SGM’s Radical Approach to
Led Drops Jaws In Frankfurt
Lighting community gives universal
thumbs-up to new R&D resource

RCF Group CEO Arturo Vicari with head of R&D, Peter Johansen at the new SGM product showcase at Frankfurt Pro Light+Sound.

Photo: courtesy of SGM.

Lighting News Published: 13 April 2011
Standing in front of a shimmering all-white room at the Pro Light+Sound Show in Frankfurt, RCF Group CEO Arturo Vicari metaphorically drew back the curtain to give press and prospective customers a glimpse at what he believes will be the future of lighting.

His RCF Group has wasted little time in overhauling the SGM brand since purchasing the long-serving Italian lighting company two years ago, putting in place a new R&D resource, headed by former Martin Professional founder Peter Johansen, and adding gravitas to the company’s international sales force with some key appointments.

When the new design initiative was originally announced at a press conference in London last November, Mr. Vicari talked of opening a new chapter in lighting, while his Danish colleague promised a roster of products that would be game-changing.

If anything, the ‘Magnificent Seven’ LED products launched in Frankfurt exceeded this promise. While staple items in the SGM catalogue have been upgraded, the new portfolio combines high-design and engineering with compact form factor, low profile, and lightweight chassis … making the fixtures as suitable for touring and discreet stage design as for architectural use.

At the same time cooling methods have been improved via rectangular heatsinks, set-up and address procedures improved with the aid of internal diagnostics, and control protocols implemented to ensure that lamps run flicker-free.

“We have taken a new approach towards LED which is completely innovative,” stated SGM commercial director Giorgio Radice. “LED is perfect for theatre, TV studios, exhibitions and major concert touring.

“Some of the designs — in particular the LED strobes, for which we have taken out a patent — are amazing and unique,” he said.

In addition to the X-5 (white) and CX-5 (colour) strobes, using 3,000 and 1,200 Welly Power LED’s respectively, once immersed in the white cube visitors were also captivated by the MP5 full-colour moving LED wash light. “With the advantages of reduced weight, dimension and power, coupled with the beautiful styling, we have broken entirely from the traditional round can format, and demonstrated that we are working with the rental companies in mind,” said Radice.

A further architectural wash light which attracted a lot of attention at Pro Light+Sound was the CC-4 — an ingenious, four-bank high-powered multiple LED fixture (with 44 each of the Rebel RGB LED’s contained in each chassis). With its IP65 rating, and power consumption of just 4 x 400W will find favour in the architectural sector.

“Feedback from the marketplace couldn’t have been more positive,” summarised SGM’s commercial director after three days of constant demos. “The new design solutions have radicalised people’s thinking, whether lighting directors, rental companies or architects, and once these models are in production I am confident they will quickly establish themselves on tenders and riders.”