LED backstage lights from GDS

22 February 2006

UK - As featured in the December 2005 issue of Lighting&Sound International magazine, the new BlueDome and BlueBeam from GDS represent a new approach to performance working lights. They are intended to replace bulkheads, fluorescents, theatre profiles or any other light sources currently used for performance blues.

Manufactured from UV-stable polycarbonate, they have a sleek, compact and robust design and being sealed to IP67, installation is possible in most environments. These design factors produce a reliable fitting that will give many years of trouble-free operation, say GDS. The system is competitively priced and offers a viable solution to LED performance working lights systems. They are entirely solid state, producing little heat and removing the need to ever change a lamp (or the gel in front of it) again.

Using a 0-10V dimming connection, onboard dimming allows each fitting to be adjusted to suit its surroundings. Area light levels and true show blackouts can be easily managed, while the company's BlueDrive product allows larger venues to integrate the fittings seamlessly into their working light/performance light systems.

The large voltage range means the fittings can be retrofitted onto existing working light systems or pick power from any accessible source, making installation even easier. The addition of a single fader is the only component required for a working dimming system. Both beam and dome secure straight to a standard electrical conduit box in plastic or metal. This makes installation, either new or retrofit extremely easy as the Dome and Beam mounting forms part of the electrical first fix infrastructure. No cable flexes, glands or brackets are required making installation very efficient.

The BlueDome provides an omni directional light source for areas such as stairwells, lobbies, wing spaces and anywhere for low level distribution. A cowling is available that blanks off one half of the dome when light needs to be masked. The Cowl is adjustable to any angle on the front of the BlueDome.

The BlueBeam is a directional fitting more suited to high level installations such as wing lighting from under fly floors, loading galleries, upstage cross overs and scene docks etc. The BlueBeam comes in 5, 10 or 20 degree angles that make illumination from 3M to 15M and further possible.

(Lee Baldock)