Perhaps you have heard of ENTTEC’s ELM. What is it exactly? ENTTEC ELM is basically a Media Server. It’s a software that allows you to layout LED’s, play video, and create generative content.

If you’re not sure this software is a good fit for you ENTTEC has available a fully functional Demo version of ELM for free! You can download the Demo version and be able to set up the input, outputs, and test all the functionalities available in ELM.

ELM Demo Download

Not only can you control ELM through the software you can also control it through your lighting console by either USB DMX, Artnet, or sACN.

Launching a New Stage

When you purchase or download the Demo for ENTTEC ELM you will be brought to the Main Screen where you can either Launch a New Stage or Load Project. To get started just select New Stage. From there you will be prompted to select the Resolution of what your media will be.

Setting Up Your Strips

Once you’ve set the New Stage and Resolution you will be brought to the main screen of ELM. On the left sidebar, you will have three tabs: Strips, Stage, and Testing.

One option is that if you click Stage on the sidebar, you’ll have the option to upload a background image. I like to use this option for if I already have the Pixels set up. I’ll take a picture of the pixels and upload it.

The other option is to click Strips on the sidebar. From this screen, you will be able to select Add Strips and a pop up for the settings will come up.

In the Add Strips Popup, you will set up the number of strips, number of LEDs per strip, type, shape, and group. In this screen, you will also set the DMX Protocol for the strips and any additional settings you would like to add. Once done just click Add located at the bottom of the popup.

Design and Testing

Once you’ve added the strips to the stage you will be brought back to the main screen where you can adjust and layout the LEDs. Depending on the layout of your stage, you will have the option to split and move the LED strips on the screen. This will help give you more of an accurate layout of your project.

The last tab on the left sidebar is Testing. When you click this tab you will have the option to test the LEDs, check the colors, and make sure everything responds like it needs to.

When you’re done testing be sure to turn off the Testing option.

Going Live & Media Tools

Now that you have the strips set up and everything tested you can go to the Live screen located at the top left of the screen. ELM has pre-populated media and continues to add to their library.

The Live works just like a video switcher. With the video switcher, you have a lot of options and effects that you can work with. You can use one of the pre-populated media uploaded in ELM, adjust the color wheel, crossfade, and so much more.

Adding Your Own Media

If you have your own media that you would like to add to ELM just click the Media located on the top left bar. You will see some media that is already added and towards the bottom you can upload your own.

In the media screen, you will also see Effects and notice that ELM has a library of ones already uploaded. They add to this library often and these effects are customizable.

You can also add in live video!  Add your sources and begin to play around – I think you’ll find that ELM is pretty easy to work with and learn.