Beginners

Welcome to one of the greatest hobbies in the whole world! This page is dedicated to you, the newcomer to this hobby so that you can fully understand what the animated lighting hobby is all about and what your role in it will be if you decide to join in. There's also a helpful section in our forum called Getting Started where you'll find more detailed information -- highly recommended reading!

General Information for EVERY Beginner

• Making the jump from traditional A/C lights to animated lighting - Look before you leap!

• How Computer Controlled Animated Lighting Works - Start here. Get a basic understanding.

• Assumptions We Make - both right and dead wrong - Be sure to check this out, it can save your bacon!

• Skills you will need - Please, please, please read this!

• Tools you will need - Common tools you'll need... and some exotic ones that are 'nice to have'...

• Supplies you will use/need - Build your shopping list here...

• Immutable Issues: Money and Time - Don't ignore this. This can make or break your show.

• Misc. Questions & Answers - Many of your questions are probably answered here.

• Your First Year of Animated Lighting - What to expect/what to prepare for in your first year

• Where to get more info

• DIYChristmas Forum Smiley Reference - All of the smileys used on the DIYChristmas forum

• PDF - Media:How to blinky.pdf another short explanation on the basics to making a computerized light display.

If you are new to animated lighting and you plan to START with pixels, please read the above information above first. Jumping into pixels without having some background can be a big mistake. You'll find more information about pixels in the Lights & Electronics section.