Before you tell everyone the show is ready, run the whole thing yourself. Start it the way it will start on opening night, watch it from the audience's spot and make sure it stops when you expect.
Use this checklist after installation and before the first scheduled night. Work across the yard in a fixed order. Give each unfinished item a prop name and a specific symptom so it does not disappear into a vague “fix lights” note.
1. Walk the display with power off
- Check each prop's mounting against its instructions.
- Inspect cables for cuts, pinching, stretched connections and damaged insulation.
- Check seals and the correct protection for unused outputs.
- Clear walking routes and support cables where they could be pulled.
- Check controller and power-equipment installation requirements.
For example, the Mattos MD1500 Baldrick8 xConnect listing calls for vertical mounting with pigtails exiting downward. Follow the instructions for your actual enclosure instead of assuming every box can sit any way up.
Record anything that needs attention before energizing that part of the display. A prop that lights correctly still needs a sound physical installation.
2. Make your labels match your layout
Use names you will understand outdoors: Front Arch 01, Santa Left or Tree Star. Put those names on cable ends and in the software. Label the enclosure and output as well.
Keep a connection list with the controller, port, count and data address for each prop. Add cable length and injection location where relevant. Photograph the final connections. For LOR, String Summary can be copied into a worksheet.
Our CoroWorks Santa and Classic Snowman are different props with different layouts. Name and document them individually instead of labeling both cables “coro.” The same principle applies to every group of similar-looking connections.
3. Test each prop before playing a song
Run red, green and blue, then a moving pattern and off. Check the first pixel, last pixel and direction. Use brightness appropriate for the hardware and verify the settings you intend to run.
Use the xLights Test tool or LOR's Test Lights tools for the relevant software. Stop other playback so you know which program is controlling the lights.
Mark each prop pass or fail. Fix a failed test and repeat it before marking that section complete. A solid color alone can hide a node-order problem, so include movement.
4. Check the saved show files
In xLights, run Tools > Check Sequence, resolve errors and review warnings. After layout or addressing changes, render the affected sequences again and transfer the current files. The Tools guide covers Check Sequence and Batch Render.
In LOR, review channel conflicts and other preview warnings. Open the actual show sequences and confirm the intended preview is selected.
Save a known working version before making a last-minute creative change. Give yourself a clear way back.
5. Rehearse from the player that will run the show
Use the real computer, FPP device or other player, along with the installed lights and audio system. Run the actual playlist. Watch the opening, transitions and ending; listen for missing media, abrupt volume changes or the wrong song version.
Step back to the viewing location. A test with your face beside a controller does not show you what people see from the street. Write down specific adjustments, repeat those sections after editing, then finish with a complete run.
6. Prove the scheduled start and stop
Check date, time zone, active days, date range and selected playlist. Test both ends of the schedule while you are present.
FPP users should review time and location settings and the Scheduler. Sunrise or sunset scheduling needs the correct location. Choose whether stopping finishes a song, finishes a loop or stops immediately. Remove temporary test entries afterward.
7. Keep a recovery copy you can find
Back up editable sequences, layouts, controller settings and needed media away from the primary show computer. Open the backup location and confirm the files are there.
Review the xLights backup settings; do not assume every subfolder or media file is included. FPP's JSON configuration backup excludes sequences, music and video, so use the appropriate file backup too. The FPP backup guide explains the options. Keep configuration backups private because they can contain credentials.
8. Prepare a small recovery kit
Keep compatible spare cables, adapters and the exact replacement protection specified for your equipment. Add a note with device addresses, software versions, playlist name and backup location.
Write down how to stop the show and disconnect an affected section. Give helpers the same instructions. After weather or accidental contact, inspect the display again before the next run.
If you need us, email Support@MattosDesigns.com with the product, symptom and checks already completed. You can also find the next setup guide in Mattos Education & Support.
Keep learning
- Pixel Power Planning: Voltage Drop, Injection and Brightness
- xConnect vs M-Connect: Match Pixel Cables and Adapters
- xLights for Beginners: Set Up and Test Your First Pixel Prop
Browse all Mattos education and support guides.
Reviewed October 29, 2026.
Put the guide to work
Get the printable bench checklist and editable port planner to keep your test results and cable labels together. Use the nightly FPP walkthrough to verify scheduled startup and shutdown.
Keep an EZPlayer operating record
Use the EZRGB planner and printable checklists to record the library, schedule, controller and rehearsal checks. Follow the EZPlayer show-night routine when that application runs your display.
