Month: August 2019

History of the JumboTron

Posted on by J3551CA

A staple at sports arenas and stadiums around the world, the JumboTron changed the way that people view everything from sporting events and concerts to church services. The technology is considered essential today and its history epitomizes the spirit of invention.

Though Sony is associated with the JumboTron today, Mitsubishi was an early pioneer in technology for large screen displays, with an early version debuting in 1980 at Dodger Stadium during the Major League Baseball Game in Los Angeles, CA. At that time, it was touted as “the biggest television in the world.”

The LED technology that’s now associated with the Kiss Cam at sporting events is the result of Yasuo Kuroki that was the creative director at Sony. The Sony JumboTron appeared at the Japan tech expo in 1985. The technology was an unequivocal success and soon sports teams wanted to have their own JumboTron.

The JumboTron has undergone a number of innovations and changes throughout the years to provide better picture quality. One of the first JumboTrons was at the former Tampa Stadium in FL. That screen measured 30 ft. diagonally with a visual resolution of 240×192 pixels. It was followed later by a screen that measured 72 ft. tall, 160 ft. wide, and with a resolution of 1920×1080 pixels.

In the early days of its use, the JumboTron didn’t utilize an LED display. Blue LEDs weren’t available, only green. Colors didn’t always appear quite “right.” The screens were transitioned into LED technology when pure green and blue LEDs were developed. LED lights provide longer longevity, which makes them more cost effective.

The JumboTron hasn’t been without its share of controversy. As venues got larger and fans became farther away from teams and performers, they spent more time watching the screen than they did the action in front of them. The JumboTron took on a life of its own and became the centerpiece rather than an enhancement to the experience.

It’s interesting to note that author, Ray Bradbury, foresaw the rise of the JumboTron in his book “Fahrenheit 451” published in 1953. It only took a little over 30 years for the giant screens to become a reality and “part of the show.” Whether people love it or hate it, one thing is for certain – the JumboTron will continue to be part of the overall entertainment experience around the world for many years to come.

Frank Gatto & Associates, Inc. are specialists in lighting for television events of all kinds.  If you have an event that needs expert lighting, please call us today to see how we can help.

Phone: 561-368-0101

Email: frank@frankgattolighting.com 

We can be found on Social Media at the following links.

            

How to Become a TV Lighting Designer

Posted on by J3551CA

If you’re one of the people that have a fascination for lighting and dream of a career in TV, be prepared to learn much more than techniques and methods. Your ultimate job will be to create and design lighting solutions that are innovative, cost-effective and energy-efficient for the production you’re working on. That may entail illuminating indoor and outdoor environments.

You’ll need a comprehensive education that encompasses topics ranging from architecture and theatre history to art and literature, along with industry-specific software. Education requirements can vary widely by employer and you may need a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, while other companies will want a master’s degree.

High school theatrical productions are a good place to begin learning and don’t forget to look for internship opportunities whether you’re in high school or college. Film and photography clubs at the high school level will assist in understanding the interplay of light in different atmospheres.

Many high schools perform stage productions that provide valuable experience. Even small communities often have theatre groups that would welcome assistance designing and creating sets. Lighting tradeshows are also an opportunity to learn about the newest techniques, technology, and methods. Manufacturers demonstrate their products and experienced design professionals are often in attendance to hold discussions.

Math is also an essential skill since one of your responsibilities as a lighting designer will be to create the most cost-efficient projects. The grounding in math will also be utilized to measure and calculate the illumination required and the positioning of different types of lights for each project.

The future illumination you’ll provide will incorporate multiple factors that include the size of the venue to whether it’s an event that takes place in the daylight or nighttime. You’ll also need to know how to perform lighting simulations and a myriad of other tasks.

A TV lighting designer has a wealth of opportunities for creativity and innovation within the industry. It’s also a profession that offers a high degree of satisfaction that will enable you to stretch your talent and skill to the limit.

Frank Gatto & Associates, Inc. are specialists in lighting for television events of all kinds.  If you have an event that needs expert lighting, please call us today to see how we can help.

Phone: 561-368-0101

Email: frank@frankgattolighting.com 

We can be found on Social Media at the following links.

            

Why Lighting Attracts Bugs

Posted on by J3551CA

Whether it’s a campfire or a JumboTron, light sources attract insects. Traditional incandescent bulbs emit light in the color spectrum that’s particularly attractive to bugs. Bulbs that produce a yellow or orange-colored hue are less attractive to insects and it’s the primary reason that yellow “bug lights” were created.

Navigational Aid

The question of why insects are drawn to light sources is multi-faceted. Bugs use light to navigate their surroundings whether they’re apparent during the day or only come out at night. Nocturnal insects use any available light source as a navigational beacon. The larger the illumination source, the more forcefully they’re drawn to it.

Insects that are attracted to light are known as positively phototactic, a term used to describe bugs that are drawn to light. Insects navigate by keeping the moon or sun on a constant angle in relation to themselves. When confronted with the bright lights used by humans that emit in all directions, it confuses them and interferes with their inborn navigational abilities.

Food and Mates

Additionally, many insects utilize certain types of plants, along with evening-blooming flowers, as part of mating rituals and a food source. Many of those plants reflect a small amount of UV rays and traditional lights also emit small amounts of ultraviolet light, which further leads to the attraction.

Bright Solutions

Any light source will attract bugs, but switching to LED lights is one remedy that’s been successfully utilized in-home lighting arrangements. LEDs emit light in the yellow/orange spectrum that’s less attractive to the unwanted pests. The light difference is generally invisible to the average eye, since humans aren’t equipped to see in the same wavelengths and frequencies.

The downside to traditional bug lights is that they tend to attract insects that are larger. LEDs with a yellow hue are far better at not attracting insects than any other, though if individuals haven’t switched to a more energy-efficient LED, a yellow bug light is the second-best option. The yellow color in LEDs isn’t noticeable to humans, but makes a difference to bugs.

LED lights are eco-friendly, less expensive to operate, and emit illumination in the spectrum that’s least attractive to insects. That means fewer bugs at any gathering and more enjoyment for everyone involved.

Frank Gatto & Associates, Inc. are specialists in lighting for television events of all kinds.  If you have an event that needs expert lighting, please call us today to see how we can help.

Phone: 561-368-0101

Email: frank@frankgattolighting.com 

We can be found on Social Media at the following links.

            

LED’s Offer so Much Versatility

Posted on by J3551CA

LED lighting for any type of production offers versatility with which other types of illumination can’t compete. They’re extremely cost-effective and energy-efficient, two primary considerations when working on projects where time and money are at a premium.

LED bulbs emit more light per watt than other types, making them ideal for both indoor and outdoor projects. They heat up quicker, but remain cool to the touch. It mitigates the potential for painful accidents by lighting handlers, while providing more comfortable conditions for subjects. LEDs don’t contain mercury, making them an eco-friendly solution.

Their small size also enables the illumination of smaller spaces where traditional lighting wouldn’t fit. Conversely, their higher output means fewer lights can be used to illuminate larger sites. They can be controlled from a master board or with new apps that are available.

Lighting specialists can utilize fewer LEDs to get the same effect as old-fashioned units. That translates into savings on any project. An added benefit is that LEDs with RBG capabilities are able to produce colored lighting effects without the need for filters in exact hues, for quickly and precisely transitioning from scene to scene. The better CRI of LEDs renders more accurate and vibrant color.

LEDs have a much longer life than traditional bulbs that burn out quickly and have a relatively short life span. LED lights feature longevity and are highly durable. Bumping them or simply moving them around for positioning won’t result in the need for expensive replacements. They also perform much better in adverse climate conditions.

With so many LED options from which to choose, illumination professionals would do well to experiment to discover which units they prefer. It’s fun to do, provide hands-on practice and familiarity, and is an excellent way to prepare for upcoming projects.

Frank Gatto & Associates, Inc. are specialists in lighting for television events of all kinds.  If you have an event that needs expert lighting, please call us today to see how we can help.

Phone: 561-368-0101

Email: frank@frankgattolighting.com 

We can be found on Social Media at the following links.