Mike Ziemkowski of Sherman Oaks, CA, has a love affair with holiday lighting that spans more than 20 years. During the holiday season, Mike used Animated Lighting products to replace his traditionally X10-based lighting system. He tells us it has taken his display to the next level with an impressive show that includes synchronized lights and music.
Q&A with Animated Lighting customer Mike Ziemkowski
 Q: How did you get started with your holiday lighting hobby?
A: I started my holiday lighting hobby and passion 23 years ago in Indiana
after I took over the decorating my father had started for me as a child. My father's display grew over the years and included not only lighting but also large animated figures like a life-size Santa, an 8-foot nutracker, and many other characters. They were made from chicken wire and plywood and animated using vending machine motors.
- Q: Are you still doing a large display every year?
A:My business career created a move to the Los Angeles area, so I left my displays in Indiana and downsized significantly this past year. However, I wanted to continue my holiday lighting hobby in Sherman Oaks.
- Q: How did you find Animated Lighting's products? What do you think of them?
A:I found Animated Lighting through a search on Google. I was looking for an advancement over my previous use of X10 controls. I had some success with them but over time found that X10 was too slow and unreliable when I wanted to synchronize my lighting display to music.
- Q: What are your plans for future displays at your home?
A:I want to add a little more programming and create a more elaborate display. I might make an animated figure of a "Tropical Santa" and give him the "L.A. Look" this year.
Display Statistics
- Hardware and Software: Animated Lighting's Monster Brain and PO-16 Lighting Controllers
- Lights: Countless red, white, green, yellow, and blue mini lights. 10 strobes in the tree.
See the video!
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