Pharos VLC+ 3000 - Designer Video Lighting Controller Plus with DVI-D Input/DVI-I Output and 1,536,000 DMX Channels in Black Finish

The Pharos VLC+ 3000 (Video Lighting Controller Plus) is an advanced lighting control solution engineered for managing some of the world's largest lighting facade projects. With an extraordinary capacity of 1,536,000 DMX channels, this controller is designed to output multiple layers of effects and video from both internal storage and live input sources. It is equipped with sophisticated processing capabilities, including rotation and masking, making it an ideal choice for complex installations that require a high degree of control and flexibility.

Central to the VLC+ 3000's functionality is the powerful Designer Engine, which allows users to treat their light fixtures as canvases for artistic expression through video playback and creative effects. The included Designer 2 software facilitates quick setup and pixel-precise adjustments, enabling users to rapidly build intricate fixture layouts. The software supports individually controllable and independently running timelines, which are essential for creating dynamic and visually stunning pre-programmed lighting displays tailored to specific events or environments.

The VLC+ 3000 offers unparalleled high capacity for eDMX output, supporting all commonly used protocols such as sACN, Art-Net I, and KiNET transmitted over Gigabit Ethernet. There are no restrictions on using these protocols simultaneously, allowing users to implement extensive lighting scenarios without being limited by connectivity constraints. With multiple variants in the VLC+ series, channel capacities range from 25,600 to an impressive 1,536,000 channels, ensuring scalability for projects of any magnitude.

Featuring both DVI-D input and DVI-I output, the VLC+ 3000 can capture live video at resolutions up to 1080p60. The controller supports dual internal playback of 1080p30 streams, allowing for the seamless cross-fading between multiple video sources. Up to eight video players can be utilized simultaneously, subject to performance limitations, which makes it possible to create intricate multimedia presentations. It supports major video formats such as H.264/MPEG-4 AVC, MJPEG, and QuickTime, with an internal 512GB SSD providing ample storage for media files, enabling users to manage and deploy rich content effortlessly.

Remote management capabilities further enhance the VLC+ 3000's functionality. By connecting to Pharos Cloud, users can control their lighting installations from virtually anywhere in the world, allowing for real-time monitoring of system statuses, firing triggers, scheduling events, and uploading new projects. The built-in web interface supports an extensive JavaScript API, providing customizable controls that meet the unique needs of each installation.

The Designer Trigger system included with the VLC+ 3000 offers robust responsive programming based on various stimuli. This powerful rules engine supports conditional logic and a wide array of interfaces and protocols, enabling seamless communication between the VLC+ 3000 and external systems. The flexibility of the built-in scripting language allows for tailored programming solutions, ensuring that users can adapt their setups to meet specific project requirements.

The VLC+ 3000 is designed for reliability and ease of use, featuring self-sufficient hardware and firmware that eliminate the need for a dedicated PC on-site. The compact 1U enclosure is designed for 19-inch rack mounting, making it installer-friendly for permanent installations. Additionally, the system is equipped with robust recovery features, including a hardware watchdog and recessed reset button, ensuring continuous operation even in demanding environments.

In terms of integration, the VLC+ 3000 can synchronize with up to 40 Pharos Designer Controllers over a network, providing impressive scalability for large installations. Whether deployed as a standalone unit or within a larger network of controllers, programming is straightforward using the intuitive Pharos Designer software.

Features

• The VLC+ 3000 supports an exceptional capacity of 1,536,000 DMX channels, tailored for large-scale lighting facade projects.
• Equipped with the Designer Engine for creative effects and video playback across extensive LED arrays.
• Designer 2 software allows for rapid setup and pixel-precise adjustments in fixture layouts.
• Outputs all commonly used eDMX protocols (sACN, Art-Net I, KiNET) over Gigabit Ethernet with no simultaneous usage restrictions.
• Features DVI-D input for live video capture at resolutions up to 1080p60 and DVI-I output for video-mapped fixtures.
• Supports dual 1080p30 internal playback, allowing seamless cross-fading between multiple video streams.
• Built-in 512GB SSD provides ample storage for high-quality media content in major formats.
• Remote management via Pharos Cloud enables global monitoring and control of lighting installations.
• Customizable web interface supports extensive JavaScript API for tailored user controls and access management.
• Responsive programming enabled by the Designer Trigger system using conditional logic and built-in scripting for flexibility.
• Reliable hardware designed for 24/7 operation without needing a dedicated PC on-site.
• Compact design measures 19 x 16 x 3.5 inches and weighs 16.8 lbs, suitable for permanent installations in 1U rack space.
• Power requirements of 100-240V AC with a typical consumption of 40W and a maximum of 100W.
• Five-year warranty ensures reliability and support for installations.

Specifications

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

• sACN: ANSI E1.31 (with per fixture priority)
• 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
• SPI: Via EDN + SDI: synchronous and asynchronous serial data output
• Video Out: DVI-I output for video-mapped fixtures
• DMX512: Via the EDN or any other eDMX node
• 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. 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: Via RIO A: Linear Timecode (SMPTE, Film, EBU, NTSC)
• Audio Level: Via RIO A: stereo 30-band spectrum analysis
• DALI: Via RIO D: transmit and receive DALI commands
• Web Interface: Built-in or custom designed
• Wall Stations: Integrate with BPS, TPS 5 or TPS 8
• 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 via DB9 connector
• USB: Two USB 2.0 Type A ports (for future development)
• Audio Output: Stereo analogue & digital audio ports with RCA connectors
• Video Output: DVI-I output for monitoring or video-mapped fixtures
• Video Input: DVI-D live video input to capture resolutions up to 1080p60

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 2.6 or later
• Data Storage: Internal 512GB SSD (supplied)
• Temperature: 32F to 122F
• Humidity: 10-50% relative, non-condensing
• Ingress: IP20
• Physical: 19 x 16 x 3.5 inches, 16.8 lbs
• Shipping: 21.5 x 20.5 x 8.5 inches, 22 lbs
• Recovery: Hardware watchdog and recessed reset button
• Warranty: 5 years