G-LEC chose this year’s PLASA show for the UK launch of LightFrame and the first preview of the PhantomFrame–G-LEC’s latest prodigies. Both are lightweight, transparent, and retain the clarity of the ClassicFrame while tailored for specific applications.
The pixels in the PhantomFrame and the LightFrame are spaced 60mm apart with resulting gaps that are transparent, not only to light, but also sound, wind, and weather. The transparency allows actors and objects behind the display to be visible when lit and also allows back-lighting of performers through the display. G-LEC systems can be used on stage to hide and reveal whole orchestras and bands and to provide brilliant and dynamic graphics that may also be used to add texture and even conceal unsightly speaker stacks.
LightFrame
With the same unsurpassed transparency and lightweight qualities of the original ClassicFrame, the LightFrame is ideal for stage performances. Being DMX512 controlled makes LED transparent display technology attainable for smaller budget productions and suitable for use with any existing entertainment, architectural and lighting show control system.
The LightFrame’s ultra-bright RGB pixels sit in clear tubes, effectively providing a unique 3D display environment. Controllable by any DMX512 source, the LightFrame can be seamlessly integrated into any lighting design and can also display DMX capable graphics. Each frame can be set to display 16, 4 or one separately controlled square, each requiring four DMX512 channels. The LightFrame is also RDM ready.
The lightweight square frames, each measuring 0.96m x 0.96m, can be easily assembled and reassembled in any format, providing long term flexibility for any number and type of performances, while its sturdy aluminium frame allows for the rigours of touring. It can be mounted or hung from practically any surface, indoors or out. The LightFrame is so lightweight and so easily manoeuvrable that it can quickly be assembled and taken down by one technician and one or two helpers–with no need for a lift or crane.
G-LEC have also incorporated a removable electronics box and the tubes can be removed from the frame, allowing them to be fixed in any way that suits the performance–say, daisy chained around a particular feature to give it increased prominence. This way, inventive set designers, as well as lighting designers, benefit.
Unlike the G-LEC ClassicFrame, which is available on a hire basis only, the LightFrame is available to buy.
PhantomFrame
Launched first in Europe, the PhantomFrame system consists of two or more modular aluminium frames, depending on the need, which can be mounted together in any conceivable configuration. Very large split systems can be designed with the added benefit of being movable. The 0.92m<= frames support 16 clear polycarbonate tubes, each housing 16 LED pixels spaced 60mm apart. The space between the tubes is just air –not only giving the PhantomFrame its transparency but its light weight, only 6kg/m<=.
Any logo, sign, or graphic can easily be digitized and displayed on the bright 5,100mcd RGB pixels, with up to 16 million colours available. Housed inside each frame is the LED driver and signal decoder electronics and up to 12 frames can be controlled by one Phantom Graphics Computer. For larger systems, more graphic computers may be connected together.
Two graphic databases store still and animated images that can be played back individually or merged. Video input can also be merged with one of the two databases, while the graphics engine manages encoding and transmission, allowing the two graphic streams to be processed at full video speed. The level of each LED in each pixel is calculated and allocated to the matrix layout of the display. Signals are transmitted to the display using very high-speed electronics, connectors and Cat5 cable.
Control is optimized with a user friendly screen allowing recording, selection, playback and manipulation of the images in the database, which can also be externally controlled by 23 channels of DMX512 input.
For more information about G-LEC systems visit www.g-lec.com.