Types of Lighting Fixtures
Types of Lighting Fixtures
Types of Lighting Fixtures
Because the focal point of the lens system is just in front of the
aperture (or gate), an image of anything placed in the gate will be
projected by the lenses. Because the optics invert the projected
image, it will appear to be upside down and backwards.
ERSes typically have four framing shutters, which are used to shape
the beam of light. Because the projected image is inverted, pushing
in the left shutter will cut off the right side of the beam, pushing in
the top shutter will cut off the bottom of the beam, etc. A pattern
inserted in the gate is called a "template" or "gobo". Since the image
is inverted, gobos must be inserted into the fixture upside down and
backward.
ERSes are useful when you want:
A sharp edge,
A fixture which can be shuttered off scenery,
A fixture which can project a pattern, and/or
High intensity.
A soft edge, or
The ability to vary the field width
The MR16 and MR20 are 2" and 2-½" units (respectively) using
dichroic parabolic reflectors but (usually) no lens and
are often used for display work and for mounting in or
on scenic units. In the US & UK, they're referred to as
"birdies"...because they're "under PAR".