MisterKyte yes that is true the heat pit nerves are ultimately connected to the optical tectum this region processes sight. So heat pits are processed as optical information. Newer studies have demonstrated that the cones of Royal pythons are dichromatic sensitive to two colours Yellows and reds (by default that includes orange as well) So red light is seen by both eyes and heat pits as deep red in the beginning of IR light. All things that get hot produce IR.
Noz yes they see IR lights quite well both with the eyes and with the heat pits as well. The recent studies have shown they have very poor response to deep blue (uv) and it is guessed that they have no practical function in this end of the spectrum. This is different from other pythons (carpets) that actually have good UV vision and things like garter snakes that also do as well it is guessed this is used to track scent trails left by prey items. Many reptiles see exceptionally well in UV end of the spectrum and poorly on the red end. This I believe is where the belief that pythons do not see red comes from. This is completely false as it is common knowledge they hunt by IR and IR and red over over lapping. If they see one they see the other.
I use deep blue as this is not so visually tuned. It is clear that heat sensing snakes are 'tuned' to react to the IR end of the spectrum. All lights emit heat this is generally how lights work by heating gas or metal and causing it to glow with human range spectrum. Blue lights as well, I use LED so if the see the blue light is doubtful but they would clearly see the electrical components that become warm in between the LED units. Pythons seem to adapt to various lighting and heating methods we employ so in the end it likely makes little to no difference.