AmBX (officially stylized amBX) is an internationally patent protected technology [1](originally developed by a Philips research project which also produced their Ambilight technology) for controlling incandescent and white/coloured LED lighting and other enabled devices. This allows lighting designers, end users and content providers (of video games, films, music, programs and websites) to create and enjoy immersive experiences or bespoke designed lighting environments by the triggering of specially developed AmBX enabled devices (such as lights). The technology is now owned by a British company based in Redhill, amBX UK LTD.
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The distinctive features of the technology are that sound and video can be interpolated and mapped to a 3 dimensional space, creating effects by whatever enabled devices the technology senses on the fly, allowing lighting effects to "move" around the space. Adding devices to the AmBX universe enhances (automatically) the immersive experience, allowing scripts to be ported to different locations if required where the technology can render a similar experience. As well as these unique features, basic device control is also available and the technology can also layer different effects that act in unison. Ultra fine control of an entertainment space is offered via this layering technique and the technology can control (lighting for instance) in multiple zones simultaneously (see lightscapes below).
AmBX is a controlling technology that enables devices (via generic input, scripted scenes or embeded code) to synchronise with any game, sound and video content in real time. AmBX enabled devices deliver many effects; lighting, airflow, rumble and others. As well as LED lights, rumble kit and fans, other types of devices which have been prototyped include heat and water atomisers. The events triggering effects as well as having the ability to be layered can have a 'rest' mode (effect) which can be generated when content is inactive. The technology works seamlessly with all legacy source content (including video and PC games). Content that has specially scripted AmBX code embeded can trigger a reaction to on screen video and audio output with any immersive/ambient device effects the designers require.
AmBX has a proprietary professional hardware product (amBIENT XC)[2] but allows other hardware manufacturers with a licensing agreement to create AmBX enabled hardware capable of delivering the AmBX experience. AmBX technology (via the amBIENT XC) also 'talks' to lighting industry standard control interfaces and light sources via the DMX512 control language. AmBX technology is available for the home user, PCs and professional and commercial lighting (stage, shops, bars, restaurants, clubs, AV installations and offices). Game consoles, mobile phone apps, film and other entertainment media are also expected to follow.[3] The XC controls lighting via "Lightscapes", these are designed control parameters that display lighting in the fashion that designers require, some react to music others to video and others to designed control parameters.
Future applications will be extremely varied, for instance an AmBX lightscape could be produced that simulated natural daylight over time including the natural shading movement of cloud cover. Trials are also being considered for lightscapes to act as a prevention for colic and other medical conditions.
AmBX code acts as a conversion middleware (sitting between source and output device) that takes generic or specifically scripted (via AmBX SDK) input signals from video, audio, PC or media content, then outputs it to suitable hardware such as LED lights, rumble boxes or similar devices via cable or wireless, subject to hardware.
In the PC gaming arena, for the full experience and to trigger specific events/effects, developers embed code (via free SDK download[4]) into their applications to tell the devices what to do. Current developers and publishers using AmBX include Ubisoft, THQ, Codemasters, Gamecock, Gearbox Software, Introversion Software[5] and Spark. AmBX licenses the technology to content providers for free. AmBX technology works with generic content of any age. The latest AmBX-enabled games include Far Cry 2, Brothers in Arms: Hell's Highway, Tom Clancy's H.A.W.X., Multiwinia, Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising, and Legendary. The AmBX FXGen is a piece of software that forms part of the standard software install that analyses on-screen events and triggers (writes it own scripts for) the AmBX peripherals to generate effects. For games AmBX isn't embedded in, such as World of Warcraft, Call of Duty, Crysis, Assassin's Creed, the AmBX software team provide constant updates (currently FOC), allowing these games to work in a hybrid fashion, creating effects that sit somewhere between generic and fully AmBX scripted ones, meaning there is a large amount of AmBX enhanced gameplay available (including popular online games). When using the current Philips AmBX enabled PC Gaming peripherals (or Mad Catz gaming lights) to watch films and music AmBX generates immersive lighting effects when viewing popular media players. These include iTunes, Quick Time, VLC media player, Media Player Classic, and Winamp. Different presets are available: Moderate, Colour, Relaxed and Dynamic.
In October 2008 AmBX UK LTD announced a new application called AmBX Creator which for the first time allows AmBX users to create their own effects and tag them to events on the PC e.g. multicoloured light shows when you get emails.[6] AmBX is being trialled and developed for a variety of diverse applications including wireless alerts for the hard of hearing, possible treatments for seasonally affected depression, jet lag and other media, educational and health care applications. Currently the amBIENT XC controls a single DMX universe, recent trials (2011 and ongoing) have increased this to three, with further improvements likely. In the medium term the technology could output (reflect/mimic) video in enhanced definition.
AmBX technology is now available for the professional and the consumer markets in three formats, PC peripherals, discontinued Philips Kits and Mad Catz Cyborg PC Gaming Lights (January 2011 announcement at CES), AmBX amBIENT XC professional controller box and as a freely downloadable SDK from the AmBX website. amBIENT XC is AmBX's professional lighting control unit (from 2010) that is used for architectural, stage, commercial and events applications and also for high-end AV installations. Mad Catz[7] have incorporated the technology into their latest pro gaming Cyborg brand via AmBX enabled PC gaming lights (launched July 2011) and an AmBX enabled gaming PC keyboard (available 2012). AmBX technology allows multiple hardware installations, i.e. more than one set of lights, the software automatically knows its hardware extensions and controls accordingly, more light sets, more/better immersive effects. Philips produced the first commercially available AmBX enabled consumer equipment in 2007. Available in basic or advanced forms which included LED and speaker units, LED wall washers and fan and rumble devices. The system is addative, new product can be added to an existing set up so old and new product can combine to provide an expanded effect.
| Kit: | Starter | ProGamer | Premium | Extension |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wallwasher & Satellite Lights | Yes | Yes * | Yes * | No |
| Fans | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Rumble Pad | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Speaker System | No | Yes | Yes | No |
The table shows the configuration of the original (discontinued, but still available) Philips gaming kits (large installed user base). These kits come with speakers integrated into each satellite light. Although each wallwasher (rear lights) supports a maximum of two satellite lights, two fans, and one rumble pad, several kits may be used on a single PC to create a larger setup. Wallwashers may be used independently of all other devices, but are required for all AmBX applications via Philips kits.