Commercial vs. Residential Controllers????

[huskerhoule]

As a homeowner, is it necessary to use all commercial Showtime controllers? As a newbyie this year, I started with with 2 of the Showtime 1602 controllers. As I add more, will the residential controllers be enough? Running all LED's, at 7500 lights now, adding a 14' mega tree and more arches next year. Just trying to save a little money on not having to purchase the commercial Showtime controllers. Thanks for any advice.

[Surfing4Dough]

I wouldn't have bought the commercial ones in the first place since the residential will do just fine. Both control lights the EXACT same way (a common misunderstanding). Both can be run off either a computer or a director/mini-director. Save the money so you can buy more controllers now or later. Best advise I ever got as a newbie several years ago. And yes both types "play" well with each other.

Good discussions on this topic:

http://forums.lightorama.com/forum25/23291.html
(changed to this discussion half way down the page)

http://forums.lightorama.com/forum80/22003-1.html
(best discussion starts on page 2)