Source Four PAR

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

ETC Source Four PAR is considered to be an improvement upon traditional PAR cans. The Source Four PAR uses an HPL lamp (the same used in other ETC Source Four instruments). The HPL lamp combined with newer aluminum reflector technology allows for more light output while using lower wattage. The light output of a 575 watt HPL is comparable to that of a 1000 watt PAR 64. The Source Four PAR can also be fitted with a 750 watt HPL lamp for even greater light output.

The fixture allows for changing the fixture's beam and field by using interchangeable lenses, and allows for "shaping" (with the multifaceted lenses) in the same way that PAR lamps can be spun for a more horizontal or vertical beam orientation. ETC manufactures five interchangable glass lenses for this fixture:

• Extra Wide Flood (XWFL)
• Wide Flood (WFL)
• Medium Flood (MFL)
• Narrow Spot (NSP)
• Very Narrow Spot (VNSP)

This interchangeability of the lenses is another significant advantage. Traditional PAR cans require a stock of individual lamps to achieve various beam angles.

Disadvantages of the Source Four PAR include: 1) the cost (they can be two or three times more expensive than traditional PAR cans), and 2) the shortened barrel makes the light source viewable at a much greater angle. In some cases, theatrical lighting designers and video directors may consider this an unwelcome effect as it can cause lens flare or (arguably) change the audience's perception of a theatrical scene.

It's also noteworthy that Source Four PAR fixtures have a considerable number of parts, and in some environments (touring, rentals) require a measure of regular maintenance compared to traditional PAR cans. Nevertheless, most industry professionals agree that the advantages of the fixture (flexibility, size, light output, and cost-over-time) outweigh these considerations.

Although the Source Four PAR was a revolutionary first-to-market product, most major conventional theatrical lighting manufacturers have indroduced their version of the Source Four PAR. Some manufacturers have also flooded the market with low-cost "knock-off" variants with identical features (but who's legality is probably in question).

[edit] Source Four PARNel

A variation of the Source 4 PAR is the Source Four PARNel, meant to be an alternative for Fresnel lanterns. The PARNel can be focused from flood to spot using a knob on the casing which rotates the lense instead of moving the lamp and reflector assemblies which is necessary for Fresnel lanterns, and can be focused to a wider angle then standard Fresnels. The PARNel also uses the enhanced aluminum reflector technology, and at 575 watts puts out more light than a standard 1000 watt Fresnel lantern.

[edit] References

• Reid, Francis (2004). Discovering Stage Lighting. Elsevier Limited. ISBN 0240515455. 

• Reid, Francis (2002). Stage Lighting Handbook. Theatre Arts Book. ISBN 087830147X. 

• Cunningham, Mark (1999). Live & Kicking: The Rock Concert Industry in the Nineties. Sanctuary Publishing, Ltd. ISBN 1860742173. 

• Baldock, Lee (2003), "ETC introduces Source Four HID PAR and PARNel", Lighting & Sound International.

[edit] Links

Manufacturers Information