iPlayer 3

Author, configure, and control dynamic LED light shows for DMX
lighting networks
iPlayer 3
Author, configure, and control dynamic LED light shows for DMX
lighting networks
iPlayer 3 controller is a compact yet powerful show storage and playback device capable of delivering light
shows to installations with up to 340 unique light addresses. Packaged with ColorPlay 3 light show authoring
software, iPlayer 3 is designed to add new levels of sophistication and flexibility to your lighting installations
while eliminating the need for expensive lighting boards and technical programming expertise.

• Easy to use—With factory preset shows, • Supports the optional AuxBox expansion device—
custom show-authoring capabilities, an intuitive AuxBox automatically triggers up to eight iPlayer
LCD interface, removable SD card storage, 3 light shows using any remote triggering device
and onboard light addressing features, iPlayer 3 with a dry-contact closure. Via the AuxBox, you
enables you to spend more time on the creative can trigger light shows by motion sensors, 3rd
aspects of lighting design and less time on setup. party control or sensor systems, and more.
• Packaged with ColorPlay 3 light show authoring • Control two DMX universes—iPlayer 3 has two
software—ColorPlay 3 gives you the flexibility DMX output ports, each controlling a universe of
to create and manage light shows using fully 512 DMX channels.
customizable effects, multi-track editing, timeline
• Automate show playback—Set alarms to
layering, and transition styles.
automatically trigger show playback based on
• Designed for use with the optional Controller a specific date, day of the week, weekdays,
Keypad—Controller Keypad is a wall-mounted weekends, or an astronomical event, such as
user interface providing instant pushbutton sunrise or sunset.
playback of up to eight light shows.

Design, Store, and

Play Light Shows
iPlayer 3 factory preset
light shows get you
started.

Enhance your shows

using ColorPlay 3 visual
effects and timeline
editing features.
Set up fixture groups
to enable simultaneous
playback of multiple
effects at the same time.
Link together a sequence
of shows within a single
ColorPlay 3 project to
create a sophisticated
presentation.

2 iPlayer 3   Product Guide

 ColorPlay 3 Light Show Authoring Software
Smith Campus Center, Pomona College
How better to reinvigorate a dark and uninviting space than with dynamic color-changing light. Philips LED lighting proved just that
as part of a major renovation of Pomona College’s Smith Campus Center, intended to be the social hub for students.
Photography: Benny Chan fotoworks

What’s in a ColorPlay 3 Light Show

A light show is a set of digital instructions orchestrating how and when your
installation produces visual effect. Whether your light show is as simple as one
fixture displaying a single color, or as complex as dozens of fixtures each with a
unique effect or layers of effects, the goals are the same: to create mood, interest,
and impact.
ColorPlay 3 provides 24 customizable effects, including the following:

Ripple Particle Burst

ColorPlay 3 offers multiple techniques for editing the appearance and behavior of an
E For complete instructions on how to design effect—you can adjust basic size and shape settings, create unique color palettes,
unique light shows, refer to the ColorPlay 3 User
Guide, available at [Link]/ls/
specify transitions, and more. ColorPlay 3 provides you with the flexibility to design
controllers/iPlayer3/ light shows based on your creative vision.

iPlayer 3   Product Guide 3

Specifications
Due to continuous improvements and innovations, specifications may change without notice.

Item Specification Details

Capability Capacity 2 universes of 512 DMX addresses each 5.4 in

(137 mm)

Electrical Input Voltage 100 – 240 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 5 W

Computer Interface USB 2.0

External/Auxiliary Two DMX512 RJ45 ports

Control Interface Two RS-232 9-pin serial ports

Data Storage Removable Secure Digital Card drive SERIAL 1 SERIAL 2 DMX 1 DMX 2 USB POWER

1.3 in
(33 mm)
Dimensions
209 x 137 x 33 mm (8.2 x 5.4 x 1.3 in)
(Width x Depth x Height)

Weight 0.54 kg (1.2 lb)

Physical
Housing Polycarbonate
Operating Temperature -10° – 40° C (14° – 104° F)
Humidity 0 – 95%, non-condensing

Certification Certification UL/cUL, FCC Class B, CE, CQC, C-Tick

and Safety Environment Dry Location, IP20

8.2 in
(209 mm)

Software Requirements
System 222 mm
Specification PC Mac
Requirements (8.7 in)

Software Operating System Windows 7 or newer Mac OS 10.6 or newer 123 mm

(4.8 in)
Memory 512 MB RAM 512 MB RAM
System
Disk space 60 MB free disk space 60 MB free disk space
67 mm
120 mm
(4.7 in) (2.6 in)

iPlayer 3 and Accessories

Item Type Item Number Philips 12NC 238 mm
(9.4 in)
North America Power Cord 103-000019-00 910403327101

Europe Power Cord 103-000019-01 910503700392

iPlayer 3
China (CCC) Power Cord 103-000019-02 910503700738
Australia/New Zealand Power Cord 103-000019-03 912400135861

Controller Keypad DB-9 Serial 103-000020-00 910503700223

AuxBox DB-9 Serial 103-000021-01 910503702433 iPLAYER3

Use Item Number when ordering in North America. PRESETS

1 2 3 4 5 x

152 mm
(6.0 in)

Cable Clearance

4 iPlayer 3   Product Guide

 Typical Installation Configuration Examples
The following installation scenarios depict two typical lighting installations,
E For detailed wiring diagrams, visit
[Link]/wiring/ each controlled via iPlayer 3.
ls_prod.html

iColor Cove QLX fixtures

Controller Keypad

iPlayer 3
Controller
OFF

AuxBox iPLAYER
3
? PRESET
X
AUXBO 2 S
3
6
7
8
4
5
STATUS 5
4
3
2
?
PORT
S SERIAL
INPUT

X
24 VDC
+/ -

USB

PO
WER

Line voltage

DMX 1
Control to Lights
DMX 2
Power / Data Supply
Control to Lights

iColor Cove QLX Installation

In this scenario, iPlayer 3 controls an ColorPlay 3
Software
installation designed for indirect lighting.
The power/data supply sends data from the
iPlayer 3 and supplies power to
the fixtures.

Controller Keypad

iPlayer 3
Controller
OFF

AuxBox iPLAYER
3

OX PRESET
AUXB 2 S
3
6
7
8
4
5
STATUS 5
4
3
2

PORT
SERIAL
INPUTS

ColorBlast Powercore gen4 fixtures

X
24 VDC
+/ -

ColorPlay 3
USB Software
PO
WER

DMX Control 1
DMX Control 2
to fixtures
to fixtures

Line voltage

ColorBlast Powercore Installation

In this scenario, iPlayer 3 controls an installation
set up for direct lighting. The Data Enabler Pro
Fixture
Cable sends combines data from the iPlayer 3 and power
from a line voltage source.

Data Enabler Pro

iPlayer 3   Product Guide 5

Prepare for the Installation
Owner/User Responsibilities
It is the responsibility of the contractor, installer, purchaser, owner, and user to E Refer to the iPlayer 3 Installation
install, maintain, and operate the iPlayer 3 controller in such a manner as to comply Instructions for specific warning and caution
with all applicable codes, state and local laws, ordinances, and regulations. Consult statements.
with an appropriate electrical inspector to ensure compliance.

Create a Lighting Design Plan and Mapping Grid

• Create a lighting design plan that specifies the appropriate location of each
Data Enabler Pro or power/data supply in relation to the fixtures, and fixtures in
relation to each other.
• On an architectural diagram or other diagram that shows the physical layout
of the installation, identify the locations of all switches, controllers, power/data
supplies, leader and jumper cables, and fixtures.
• Select a convenient but unobtrusive location for mounting the iPlayer 3 that will E Controller Keypad and AuxBox are
be accessible to a computer via USB connection. If also installing external show packaged with a standard 6.1 m (20 ft)
selection switches such as Controller Keypad or AuxBox, mount the iPlayer 3 in serial cable. Custom serial cable lengths up
to 15.2 m (50 ft) are supported.
a location accessible to the maximum serial cable length of 15.2 m (50 ft).
• Verify that the iPlayer 3 mounting location meets environmental specifications for
operating temperature range and maximum relative humidity (see page 4).
• Each Philips fixture comes pre-programmed with a unique serial number. As
you unpack the fixtures, record the serial numbers in a mapping grid (typically a
spreadsheet or list) for easy referencing and addressing. You can address fixtures
using an addressing tool, such as iPlayer 3 itself, or in conjunction with a software
tool, such as QuickPlay Pro. E You can download QuickPlay Pro from
[Link]/support/addressing/
• Assign each fixture to a position in the lighting design plan.

Start the Installation

1. Install all data enablers or power supplies and fixtures, including any interfaces
with controllers. If your installation calls for jumper cables to add space between
fixtures, make sure they are available.
2. If necessary, address your fixtures using an addressing tool, such as QuickPlay Pro.

3. Ensure that all additional parts, including mounting hardware and tools,
are available.

6 iPlayer 3   Product Guide

 Install iPlayer 3
1. Confirm all components received
iPLAYER
3
Take a moment to confirm you have received these iPlayer 3 components:
x
S

• iPlayer 3
PHILIP
S 5
SET
PRE 4
3
2 POWER
1
2 USB
1 DMX
DMX
L2

• Mounting bracket
SERIA

L1
SERIA

• Mounting bracket screws

• Power cord

• USB 2.0 cable

• RJ-45 DMX512 data cable

• Installation Instructions

• Quick Start Guide

2. Install mounting bracket

Choose a method for mounting bracket installation: quick-release or secure.
Quick-release mounting method
Snap-off tabs a) With the release tab pointing downward, screw the mounting bracket onto a
surface using the innermost screw holes. The outer mounting tabs will not be used
and may be snapped off, if desired.

Quick-release method
b) Slide iPlayer 3 onto the mounting bracket until it clicks securely into place.

Secure mounting method

a) Slide iPlayer 3 onto the mounting bracket until it clicks securely into place. Using
the supplied machine screws, secure the mounting bracket to iPlayer 3.
b) Using the outermost screw holes, install the mounting bracket and iPlayer 3
iPLAYER3

assembly onto a surface. Secure with screws suitable for mounting substrate.
PRESETS

1 2 3 4 5 x

3. Attach power cable

Secure method
4. Install ColorPlay 3 software
Windows Installation
a) Download the ColorPlay 3 Software from
[Link]
b) Double-click Install ColorPlay [Link],
c) The Welcome to the ColorPlay 3 Setup Wizard window appears. Click Next
to begin the installation. After reading the license agreement, select I Agree to
consent to the terms of the license agreement, then click Next to continue.
d) When the Select Installation Folder window appears, accept the default location,
or click Browse to select a folder. Click Next to continue.
e) At the Confirm Selection window, click Next to start installation.
f) The Installation Complete window appears. Click Close to exit the wizard.
Mac OS Installation
a) Download the ColorPlay 3 Software from
[Link] The ColorPlay 3
folder icon ppears on your desktop.
b) Drag the ColorPlay 3 application icon from the Mac folder to the Applications
folder on your computer.

iPlayer 3   Product Guide 7

5. Connect computer with USB cable
If using Windows, you must install ColorPlay 3 prior to connecting iPlayer 3 to your
PC. iPlayer 3 installs the device drivers required for USB connectivity.

6. Attach external show selection devices, as required

Connect a Controller Keypad
a) Unplug the power cord from the iPlayer 3. OFF

iPLAYE
R3

b) Connect the cable end with the 4-pin leads into the back of the
X PRESE
AUXBO 2 TS

Input from 3
4
Controller
8
7
6

5
STATUS 5
4
3

Keypad
Controller Keypad.
2

PORT
S SERIAL
INPUT

X
24 VDC
+/ -

c) Connect the cable end with the DB9 cable connector to serial port 1 or 2
USB

Input from PO
AuxBox WER

on the iPlayer 3.
d) As needed, set the Range switch position on the back of the keypad. By default,
switch position 0 (zero) sets the keypad to trigger shows 1 – 8.
e) Reconnect the power cord to the iPlayer 3.

Connect an AuxBox
a) Unplug the power cord from the iPlayer 3.
b) Connect the female end of the serial cable to the AuxBox serial port.
c) Connect the male end with of the serial cable to serial port 1 or 2 on iPlayer 3.
d) As needed, set the Range switch position on the front of the AuxBox. By default,
switch position 0 (zero) sets the AuxBox to trigger shows 1 – 8.
e) Connect each external triggering device’s two-wire cable to a terminal pair on
the AuxBox.
f) Connect the 24 VDC power cable to the 24 VDC terminals on the AuxBox,
then plug it in.
h) Reconnect the power cord to the iPlayer 3.

7. Connect Lighting Systems with RJ-45 Cable 2

PRESE
TS
iPLAY
ER 3

3
4

Each DMX output port controls 512 DMX addresses:

5

• DMX port 1 controls light universe 1 (DMX addresses 1 – 512). Use DMX port 1 USB

for single-universe installations. PO

WER

• DMX port 2 controls light universe 2 (DMX addresses 1 – 512). DMX 1

Control to Lights

8. Firmware Update
DMX 2
Control to Lights

The iPlayer 3 firmware image is periodically updated to improve system performance

and functionality. If your iPlayer 3 is not running the most recent firmware version, it
is recommended that you update to maximize system performance. The most recent
firmware version can be downloaded from [Link]/support/iPlayer
33/.
1. Launch Configuration Mode by pressing on the iPlayer 3 faceplate.
2. Access the Info menu, then select Version. The screen should display the
firmware version in the form v01.00xx b00001
3. If the “xx” value is a lower number than the most recent image on the website,
follow the update procedure in the iPlayer 3 User Guide.

8 iPlayer 3   Product Guide

DMX 1
 Light Show Playback
Out-of-the-box, the iPlayer 3 comes programmed with pre-configured light shows.
When you start up the iPlayer 3, it automatically plays the default Color Wash show
assigned to preset button .
• To play additional shows, press – .
• To adjust the overall brightness level of your show, press and .
• Press to pause playback and turn all fixtures OFF.

iPlayer 3 Hardware Features

Current mode and information

Displays the color appearing on light

address 1 (DMX output port 1)
[Link] 15-Dec-09
Config Mode
show type? <
downloaded show Adjust brightness level
Change mode
Navigate menus

Pause / Lights Off

Lights On / Resume
Cancel menu action
Select a trigger for show playback

Access panel for SD memory card

and configuration DIP switches

USB 2.0 port

Activity LEDs

Power inlet

DMX output port 1

DMX output port 2

Serial port 1
Serial port 2

iPlayer 3   Product Guide 9

Configuration Menus
You can change the following options via Configuration mode:

Triggers Menu
[Link] 15-DEC-09
Config mode
Trigger number? <
1

Triggers enable you to assign shows to the Preset buttons on the iPlayer 3,
the keypad buttons on the Controller Keypad, or the contact switches connected
to an AuxBox. Triggers also specify playback behaviors such as repeat or jump to
another show.

Alarms Menu
[Link] 15-DEC-09
Config mode
Alarm days? <
Specific month/day

Alarms enable you to automate show playback by specific time, date, day of the week
or astronomical event.

Setup Menu
[Link] 15-DEC-09
Config mode
Setup menu <
Set date & time

The setup menu provides access to port configuration, clock setup, LCD setup,
and more.

Info Menu
[Link] 15-DEC-09
Config mode
memory usage <
232k/246760k

The info menu displays the device firmware version, memory usage, and more.
At any time during playback, press to launch Configuration mode and open the
Main Menu. From the Main Menu, press and to scroll through menu options
and to access a submenu. To save your changes, continue pressing until you reach
the Save Changes menu item, then press a final time to save. Press at any time
to cancel the menu action and return to playback mode.

Example: Changing the Pre-configured Show Assigned to Preset Button 2

1. Launch Configuration mode, access the Triggers submenu, and then select menu
option 2.
2. Access the Show Type submenu, then select Canned Effect to open the pre-
configured show types.
3. Access the Effect Type submenu, then pick Cross Fade, which produces a smooth
transition from one solid color to another.
4. Navigate through the effect-specific submenus, specifying properties for start
color, end color, hold time duration, fade time duration, and offset (angle).
5. At the Test Effect submenu, preview your show, then press to continue.
6. Select show Transition type Snap (no transition).
7. Press to save your changes.

10 iPlayer 3   Product Guide

ColorPlay 3 Effects
Fixed Color—Displays a single solid color Image Fade—Produces a visual sequence
simultaneously on all fixtures in a group. in which one image fades gradually into a
second image.
Cross Fade—Creates a smooth transition
from one solid color to a second solid color Video—Sisplays moving images from a digital
on all fixtures simultaneously. video sequence.

Color Wash—Creates a smooth transition Text—Scrolls a text message across a solid

through a series of solid colors on all background color, from right to left.
fixtures simultaneously.
Strobe—Produces solid pulses of a
Chasing—Creates bars of repeated color foreground color over a background color.
moving or “chasing” each other in one When the pulses are short in duration,
direction across a grid of fixtures or nodes. produces an intermittent flashing effect that
emulates a strobe light.
Chasing Node—Displays bands of color that
appear to move or “chase” each other in Ripple—Displays rings of color moving over
sequence. Colors appear to chase each other a solid background color.
from fixture to fixture or node to node.
Particle—Produces animated circular shapes
Sweep—Displays a progressive transition of varying sizes over a solid background
of one or more foreground colors across a color. This effect simulates a particle system
solid background color in a sweeping motion such as clouds, fire, or rain.
across a grid of nodes or fixtures.
Colored Bars— Randomly displays bars
Sweep Node—Displays a progressive of varying widths and colors over a
transition of one or more foreground colors solid background.
across a solid background color. Foreground
colors transition from fixture to fixture or Constant Modifier—Applies a constant
node to node. change to the hue, saturation, and/or
brightness of all visible effects underneath it
Sparkle—Flashes one or more foreground in a group.
colors at random intervals over a solid-color
background, producing a sparkling effect. Wave Modifier—Uses different wave
patterns to vary the appearance of effects
Streak—One or more narrow bands of color over time. You can vary the hue, saturation,
move across a solid background, following or brightness of all effects underneath it in
the group’s currently selected node pattern. a group.

Spiral—Produces arcs of color originating Fade In Fade Out Modifier—Gradually fades

from a central point and moving across in or fades out the saturation or brightness
a grid of nodes in a clockwise or of all effects underneath it in a group. The
counterclockwise direction. effect can also gradually transition all colors
through a range of hues.
Burst—Produces concentric rings of color
moving either towards the edge of a group RGB Range Modifier—Sets limits on the
or towards a defined focal point. red, green, and/or blue channels of all effects
underneath it in a group.
Random Color—Produces a sequence of
two or more randomly generated solid Perlin Noise Modifier—Overlays a random,
colors simultaneously on all fixtures in smooth-flowing pattern of noise over all
a group. effects underneath it in a group.

iPlayer 3   Product Guide 11

Creating a Light Show with ColorPlay 3

1. Map Fixtures
Each ColorPlay 3 show begins as a virtual map of light fixtures. To start designing
your show, you must plot, or map, fixtures on a grid. The map represents your
installation and enables ColorPlay 3 to send instructions to the iPlayer 3 operating
your lights.

2. Arrange Groups
Next, you must arrange the mapped fixtures into groups. Groups coordinate
the show, enabling you to rapidly select and move multiple fixtures, change node
ordering to match your installation, and assign effects across multiple fixtures
simultaneously.

3. Create Effects
After arranging groups, you can begin assigning effects. Each effect possesses editable
properties, including color palettes, start time, timeline duration, and more. Note
that effects are applied to groups; to assign an effect to a fixture, that fixture must be
part of a group. Note also that you can assign more than one effect to each group.

4. Simulate and Test Your Light Show

Next, you simulate and refine your show with the timeline editor. The timeline
editor contains multiple tracks, or rows, which enable you to quickly adjust effect
properties, modify effect transitions, and manage multiple effects applied to the same
group. The timeline editor contains the playback controls used for previewing your
show on-screen or running your show live on installation fixtures.

5. Download Shows to the iPlayer 3 and Create Triggers

The final step in creating a ColorPlay 3 project has two stages: first you download
your show files to an iPlayer 3 and then you configure your show playback
instructions by creating triggers.

Copyright © 2016 Philips Solid-State Lighting Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved. Philips Color Kinetics
Chromacore, Chromasic, CK, the CK logo, Color Kinetics, the Color Kinetics
logo, ColorBlast, ColorBlaze, ColorBurst, ColorGraze, ColorPlay, ColorReach, iW
3 Burlington Woods Drive
Reach, eW Reach, DIMand, EssentialWhite, eW, iColor, iColor Cove, IntelliWhite, Burlington, Massachusetts 01803 USA
iW, iPlayer, Optibin, and Powercore are either registered trademarks or Tel 888.385.5742
trademarks of Philips Solid-State Lighting Solutions, Inc. in the United States and/or
Tel 617.423.9999
other countries. All other brand or product names are trademarks or registered
trademarks of their respective owners. Due to continuous improvements and Fax 617.423.9998
innovations, specifications may change without notice. www. [Link]/colorkinetics
DAS-000020-00  R05  19 Oct 2016