Lighting Software
This month, PLSN combed the internet to see just how many different lighting software programs there are out there. We were pleased to find so… Read More »Lighting Software
Arc-Sourced Moving Lights
There are still people declaring the death of the discharge bulb is imminent. But don’t try to tell that to the thousands of buyers still… Read More »Arc-Sourced Moving Lights
Media Servers
Media servers have certainly advanced in the two years since we last covered this category in PLSN’S Buyers Guide. Many now incorporate extra FX for… Read More »Media Servers
LED Pars
Ever since the first LED “Pars” came on the scene a dozen years ago, the “Par” part has been a misnomer. Originally an acronym for… Read More »LED Pars
Lights Made for Camera Use
The lines of lighting fixtures made for use with cameras differs immensely from those made to illuminate live events. These fixtures are more designed to illuminate the actors and their sur-roundings in more natural ways, with limited use of fixtures that would leave shadows. Companies such as Aadyn Tech and BB&S are dedicated to only making these type fixtures, while other large companies such as Philips Strand division make ample numbers of products designed for camera use along with other lighting fixtures designed for the live stage.
Hand Tools
Having the ultimate set of hand tools can make you the most popular tech on a tour. It also means you will constantly be updating your kit with newer models as you replace the tools that were permanently borrowed, as well as all the expendables (screws, rivets, tape) exhausted. PLSN reached out to several online forums to ask what tool was their most indispensable.
White LED Lights
If there is one category that has changed dramatically over the last few years, it would be moving heads with white-light only LED light sources. Three years ago, all the major manufacturers offered at least a pancake LED fixture. With a few notable exceptions — Claypaky has an excellent one — not as many of these particular fixtures are offered these days. So for PLSN’s Buyers Guide this month, we decided to run the gamut, expanding the focus to include all kinds of products with a white light LED light source, ranging from LED tape to spotlights and lights designed for use with a camera.
Chain Hoists and Winches
Whether you are lifting something up or pulling it across a stage, the one constant in all live productions is it has to work every time on command and be able to handle the load. There are many devices made to handle different weights and moving them at certain speeds. Variable speeds are great for moving trusses and scenery quickly. But more often, the user just wants a steady, safe speed when lifting heavy objects. This month we have the best of both worlds, as you choose the best gear for your application.
Strobes
The days of xenon bulbs in strobes is just about over. Diversitronics, the one-time leader in the market, has stopped making fixtures, but they still sell bulbs. Solaris Strobe still offers one, and you may still be able to find a Lightning Strike in a Hollywood shop. The GAM Star Strobe (marketed by Rosco) is now a double-ended xenon flicker, but everyone else is now LED. The Martin Atomic got itself an Aura. The Ayrton MagicBurst is a strobe machine unlike any other. GLP may just be the leader these days with lots of functions — and a strobe with a tilt function. And all these babies are bright. Happy shopping, and be glad you’re just looking a photos and not actual units fired up at 100 percent.
LED Source Hard Edge Spots
It’s only been two years since we last checked in on what fixtures were on the market in this category. We’re back so quickly because… Read More »LED Source Hard Edge Spots
Truss Products
It’s been three years since PLSN has had a Buyers Guide on truss. While many manufacturers seem to make the standard 12-inch and 20.5-inch box… Read More »Truss Products
Data Distribution and Opto-Splitters
One of the most important pieces of gear in the dimmer area has always been a dependable opto splitter, which gets DMX info to every fixture spread over your stage, trade floor or installation. Nowadays there are several types to choose from. They range from simple one-universe in and four 5-pin outs to Swiss Army knife-type models that accept RDM, DMX and Art-Net and can split, merge or spit out streams of info. There are even models that can tell you if your cable has a short, is terminated or is simply unplugged.