VLC
The Pharos VLC (Video Lighting Controller) is an extremely capable and cost effective solution for large LED pixel arrays; such as building façades, bridges, and presentation walls. It makes it simple to play video content across your array, either from locally stored HD media files or a DVI-D video input. It also offers a range of creative, generative effects and the versatility of powerful show control and integration features.
The VLC is a rugged 1U 19” rackmount unit with separate Gigabit Ethernet ports for management and DMX-over-Ethernet (eDMX) output. It is available in multiple variants with capacities ranging from 25,600 channels up to a massive 768,000 channels from a single unit, with further scaling by using multiple Controllers connected and synchronised over Ethernet.
The VLC extends the Pharos range of Controllers as an alternative to the industry-leading Pharos LPC X. While the LPC X provides highly flexible lighting control for large multi-zone lighting systems, the VLC is capable of controlling even larger systems where the fixtures are arranged and controlled as a single array, at our lowest ever price per channel.
The VLC is an exciting new option at the heart of the fully scalable Pharos system that can be tailored to the needs of your project, with additional integration options supported by our range of Remote Devices. The VLC is programmed using the free Pharos Designer 2 software and existing installations can be managed from anywhere using its built-in web server.
Render Engine
Make your light fixtures a canvas onto which you can paint with creative effects or video playback. The powerful 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.
Pharos Trigger
Timing is everything. Whatever the stimulus, Pharos Trigger can handle it. You can control your lighting with responsive, reactive programming. Pharos Trigger is a rules engine that uses conditional logic and a broad range of interfaces and protocols. 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.
High 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.
Scalable
The right fit for every installation. Multiple Pharos 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 software.
High Definition
Live video can be captured on the DVI-D 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.
Remote Management
The control you need in your browser – from anywhere. Pharos Controllers can be connected to a network, making it possible for you to remotely manage your installation. The built-in web server lets you check the Controller’s status, inputs and outputs, trigger timelines, view a full history log and much more.
Custom Interfaces
Create a custom web interface for your 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.
Pharos Designer
Programmed and configured using the free Pharos Designer 2 software – available for Windows or Mac OS X – with upload over Ethernet.
Reliable
Hardware and firmware are self-sufficient, so no PC needs to be left on site. Rugged, compact unit designed for 24/7 operation and reliability.
Firmware
Microprocessor-based system supports firmware updates via the network from Designer software or the web interface.
5 Year Warranty
Designed and manufactured in the UK, with quality and reliability our top priority.
Certifications
CE compliant; ETL/cETL listed; California Title 20/24 Compliant
Plus…
Need even more power? An enhanced version is also in development for later release. The VLC+ offers additional features such as simultaneous playback & blending of multiple layers of video, picture-in-picture, adjustable masking, real-time rotation and translation of video and much more.
Pharos control products are highly flexible, customiseable and scalable. Our controllers work seamlessly with our remote devices and accessories for a huge range of protocol options.
If you can’t find what you’re looking for below, please get in touch with one of our sales team who will be happy help you build a solution for your project.
Supported Fixtures
LEDs
LEDs in any colour configuration (RGB, RGBW, 8-bit, 16-bit, tuneable white)
Fixture Library
Pharos offers a cloud library with over 13,000 fixture profiles, for easy download of your luminaires
Output
sACN
ANSI E1.31 (with per fixture priority)
Art-Net
Art-Net, Art-Net 2, Art-Net 3, Art-Net 4 (configurable broadcast override)
KiNET
KiNET V1 (DMX out) and V2 (Port out); PDS/Data Enabler discovery
Pathport
Pathway Connectivity protocol
DMX512
Via any eDMX node
Scalable
Synchronises with up to 40 Pharos Controllers over network
Simultaneous
Multiple protocols can be in operation simultaneously. Limited by patched channels, not universes used
Triggering & Integration
Startup
Commences 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
eDMX
sACN or Art-Net
Web Interface
Built-in or custom designed
Conditions
Full conditional logic support
Scripting
Lua scripting for total flexibility
If you have questions about any of the below, please get in touch with one of our sales team who will be happy to help.
Specifications
Certifications
CE compliant, ETL/cETL listed
Power
100-240VAC / 50-60HZ / 0.4-0.2A
40W typical (100W maximum)
IEC connector with switch
UK, EU and US cable supplied
Data Storage
Internal 128GB SSD (supplied)
Configuration
Pharos Designer 2.2 or later
Temperature
0°C to 50°C (32°F to 122°F)
Physical
19″ Rack unit, 1U, 13.5″ deep
Weight
3.1 kg (6.8 lbs)
Shipping
57 x 45 x 18 cm (22″ x 18″ x 7″)
5.0 kg (11 lbs)
Recovery
Hardware watchdog and recessed reset button
Warranty
5 years
Interfaces
Ethernet
Neutrik etherCon (RJ45 compatible) for 10/100/1000Base-TX Ethernet; Static IP or DHCP
eDMX
Dedicated Ethernet port for eDMX; Neutrik etherCon (RJ45 compatible) for 10/100/1000Base-TX Ethernet; Static IP or DHCP
DVI-D Input
Video input
DVI-I Output
DVI-I output (for future development)
Serial
RS232 via DB9 connector
USB
Two USB 2.0 Type A ports
Audio Out
Stereo analog & digital audio ports (for future development)
If you have questions about any of the below, please get in touch with one of our sales team who will be happy to help.
Order Code & Variants
VLC 50
Video Lighting Controller 50 (25,600 channels eDMX)
VLC 100
Video Lighting Controller 100 (51,200 channels eDMX)
VLC 250
Video Lighting Controller 250 (128,000 channels eDMX)
VLC 500
Video Lighting Controller 500 (256,000 channels eDMX)
VLC 1000
Video Lighting Controller 1000 (512,000 channels eDMX)
VLC 1500
Video Lighting Controller 1500 (768,000 channels eDMX)
