xSchedule Replacement Available

merryoncherry

merryoncherry

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Rumors of the imminent demise of xSchedule are confirmed (see below).

But fear not loyal xSchedule users (and poor Mac users who could not get xSchedule for the last few years). Our crack onshore+offshore+human+AI team, with oversight from your fellow ACLers, have built a replacement for you: EZPlayer. It is much easier to use than FPP or xSchedule, runs on PC, Linux, Mac, or Pi 5, has a slick UI, and delivers frames with much higher FPS / less jitter than xScheduler does.

Here are some feature highlights:
Song/Playlist/Schedule UI, with priorities, loops, shuffle, intro, outro, etc.:
1775095829728.png

Jukebox with image gallery and queue:
1775095887193.png

Live 2D/3D Preview w/ audio:
1775096341150.png

Precise readout of what songs will play when, including any interruptions by high priority playlists (assuming no user playback actions of course):
1775096774173.png

All of these screens are available by a web browser LAN connection.

And, it supports the basic features too:
  • Real-time controller status
  • RemoteFalcon integration, on a schedule.
  • Volume control, on a schedule.
  • Background overlay sequence schedule + blending (great for Tune To, PSA, making sure your outline is never completely dark, etc.).
  • Compatibility with xLights layout, sequence, and other files.
We're still working on some more killer features this year, but I used this last year at Halloween and Christmas for my own show, 950k channels at 100FPS, and most of the known bugs from that time have been beaten out of it... and it's only April.

Also, don't worry, we have an extensive test lab set up for development, and will be using it in the field for July 4th and Halloween, so you won't have any trouble with it come Christmas(tm).

So, let's all shed a tear for xSchedule...
1775096929959.png
But onward and upward.
 
Well that looks very cool!
I'll have to have a play around later on in the year. Great Job for all involved!
 
Well, looks like my life is not complicated enough right now. Let's see how this goes.

I'd like to thank the academy and all the AI atoms for making this possible!
 
Honestly my first thought was, nice joke @merryoncherry but it seems this is real.

My 2nd thought was, good thing I just started learning xLights and have never used Scheduler. Should make it easier (or at least more compelling) to switch to the new software. Can't wait to get this downloaded and start learning.
 
Not sure what the Volume Schedule means BUT I have always wished for a schedule where you had selectable time zones and have the volume adjust for those selected time zones.
I utilize outdoor speakers that are cranked up pretty loud when the driveway is full but need to be toned down when the crowd dissipates.
I have analysed the demographics and time zones required over the years and have got it down pretty good now as to when the volume needs to go up or down.
But it means that I have to adjust the volume about 5-8 times a night. Very annoying running down to the computer to adjust.
I have tried using a program called "Volume 2" to some degree of success to do this but it might be better if incorporated within the schedular.
 
Tonyf1949 said:
Not sure what the Volume Schedule means BUT I have always wished for a schedule where you had selectable time zones and have the volume adjust for those selected time zones.
I utilize outdoor speakers that are cranked up pretty loud when the driveway is full but need to be toned down when the crowd dissipates.
I have analysed the demographics and time zones required over the years and have got it down pretty good now as to when the volume needs to go up or down.
But it means that I have to adjust the volume about 5-8 times a night. Very annoying running down to the computer to adjust.
Click to expand...
Yes. That is exactly what it does. I have patio speakers under my front porch, and I turn them down a bit as the night goes on. Just makes less noise in the house and for the neighbor.
1775300465149.png
 
JohnsRdChristmas said:
Oh wow, thought xschedule going was an april fools joke, EZplayer looks cool,
Click to expand...
No, it's not, see this commit... https://github.com/xLightsSequencer/xLights/commit/dc31f254ecab868ac1360ed9307ca2a5ccf02448 - do not know what "separate repos" means and if anyone will maintain them, but I really do not know of any use of xlDo, xFade, etc., outside of a few intro videos, and xSchedule was already not getting much love...

“Open source software never dies, it just doesn’t get checked out of the repository much anymore.”
 
merryoncherry said:
do not know what "separate repos" means and if anyone will maintain them,
Click to expand...
github.com

GitHub - xLightsSequencer/xSchedule: xSchedule

xSchedule. Contribute to xLightsSequencer/xSchedule development by creating an account on GitHub.
github.com github.com
github.com

GitHub - xLightsSequencer/xScanner: xScanner

xScanner. Contribute to xLightsSequencer/xScanner development by creating an account on GitHub.
github.com github.com
... etc

My guess on the last part is "unlikely" - and it's a "we cant be bothered fixing these to work with the xLights rgbeffects etc files changes that are all being wrapped in"
And a "we dont want to maintain it for any future breaking changes"

It's been wanted to be killed off for years, especially once the Mac version disappeared. And with the primary developer of these tools being otherwise occupied, it's an interesting change.
 
I did a pretty deep dive on xSchedule internals back in early 2023 when I was between jobs. Managed to fix one or two bugs, started a branch where I added a sort of test framework, but ultimately decided that I couldn't get it to do what I wanted. Oh and then I got a job or two, so that was the end of that.
 
Nice looking house in the 3d preview - oh wait, that's mine.

FWIW, confirmed to work in the southern hemisphere too. I ran my Christmas 2025 show using EZPlayer under Ubuntu and experienced minimal issues, even back then. It has come a long way since.

I'm hoping to give a bit of a demo at the Sydney mini, all going well.
 
@merryoncherry firstly great work.

I have used xschedule for years and one of the main reasons that I have been using it was the ability to run a sequence that showed the "number of sleeps" until Santa. Once set I did not have to edit again, and the days counted down automatically for me. Question I have is if there is any thought on having that ability within EZPlayer?

1775391115466.png
 
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