A flash is not a twinkle

[Chrys2017]

First world problem alert.

Every Christmas I promise myself that I'm going to find some 'twinkling' lights for my tree. Every year I buy a new set of so-advertised lights and every bloody time I end up with another set of bloody flashing lights, not twinkling lights!

Does anyone even understand what I'm talking about, and AIBU to consider this false advertising!?

[FastWindow]

Is there a black box with 7 settings?

[Chrys2017]

Yes, there is always a box with different settings, one of which is always supposed to be a 'twinkle' but it never is!

[Chrys2017]

Here is an example of something that is advertised as twinkling lights, but to me those are clearly flashing lights...

[CheapSausagesAndSpam]

I think that video shows twinkling lights OP.

Just get static ones and blink every now and then.

[FastWindow]

Seem twinkly to me. Can you not select the slow dimmer version? That's quite gentle?

[PerspicaciaTick]

The lights in the video are flashing too fast to be a true twinkle. Twinkling is slower and the transitions need to be gentler (dimming up and down rather than flashing on and off).

[Thishatisnotmine]

Yes I know what you mean. I've seen twinkling, they exist but not in the lights I bought! I think garden centres with Christmas sections often have them all on display so you can really check. But then you have to pay garden centre Christmas prices!

[ForagingForFaerieGold]

I know exactly what you mean. I was having this same conversation with DH a few days ago. They ALL look like bloody disco lights. I've given up.

[Chrys2017]

Any place I've gone where the lights are on display (garden centre, department store, etc) never has proper twinkling lights.

I took to ordering them on the internet and checking ahead of time whether the lights would actually twinkle. The answer was always 'yes'; the reality was always 'no'. They blink, they flash, they don't twinkle...

[Chrys2017]

I think I may have discovered the explanation on another forum. It was all a bit technical but something to do with new regulations not allowing the "old skool" twinkling lights to be sold any more. I couldn't pretend to understand the conversation — something about it requiring alternating wattages on select bulbs that is apparently no longer allowed.
Bah humbug!

[PerspicaciaTick]

But if LED tealights can do a decent flickery twinkle, why can't Christmas lights?

[Chrys2017]

PerspicaciaTick Can they? I'm not sure what kind of lights you're referring to.
I found these but again, they are too 'blinky' rather than twinkly.

[PerspicaciaTick]

I was thinking of this sort of thing
www.amazon.co.uk/Flickering-Flame-Real-Candles-Cream/dp/B00P2LECVA?tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21

[Chrys2017]

Oh yes. I know what you mean. I actually had some of those once but didn't like the look of the 'wax' part so gave them away for Halloween pumpkins. But yes they might be better for a Christmas tree. Not exactly what I meant but better than disco lights! Thanks.