Adam Howard, a computer science major at Bournemouth University in the UK, has created a fantastic ambient colour controller to enhance watching movies on your Mac. This innovative device, named MacLight, is designed to provide an immersive viewing experience by synchronizing ambient lighting with the on-screen action.
The amazing device has been created using an open-source Arduino micro-controller, and the code which actually controls the lighting has been developed by Howard. The Arduino platform is well-known for its versatility and ease of use, making it a popular choice for DIY electronics projects. Howard’s project leverages this platform to create a seamless integration between the visual content on your Mac and the ambient lighting in your room. Watch the video after the jump to see the device in action, and the effects it can produce when watching movies.
How MacLight Works
MacLight operates by capturing the colors displayed on your Mac’s screen and then replicating those colors through a series of LED lights positioned around your viewing area. This creates a dynamic and immersive lighting effect that enhances the overall movie-watching experience. The system uses a combination of software and hardware to achieve this effect. The software component, developed by Howard, analyzes the video content in real-time and sends corresponding color data to the Arduino micro-controller. The micro-controller then adjusts the LED lights to match the on-screen colors.
If you fancy building your very own MacLight, Howard has kindly made the code open-source and available on Github. This means that anyone with a basic understanding of electronics and programming can recreate this project at home. The open-source nature of the project also allows for further customization and improvements by the community.
“Most projects I start are because it’s something that I want for myself. In this case I received a fair amount of interest and opened it up… I stopped development when it worked on my system and suited my personal needs[, and] released it on GitHub so that others can have a headstart if they want to do something similar.”
Benefits and Applications
The benefits of using an ambient color controller like MacLight extend beyond just enhancing movie-watching experiences. Such a device can also be used for gaming, providing a more immersive and engaging environment. Additionally, it can serve as a dynamic lighting solution for music visualization, where the lights change in sync with the rhythm and beats of the music. This can create a captivating atmosphere for parties or relaxation.
Moreover, the project showcases the potential of open-source hardware and software in fostering innovation and collaboration. By sharing his work on platforms like GitHub, Howard not only allows others to benefit from his creation but also encourages them to contribute their ideas and improvements. This collaborative approach can lead to the development of even more advanced and versatile ambient lighting systems in the future.
In conclusion, Adam Howard’s MacLight project is a testament to the power of open-source technology and the creativity of the maker community. Whether you’re a movie enthusiast, a gamer, or someone who enjoys experimenting with electronics, MacLight offers an exciting opportunity to enhance your viewing experiences. By making the project open-source, Howard has paved the way for others to explore and expand upon his work, potentially leading to even more innovative applications in the future.
Source: TNW : Github : Twitter
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