 lbs)
Recovery
Hardware watchdog and recessed reset button
Warranty
5 years
Order Code & Variants
VLC S2 50
Designer Video Lighting Controller S2 50 (25,600 channels eDMX)
VLC S2 100
Designer Video Lighting Controller S2 100 (51,200 channels eDMX)
VLC S2 250
Designer Video Lighting Controller S2 250 (128,000 channels eDMX)
VLC S2 500
Designer Video Lighting Controller S2 500 (256,000 channels eDMX)
VLC S2 1000
Designer Video Lighting Controller S2 1000 (512,000 channels eDMX)
VLC S2 1500
Designer Video Lighting Controller S2 1500 (768,000 channels eDMX)
For information on the end of life original VLC please see this page