Cyberlight LED

It’s baaaaaaaack!

I see in a few places they claim this is a retrofit for existing Cyberlights. But they appear to be using that word in place of replacement, and that is annoying.

Seems like just a question of scope/mindset: they're talking about the fixture as one component an installed system while you're thinking about individual fixtures.

Something like the S4WRD makes sense because there might be at least a million conventional S4 fixtures that could benefit from an LED retrofit. With older arc movers, there's a much smaller quantity to start with, and an even smaller quantity where the rest of the (very complex) fixture is in good enough condition to be worth dumping money into a retrofit. Add in the likely optical compromises, and there's just no practical market for that type of product.

So you agree with me. Using the word "retrofit" makes it sound like I can gut my existing Cyber and replace it with the engine of this new light. Where in reality they are saying that they have a new light that is a new generation of what I have and look at all the cool things it can do.

I think you're both right

It's a little ambiguous if going by words alone, but the rest of the info makes it pretty clear that they're talking about a whole new fixture and the "retrofit" describes it as part of a system.

Anyway, language aside, I like it. I've always had a fondness for moving mirror fixtures, so it's nice to see something new in that category that's not just a DJ toy.

Do you think the scanner market is large enough to warrant ETC developing this product?

Maybe?

The only benefit I see in a scanner vs mover is movement speed and possibly less space needed per fixture, so more per truss?

Not sure I would invest in them myself but...

Who is going to retrofit a Cyberlight ?, Who still has any around ?. I question any cost benefit and in general do not want a fixture (anymore) with a limited beam range. Dunno, maybe High End had a warehouse filled with un-sold fixtures.

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It's a completely new design with a plastic body instead of extruded metal and similar specs to the original. The product video specifically calls out themed entertainment and installs, so those must be the driving markets, not us theater and concert folks.

I think the idea of scanners is still very interesting, and there are some effects that they will always be better for, but I have doubts that I'll be working with them much if ever.

My big issue with the use of the term "retrofit" is that I do have 3 Cyberlight 2.0 fixtures in my space. They are big, heavy, and loud as hell. Working at a college where we don't get a lot of money to spend, if I had an option to actually retrofit those fixtures to LED it would improve their value as a part of my system. But I'm splitting hairs at this point.

rsmentele said:

Do you think the scanner market is large enough to warrant ETC developing this product?

Click to expand...

I didn't say it was a good idea, just that I liked them

Presumably someone has done their market research and found enough reason to think they'll be profitable. It could conceivably just be something like Disney guaranteeing enough units purchased to cover the cost of development. Any other units sold above that is just a bonus. Or, maybe there are more people like me who enjoy them--but actually have the budget to purchase...

SteveB said:

Who is going to retrofit a Cyberlight ?, Who still has any around ?. I question any cost benefit and in general do not want a fixture (anymore) with a limited beam range. Dunno, maybe High End had a warehouse filled with un-sold fixtures.

Click to expand...

We have around dozen of them sitting around. Not because we use them but because a localish shop donated them for the tax write off. So now they just take up space until they get thrown out or someone happens to come along that wants them for parts.

SteveB said:

Who is going to retrofit a Cyberlight ?, Who still has any around ?. I question any cost benefit and in general do not want a fixture (anymore) with a limited beam range. Dunno, maybe High End had a warehouse filled with un-sold fixtures.

Click to expand...

Disney.

They hide them everywhere on the ships, and in the park.

Another "family entertainment" producer has kept Clay-Paky in business for 15 years, so The Mouse could easily keep an LED scanner model in production as they launch new shows, venues, and vessels. World-wide.

I'm currently doing a show where our "follow spots" are are moving mirrors/DMX-able irises in Source 4's, so I can see this as a viable replacement for that type of setup

Four of these combined with a Spotrack rig in a thrust or theater in the round would make for excellent remote followspot installs.