Videssence Lighting, a US manufacturer of energy efficient broadcast lighting, used
three new LED luminaires to re-light the TV Studio at the University of Central
Florida (UCF). The Nicholson School of Communications chose Videssence’s current
LED offerings when upgrading the broadcast studio earlier this year.
Large power savings could be realised by replacing high wattage Quartz lighting
with low wattage LED units. In addition due to the direct power saving from the LED
luminaires, less heat would be produced and radiated into the space requiring less
air conditioning.
The plan was to replace the studios 2000 and 1000 watt Quartz Fresnels with the
new 100 and 50 watt LED Vidnel Fresnels from Videssence respectively. These
formidable LED Fresnels deliver tungsten performance while utilising a fraction of
the power. The optic design provides the single shadow and focusing characteristics
essential to Fresnel fixtures distributing a soft directional beam of adjustable light.
In spot focus the 100 watt unit delivers 184 footcandles at a 15′ distance. The beam
can be further controlled with optional Barn Doors and Gel Frames. Additionally, the
new 100 watt Vidfill Soft Light fixtures were installed, retiring 1000 watt soft lights.
This powerful new 100 watt LED Soft Light performs like quartz providing over 54
footcandles at a 12′ distance. It delivers a large, smooth wash of soft, even,
shadow-less light that can be further controlled with the snoot option. The indirect
optical design and internal diffusing lens shields the talent from glaring LEDs
resulting in comfortable, cool fill lighting for use in television, studio or motion
picture sets.
Both the Vidnels and Vidfills are offered in either 3200K or 5600K with a colour
rating of 96+ CRI and greater than 50,000+ hours rated life. Heat dissipation in the
units is designed with a unique passive thermal cooling system to assure maximum
LED light output and avoid the noise and failure of internal fans. In addition, to
ensure the full life of components, the power is shut off to the driver and LED when
dimmed to ZERO with DMX so no external relay or power cut off is required.
Analysing the difference in lighting quality in the NSC studio after semesters end,
the LED units surpassed expectations. They found that a properly lit set with the
new LED fixtures provided a crisp and clear view of everything looking through the
camera lens. Facility manager James McCully stated that, “Incandescent lighting will
drift at lower intensity and the whites do not look as white as they should, with
(Videssence) LED the white jumps out as pure white and all the colours look more
true. I am very happy with the LED lights”
McCully has strived for the best studio possible since starting with the Nicholson
School of Communication at UCF over 25 years ago.
