ARRI proudly introduces SkyPanel, a brand new line of LED fixtures. SkyPanel is a compact, ultra-bright and high-quality LED soft light that sets a new standard for the industry. With a design focused on form, colour, beam field and output, SkyPanel represents the culmination of more than a decade of research and development of LED technology at ARRI. Recently, SkyPanel garnered recognition as an International Association of Broadcast Manufacturers Game Changer Awards Finalist 2015.
SkyPanel will initially be available in two sizes: the S60 and S30. The S60 is a mid-range model, featuring a light aperture of 645 x 300 mm and accommodating the vast majority of applications. The S30 is a smaller, more portable version; half the length of the S60, it is perfect for on-the-go mobile applications. Both models are available in fully colour tuneable and remote phosphor versions.
Incorporating features of ARRI’s successful L-Series LED Fresnels, SkyPanel is one of the most versatile soft lights on the market, as well as one of the brightest. Like the L-Series, SkyPanel ‘C’ (Colour) versions are fully tuneable; correlated colour temperature is adjustable between 2,800 K and 10,000 K, with excellent colour rendition over the entire range. Full plus and minus green correction can be achieved with the simple turn of a knob, and in addition to CCT control, vivid colour selection and saturation adjustment is also possible. Applications for this controllability range from quickly adjusting the CCT to set the mood of a scene, to selecting the perfect green colour to wash a greenscreen. Each LED light engine is computer calibrated in order to ensure unit-to-unit and batch-to-batch consistency, as well as accurate colour temperatures.
Unlike other tuneable fixtures, SkyPanel makes no sacrifice when it comes to light output. SkyPanel puts out a tremendous amount of light, in a soft and uniform beam field. Brighter than a 2 kW tungsten soft light or a 6 kW tungsten space light, the SkyPanel S60 has more than enough light for most applications. At the same time, the lamphead is able to perform beautifully at lower light levels. This range of illumination and colour gives users an unprecedented amount of control.
Soft lights are known for their smooth quality of light and even, uniform beam field – SkyPanel is no different. The combination of the curated selection of diffusion panels, LED mixing chamber and large light aperture allow for the light to wrap around objects, eliminating sharp shadows and making for a perfect beauty light. The beam field is homogeneous in both colour and intensity.
Mixing some 2,000 calibrated red, green, blue and white LEDs into one homogeneous beam of soft light, SkyPanel produces not just excellent light, but excellent shadows as well. The shadows are soft in nature and do not exhibit multiple edges or strange colours. Recognizing that a diffused light source is not enough to make a true soft light, ARRI has also given SkyPanel one of the largest light apertures in its power class. This substantial opening contributes significantly to the soft quality of light and wrapping of the source around a subject.
The SkyPanel was designed to be used primarily as a soft light to illuminate people. However, features were also designed into the fixture to make it extremely versatile. The diffuser panels on the front of the lamphead are interchangeable, so going from a heavy diffusion to a lite diffusion can be done in a matter of seconds. In addition, plans are in place to roll out further diffusion accessories that will accommodate other applications. The SkyPanel also makes an amazing space light; by providing a large pool of downward soft light, as well as the ability to change CCT and vivid colours, SkyPanel offers a compelling alternative to conventional space lights.
If tuneability is not required, a remote phosphor version of the SkyPanel is also available. Remote phosphor technology uses powerful blue LEDs to excite a panel coated in phosphors, which is positioned further away from the LEDs. These high-quality phosphors deliver near-perfect colour rendition and outstanding light output. The remote phosphor versions of SkyPanel are roughly 10% brighter than the colour versions and have a lower price point. Different colour temperature panels are available, including 2,700 K; 3,200 K; 4,300 K; 5,600 K; and 6,500 K.
Made in Germany to the high standards for which all ARRI products are known, SkyPanel is built to last – constructed from resilient materials and assembled by hand with great care. Other features include an on-board battery input for mobile applications, LAN port for network connectivity, USB-A port for firmware updates via thumb drive, and many more.
The SkyPanel S60 will start shipping in September 2015, with the S30 becoming available shortly afterwards. To learn more about the SkyPanel and all of its exciting features, please visit the SkyPanel microsite: www.arri.com/skypanel