diff --git a/blup/output.py b/blup/output.py
index 0cd809a..0aacff6 100644
--- a/blup/output.py
+++ b/blup/output.py
@@ -354,7 +354,8 @@ class BlinkenbuntHDOutput(Output):
 
     @classmethod
     def fromRegexMatch(cls, regexMatch):
-        return cls(brightness=regexMatch.groupdict().get('brightness', 50))
+        b = int(regexMatch.groupdict().get('brightness', 50))
+        return cls(brightness=b)
 
     def sendFrame(self, frame):
         for y in range(self.h):