Color Kinetics Incorporated (NASDAQ: CLRK has introduced Video System Manager – an integrated software and hardware solution designed to produce Video With Light™ in wide-ranging entertainment lighting applications.
Video System Manager addresses the increasingly broad intersection of lighting and video, where the disciplines of architectural and entertainment lighting converge to create dynamic visuals and backdrops for a diverse range of venues, including theaters, tradeshows, casinos, theme parks, concerts, corporate events and exterior facades.
Video System Manager uniquely allows video-based, Ethernet control of Color Kinetics’ intelligent solid-state lighting systems, intuitively facilitating the reproduction of complex effects in a lighting installation. It converts standard live video signals from a variety of media sources, including media servers, DVD players, camcorders, and personal computers, and streams the video content to Color Kinetics’ LED-based lights – scaling to accommodate large installations that may exceed thousands of individually controlled LED nodes.
“As designers realize the full creative potential of solid-state sources, they require new tools to bring their complex and large-scale designs to life with minimized time, resources, and expense. With Video System Manager, Color Kinetics delivers a complete solution for quickly and easily enabling video-driven light shows – providing greater creative versatility for customers and extending the entertainment market opportunities for our technology,” said Bill Sims, president and COO, Color Kinetics.
Video System Manager is compatible with Ethernet-based networks of lights that apply Color Kinetics’ technology, including LED-based lights developed by Color Kinetics’ OEM and licensing partners. For example, Main Light Industries leverages Color Kinetics’ LED control technology to offer Soft-LED – a unique drapery that allows precise control of individual LED sources, now easily controlled by Video System Manager.
“Color Kinetics’ control technology makes our Soft-LED drapery capable of producing remarkable, dynamic effects. We’re thrilled about the launch of Video System Manager, which adds even more visual impact by easing the control of LEDs for live video,” said Aidas Gimbutas, president, Main Light Industries.
Video System Manager is comprised of two components; Video Management Tool, an intuitive software interface that maps each Color Kinetics light or node in a system as a single, controllable pixel, and Video System Engine, a hardware controller that processes live digital video and maps the video stream to the layout of Color Kinetics lights.
Color Kinetics has also introduced iColor® Cove QL – a newly designed replacement for its popular iColor Cove product, featuring the same high standard of quality, a sleek fixture design, and light output rivaling that of iColor Cove at a lower price.
Cove lighting remains one of the most common applications of intelligent solid-state lighting today, and iColor Cove has long been among Color Kinetics’ most sought-after offerings. iColor Cove QL is an enhanced, lower-profile, 12” (30.5 cm) unit with the same beam angle (110° x 40°) of its predecessor. Applying Chromasic™ technology, it has the capability for self-addressing, which translates to simplified installation, addressing and programming. Chromasic also lowers the cost of digital LED control, thereby lowering the cost of the overall system.
From large-scale commercial installations to simpler residential applications, Color Kinetics has the optimal cove lighting solution to meet diverse design requirements. Intended applications include accent and alcove lighting, exhibit and display lighting, signage and other confined or concealed spaces that call for saturated color and dynamic effects. The newly evolved product line now includes:
iColor Cove MX Powercore -— the highest-intensity member of the product line with Powercore™ technology for ease of installation and operational efficiency. It boasts more than double the intensity of original iColor Cove, and provides uniform color mixing with maximized output to vibrantly fill alcoves and accent spaces. The compact, 12” (30.5 cm) unit has a 100°angle, and its integral mounting bracket allows for simple 180° rotation in 10° increments, directing the output as desired. Alternatively, a snap-in mounting track is available for linear installations.
iColor Cove NXT --— casts a wide beam angle of 120° for seamless distribution of vibrant, uniform color with deep saturation. It is designed for projects that require wider beam distribution, or require the fixture to be installed in a set, non-aimed position. It is also well suited for backlighting or other applications that call for uniform color mixing at a closer range. It is available in two options; iColor Cove NXT 12” (30.5 cm) and iColor Cove NXT 6” (15.2 cm).
iColor Cove QL – the new enhanced, Chromasic-based replacement for iColor Cove. It measures 12” (30.5 cm) in length, and produces a 110° x 40° beam angle. It features a mounting clip that allows for 180° rotation and in-line power and data connections that further streamline installation.
iColor Cove EC – the most affordable, lower light intensity member of the product family. It applies Chromasic technology, projects a soft-edge strip of light at a 120° beam angle, and has a sleek, low-profile housing. It offers an easy through-hole mounting feature and in-line power and data connection, reducing installation cost and time. Alternatively, a snap-in mounting track is available for linear installations. It is available in two options; iColor Cove EC 12” (30.5 cm) and iColor Cove EC 7” (18 cm).
More information about these products can be found on the Color Kinetics website.