2009年3月27日星期五

2009年3月13日星期五

effects


Types of stage lighting equipment

1.) PLANO CONVEX SPOTLIGHT
DESCRIPTION The PLANO-CONVEX (or PC) spotlight is the earliest form of theatre spotlight, to use a lens. It consists of a simple 'box' housing containing a lamp and reflector behind a plano-convex lens. Modern units range from 300 to 2000 watts. Lens diameters include 5", 6" and 8" wide. Beam spreads typically are variable from approximately 10 to 65 degrees in a single fixture.
This fixture provides a circular beam pattern with a sharply defined 'hard' outer edge. Unfortunately, the field of light, (distribution of light across the beam) is often quite uneven. Further, optical aberrations in the form of rainbow effects, are often seen at the edges of the beam.
The lamp and reflector are mounted together, and move forward or backwards, in relationship to the lens. As they move closer to the lens, the beam expands in size. As they move away from the lens, the beam becomes narrower
APPLICATIONS Plano-convex spotlights are useful in providing ACTING AREA lighting and localized lighting to specific areas of the stage. They have no beam controls (shutters, iris, barndoors) available.

2.)ELLIPSOIDAL REFLECTOR SPOTLIGHT
DESCRIPTION The ELLIPSOIDAL REFLECTOR spotlight, (sometimes known as the LEKO or LEKOLITE) is a common fixture for many stage lighting applications. The 'ER' as it is sometimes called is available from many different manufacturers and is available in a number of different sizes and beam spreads.
APPLICATIONS The ER spotlight provides a narrow, directional beam with a hard edge. It is able to provide a sharp focus of integral metal shutters, an iris or a metal projection template. The ability to project a metal etched pattern (template or gobo), makes this fixture particularly useful to the stage lighting designer
TYPES Modern ER spotlights have beam spreads of 5 to 50 degrees and are available in wattages of 500 - 2000 watts.
They are available in both fixed focal length and variable focal length (zoom) models. Standard focal lengths include 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 degrees, and many others in between. Generally, the adjustable focal length units are less efficient, heavier and more expensive than their fixed focal length counterparts. Some modern 'zoom' ER's however do perform very well and may indeed be the choice over comparable fixed focal length units.

3.)FRESNEL SPOTLIGHT
The FRESNEL SPOTLIGHT, (pronounced: 'fren-el') provides adjustable beam spreads, from SPOT to FLOOD, (about 15-70 deg.) all in one fixture. This fixture produces a directional beam with a very soft edge (only). Fresnels are used as an efficient means of providing ACTING AREA or COLOR WASH lighting.
Fresnels are considerably less expensive than comparable ellipsoidal reflector fixtures, however, they do not have the ability to project a pattern or produce a sharp beam cut-off edge, as does an ellipsoidal fixture. Fresnels are very similar in size and construction to their counterparts, the plano-convex spotlights, the only significant difference is one uses a fresnel lens, the other a PC lens.
A fresnel lens is easy to recognize from a series of concentric rings on it's surface. In addition, most fresnel lenses have a 'stipple' etched on the back side, to further soften the beam. The higher the wattage of the fixture, the heavier the fixture weight will be, due to the larger housing and lens diameter required to withstand the extra heat generated by the lamp.
APPLICATIONS
Fresnels are particularly useful in providing COLOR WASHES to acting areas or scenery. Typically, 27 fresnels might be arranged above the stage to illuminate 9 areas (with 3 fixtures each). Each area is said to have a 3 COLOR WASH. With dimmer control, and colored filters, it is possible to mix many different color combinations to each areaFresnel fixtures tend to 'flare' more than do ellipsoidal fixtures and as a result they are usually used with a barn door accessory, to help control unnecessary 'spill' light.
TYPES
Fresnels are generally available in wattages of 150 to 5000 watts, and come in lens diameters of 3, 6, 8, 10 and 12". The units most often used for the stage, include the 6" 1000 watt and the 8" 2000 watt fresnel.
4.)PAR64 SPOTLIGHT
DESCRIPTION
The PAR64 SPOTLIGHT (Parabolic Aluminized Reflector) fixtures, consist of a sealed beam lamp (like an automotive headlight), in a simple metal housing. PAR fixtures are highly efficient as the; reflector, filament and lens are all optically aligned and sealed into the lamp at the factory. The beam spread of PAR fixtures is determined by the design of the lamp, not by the design of the fixture.

PAR LAMPS are available in a number of different diameters and wattages. Typically PAR64 (1000 watt) lamps are used for stage and studio lighting applications. Smaller PAR lamps are used for display and architectural applications, and include the PAR56 and the PAR38.
APPLICATIONS
Where flare and a very soft beam edge is not a problem, these fixtures are particularly useful for ACTING AREA and WASH LIGHTING. They are also usually the fixture of choice for COLOR WASH and BACK LIGHTING for entertainment productions, again, where flare and spill are not a problem
TYPES
The most common PAR fixture used in the theatre industry is the PAR64-1K (1000 watts). The fixture is generally available in both steel and aluminum. Both black and chrome versions are available. The color frame for a PAR64 fixture is usually 10" x 10".
This fixture uses the PAR64 lamp. This lamp has an 8" diameter lens and comes in four different standard beam spreads, and several different voltages. This 1000 watt lamp is extremely efficient at producing light - more so than an equivalent 1000 watt ellipsoidal or fresnel fixture. The PAR64 has is the only spotlight that has an oval (not round) beam pattern. The PAR64 has a very soft beam edge and a high degree of beam 'flare' making it totally unsuitable for many lighting applications and very well suited to others.

5.) BEAM PROJECTOR SPOTLIGHT
DESCRIPTION
The BEAM PROJECTOR (or BEAM LIGHT), is similar to a fresnel fixture, without a lens. A typical Beam Light produces a very narrow intense beam of light with a very soft edge.
Beam lights range in wattage from 500 to 2000 watts and they typically have an open circular front (10-24" in dia.). They uses a parabolic reflector to provide a near parallel beam of light. In this respect, the beam light is not really a spotlight, instead, it is more of a searchlight
APPLICATIONS
Where a near parallel, intense beam of light is need, the beam projector is the fixture of choice. Designers find this fixture useful to simulate sunlight, moonlight and to provide strong motivated beams of light. The edge of the beam light is generally round, but has a very soft edge.
Beam lights are also sometimes used as follow spots, due to their tight, near parallel beams. They can be excellent for this application and sometimes are mounted directly behind the prosecenium arch in a 'perch' or 'tormentor'position.

6.) FOLLOWSPOT SPOTLIGHT
DESCRIPTION

The FOLLOW SPOT is simply a narrow spotlight, used to 'follow' or to spotlight a performer on a stage. The follow spot usually consists of a 'movable', high power fixture mounted on a stand, with an attendant operator. Typical mounting distances range from 25 to 250 feet.Modern followspot fixtures, usually consist of a cylindrical housing, 4-6 feet in length, mounted on a telescopic stand with castered legs. They are usually fitted with a manual iris and a color filter changer. Usually a followspot is designed to provide a 'hard' beam edge. Controls often exist, to 'soften' the beam edge, when required.
APPLICATIONS
Designers typically use the followspot fixture to provide HIGHLIGHTS to a performer or a group of performers. Modern musicals, operas, and other large productions, may frequently use from 2 to 12 followspots or more.
Followspots are traditionally mounted 'as high as possible' at the rear of an auditorium, so as to 'front light' the actors. Followspots are also gaining increased use in a 'bridge' position, above the stage, providing a steep' front, back or side light to the performer.
TYPES
Today, follow spotlights are available that use either incandescent or HID (discharge) type of lamps. They are manufactured for; short, medium and long throw applications and usually are mounted on stands. Various arc lamps used include: CIS, HID and Xenon. They come with color changers and usually have an iris and sometimes a dowser. Beam spreads are very narrow and typically range from approximately 1 to 10 degrees. Followspots range in size from the small 600 watt model suitable for community theatre to the giant 2500 watt "Strong Super Trouper" used in large arena events.
6.) FLOODLIGHTS
DESCRIPTION
FLOODLIGHT fixtures, (Scoops and Box Floods) are the simplest of all stage lighting fixtures, consisting simply of an enclosed light source in a box with one open side. Floods are designed to provide a wide, even distribution of light, over a large area. Typical beam spreads range from 70-150 degrees. Most units come with a fixed 'beam spread' however a few units are adjustable between 'flood' and 'wide flood'. Typical wattages range from 500 to 1500 watts. Floodlights do not use lenses, however some may have a clear protective safety glass. The 'scoop' is really just a streamlined box flood, usually with similar lighting characteristics.
THE BOX FLOOD
The single unit box flood has been a standard stage lighting fixture for many 100's of years and was probably the first actual stage lighting fixture. First using oil or candles, then gas and now the electric filament lamp, this simple flood light is still the most basic of all lighting instruments. The design of the box floodlight has changed little over the years however, the modern box flood now uses an internal reflector, for greater efficiency.
APPLICATIONS
Floodlight fixtures are particularly well suited for lighting backdrops and sky cloths. Typically, a continuous row of floodlights is arranged above and parallel to the backdrop, at a distance of 3-10 feet away. For additional interest and impact, a row of fixtures may be also used to 'bottom light' the drop, from the floor.
Floodlights are also sometimes used for the lighting of scenery or to provide large area WASHES. Less often they are used for toning and blending. Floodlights are typically used in every theatre as 'work lights'.
TYPES
Individual fixtures are commonly available in both SCOOP (round, open front) and BOX FLOOD (square or rectangular, open front) designs. Few manufacturers now make the scoop, preferring to offer the more sophisticated box flood instead.

The BOX FLOOD is available, either as a single unit, or as a 'ganged', or multiple unit of 2, 3 or 4 compartments, usually connected, end to end. This type of fixture is used to provide a 1-4 color wash to backdrops and large areas of scenery.

Box Flood fixtures are available with either a SYMMETRICAL or ASYMMETRICAL reflector design. The SYMMETRICAL type, (standard) provides regular square law illumination. That is, if the fixture is placed on the floor at a distance of 4', from a backdrop, the bottom of the drop will be much 'brighter than the top, (say 25 feet away). A fixture with an ASYMMETRICAL reflector, will 'push' more light to the top of the drop, and provide less to the bottom. The visual result being, more even overall illumination. The fixture type and mounting distance must be carefully selected, to provided the required distribution of light and visual effect.

SPOTLIGHT FIXTURES &FLOODLIGHT FIXTURES

SPOTLIGHT FIXTURES

Spotlight fixtures include the PLANO CONVEX, ELLIPSOIDAL REFLECTOR, FRESNEL, PAR LAMP, BEAM PROJECTOR and FOLLOWSPOT. These fixtures are used to provide a narrow and controlled beam of localized light, to the stage. All spotlight fixtures have one or more lenses and are generally available in beam spreads of approximately 5 to 70 degrees.

Designers use spotlight fixtures for AREA and WASH lighting applications, at distances of 15-150 ft. Designers will often provide a series of 'tight', circular pools of light, to each acting area, approximately, 8' to 20' wide (depending on the application). A single acting area will usually consists of 1 to 6 fixtures positioned as; front, back, side or down lights.

FLOODLIGHT FIXTURES

Floodlight fixtures include; SCOOPS, BOX FLOODS and STRIPLIGHTS. These fixtures provide a WIDE distribution of light over a broad area and are primarily used to light backdrops and scenery at close distances of from 3 to 25 feet. Almost all floodlight fixtures are lensless. The exceptions are flood PAR/R lamps that have either spread lenses or diffusion applied to the bulb. Floodlight fixtures generally have fixed beam spreads of 70-150 degrees.

Stage Lighting Fixtures

Luminaires designed for stage, television and film lighting applications fall into two (2) main categories; SPOTLIGHTS and FLOODLIGHTS. A third specialized category includes PROJECTORS and special lighting effects. Fixtures are typically designed to be mounted from overhead pipes, from vertical pipes or from floor stands. In this respect all fixtures incorporate a mounting yoke and usually a pipe ('C') clamp. The yoke and clamp allow the fixture to pan, tilt or rotate into any position and then securely lock in place. All types are fitted with color frame clips to accept a square metal (or cardboard) 'color frame'. The color frame clips often accept other accessories including, barn doors, top hats, donuts and color wheels.

Stage lighting fixtures range in wattage from about 300 watts to over 10,000 watts in size and capacity. Common fixtures used for stage, film and television have wattages of 300, 500, 575, 600, 750, 1000, 1200, 1500, 2000, 5000, and 10,000 watts. The wattage required depends on the amount of light needed at a specific distance and the particular characteristics of the fixture itself. Needless to say, the larger the wattage, usually the larger the fixture. In the display lighting field for example, miniature fixtures may range from 50 to 300 watts. Fixtures used for theatre lighting usually range from 500 to 2000 watts, and television and film lighting frequently employs fixtures of 1000 to 10,000 watts (or more).

Most modern stage lighting fixtures still use incandescent (or electric filament) lamps, in order to provide a completely 'dimmable' source. Specifically it is the tungsten halogen lamp that is used almost exclusively for stage lighting applications. This type of lamp actually has a 'self cleaning' cycle whereby the tungsten that normally blackens the outer glass bulb is redeposited back onto the filament, resulting in a more consistent light output over the life of the lamp.

Stage lighting luminaires (and lamps) are available for either 120 volt, or 240 volt lamps operation from about 12 major manufacturers, world wide. The incandescent lamp however is largely inefficient, using most of its energy to produce heat, not light. New more efficient lamp sources are slowly being introduced to stage lighting, using discharge and other lamp technology, however inherent dimming and re-strike problems still exist with these sources.

HID and fluorescent lamps, although seldom used for theatre lighting applications, are now commonly being used for film and television lighting. These sources are much more efficient than the electric filament lamp and produce much higher 'lumen per watt' outputs. The use of HID and other ARC LAMPS for stage lighting however is slowly starting to develop. New automated luminaires of the future will use sophisticated new sources and will be capable of producing any color or pattern, upon demand (software based). Many of today's automated lighting fixtures do use arc lamp capable of excellent dimming through mechanical means. (Most fixtures are still quite noisy due to lamp cooling requirements).

2009年2月18日星期三

about LD2000

PANGOLIN LASER SYSTEMS - LASER LIGHT SHOW SOFTWARE

Pangolin LD2000 Professional Laser Software
There are three versions of Pangolin Lasershow Designer 2000. Each includes a QM2000 hardware board, a 50-page illustrated manual, and an Installation CD with programs, help files, clipart frames, free shows and even royalty-free music.

Here are brief descriptions of the three Pangolin Lasershow Designer levels:
LD2000 Professional is the top version, for those doing laser shows full-time. It includes all features, including the ability to create 3D objects. When making a show, you can have up to 32 objects (tracks) simultaneously. A Pangolin Lasershow Designer LD2000 Pro system can create a show for a total of 32 projectors, in the same computer or over an Ethernet network.

LD2000 Basic is mid-level. You can make flat, 2D drawings but not 3D objects. The abstract generator has two oscillators, instead of Pro's three. When making a show, there are 16 tracks available. A Pangolin Lasershow Designer LD2000 Basic can create a show for a total of two projectors, or it can playback shows with up to 32 projectors in the same computer or over an Ethernet network.

LD2000 Intro is the lowest-cost, yet it still has a lot of power. You can create frames and shows with Intro. However, the frames will be flat (2D), the Abstract Generator has only one oscillator. When making a show, you can only work with 3 tracks, and there are fewer effects such as morphing. Still, for many simple uses, Intro is more than capable of doing high-quality shows. A Pangolin Lasershow Designer LD2000 Intro system can create a show for one projector, but it can still playback shows created with LD2000 Basic or Professional with up to 20 projectors. Intro systems are often used as "slaves" for Pro or Basic systems running multiple scanner heads. Intro systems also are ideal for playback-only applications, since they can play back any show created on any version: Pro, Basic or Intro.

Differences between Pangolin Lasershow Designer Pro, Basic and Intro
All three versions can playback any LD2000 show, with full effects. This means that even LD2000 Intro can play an LD2000 Pro show, with all of its advanced features. Thus, if you just want to play back shows, your best buy is LD2000 Intro.
Not only can you play back shows, but you can edit them. For example, you could replace the show's logo with your own. However, you can only use the editing features available in the particular program. This means that in Intro, you can edit just the first three tracks of a show. In Intro and Basic, you can edit a frame's X and Y coordinates, but not the Z coordinates (since these programs are 2D only). So if you need extensive editing of a show, consider Pro or Basic instead of Intro.
All three versions act as "slaves" for each other, in a multi-scanner projector. For example, you can put a Pro and Intro into a computer; the Intro will act as a slave to the Pro (including all Pro tracks and features) so you can run a two-scanner-head show.

Pangolin Lasershow Designer LD2000 Professional
Features: 32 Track Animated 3D graphics, 3 OSC banks, 3d and 2D tools, Warping and mapping, Fans, Beams, Digital Lissajous, and Multi-font Text, ILDA export.

Pangolin Lasershow Designer LD2000 Basic
Graphics Software & DAC Board.
Features: 16 Track Animated 2D graphics, 2 OSC banks, Fans, Beams, Digital Lissajous, and Multi-font Text.

Pangolin Lasershow Designer LD2000 Intro
Graphics Software & DAC Board.
Features: 3 Track Animated 2D graphics, 1 OSC bank, Fans, Beams, Digital Lissajous, and Multi-font Text.

Other Options
We offer a BOOK SIZE computer fro use with this software.
Contact us for additional Pangolin products.

2009年2月7日星期六

style of lighting

Ambient Lighting
Ambient lighting is important in any space, meant to provide overall lighting coverage to a level that allows good human visibility. This type of lighting will generally be mounted on the exterior sides of your home, on light poles or out building structures and keeps you from, for instance, tripping over shrubberies when you go outdoors after dark!
Down Lighting
This light source is placed above any object or area desirable to enhance, such that a flood of light will be cast down onto the object or area. Normally, down lighting is intended to highlight a feature such as a sculpture, fountain or other outdoor decoration. It is also used for security purposes.
Up Lighting & Shadow Lighting
Up lights are used to highlight objects from below and are usually installed at ground level. Shadow lighting is used in front and below a plant or tree to cast dramatic patterns of light and shadow on a nearby wall.
Diffused Lighting
Creates a low intensity light level to highlight plants, shrubbery, or flower beds. It is diffused in order to spread light across a wide area.
Spot Lighting
Spot lights provide a beam of light to highlight and enhance a specific area or decorative element in the landscaping. Spot lighting is also very useful to enhance ambient light levels in areas like decks or stairs for better night time vision.
Moon Lighting
Like down lighting, moon lighting simply places the light source at an extremely high level, often in a tree or roof gable, to simulate the effect of moonlight shining down on your landscaping.
Lighting technology has also improved greatly in recent years. You can now get LED or solar lights that help to save energy, as well as intricate exterior lighting timers and dimmers to set your outdoor lighting levels for various settings and purposes; a setting for parties, one for romantic mood lighting, etc.
We have detailed a few examples of the outdoor lighting types and models you may want to explore further:
Exterior Metallic Wall Sconces
Mounted on exterior walls, these fixtures are available in a variety of materials such as aluminum, brass, copper and stainless steel. These will provide nice overall ambient lighting and, unlike some fixtures, can provide a nice decorative look to your home’s exterior during daylight too!
Outdoor Wall Lanterns
Typically used near a home’s exterior doors, these fixtures put the light on the ground beneath them and not wastefully up into the night sky or your neighbor’s yard. Available in a wide variety of designs, styles and finishes, you can spend a little or a lot depending on the overall quality, design and materials used.
LED Lighting
Recently, the use of LED technology outdoors has become popular and allows for low maintenance, with average lifespan of between 50,000 and 100,000 hours. LED lights use very little energy compared to their light output, which makes them quite economical. LED is also a very cool light source.
Low Voltage Landscape Lighting
Low voltage lighting fixtures are used to illuminate landscaping features, pathways and other areas that need diffused illumination. This will accentuate your landscape design for outdoor enjoyment and visually extend your home’s interior space at night.
Post Mount Lighting
If you really want to go all out with your exterior lighting design, these will give your yard or garden the feel of a city park and provide excellent ambient and down lighting.
Outdoor Hanging Light
Perfect for use in porches, gazebos and other outdoor covered spaced, hanging lamps add excellent ambient lighting to these commonly used gathering areas.
Motion Detectors
Excellent for security purposes and also improved energy efficiency in areas like driveways, a motion detector enables outdoor lighting fixtures to remain off until motion is sensed in the area the light covers.