Litepanels has launched its new Broadcast Lighting Division. The company incorporates its proprietary light-emitting diode (LED) technology into HD-friendly broadcast lighting fixtures that require a fraction of the electricity used by conventional lighting equipment.
“The needs of television are very different from the motion picture industry, where we cut our teeth,” says Ken Fisher, Litepanels’ co-founder. “The new division allows us to concentrate on the unique needs of broadcasters.”
Litepanels already support broadcast ENG crews with the on-camera Litepanels Mini, which offers soft-projected output, low battery-drain, and light dimming without affecting color balance. Litepanels also provides lighting for newsroom studios and other venues, such as the White House Briefing Room.
“High definition presents real lighting challenges to the broadcaster,” said Fisher. “The older light fixtures that most stations have are not designed to yield flattering images of on-air talent with the higher resolution cameras used today. A soft quality of light along with full-control dimmers is what’s needed for HD.”
Rocketing energy prices justifies the switch to LED, Fisher said. “LED fixtures themselves draw about 5 percent of the electrical power of tungsten-lamped fixtures. Moreover, because LEDs generate practically no heat, there are additional, substantial savings in air conditioning costs.”
The extended life of LEDs provide more than 10 years of life in contrast to the shorter lamp life of incandescent lights and the hazardous, mercury-based fluorescent tubes. “Litepanels is for a green-minded broadcaster who wants a rapid return on investment,” said Fisher.
