Kini Flo launch ParaBeam units

Kino Flo have unveiled the ParaBeam 400 and ParaBeam 200 luminaires, the latest additions to their range of fluorescent lighting solutions.
Both ParaBeams feature proprietary optics that compress the focal range of the light wave to produce a broad, soft source along the horizontal axis and a narrow beam on the vertical axis. The 24” x 24” ParaBeam 400, for example, can light a four-person news desk from approximately 15 feet away. It sweeps back the darkness in the foreground without washing out the background on the set, and, with a simple rotation of the fixture, can focus like a hard light on any one of the four subjects.
The units' unique beam structure produces denser shadows than Kino Flo’s traditional line of production lighting systems, which are renowned for near shadowless illumination. A ParaBeam luminaire, depending on its orientation, can create or erase shadows on the set. Positioning can also change the characteristics - when close the light flattens and wraps and from a distance it can create definition.
The ParaBeam 400 operates four 55-Watt compact True Match lamps, while the ParaBeam 200 takes a pair of 55-Watt lamps. The ParaBeam 400 puts out as much light as a 3K tungsten softlight, but uses under two amps of power. The ParaBeam 200 is equivalent to a 1.5K tungsten softlight, and operates on less than one amp of power.
Both models can be dimmed remotely from a DMX control board, but on-board manual dimming is also available.
Kino Flo founder and ParaBeam designer, Frieder Hochheim, said: “The ParaBeams are tailored to set lighting in a television broadcast studio, but our equipment is used worldwide on major productions such as 'The Matrix II and III', 'Lord of the Rings', 'Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon', 'Harry Potter and the Sorceror’s Stone' and 'Spiderman'.
“We have to be proactive about making these fixtures more durable than typical TV broadcast fluorescents, especially those that use those flimsy intensifiers. Making a more reliable light like the ParaBeam is just one way Kino Flo stays out front as the industry leader.”
Both units employ a new quick release Power Card ballast system. Customers can replace or upgrade the electronics without using any tools, on location or in the studio.
The Power Card system is also supported by a one-year limited warranty against manufacturer’s defects.
(GB)