1) Must ARFX be connected to a PC?
Yes. The ARFX hardware must be connected to a PC using the USB port (USB version
1.1 or 2.0), and software installed on the PC to control the hardware and LED
light bars.
2) Is ARFX the same as Ambilight for TV's?
The ARFX concept is not an Ambilight clone. ARFX was developed long before
Ambilight and takes a much wider approach, enabling more comprehensive range
of options and implementations. It was developed with PC in mind, providing
for much more than just a "standalone colour wall washer" for your
TV.
3) Can I use ARFX for Ambilight purpose?
Yes. ARFX can mimic and even surpass Ambilight in performance, and yet - it
gives you a wider range of options and flexibility to setup and use your gear
and lights.
4) Do you also sell standalone versions of ARFX to connect to TV without
PC?
No. A standalone version just for Ambilight purpose would cost a lot more, probably
even more than a cheap Media Center PC.
5) How many LED bars come with the product?
The basic starterpackage comes with one LED bar. Additional LED bars can be
added as required.
6) How many LED bars do I need?
A single LED bar is most suitable for horizontal placement behind screens of
up to 19". Larger screens will benefit from additional LED bars. Each bar
is 25cm long.
For ARFX DUAL use (individual colour and screen reading at 2 sides) you need
at least two LED bars. Also, with dual LED bars one side can be set for a specific
color, while the other displays a light wave.
7) How many LED bars can I connect to the system?
The starterpackage hardware supports a maximum 6 LED bars. Three LED bars for
each of the two outputs, while the DMX version supports an unlimited amount
of ARFX LED strips (special power supply and controller required) or any standard
RGM DMX light system.
8) Is ARFX supported under VISTA?
Yes. ARFX runs under Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows ME, Windows XP, and Windows
Vista. The system must have a working and available USB port.
9) Are there any drivers available for Mac OS X, or Linux?
Yes. But although hardware drivers exist for these operating systems, the ARFX
software is currently only runs under Microsoft Windows.
For any other OS, you need to write your own software to control the hardware.
Download the Linux code example for ARFX here
10) I want to install the system under Windows 2003 Server Enterprise
Edition, is it possible?
While not officially supported, this should work if USB drivers are installed
and other standard USB devices were proven to be fully functional.
11) The cable that connects the LEDs to Output 1 is not as long as
I would like. Is there any way to extend the cable?
Using standard RJ45 cable and splitters, you can extend and connect a total
of 6 LED bars to the USB hardware - maximum three to Output 1, and maximum three
to Output 2.
! Connecting more than 3 LED bars to a single output will damage the unit and
void your warranty.
12) Does ARFX work with multiple monitor systems?
Yes. ARFX supports up to 9 different monitors. You can either select a single
screen from your Dual or Multiple monitor setting, or use the nZone feature
to create a virtual screen reading area spread over several screens (Screen
Spanning mode).
13) Where can I find the login and password to download the latest
software version?
After you have registered
your software, you will receive a login and password to download
the latest version.
14) Will the software be ported to Xbox 360 or PS2/3?
There are no plans to port the software, for a reason we currently do not have
control over - both Microsoft and Sony have proprietary USB drivers loaded on
the game consoles, which do not recognize standard USB devices like the one
used in ARFX.
The only way to hook up the ARFX hardware to an Xbox is by running
Xbox_LINUX and writing your own software to control the hardware.
If you still would like to get your game console connected to ARFX, a simple
workaround is to simultaneously also feed your game console video signal into
a PC/Laptop equipped with a TV tuner. With ARFX installed and running on the
PC/Laptop, this will give access to the game video and allow for "game
console ambient effects".
15) Which ARFX package is best for me?
For most users, the ARFX Basic
Starterpackage or ARFX Ultra
Starterpackage will be the right choice.
The difference between these 2 starterpackages is that the BASIC version comes
with the LED strips mounted in a clear tube with metal mounts, while the ULTRA
version comes with an ultra thin sealed LED strip which makes it lightweight
and easier to install at narrow locations (e.g. behind a wall mounted Plasma
screen).
For the professional light industry, we recommend the ARFX DMX version. It
uses a USB DMX interface that outputs the data into standard DMX512 protocol.
Great for dance floors, theatres, DJ's or music concerts where large screen
displays and DMX control is being used.
16) Is the product difficult to set up?
Not at all - installing the product can be done in 5-10 minutes. Simply place
the LED bars, connect the LED bar, USB and power cables, run the setup application
off the provided CD, and run the application. Lights on !
If you encounter any problems during the installation, we are ready to support
you at any time.
17) Where can I learn more about the many features of your product?
The best reference is the User
Manual and our website. Youcan also review our latest product enhancements
at the Latest
News page.
18) I love your product and would like to contribute !
We always appreciate receiving product enhancement suggestions for future releases
of both hardware and software, happy to post pictures of your ARFX system at
the user's Pictures
Gallery , and delighted to receive a customer review (select "write a review"
at the bottom of any of the product pages).
19) Can I become a reseller of your product?
Most definitely. Resellers and wholesalers are welcomed !
19) How do I contact you?
Contact us by email from within the ARFX application, or via our website
