VCS 2024 Advanced FPP Plugins, Dan Kulp

Dan Kulp's session focuses on FPP (Falcon Player) plugins and scripts for advanced functionality. Key points include:

1. **FPP Overview**: Dan has been working with xLights and FPP for over a decade. He helps develop releases, including Mac ports and FPP.

2. **Plugins and Scripts**: FPP allows for extending its core functionality via plugins and scripts. While FPP is a powerful show player, plugins add extra features for those with unique needs.

3. **Scripts**: Scripts are a traditional method for extending FPP functionality, allowing users to trigger actions or add custom behavior. These can be written in languages like Python, PHP, or Bash.

4. **Plugins**: Plugins offer more robust extensions, with the ability to add user interfaces, commands, and more. There are currently about 50 plugins available, covering a variety of needs such as projector control, brightness adjustment, and interaction tools like MIDI and OSC (Open Sound Control).

5. **Popular Plugins**:
**Brightness Plugin**: Adjusts light brightness dynamically.
**Matrix Tools**: Helps visualize and test matrix layouts.
**Big Buttons**: Allows users to create custom button interfaces to trigger commands.
**Arcade Plugin**: Adds games to your display with interactive controls.
**Home Assistant**: Integrates FPP with home automation.

6. **FPP 8 Updates**: Newer plugins are tested for compatibility with FPP 8, and Dan explains how to install, configure, and manage plugins through FPP's Plugin Manager.

7. **Interactive Features**: Plugins such as MIDI and OSC enhance display interactivity, allowing users to control lights via keyboards, MIDI devices, or touch interfaces.

Dan also advises using high-quality SD cards for optimal performance and encourages users to explore FPP’s plugin repository for additional features.