Latest articles by Bill Klages
Some Observations of the Inverse Square Law of Illumination
The Inverse Square Law clearly states that it is applicable only in the case of a point source of light
The Standard Eye and Other Inconsistencies
Just when we were feeling comfortable with the CIE photopic response curve of 1924, we discover that this standard has been completely incorrect for nearly ninety years.
14 Stops… and Counting
Many video camera manufacturers, particularly those with large sensors intended for “film” acquisition, state that the dynamic range of their camera is 14 stops or 16,394:1, a very impressive ratio.
The Shadow Knows
Recently, I was browsing through some lighting manufacturer’s data sheets for a group of “TV Softlights.”
The Stars Were Out... Again
Every four years we behold that ritual gathering of the tribes, the national political conventions. And every four years, a new generation of television makers discovers the “star filter.”
The Academy Reports: A Review Of Color Reproduction
The report does anticipate that the spectrum of LED sources for motion picture lighting will improve, which has proven to be true.
Calculations to Justify a Lighting Retrofit
Every broadcaster has moments when their thoughts turn to the merits of changing to solid-state lighting.
What Shade of Green?
One of the main reasons that we are encouraged to accept LED fixtures is for power saving.
'Droop'—The New Buzzword In Lighting Technology
We reach a saturation point where the output actually decreases as we increase the energy in the device.
No Dimmer Rack in the Studio of the Future?
Many present-day fixtures, perhaps a majority, come complete with their own self-contained dimming.
The Humble Fresnel
Most of the body of the lens can be removed to greatly lower the amount and subsequently the weight of the lens, but still retain the curved surfaces and their optical characteristics.
Dynamic Range Isn't Infinite
The reality is that the range of brightness of many subjects is greater than the camera or display system can actually accommodate.
Lighting a Set With Minimal Adjustment, Maintenance
The goal of the design was high picture quality with little or no adjustment necessary from setup to setup.
Lighting: The Bad and the Good
As it turned out, finding decent lighting was not as straightforward as finding the flawed.
Shining a Light on Politics
The majority of the time in this column we are discussing good lighting. What about "bad" lighting?
Commemorating The PAR Can Fixture
Prior to this, it was common practice to boost the voltage on the 500 watt to get more light output.
What Am I Missing?
The measure of the success in the development of the HDTV has always been how close it is to the image quality of motion picture film.
Having Some Elliptical Spotlight Fun
We can use this isolation characteristic to our advantage when lighting for the camera… and to great satisfaction.
Follow Spot Redux
Any of the typical mounting positions located in the "house" downstage of the proscenium are located quite a distance away.
The Dilemma of General Lighting
In the world of multiple-camera television, there comes a time when you will be thwarted in your attempt to make lighting history.
