LED stage lighting is now all the rage for events producers around the world. It might be hard to believe, but there was a time when the only type of lighting available for stage productions were gas lamps. These large and unwieldy devices that produce low-quality light are being replaced by much more efficient LED stage lights. This change is due in part to their adaptability, size, energy efficiency, and low heat emissions.
What are LED Lights?
LED lights are artificial light sources which are made by the use of semiconductor-based light emitting devices. Nowadays, they can be found everywhere from concert stages to grocery stores and even our own homes. It is considered that LED lights have a longer lifespan when compared with fluorescent lamps, metal halide lamps, and incandescent lights.
LED lights are safer to use than other conventional light sources, because they do not emit ultraviolet rays. The color rendering index of LED lights is also high compared with other artificial lighting devices, so it can be used for stage or theatrical lighting. They are usually durable and less fragile than conventional light bulbs, because there are no filaments which can burn out. And the amount of heat produced by LED bulbs is almost negligible!
LED stage lighting fixtures usually have a number of small light emitting diodes arranged in a particular pattern. When the current passes through these diodes, they emit light in all directions. By controlling the amount of current that is allowed to flow through them, you can control the brightness and color of the light.
Now let's chat about the different LED stage lights available on the market.
Types of professional LED stage lighting
There are three main types of professional LED stage lighting: PAR cans, profile spots, and wash lights.
PAR cans
PAR cans (short for "parabolic aluminized reflector") are the most common type of LED stage light. They're typically used to provide a broad, even light that can be used to light up a whole stage or dance floor.
Profile spots
Profile spots are designed to produce a sharply-defined beam of light, making them perfect for highlighting specific features or objects on stage.
Wash lights
Wash lights are used to provide general illumination, similar to the way traditional stage lights work. However, wash lights can also be used to create interesting lighting effects by changing the colors and intensity of the light they emit.
Moving head lights
Moving head lights are like PAR cans in that they consist of an array of individual LEDs. However, instead of having a fixed position, these devices can move their heads during scene changes or to provide stage lighting effects. These lights are available in wash or spot versions.
LED bar lights
LED bar lights are a relatively new type of stage light that consists of a number of individual LEDs arranged in a row. They're typically used to provide broad, even illumination and can be either static or moving head lights.
Intelligent lighting
Intelligent lighting systems can be programmed to automatically adjust the colors and intensity of their lights throughout a scene – making it easier for you to achieve your desired look without having to manually control each light. They can be programmed to change based on sound via DMX signals or via MIDI.
Advantages of LED stage lighting
LED stage lighting has been a popular choice for professional event producers because of their adaptability, size, energy efficiency, and low heat emissions. Although they may cost a bit more than conventional lights, let us share why they're worth it:
Unlike traditional stage lighting, LED stage lights can change color and brightness instantaneously and digitally. Conventional stage lighting requires literally changing filters (called gels) in front of the light in order to change out colors-either that, or simply having a ton of lights already prepared to display individual colors. For that reason, with one LED light you can accomplish the job of several conventional lights. (Plus, the color changing factor of LED lights can be a great stage effect!)
Another advantage is the lower energy costs from LED stage lighting as they are about 75% more energy efficient than incandescent light bulbs. LEDs also have a much longer lifespan. Overall, this will cut down on your venue's energy consumption and also reduce your energy bill.
Moreover, LEDs don't emit a lot of heat which makes them perfect for use in close proximity to people, unlike with other types of lighting. They also don't contain mercury like many types of fluorescent or high output light fixtures do. This means that if an LED light is damaged or needs to be disposed of, it is not as hazardous as some other types of lighting.
Additionally, LED stage lights work by emitting light in a specific direction. This makes them more efficient than traditional stage lights, which waste energy by emitting light in all directions. Additionally, LED stage lights produce a more pure, consistent light with less color variation. This is because they are capable of emitting specific wavelengths of light, which creates a more focused beam of light.
Conclusion
LED lights are growing in popularity in all aspects of our lives—including in event production. There are several different kinds of LED stage lighting you can pick from, including spots, washes, moving head lights, bar lights, and more!
With the ability to be easily adjusted, their compact size, and their energy efficiency, LED stage lighting has become a popular choice among event producers. Although they cost a bit more than conventional lights, generally fewer LED lights are needed per show, so many producers are continuing to transition a lot of their inventory to LEDs.
For all your stage lighting needs, consider checking out Gearsupply — Your #1 AV Marketplace. On our platform, you can buy and sell all kinds of used professional audio, video, lighting, and stage equipment. Whether you're looking for LED stage lighting for your church, used audio for your concert, or anything else, you can find in on Gearsupply.
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