Since the three LEDs are positioned right next to each other, they do not focus onto a single point, resulting in a color-banding rainbow effect when illuminated, which I personally like but others may not. For example, the purple setting looks continuous from a distance, but looking closer one can see red and blue color stripes, creating slightly juxtaposed shadows.
Here are some videos of the Madlights in action, with an accompanying techno soundtrack. Each is about 2 minutes long and 5MB, so watch yer fat pipe! The lights look much better in real life, as it is difficult to video in low light without a professional camera.
When the lights flicker in the video, the LEDs are actually fading in or out. The color is not as pure as it exists in person, as anyone who has photographed colored lighting will attest. The videos do give a good idea of the different effects that can be achieved, and are still entertaining to watch.
| Video File | File Size | Video Format |
| Case Bottom (Omnibus) | 5,541 KB | Windows Media 9 |
| Head On (Take California) | 5,764 KB | Windows Media 9 |
| Enclosed Case (Enjoy the Silence!) | 5,529 KB | Windows Media 9 |
Conclusion
Everyone likes looking at the dancing holiday lights around Christmas time. They can be mesmerizing, and kids can be seen staring at them for hours, all with a glazed look of wonderment on their faces. This is the reaction that Madlights brings to me, bringing back the sense of awe and fascination that can only be had by staring at computer equipment for hours on end! This is what modding is all about, and this is what Madlights makes possible again.
If I were rating this as a polished consumer-level product, I would definitely take points for feature implementation mentioned earlier. Being that this is a raw hobbyist kit, the main thing that matters is the end result, which greatly depends on the user’s installation.
Madlights brings a unique and innovative lighting solution to the modding market, and is definately recommended with a 9 out of 10 rating. Let’s all give a big hand to Madlights for making this review possible!
Pros
- Computer controlled light show!
- Multiple colors and settings
- Efficient super-bright LEDs
- Velcro mounting
Cons
- High price (but aren’t good mods worth it?)
