Virtual Matrix with FPP and Xlights Set Up

If you have an old TV or a projector laying around not doing anything, and you also have a Raspberry Pi, you can create a Virtual Matrix in a few minutes to add into your sequences.
Raspberry Pi's have an HDMI output and can run a television or projector that have an HDMI input on them. They make great tune-to signs or message boards that can either synchronize with your show or run completely stand-alone.

[xTremeSequences]

This is one of the best tutorials I have seen on this process. Nicely done.

[edtdk]

I never expected it to be this simple. My lightshow this year just got an upgrade. Thanks for taking the time, much appreciated.

[daytonlights-peterwine]

Thanks for this. I have been using a virtual matrix for over a year, and recently the card in the rPi bit the dust. I thought I'd set it up as before, but it didn't work. (doing it the hard way.)
After watching your video, it was so simple, it was a little embarrassing. :)
As a bonus, using your numbers, I think I improved the resolution a bit as well.

[jimbills]

Thanks Charlie! I was wondering how you did it…

[steviep]

thanks for the video and the help, do you have a sample of a sequence that i could use to learn with. Or know where i could find one

[dannygasca]

Awesome video!
I have a raspberry pi running my show. Can I use the same one or do I need to get another one to do the matrix?

[edlerlights]

It works but only fills up the left corner. Do I need to make the resolution bigger?

[ducebigalow]

Thanks for this video I think that I will try this in my show this year. I have a Pi-3 running FPP and my show already can I use this or do I have to get another PI? I assume you can also use this monitor not only for the Tune To Sign but also run videos in the show correct? Thanks again

[richmcbride]

nice video same ? as below you can run on the same pi your show is running on right ? and can you sequence video in xlights to alsorun to that old tv as well also what is the cheapest or easiest pi to get if i want a seperate pi from my show

[randybaron]

Thanks for the video Charlie. I thought of using a 75 inch tv as a P5 matrix. I'm using a dedicated laptop for my show and have not used FPP and Raspberry Pi. Can I use my laptop to to control the TV or do I need a separate PI for the TV alone? What is the minimum GB of the Pi that you recommend. Thank you Charlie.

[jeffm]

How big is the monitor you are using for your "Tune to" sign? I am looking to make one with a Pi Zero 2 W but need to find an old TV or monitor.

[steviep]

Have another question what is running on the Pi that is sending the video to the screen, etc..
I have a Pi setup to run FPP and it has a top-hat that is a driver, I plan on using a 2nd Pi for the video because it will be little ways from this one.
will 2 the 2nd Pi be running a native Pi OS or will it also have FPP on it and where will the video be loaded on the on the Pi that is being host FPP or on the one doing the video.
Thanks again

[homersarcade]

I setup my virtual matrix following your video. But today i added another controller to my layout. Now my virtual matrix is split in the middle. How would I fix that?

[albertoterzo]

Hi, for fullHD resolution, should I set 1920 string and 1080 node ? Thanks

[-Iron]

If I set up a projector as VM will I still have the ability to play videos with it? I just want to make sure that this doesn’t override that functionality.

[uphillbattle]

I run my show using xschedule (no FPP) so just all ethernet to my controllers. Will this work in that scenario? Thanks.