Adafruit Mini 8x8 LED Matrix w/I2C Backpack - Red

What's better than a single LED? Lots of LEDs! A fun way to make a small display is to use an 8x8 matrix or a 4-digit 7-segment display. Matrices like these are 'multiplexed' - so to control 64 LEDs you need 16 pins. That's a lot of pins, and there are driver chips like the MAX7219 that can control a matrix for you but there's a lot of wiring to set up and they take up a ton of space. Here at Adafruit we feel your pain! After all, wouldn't it be awesome if you could control a matrix without tons of wiring? That's where these adorable LED matrix backpacks come in. We have them in two flavors - a mini 8x8 and a 4-digit 0.56" 7-segment. They work perfectly with the matrices we stock in the Adafruit shop and make adding a bright little display trivial.

[adafruit]

We have a complete tutorial for our matrix backpacks, check out the product page!

[JyoPari]

OMG guys just look at the tutorial page I own one myself and it works great.

[leefiles]

please elaborate. make us want to buy it.
How does it work?

[BilalHeuser]

Please stop being so lazy and take a moment and explain whats happening here. I have no incentive to buy anything if you can't at least tell me how to use it.