SHOWTime™ – shows without a computer

SHOWTime™ is the standalone feature of the PixLite® Mk3 controllers: the controller plays back a recorded show on its own — from a microSD card, with no computer attached and no live Art-Net or sACN source running.

25triggers per device, plus advanced intensity control
microSDslot built in — record the show, insert the card, done
5controllers with SHOWTime: A4-S, E4-S, E16-S, T8-S, T16X-S
0computers running permanently once the show is on the card
How SHOWTime works A lighting console, media server or pixel-mapping software supplies the show once for recording. The PixLite Mk3 controller stores it on microSD and then plays it to the pixels without a computer. Triggers start playback, for example at power-up or via UDP, Art-Net, sACN or DMX512.Console / media server / pixel mapperonly for recording1 RecordPixLite Mk3microSD2 Play back, no computerPixelsTriggers (up to 25 per device)Power-up · Art-Net channel · UDP · sACN · DMX512

How it works

The show is built on a computer and recorded onto the microSD card in the controller, using any web browser or Advatek Assistant 3. After that the computer can go: the controller reads the show from the card and drives the pixels — as often as you like. Playback starts via one of the up to 25 triggers, for example on a schedule or from a DMX512 source on the auxiliary port.

Which devices have SHOWTime

All five PixLite® Mk3 controllers have the microSD slot: A4-S Mk3, E4-S Mk3, E16-S Mk3, T8-S Mk3 and T16X-S Mk3. The long-range receivers R1F-S, R2F-S and R4D-S have no slot — they take their data from the transmitter and play nothing on their own. In a long-range setup the show therefore sits in the T8-S or T16X-S, not in the receivers.

Where it pays off

Anywhere the same content should run permanently and nobody wants to look after a computer: shop windows, façades, Christmas lighting, trade fair stands, outdoor objects without a network connection. A computer only remains useful if the content changes live or has to react to something in real time.

What you need

  • A PixLite® Mk3 controller — SHOWTime™ is built in, with no licence and no activation
  • An industrial-grade microSD card, supplied by you (not included)
  • A data source for recording: lighting console, media server or pixel-mapping software

Triggers and fallback

A trigger links an event to an action, for example: start a playlist when the device powers up, or begin recording as soon as an Art-Net channel reaches a certain value. Triggers can be driven via UDP, Art-Net, sACN or DMX512. This lets the controller fit into an existing control system. Fallback: if the live data via Art-Net or sACN stops, the controller can automatically switch to prepared scenes. If the network or server fails, the installation stays lit.

Limits

  • No replacement for live control: anything interactive or changing day by day still needs a source on the network
  • No editing in the controller: scenes are created by recording, not by programming on the device
  • The manufacturer gives no figures for the maximum card size or the number of scenes and playlists. If your project reaches these limits, talk to us before ordering.
Do I need a computer for playback?

No. The computer is only needed to record the show onto the card. After that the controller runs on its own.

What can start a show?

Up to 25 triggers per device, among them a schedule or a DMX512 signal on the auxiliary port. That lets you start different shows in the same device depending on the occasion.

Can the receivers store a show as well?

No. R1F-S, R2F-S and R4D-S have no microSD slot. The show always sits in the transmitter, i.e. in the T8-S Mk3 or T16X-S Mk3.

Figures from the Advatek datasheets (version 26/02/2026) and Advatek's SHOWTime page. All PixLite® Mk3 at a glance: Art-Net/E1.31 controllers.

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