PDA

View Full Version : I throughly tested the Gemmy Lightshow (speaker & mp3 model)



Troy
11-11-2008, 02:20 PM
Ok, I saw that this would be out this year, I almost bought it for Halloween but the Haunt was already set so alas I didn't have a fit for it. Last week the Wife said she was going to Sams Club sooooooo I said "wait for me".:)

I get the Unit home, unbox it and right away it appeared to be pretty well built, first test was all 10 channels without a mp3 player hooked up, I was impressed with the animation BUT not so impressed with the song selection but it wasn't terrible by any means. The animation looked as good as the Mr Christmas model I used last year.

Next I tried out the MP3 player, at first I wasn't impressed it seemed the animation wasn't nearly as good as the it was with the stock songs also noticed the output from the speaker was lower. Soooooo being the "hack" that I am I knew instantly what was need! I took one of my little battery operated "amps" and plugged the MP3 into it before the Gemmy Unit. WOW, what a difference the animation really came to life and was every bit as good as the stock songs. I had Def Leppards "Rock of Ages" playing any the lights were going CRAZY, I was so impressed I had the wife take a look, she liked it also.

I then tested it out with several Christmas songs and all were equally good. I have decided I will use it in place of the Mr Christmas unit for sure..I did plan to use LOR this year but my Halloween budget far exceeded my so called limit so it will have to wait another year. I give this Gemmy unit a B+, I'm very impressed with it and the price was very good considering it has 10 channels and a speaker. I will update this again after set up outside with a Video. I will also use this in some way for Halloween 09.:twisted:

Just Whisper
11-11-2008, 06:02 PM
If i might ask, how much was it? I am looking for the best system for the best price. I am trying to collect more info under the Post titled "Computer animated lights?", so we can compare lots of systems in one place.

Troy
11-11-2008, 06:12 PM
To be honest I didn't even look at the price, I think it was like $84.

hermit4099
11-12-2008, 03:46 AM
here's the link to the light show set. I pick one up before halloween and loved it. I did notice the the sound and lights were not that dazing on some of the songs. Troy where can I get the battery amp you used? Also not all Sam's club carry the same items.


http://www.samsclub.com/shopping/navigate.do?dest=5&item=398478&pCatg=10569

Sickie Ickie
11-12-2008, 09:06 AM
with 10 channels, I wonder if you could hack it to work with LOR? Be cheaper than having to buy a new 16 channel everytime.

SantaPaws
11-12-2008, 09:15 AM
with 10 channels, I wonder if you could hack it to work with LOR? Be cheaper than having to buy a new 16 channel everytime.

If you hack it they will come. LOL:deer:

Just Whisper
11-12-2008, 12:52 PM
What is LOR?

Wow, I just went to that link and looked at the one in Sam's. It seems really nice, the music is great. One thing i really dislike about the GE is that the music sounds so tinny, and computerized. I don't think mine even has a timer. Well, it is going back for sure. Just need to decide which one to replace it with.

Sickie Ickie
11-12-2008, 12:54 PM
Light-O-Rama. An advanced lighting control system.

Just Whisper
11-12-2008, 12:59 PM
How much are the LOR, expensive right? Who makes it?

Warrant2000
11-12-2008, 01:01 PM
http://www.lightorama.com/

Just Whisper
11-12-2008, 01:07 PM
Seems too complicated for my little A.D.D. brain. If I have to think about it too much I lose interest. I just want to open a box, plug it in and tell it what to do. And pictures are nice too.

Troy
11-12-2008, 01:07 PM
I got mine at Radio Shack, they hold 2AA batteries and come with a 1/8 plug that will plug directly into your MP3 or CD player, the Unit itself has 3 outlets that a 1/8 plug can fit into then the other end would plug into the Gemmy unit.

Just Whisper
11-12-2008, 01:15 PM
now I am really confused. why would you plug it into the Gemmy? Does it enhance it? I am not much with electronics, totally lost here. sorry guys.

Troy
11-12-2008, 01:18 PM
now I am really confused. why would you plug it into the Gemmy? Does it enhance it? I am not much with electronics, totally lost here. sorry guys.

What this little amp does is boost the signal coming from your MP3 or portable CD player BEFORE you plug it into the gemmy Unit....It makes the lights more responsive to the Music..

Just Whisper
11-12-2008, 01:26 PM
ok, cool, I mostly get it. Okay, so if I get a Gemmy I should get an amp to make it even better?

Actually, I am going to go to Sam's Club now and see if they have the Gemmy. GE is going back to Lowe's.

Troy
11-12-2008, 01:39 PM
ok, cool, I mostly get it. Okay, so if I get a Gemmy I should get an amp to make it even better?

Actually, I am going to go to Sam's Club now and see if they have the Gemmy. GE is going back to Lowe's.


If you want to use your own Music from a MP3 or CD Player yes I would highly suggest it, the Unit works great with it's own music.

Here is the one I bought.

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2732095

Here si the link to the Gemmy box.
http://www.samsclub.com/shopping/navigate.do?dest=5&item=398478