“While our industry as a whole has embraced LED solutions and innovations as the present and future of lighting, Absolute Lumens realized that there is a real need to also support the past,” says Alex Gonzalez of Techni-Lux. “That’s why we’re proud to carry Absolute Lumens products.”
While the live event and architectural industries have always been driven by technology and adapting to new innovations has been key to survival for manufacturers, it raised more than a few eyebrows when major companies like GE Lighting and Osram Sylvania recently discontinued making large PAR lamps altogether. Many people running theaters, smaller production houses, theme parks along with those maintaining architectural lighting said, “too soon.” In stepped Absolute Lumens to fill that void and meet those needs.
Eighteen different PAR lamps are now available through Techni-lux including:
- Par46 200w in MFL, NSP
- Par56 300w in MFL, NSP, WFL
- Par56 500w in MFL, NSP, WFL
- Par64 500w in MFL, NSP, WFL
- Par64 1000w in MFL, NSP, WFL
- Par64 1000w FFR MFL, FFP NSP, FFN VNSP, FFS WFL
The Parabolic Aluminized Reflector (PAR) has a history that goes back to American inventorClarence Birdseye (yes, the frozen food guy). He created a single unit bulb and reflector for display (architectural) lighting. While the PAR started being used in various situations in the 1950s, some believe Charles Altman officially invented a version used for live events in 1964, which he used at the New York World’s Fair. By the end of the 1970s, PAR lamps and their fixtures were ubiquitous in theater, concerts, TV, and film. Improvements were made through the years, and their popularity increased. They are versatile and light weight, and now more affordable than ever as used ones flood the market as venues switch them out for LED ones.
“It’s important to understand that there are still thousands used, particularly in theaters and all kinds of venues and public spaces,” Gonzalez says. “The initial expense to switch to newer technology is simply prohibitive for many, and so these great lights will be used for many years to come, and they will need replacement bulbs. Plus, despite the advancement in LEDs, there are some out there who still simply prefer the halogen. It’s still a very good viable source of great color rendering HIGH CRI, and there’s no flicker to be concerned about! There are actually industries which still need the IR and heat produced by these lamps. As the dealers, resellers, and professional users know, it’s a simple technology that is proven and reliable.”
Absolute Lumens is dedicated to making sure that all who serve this market keep a steady supply of replacement light bulbs for stage, TV studio, entertainment touring fixtures, show, and theater, in addition to non-entertainment uses like medical and non-residential applications. While they are dedicated to innovating compatible LED replacements, the Absolute Lumens is also constantly making legacy products available. For more information go to Absolutelumens.com. For sales, [email protected]/407.857.8770.