The concert and touring market can be a very demanding environment for lighting systems. Fixtures need to be built to withstand the rigours of a busy schedule, with often limited production time to rig and de-rig the lighting system around a show, and this process being repeated sometimes on a daily basis for a tour.
The demands on theatrical lighting are as diverse as the productions. Large musical shows are often more similar in style to rock concerts, some strive to re-create true to life situations whilst others use lighting to suggest only. LED fixtures can have a place in all of these styles of theatrical production.
The technical demands required for LED film and television lighting are substantial. The high quality of light required for close up shots must emulate full spectrum (CRI) lighting at various colour temperatures. Also, the specific nature of how the film and video cameras collect their images can cause LED fixtures to create visible pulsing and flickering unless addressed by the LED fixture manufacturer.
Sometimes lighting is needed to bring the right atmosphere and dramatic feel to a particular scene of a museum display or exhibition. Effects lighting can be used to give static displays a theatrical feel and enhance their scenery. Timed lighting sequences and strong colour can also help reveal information and enhance a display.
In the late-night clubs, bars and restaurants sector, effects lighting is widely used to create the right ambience, mood and look for a venue. In nightclubs, the lighting often employs fast colour-changes and strobing effects, whereas in bars and restaurants more static, subtle lighting is used.
Corporate and hospitality events can range from simple architectural lighting to incorporating a performance element requiring effects lighting. In addition, the lighting fixtures' ability to accurately reproduce the client's corporate brand colours is very important.
Recently, amateur productions have grown in technical expertise and quality, particularly in the US worship sector. The entertainment lighting used in worship productions is now cutting edge and rivals many high end professional shows.
Lighting is often employed for general illumination or feature lighting key interior and exterior aspects of landmarks and heritage sites. Fixtures permanently installed for exterior lighting need to be rated to IP65 or higher. With the emphasis placed on highlighting details, products need to offer precise beam control and adjustment, quality optics, high light output and a smooth, uniform wash.
Lighting is a very important element used to create the right mood and look for retail and leisure applications, and which provides the best possible presentation of the products or services in question. Accurate colour rendition (CRI), a broad colour palette, powerful light output and smooth, uniform wash are all important aspects of the lighting.
