The ENTTEC Octo and Pixelator range are powerful devices designed to manage high-performance LED installations. These devices support independent outputs with flexible configurations, allowing each output to run at different frame rates and universe counts to cater to complex installations. However, this flexibility can introduce synchronization challenges when using ArtSync (Artnet) as the protocol, which is designed to synchronize outputs assuming consistent frame sizes and frame rates.


The timing diagram below illustrates this challenge. In the example, Output 1 on the Octo operates at 97 FPS (blue segments), and Output 2 runs at 27 FPS (green segments). ArtSync attempts to synchronize them at a fixed rate of 30 FPS (marked by red lines). Each horizontal block represents the time it takes for a frame to complete on each output:

  • Output 1 (97 FPS): Blue segments indicate frequent frame completions, with each frame being shorter due to the higher frame rate.
  • Output 2 (27 FPS): Green segments show frames completed less frequently, with each frame lasting longer due to the lower frame rate.
  • ArtSync (30 FPS): Red vertical lines mark ArtSync’s attempts to synchronize frames. Since ArtSync operates at a fixed 30 FPS, it does not align with the frame completions of either output, leading to noticeable timing mismatches.





Why ArtSync Cannot Work with Variable Frame Sizes

ArtSync is designed to synchronize lighting frames by assuming a uniform frame rate across all outputs. However, since the Octo and Pixelator range allow each output to operate with different frame rates and universe counts, ArtSync cannot achieve frame-perfect synchronization.

As shown in the diagram, ArtSync frames (red lines) do not coincide with the completion of either Output 1 or Output 2’s frames. This mismatch causes desynchronization, with frames on each output completing at different times relative to ArtSync, leading to visual inconsistencies across the installation.


Key Takeaway

ArtSync cannot effectively synchronize outputs with variable frame sizes and rates, as shown in the timing diagram. This limitation also applies to the original ENTTEC’s Pixelator range, which faces similar challenges when using ArtSync with differing frame rates across outputs. 

For installations requiring synchronized visuals across multiple outputs, it’s generally better to use shorter frames with a higher FPS (above 35 FPS). At these higher frame rates, any slight desynchronization is less perceptible to the human eye, reducing the risk of visible image tearing and providing a smoother, more cohesive visual experience.


For these reasons, ENTTEC does not support ArtSync for the Octo and Pixelator range, as it cannot provide the consistent, synchronized performance needed in varied frame rate configurations.