[HOW TO] Build Ambilight on Linux (AppleTV; Sams image; Ubuntu 8.04;...)

Well, I got the Adalight working with Boblight with absolutely no issues (first try, using illiacs scripts. Currently I'm holding the LEDs in place with electrical tape, so I need to make a frame.
Couldn't get the executor scripts working from within XBMC, but I'm sure that's a simple environment variable or permissions thing (did the chmod 755 on the scripts folder, still no go).

I notice some flicker on dark spots, and suspend doesn't work, but I'm on my way!

Planning on having some friends over, and launching Iron Man or Star Wars with Cinema Experience.... that should blow them away.

My Adalight setup with Boblight and Cinema Experience:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rl6UNtkBW2U

Hi, nice work. Glad i could help. You still have to do some tweeking. Films with black bars do not look so fine

About scripts:
The script has to be .sh and executable (755).
To test the script first run it from console (putty f.e.), to run it from console go to folder and then ./script.sh. If it runs ok, then you can move forward to use executer script from within xbmc.
About powersaving try the solution with xorg.conf few posts above.
You can share the config file over pastebin.


Cheers and keep going.

damn how i would love to get this setup on my rig!!! But i have no clue where to even start. Anyone have any pictures of how they have it installed?

One thing I'm not sure about is the tweaking.
I know the parameters for boblight, but what do they do?
value?
interpolation?
threshold?
saturation?
speed (I can guess that one)

Perhaps my hscan and vscan values need to be tweaked to account for the weirdness?

nokian93 Wrote:damn how i would love to get this setup on my rig!!! But i have no clue where to even start. Anyone have any pictures of how they have it installed?

I'll take a picture tonight. In a nutshell, my LEDs are mounted on the back of the TV in series (clockwise). The LEDs are connected to an Arduino controller and a power supply. The power supply drives the LEDs, while the Arduino controls them. The Arduino is connected to my HTPC via USB (powered by USB).
In linux, the "boblight" software grabs the screen image, and then passes the instructions to the Arduino. It just works.
What you need:
1. No fear of linux (I'm a windows guy, but this thread got me up and running with no issues)
2. https://www.adafruit.com/products/461
3. Depending on your TV size, you may need another strand of LEDs https://www.adafruit.com/products/322
4. An Arduino controller: http://www.adafruit.com/products/50
5. USB cable to connect the controller to the HTPC: http://www.adafruit.com/products/62
6. Using instructions on the adafruit website, wire it up. using instructions in this forum, configure the "boblight" daemon in linux.
7. Activate the daemon, cross your fingers, and that's that.

Mounting is up to you. At first, I simply used electrical tape to affix my LEDs to the back of the TV (one at a time...blech). I then went to hardware store and bought some of that cable organizer rods (for walls, floors). I cut it to size (to make a square), cut holes for my LEDs, and then mounted it.

Finally, I used illiacs instructions to create 2 executor scripts to turn it on/off. I mapped this scripts to my Harmony remote, and I can turn the lights on and off anytime I want, even during a movie.

I skipped details, but this is the highlevel gist of it.

lordindy Wrote:I'll take a picture tonight. In a nutshell, my LEDs are mounted on the back of the TV in series (clockwise). The LEDs are connected to an Arduino controller and a power supply. The power supply drives the LEDs, while the Arduino controls them. The Arduino is connected to my HTPC via USB (powered by USB).
In linux, the "boblight" software grabs the screen image, and then passes the instructions to the Arduino. It just works.
What you need:
1. No fear of linux (I'm a windows guy, but this thread got me up and running with no issues)
2. https://www.adafruit.com/products/461
3. Depending on your TV size, you may need another strand of LEDs https://www.adafruit.com/products/322
4. An Arduino controller: http://www.adafruit.com/products/50
5. USB cable to connect the controller to the HTPC: http://www.adafruit.com/products/62
6. Using instructions on the adafruit website, wire it up. using instructions in this forum, configure the "boblight" daemon in linux.
7. Activate the daemon, cross your fingers, and that's that.

Mounting is up to you. At first, I simply used electrical tape to affix my LEDs to the back of the TV (one at a time...blech). I then went to hardware store and bought some of that cable organizer rods (for walls, floors). I cut it to size (to make a square), cut holes for my LEDs, and then mounted it.

Finally, I used illiacs instructions to create 2 executor scripts to turn it on/off. I mapped this scripts to my Harmony remote, and I can turn the lights on and off anytime I want, even during a movie.

I skipped details, but this is the highlevel gist of it.

Thanks for your explanation lordindy. I just ordered the controller with 50 led since Ive got a 60 inch TV. I think I did understand that one controller is enough and there is no need for a extension or such a thing?

thanks

One is enough for 50leds.

Hi there !

I just join this forum to talk here.

I am pleasantly surprised to see the possibilities and the work provided for this alternative Ambilight system!

But I want to present an idea and get some answers here if possible. As explained here, Boblight running Linux system. I have a tv box (Flexiview FV-1) running Android, and if I'm not mistaken Android is a derivative of Linux.

This box has 2 USB port and could receive an Arduino easly. The idea would therefore to adapte Boblight or create an Android application to allow communication between the Arduino and the tv box.

The problem is the technical and equipmentpossibilities. I do not know if it is possible to operate with Boblight on a Android system. (compatibility)

I hope to get some help here as this could be a great idea!

venedesign Wrote:Hi there !

I just join this forum to talk here.

I am pleasantly surprised to see the possibilities and the work provided for this alternative Ambilight system!

But I want to present an idea and get some answers here if possible. As explained here, Boblight running Linux system. I have a tv box (Flexiview FV-1) running Android, and if I'm not mistaken Android is a derivative of Linux.

This box has 2 USB port and could receive an Arduino easly. The idea would therefore to adapte Boblight or create an Android application to allow communication between the Arduino and the tv box.

The problem is the technical and equipmentpossibilities. I do not know if it is possible to operate with Boblight on a Android system. (compatibility)

I hope to get some help here as this could be a great idea!

I do not think that it is possible. Also there is no XBMC for Android.