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2015-06-11, 17:45
I recently switch from a Raspberry Pi B to an Asus Chromebox and I will never look back! This thing is amazing compared to what I was used to.
Anyway, my next project is to install a custom ambilight solution using WS2801 LEDs. I have been searching and reading for a few days now but I haven't found enough answers to get started.
Everything I've been reading, I need to still use a Raspberry Pi (or Arduino) to control the LEDs. If I have to go this route, I don't quite understand how to hook the Pi to the Chromebox so that the Pi controls the LEDs and the Chromebox runs OpenELEC.
Also, would it be possible to hook a device directly to the Chromebox that would control the LEDs instead of using a separate controller (PI, Arduino)?
Thanks so much for the assistance.
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I did some research on lightpack, but for my 55" I would need two of them. I don't mind getting my hands dirty and am comfortable with soldering, programming, etc. However, doing a DIY solution will cost me about $70 since I already have an unused PI.
There are a few DIY projects I've seen that allow passthrough to HDMI using a splitter and a PI. That may be the way I need to go to still use the Chromebox as the media player and the PI as the processor for the lights. I was just hoping someone figured out a way to use the Chromebox as both.
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Thanks, Veronica. This is very helpful.
Now I just need to decide if I want to use this only for my Chromebox, or if I want to expand it to all my HDMI devices (PS4, BluRay, RetroArch, etc). I like the idea of ht AmbiVision. It's a nice small package.
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2015-06-12, 22:12
(This post was last modified: 2015-06-12, 22:25 by teki4u.)
Yes AmbiVision idea looks good at first sight and yes it's a tiny little box BUT the problem will be in the connections of several devices, which is the setup that most people will want.
See the tiny box as the leds, now EVERY device you want to use with the "leds" MUST have 2 connections: 1 direct connection to TV (to display video) and 1 connection to the "leds".
NOW if you have 4 devices means EACH one must be connected directly to TV (easy current setup), then apart you somehow need to connect EACH device using another output port not in use (This applies for SCART/S-Video/Composite/Component) OR in case of a single HDMI output use a HDMI splitter(you MUST) TO the single VGA port of the AmbiVision box or "leds".
So you will needs to spend also in cables, splitter(s) and converter(s).
ALSO unless you manually connect each device you want o use with AmbiVision box to it's single VGA port (disconnect one in use to connect other) YOU WILL NEED a VGA Splitter/Switch too.
Bottom line they should have used a HDMI port instead of VGA... sigh!
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Just google for adalight. Buy arduino micro, ws2801 and 5v6a power supply.
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I think I have it narrowed down to either the AmbiBox (for $90) or DIY for relatively the same cost. If I go the DIY route, I could potentially have many more LEDs than the 90 that come with the AmbiBox. Would I notice a huge difference on a 55" plasma if I increase the # of LEDs? I'm debating dedicating a Raspberry PI and having more LEDs, vs a simple install and less (90) LEDs.
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I am asking myself also.
But why not ambiled ?... i hesitate because of the lack of feedback, but it looks nice on the paper.