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VARI*LITE Luminaires
are Right on "Q" s
Series
3000(tm) product line expansion offers
50 percent audible reduction in noise output
Lighting
Product News Published: 8 December 2003
DALLAS - December 2, 2003 - For situations where the absence of
noise is critical to the performance, Vari-Lite introduces the Series
3000(TM)Q luminaires, an expansion of the powerful and highly popular
1200W Series 3000(TM) fixtures. Engineering of the new "Q"
(for quiet) range fixtures resulted in an audible noise output reduction
of 50 percent from the original Series 3000 spot and wash luminaires.
"Customers who have noise-critical applications will prefer
the 'Q' versions," said Vari-Lite product manager George Masek.
"The fixtures are designed and engineered for Broadway productions,
television, houses of worship or any setting where quiet fixtures
are crucial for a successful performance and audience experience.
That we were able to reduce the noise output by 10 dBA is extremely
significant."
Vari-Lite engineers achieved a 50-percent audible noise reduction
by slowing the fixture's seven fans and redesigning several key
elements to handle the increased heat load on the internal components.
A high-performance UV/IR window filters additional unwanted non-visible
wavelengths from the bulb that would otherwise be passed through
the optical train. Other changes include the use of higher temperature
materials and more efficient airflow paths to keep components cool.
All operational features currently in the Series 3000 fixtures are
present in the Series 3000Q products.
The Series 3000Q fixtures move and operate the same as the original
Series 3000 spot and wash luminaires. The trade off is strictly
thermal. The "Q" range has an ambient temperature rating
of 40-degrees Celsius, compared to the 50-degree Celsius rating
on the standard Series 3000 fixtures.
"The 'Q' range fixtures meet the 40-degree Celsius ambient
operating temperature that seems to be the industry standard that
other automated lighting manufacturers shoot for," Masek said.
"The Series 3000Q range is engineered for specific applications
and installations where the ambient temperature is not a factor,
but silence is. These fixtures are another example of the industry
asking and Vari-Lite delivering."
For customers who already own Series 3000 wash and spot luminaires,
Vari-Lite offers the option of purchasing a "Q-kit," which
includes all of the necessary hardware, electronics and glass needed
to convert a standard Series 3000 luminaire to a "Q" version.
The change in size due to the modifications is minimal. Basically,
the bottom vent cover is one inch taller, and the unit is about
a pound heavier.
"One thing that all automated lighting manufacturers hear
constantly, particularly from the theater and television lighting
designers, is that they want quieter fixtures," Masek said.
"The noise reduction is truly amazing. When coupled with the
virtually silent pan and tilt movement, the unit is practically
silent. The first time I saw the Series 3000Q fixtures in a side-by-side
comparison I had to ask, 'are these units even on?' They were literally
that quiet."
Vari-Lite, which debuted the new "Q" range fixtures last
week at LDI in Orlando, expects to begin production on the Series
3000Q luminaires and "Q-kits" in January.
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