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For over a decade color changers have been available to a wide range of
entertainment and amusement facilities such as concerts, theatres, studios,
night clubs and theme parks. Recently however, their use has dramatically
increased.
A color changer is a device which changes the color of light emitted from a
fixture. There are many different types of color changers i.e. gel scrollers,
liquid crystal and dichroic. We will focus on the dichroic type. These units are
becoming the most widely used and are very practical for broad-based
applications.
ARTICULIGHT offers a wide range of advanced, high performance color changers, to
suit the most widely differing requirements. ARTICULIGHT color changers
incorporate intelligent lighting technology with programming and remote control
functions. All ARTICULIGHT color changers share a set of extremely interesting
basic features that are frequently lacking on less innovative units.
The color changers in this range produce ultra pure, vivid, stable color thanks
to the use of top quality, high light output dichroic filters. These filters are
carefully selected to ensure that when a number of units are used together, they
all produce exactly the same color. Conventional color filters work by
absorption, holding back the unwanted colors in the spectrum. Dichrioc color
filters work by reflection reflecting away the unwanted colors. Dichroic filters
do not absorb incident light, therefore there are no heat build-up and burn-out
problems. Dichroics will not fade or have color shift during the life of the
filter. Dichroics yield high transmissions, up to 70% more efficiency for more
intense and brighter colors even with dark or deeply saturated color. The
dichroic filtration system is extremely resistant to heat - withstands thermal
load up to 350°C - and humidity and resists abrasion and thermal shock.
Most of ARTICULIGHT color changers utilize the CYM (Cyan, Yellow, Magenta)
subtractive dichroic color mixing system resulting in the generation of infinite
colors and shades.
ARTICULIGHT color changers use HID (metal halide) or halogen light sources and
power ratings vary according to the model. The luminous efficiency of the lamps
themselves is significantly boosted by the innovative optical systems. Such is
the efficiency of our color changers that a number of conventional color
changers are needed to produce the same light as just on ARTICULIGHT color
changer. The special optical system also ensures the perfectly uniform light
projection without bright spots and halos that is quite indispensable in
professional applications.
ARTICULIGHT color changers also have a surprisingly long list of extra features.
On top of the basic functions now found in all professional color changers,
ARTICULIGHT offers the lighting designer a wide range of new effects which
greatly increase their potential to handle multiple applications.
The actual
features, which vary from model to model, include:
Gradual transition of colors (crossfade)
0 to 100% linear mechanical dimmer
0 to 100% electronic dimmer
instantly switchable shutter
gobos
rainbow effect
variable frequency strobe effect
wide range of accessories such as Barndoors, Lenses, Mirrors
All functions are electronically controlled, permitting both remote control and
programming. All ARTICULIGHT color changers accept the lighting industry
standard DMX512 digital communication protocol. Most ARTICULIGHT color changers
come with all of the following control options as standard.
1. Stand Alone which can operate either with or without a remote controller.
Preset programs make it easy to plug and play.
2. Master/Slave (full synchronization) which can operate with or without a
remote controller. Preset programs make it easy to plug and play.
3. Remote control provides for more creativity and flexibility.
ARTICULIGHT color changers are highly functional and represent many cost
benefits. Thanks to the high power of the light beam, fewer ARTICULIGHT color
changers are needed for any application than conventional color changers.
Dichroic filters give better colors and better light output than gel filters and
color scrollers. Colors are stable in time and dichroics do not need periodic
replacement. Low running costs are resulted because of the HID lamps which last
up to 10,000 hours (far longer than the lamps used in alternative color
changers), power factor correction reducing energy consumption, lower wattage
yet higher light output and high and consistent color temperature svaes on
electricity bills. Improvements in HID (metal halide) lamp technology also
result in cooler running fixtures which reduces air conditioning consumption and
running costs. Additional functions such as built-in dimmer or built-in strobe
effect often make separate units unnecessary. More modern design means better
efficiency and lower costs. Output is impressive both in intensity and coverage
making it possible to use less projectors without sacrificing anything. Color
changers are totally seamless and repeatable die to the unique design and
arrangement of the dichroic color filters and the silky smooth movement which
are the result of an extremely brilliant, well integrated electronic, optical
and mechanical design.
ARTICULIGHT color changers are manufactured from high quality components and are
quality assembled by highly trained technicians, offering both mechanical
robustness and long term durability. ARTICULIGHT color changers are designed for
outdoor/indoor applications and IP ratings range from 20 to 65 and are CE
approved.
ARTICULIGHT color changers provide many technical and creative solutions. They
are very reliable. The volume of noise they produce is minimal or virtually
non-existent. They are fast. They are highly lightweight and very compact making
them perfect for portable as well as places where space is limited. Power
consumption is negligible. Their various features make them extremely versatile
offering the lighting designer a highly powerful tool.
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