Pixel Megatrees

A pixel megatree is just a normal megatree but fashioned using pixel strings or pixel strips instead of strings of normal LED or incandescent lights. Because pixels provide the ability to control each individual light's color (instead of each string as in a basic megatree) pixel megatrees allow for the display of patterns or even pictures -- and in some exotic cases, full motion video!

The same considerations for height and width apply to pixel megatrees as they do to basic megatrees in that the lengths of the materials you choose to use will help determine the general shape, height and width of the tree. Pixel strings and pixel strips are available from many vendors and costs vary widely. Strings seem to be generally preferred over strips, probably for their durability; pixel strips usually have a greater density than strings because the individual LEDs are closer together.

A major issue for pixel strings is that they are much bulkier and heavier, which puts significant stress on the wiring between each pixel as the pixel string length increases. An issue for pixel strips is that they's a bit more fragile and don't bend very well -- a different stress problem. Stress can cause electrical connection problems which usually results in a failed display. To combat this problem, DIY'ers use additional support materials such as zip-tieing the pixel strings to guy wires or paracord or using pixel mounting strips that hold the pixels firmly and eliminate the stress on the pixel string's wiring. Pixel strips can be zip-tied to pixel mounting strips for support, too. But because of the added weight, pixel megatrees often require much heavier hardware in their construction.

Google pixel mounting strips and you'll find many sources; two excellent sources are Boscoyo Studios (https://boscoyostudio.com/) and Holiday Coro (http://www.holidaycoro.com/). Both of these companies provide a great many additional DIY products and have been solid supporters of Christmas lighting DIY'ers for many years.

Because of the added complexity of using pixels, pixel megatrees are controlled by pixel controllers and often powered using multiple external DC power supplies, and sequenced using software tools designed for controlling the many thousands of equivalent "channels" that pixel displays require. Software such as Vixen-3 and XLights are two popular pixel sequencers -- that also can be configured to control conventional non-pixel lighting, too.

A pixel megatree can be dazzling to watch, but it is not for the faint-of-heart. Compared to a normal, basic megatree, a pixel megatree is much more expensive to build, more problematic to erect and power, sometimes more challenging to sequence and more difficult to store and maintain. A new DIY'er is encouraged to tread very carefully if venturing into the world of pixels...