The new VARI*LITE VL500™ Wash luminaire improves upon the 1994 Emmy® Award-winning design of the VL5™ Wash luminaire.
"Our goal in reinventing the VL5 was to make improvements in all areas. And, as a result, the VL500 is now self-contained with onboard DMX512 control, onboard dimming, (optional) all power supplies, and strides in performance of the color, systems, and yoke movement," comments John Adams, Vari-Lite director of product development. "We also incorporated service yoke locks and a higher reflector efficiency."
The VL500 is available in four base models: VL500, VL500D, VL500 80V, and VL500A. The VL500 is available with either a 120V/1200W lamp or a 230V/1000W lamp and is designed for those who require the 3200º color temperature along with a space-efficient unit; no external ballast or dimmer is required. The VL500D has a 120V/1200W lamp or a 230V/1000W lamp, plus an internal yoke-mounted IGBT dimmer. The VL500D offers built-in, onboard dimming without additional cabling. The VL500 80V is capable of universal operation (90-260V) and utilizes an 80V/1200W lamp and an external dimming device. This model offers more intensity, while retaining the 3200º color temperature tungsten source. The VL500A provides blackout panels for dimming to replace the radially mounted diffuser panes of the other models. It utilizes an optional 575W (6000º color temperature) or 700W (7200º color temperature) arc lamp and external ballast.
The DICHRO*TUNE™ radial color mixing system employs three sets of 16 radially mounted dichroic blades (blue, amber, and magenta) designed to produce smooth, full-spectrum color cross-fades. An optional pastel feature is available for all models of the VL500 Wash luminaire, which replaces the standard blue and magenta filters with lighter versions.
Sixteen radially mounted diffuser panes control the beam spread. For additional beam control, the VL500 may be purchased with interchangeable lens options (clear, stipple–included in stock fixture, 8-row, 12-row, and Buxom). All VL500 models have natural convection cooling, therefore it is virtually silent, making it ideal for television and theatrical productions.
At fewer than 40lbs, the VL500 has a revamped motor control system and an added display with an extended remote function, which allows shop addressing and adjustment of other fixture parameters without the need to power the light. Further design improvements include re-routing the lamp wire to reduce heat-related stress, more powerful color motors, more powerful and quiet pan/tilt motors, software-controlled color repeatability from luminaire to luminaire, and faster luminaire cooling.
Orders for the VL500 may be submitted beginning September 12, 2005, and shipping will commence on November 1, 2005.