Gilbert Engineering builds capable custom xLights props and has earned a respected reputation in the community. The trade-offs to know about: lead times can run weeks long during peak season (the months you actually need props for the upcoming display year), per-prop and shipping costs are higher, and they ship from Arizona.

HolidayCoro takes a production-run approach: we stock the largest catalog of pre-designed pixel props in the US, ship from Texas same or next business day, and price props and shipping below what custom-shop vendors typically charge. xLights models for HolidayCoro props are free downloads from holidaycoro.com/models, in addition to being available directly inside xLights for Gilbert props (downloadable from xLights' built-in Vendor Models browser).

Production-run props ship today

If you order Gilbert custom props in September, your delivery may slip to October or later as their queue stacks up. HolidayCoro production-run props are on the shelf - order today, ship today or tomorrow.

Lower per-prop and lower shipping cost

Production runs amortize tooling and material costs across many units, which Gilbert's custom-build model cannot. Combined with shipping from Texas vs Arizona, your total landed cost on a multi-prop order is meaningfully lower.

xLights models are free and easy

Gilbert Engineering xLights models are accessible directly from inside xLights through the Vendor Models browser - convenient, but specific to props you have purchased. HolidayCoro xLights models are free downloads at holidaycoro.com/models and Boscoyo Studio props use a similar download model. All approaches work; ours is one click from any browser.

Direct phone support during install

Gilbert Engineering support is mostly email. HolidayCoro has a phone line staffed during business hours plus paid priority support tiers. When you are in the middle of an install and need to confirm a pixel count or wiring detail, real-time phone support saves hours.

Custom work available if you need it

We do offer custom pixel prop and controller design services for customers with specific shape or layout requirements. For standard shapes (singing faces, snowflakes, trees, flags, candy canes, arches), the production catalog is faster and cheaper than custom.

What you get with every HolidayCoro controller

• 99%+ same / next business day shipping with overnight options available - no waiting on production runs
• Fully customizable controllers - choose CPU (AlphaPix Evolution / HinksPix), power output, voltage, SPI output count, long-range receiver ports, and warranty term, all built and shipped same or next business day
• Santa's Workshop Live Tracker - real-time visibility into every step of your custom controller or prop build so you know exactly when it ships
• 30-day standard warranty included with affordable 1-year and 3-year extended options that cover both inbound and outbound shipping for warranty service
• xLights auto-configuration - one-click controller configuration in the free xLights software
• Free xLights models downloadable for every prop and controller at www.holidaycoro.com/models
• US-based direct support via phone, email, paid premium tiers, and a free Facebook community group
• Industry-standard protocols - E1.31 (sACN), Art-Net, DDP, and DMX so you are never locked into proprietary hardware

Frequently Asked Questions

Are production-run props lower quality than custom?

Different, not lower. Production-run props use consistent materials (10mm or 4.5mm Coro plastic, standardized pixel spacing, tested pixel counts) with proven designs. Custom props can be built to exotic specs but at the cost of longer lead times and higher per-unit cost.

Can HolidayCoro do custom work if I need a specific shape?

Yes. We offer custom pixel prop and controller design services. For standard shapes - singing faces, mega tree toppers, snowflakes, candy canes, arches, flags, peace signs, alien props - the production catalog is faster and substantially cheaper.

How does the xLights model workflow compare?

Gilbert Engineering xLights models are integrated into the xLights Vendor Models browser - convenient inside the software. HolidayCoro xLights models live at holidaycoro.com/models as direct file downloads. Both approaches put a working model in your xLights layout in under a minute. The difference is mostly preference.

What about peak-season urgency?

This is where the gap is largest. Gilbert lead times stretch during peak season because each prop is built to order in their queue. HolidayCoro ships from existing inventory - same or next business day, year-round. If you discover a missing prop in late September, the math is straightforward.