Dots (.) when there is 1 RGB LED per Pixel. Depending on the Pixel IC used, from 1-3 RGB LEDs will light for each Pixel, so they can end up looking more like Dashes (-) when there are 3 RGB LEDs per Pixel vs. Strips - Are long flat flexible PCBs that have the RGB LEDs and the IC mounted directly on them and there is no wire between the Pixels other than the PCB.Other Shapes - There are an assortment of other shapes including spheres, domes, boxes, etc.Vendors like Ray Wu also sell Plastic lens that can be glued onto regular 12mm Pixel strings to achieve a similar look. Common models include the Holidaćoro Brilliant Bulbs, the Ge Color Effects (GECE), the Pixabulb by, the Cosmic Color Bulbs by and the Technicolor Pixel by Ray Wu. Pixels with Bulbs / Covers - There are a variety of Pixels available with Plastic Lens mounted on the RGB LED to make them look closer to a traditional C7 or C9 incandescent light.There has been some issues with the silicone injection molded units that have the wires coming out of the side not sealing and allowing water into the pixels. 12mm pixel node (square / flat) - These pixels can come with the wire coming either out of the back of the Pixel or the side of the Pixel.These were originally designed to mount inside of enclosures and are used for large advertising display screens. The 12mm refers to the outer diameter of the package. It actually contains a 8mm LED inside the housing. They are often referred to as Bullet Shaped. 12mm pixel node - This is the most common Pixel type.Strings / Nodes are commonly used to make Megatrees, Minitrees and Leaping Arches. Common methods to support Pixel strings include using cable ties or electric tape to attach them to PVC pipe, EMT electric conduit or Plastic Strapping or PixNode strips. Since they are generally custom made, you can request your vendor to make the spacing between units to custom lengths. This will damage the Pixels and their waterproofing. It important to remember that Pixel strings should never be strung using their wire to support them like you would with regular light stings. Strings / Nodes - Can be any purchased in any custom length, but depending on a variety of factors, more then 50 pixels may require Power Injection.The Form Factor of the Pixels impacts how you will mount them and what look you are trying to accomplish. Pixels come in many different shapes and properties. The standard disclaimers pertaining to the information contained on this wiki page are listed here. They are a good balance of new technology and reliable designs. Some of the most popular Pixels are ones driven by the WS2811 IC and use 12VDC power and use some form of cast epoxy waterproofing. There are many options and configurations and each has it's advantages and disadvantages depending on the application. It is also important to consider how you will be connecting the Pixels and if you need Power Injection to make them function. It is critical that you select a Pixel Controller and Power Supply that is compatible and capable of driving the specific Pixel you select. Wire Size (The size of the wire connecting the Pixels together 18 AWG vs.Waterproofing Technique (Injection molding, Cast Epoxy, Sleeve, Etc.).LED Type (Size and Shape of LED which impacts overall brightness).Color Depth (The number of bits of data used to control each color such as 4,6,8 12, etc.Power Supply Voltage (typically 5VDC vs.ICs per Meter (Relates to how many LEDs are lit together for each Pixel, commonly 1 or 3 LEDs per IC).LEDs per meter (the spacing of the LEDs on the wire or strip).Form Factor (String, Strip, Module, Etc.).There are several main properties that define each Pixel, and they include: A string of 50 Pixels would use 150 channels in your sequencing software. Each Pixel uses 3 data channels to control it, one each for Red, Green and Blue. Using various communications protocols they are connected to Pixel Controllers that sends a specially formatted signal to the Pixel string that passes the control information to all of the Pixels connected in series. Pixels are Intelligent LEDs and have both power and control signals fed to each individual Pixel node.
![ws2811 smart pixel string ws2811 smart pixel string](https://happyttt.com/media/catalog/product/cache/a7e23e354b02c0158c1856a5c83e168f/5/v/5v_black_wire_ip68_waterproof_50_nodes_ws2811_ic_rgb_led_pixel_module_string.jpg)
Pixels are RGB Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) that allow a rainbow of individual colors to be created independently on each Pixel node. 6 Examples of DUMB WHITE LEDs (not Pixels) available from different vendors.
![ws2811 smart pixel string ws2811 smart pixel string](http://www.brianhensley.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/WS2811-Schematic-Picture.png)
5 Examples of DUMB RGB (not Pixels) available from different vendors.4 Examples of Pixels available from different vendors.
![ws2811 smart pixel string ws2811 smart pixel string](https://sc02.alicdn.com/kf/HTB1n1GgvSMmBKNjSZTEq6ysKpXaZ/227083799/HTB1n1GgvSMmBKNjSZTEq6ysKpXaZ.jpg)