House Light Recommendations

[urban79]

Ok, so I'm having trouble finding what I'm looking for although I'm positive I've seen it covered. What are the current recommendations for LED house light fixtures? I'm in an existing theatre space that is incandescent, and just beginning to make recommendations. I don't have a budget yet, as it will likely end up being a capital project expense (gut feeling). I know things change often, but I'd like to have some idea of what to expect, or what I should look at!

Thanks!

Chris

 

[sk8rsdad]

Purpose-built dimmable LED fixtures - all good. Lots of vendors, lots of price points, lots of control options (DMX, 1-10V, wired, wireless, etc.)
Retrofit LED bulbs on conventional dimming - here there be dragons.

 

[BillConnerFASTC]

There's quite a few choices. If I could just choose one, I'd go to ETCs ARC system. Especially nice if there is infrastructure because you can use it to power and use the wireless version.

After that, I've had best fortune with Accuity's Incito line. Kind of depends on height and spacing and layout. Altman and Chauvet both make a house light with good color and dimming. We used Strand PL freenels at Alley Theatre and their fine.

You really want DMX control with RDM, and look at a sample in the space to judge glare - a problem with many. I think more and more color will be desirable as simply another option to use, as long as it does produce a good white.

 

[microstar]

I've used the Light Source LED DMX houselight. It has many lens and mounting options and great dimming. The 10-year warranty is a plus as well.

 

[MikeJ]

Also consider Elation has a nice pendant house light full color or white, wireless dmx, white or back body. The color mix version looks as good as the warm white, lots of lens options.

 

[RickR]

I think @sk8rsdad hit it dead center.

I've found that architectural lighting companies have figured out good dimming, if you pay for it. They call it <1% dimming. They also generally come in cheaper and brighter than the theatrical companies. Few do multi-color fixtures but that too is changing very quickly.

 

[Brentgi]

Currently using Chroma-Q Inspire fixtures. I'd say the best bang for the buck as far as and LED fixture is concerned.