FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(NAB, Las Vegas) – ARRI proudly introduces SkyPanel, a brand new line of LED fixtures. SkyPanel is a compact, ultra-bright and high-quality LED soft light that sets a new standard for the industry. With a design focused on form, color, beam field and output, SkyPanel represents the culmination of more than a decade of research and development of LED technology at ARRI. Recently, SkyPanel garnered recognition as an International Association of Broadcast Manufacturers Game Changer Awards Finalist 2015.
SkyPanel will initially be available in two sizes: the S60 and S30. The S60 is a mid-range model, featuring a light aperture of 645 x 300 mm and accommodating the vast majority of applications. The S30 is a smaller, more portable version; half the length of the S60, it is perfect for on-the-go mobile applications. Both models are available in fully color tuneable and remote phosphor versions.
Incorporating features of ARRI’s successful L-Series LED Fresnels, SkyPanel is one of the most versatile soft lights on the market, as well as one of the brightest. Like the L-Series, SkyPanel ‘C’ (Color) versions are fully tuneable; correlated color temperature is adjustable between 2,800 K and 10,000 K, with excellent color rendition over the entire range. Full plus and minus green correction can be achieved with the simple turn of a knob, and in addition to CCT control, vivid color selection and saturation adjustment is also possible. Applications for this controllability range from quickly adjusting the CCT to set the mood of a scene, to selecting the perfect green color to wash a greenscreen. Each LED light engine is computer calibrated in order to ensure unit-to-unit and batch-to-batch consistency, as well as accurate color temperatures.
Unlike other tuneable fixtures, SkyPanel makes no sacrifice when it comes to light output. SkyPanel puts out a tremendous amount of light, in a soft and uniform beam field. Brighter than a 2 kW tungsten soft light or a 6 kW tungsten space light, the SkyPanel S60 has more than enough light for most applications. At the same time, the lamphead is able to perform beautifully at lower light levels. This range of illumination and color gives users an unprecedented amount of control.
Soft lights are known for their smooth quality of light and even, uniform beam field – SkyPanel is no different. The combination of the curated selection of diffusion panels, LED mixing chamber and large light aperture allow for the light to wrap around objects, eliminating sharp shadows and making for a perfect beauty light. The beam field is homogeneous in both color and intensity.
Mixing some 2,000 calibrated red, green, blue and white LEDs into one homogeneous beam of soft light, SkyPanel produces not just excellent light, but excellent shadows as well. The shadows are soft in nature and do not exhibit multiple edges or strange colors. Recognizing that a diffused light source is not enough to make a true soft light, ARRI has also given SkyPanel one of the largest light apertures in its power class. This substantial opening contributes significantly to the soft quality of light and wrapping of the source around a subject.
The SkyPanel was designed to be used primarily as a soft light to illuminate people. However, features were also designed into the fixture to make it extremely versatile. The diffusor panels on the front of the lamphead are interchangeable, so going from a heavy diffusion to a lite diffusion can be done in a matter of seconds. In addition, plans are in place to roll out further diffusion accessories that will accommodate other applications. The SkyPanel also makes an amazing space light; by providing a large pool of downward soft light, as well as the ability to change CCT and vivid colors, SkyPanel offers a compelling alternative to conventional space lights.
If tuneability is not required, a remote phosphor version of the SkyPanel is also available. Remote phosphor technology uses powerful blue LEDs to excite a panel coated in phosphors, which is positioned further away from the LEDs. These high-quality phosphors deliver near-perfect color rendition and outstanding light output. The remote phosphor versions of SkyPanel are roughly 10% brighter than the color versions and have a lower price point. Different color temperature panels are available, including 2,700 K; 3,200 K; 4,300 K; 5,600 K; and 6,500 K.
Made in Germany to the high standards for which all ARRI products are known, SkyPanel is built to last – constructed from resilient materials and assembled by hand with great care. Other features include an on-board battery input for mobile applications, LAN port for network connectivity, USB-A port for firmware updates via thumb drive, and many more.
The SkyPanel S60 will start shipping in September 2015, with the S30 becoming available shortly afterwards. To learn more about the SkyPanel and all of its exciting features, please visit the SkyPanel microsite: www.arri.com/skypanel
About ARRI:
With headquarters located in Munich, Germany, Arnold and Richter Cine Technik (A&R) was founded in 1917 and is the world's leading designer, manufacturer and distributor of motion picture camera, digital intermediate (DI) and lighting equipment. The ARRI Group comprises a global network of subsidiaries and partners that covers every facet of the film industry, including worldwide camera, grip and lighting equipment rental through ARRI Rental; turnkey lighting solutions through the ARRI System Group; lab services, postproduction and visual effects through ARRI Film & TV; and film distribution through ARRI Worldsales.
Manufactured products include the ALEXA SXT, ALEXA Mini and AMIRA cameras; Master Anamorphic lenses; SkyPanel, L-Series and M-Series lights; Pro Camera Accessories, Mechanical and Electronic Control System; ARRILASER recorder and ARRISCAN archive technologies. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has recognized ARRI’s engineers and their technical contributions with 18 Scientific and Engineering Awards.
A third-generation company, ARRI is owned by the Stahl family, who are descendants of co-founder Robert Richter and who in 2012 made a long-term commitment to the industry by buying the share belonging to the descendant of the other co-founder, August Arnold.
For locations and more information please visit www.arri.com