Welcome to ACL from one of your neighbors in Arizona. You've come to the right place to learn this stuff. A good start is here http://auschristmaslighting.com/wiki/AusChristmasLighting_101 .. Stop by chat and say hi, a lot of friendly people here to help you if you need it.
John
Really amazing the information that everyone shares on this web site, DoItYourselfChristmas, and the FFP web site. I never expected this kind of quality help available when I decided to do a more advanced Christmas show. Reading through each of these three sites have given me a much better understanding of light shows in general and pixels in particular. It has also helped me understand how much more I need to learn. Thanks to all who have posted.