Tag: LED lighting

Trending Lighting Technology

Posted on by J3551CA

New and innovative technology is constantly evolving in the professional lighting field that’s changing the way venues are illuminated. Those revolutionary advancements have resulted in lighting methods that are more eco-friendly, cost effective, and formed the basis for the next great concepts. Some of the interesting and trending lighting technologies that are making an impact on the industry include the following.

Connected Tech

LEDs have become the gold standard in professional lighting for its durability, portability, and cost savings. Now LEDs have become “smart” devices with connectivity and are providing solutions as part of the Internet of Things (IoT). They can be controlled wirelessly for greater versatility.

LEDs

LED illumination for films, TV, concerts, sporting events, and even weddings was pioneered by Frank Gatto Lighting. The technology has a variety of advantages over traditional bulbs. His work in the area of LEDs has resulted in the technology being adopted by multiple industries and helped steer manufacturers in the direction of eco-friendly and cost saving LEDs rather than old-fashioned cold cathode and metal halide lighting.

Li-Fi

Light is being used for more than just illuminating surroundings. Li-Fi resembles Wi-Fi, but instead of transmitting data over radio waves, Li-Fi transmits data over the visible light spectrum. It’s a wireless technology that adherents claim is more reliable, less likely to be affected by interference, and more secure than cellular or Wi-Fi methods.

Power Tech

Drivers convert high voltages into lower voltages and protect against current fluctuations and interruptions. Drivers represent the first step in a lighting system or array, but they’re slowly being eliminated in favor of lights that don’t require drivers at all.

Sapphire

Nobel Prize winner, Shuji Nakamura, is moving LEDs from blue to violet with the application of gallium nitride on sapphire rather than an additional layer of gallium nitride. It enables better color rendering and providers longer bulb life. An LED lamp utilizing the technology is slated to hit the markets in the near future.

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 Versatility

Posted on by J3551CA

Illumination professionals in the TV and movie industry no longer need to rely on old-fashioned lighting that’s bulky, costly, and emits levels of heat that’s uncomfortable to actors. LED lights have become the standard in film and TV due to the pioneering and innovation of Frank Gatto Lighting.

LED illumination has changed modern cinematography due to its highly versatile nature and has rendered gels almost obsolete. Where LED really shines is the ability to light more with less. LEDs now have RGB capabilities making it a simple matter of turning a dial to create any desired color for faster and more efficient shooting.

The use of LED lights is especially welcome for actors. Traditional illumination emitted enormous amounts of heat. LED lighting emits far less heat and can handle even small illumination changes with ease. It’s an especially important function for actors that must perform under the lights during multiple takes.

The efficiency of LEDs is amply demonstrated in the indie film industry. They’re less expensive to operate and save significantly on costs, no matter whether it’s a small budget production or a blockbuster film. LED panels can perform multiple jobs equally well and can be combined with a variety of lighting equipment for illumination in films, TV, and the theatre.

A bank of LEDs is easier to move and set up. It’s easier on the crew and the correct configuration takes less time to establish. That means shooting can proceed apace without wasting time or resources. They can be used to equally good effect indoors and outdoors, are durable, and extremely portable.

LED illumination has already changed the way sets are lit around the world. They’re eco-friendly and use far less power than lighting of the past. LED illumination allows even small filmmakers and studios on a budget to produce high-quality productions without sacrificing clarity or image quality.

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.

            

Color LEDs vs. Gel Filters

Posted on by J3551CA

The award-winning firm of Frank Gatto & Associates, Inc. has created innovations that have changed the way lighting is installed and used in arenas ranging from TV and movies to sports events and weddings. One of the biggest differences was the use of colored LED lights instead of traditional gel filters that were used for decades.

From the time of Shakespeare, filters have been used to set the tone or establish ambiance in a production. Those early lighting technicians used whatever was at hand, shining light through a glass of red wine or inserting silk material in front of the illumination source.

In modern times, gel filters were typically used. The thin sheets of heat-resistant material were simply placed in front of a lighting fixture to achieve a specific effect or color correct in specific environments. One of the major drawbacks to gel filters is that they have a short life and can represent a significant production cost when they need to be replaced.

Newer types of materials were developed that were less expensive to make, but still had limited life spans and had to be replaced with regularity. Another problem was that the colors varied substantially depending upon the manufacturer.

Frank Gatto is a pioneer in the use of LED lighting across multiple venues. LED lighting offers enormous savings and they use less power making them eco-friendly. The lights require far less maintenance, they provide better color consistency and facilitate better color rendering even in slow motion filming. LED illumination is more flexible and versatile than traditional forms.

LED lighting emits little heat compared to other types of lighting, which makes them much more comfortable for anyone that must work under them for long periods of time. They’re equally applicable for studio lighting, on film sets, and can be used for shooting in outdoor environments.

Less space is required when transporting the lights and they’re just as effective at establishing mood and ambiance. They can be combined efficiently with Fresnel lenses to highlight or scoops to reflect and have the same ability to diffuse light as old-fashioned lighting techniques.

The work done by Frank Gatto has revolutionized the way lighting is used. His techniques are utilized on TV and movie sets, for exclusive sporting events, corporate activities, award ceremonies, political debates and even weddings. LED lighting provides high-definition quality illumination for any event that’s cost-effective and environmentally friendly.

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 We Love Vintage LED Light Bulbs

Posted on by J3551CA

These days, anything vintage and retro is most definitely back in style.  From old-fashioned light fittings that wouldn’t have been out of place at the turn of the century to exposed brick interiors and wooden floors, the hippest interiors are basically designed to transport you back in time.

While our grandparents worked hard to afford fitted carpets, fully papered walls and soft, plush interiors, we are slowly stripping them back to enjoy the rustic simplicity an authentic or vintage fixtures and fittings.  One of the easiest and most effective ways to evoke the atmosphere of days gone by is by using old-fashioned light bulbs to create a warm, soft glow in our homes, as well as the bars we drink in and the cafes we eat in.

Vintage Edison Bulbs Are Hipper Than Hip

Filament light bulbs offer enduring style and are most definitely having a resurgence of cool in coffee shops and penthouse apartments up and down the country.

Dating back to the original incandescent bulb commercialized by Thomas Edison in the 1800s, the warm, romantic glow emitted by these beauties adds a true vintage feel to any room.  Unlike the original filament light bulbs, however, modern days Edison bulbs use an LED light source, meaning that they look as cool as ever, but are safer and more energy efficient than their old-fashioned counterparts.

LED Edison lights offer a beautiful and sustainable solution without losing out on that characteristic magical glow for two main reasons:

  1. LED Edison Bulbs are incredibly long lasting

Most incandescent light bulbs (that’s old-fashioned bulbs to you and me) only have an average lifetime of around 2,000 hours, if you are lucky.  LED Edison bulbs, however, can shine on for an impressive 20,000 hours of use, making your home feel soft and romantic for much, much longer.

LED’s don’t fail like incandescent bulbs eventually do either, so you could even achieve a greater lifespan, depending on how often you use your LED Edison bulb.

  1. They Are More Energy Efficient Than Incandescent Light Bulbs

Incandescent bulbs have electricity running through their wire tungsten filaments, which heats up the elements to produce light.  This is why older style lightbulbs feel hot to the touch once they are turned on. It takes a lot of energy to make this happen every time you use the light bulb.

LED Edison bulbs, on the other hand, consume up to 80% less energy than traditional bulbs do, making them more sustainable and much cheaper to run.

Vintage LED Bulbs – combining the retro look of times gone by with the technology of today.

If you like to picture yourself listening to vinyl, sipping coffee bathed in the light of a vintage Scandinavian pendant light, then the LED Edison bulb has probably already crossed your radar.

If you are looking for a way to add a soft, vintage feel to your home or public space, these beautiful looking LED lights offer all the familiar comfort of the good old days, perfectly combined with the affordable, energy-efficient values that are important to us all today.

Professional Event Lighting from Frank Gatto & Associates

If you are looking for epic event lighting, either with a vintage feel or something totally modern, we can help.  Call us today at 561-368-0101 to find out more.

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.

            

What Are LEDs and Why Do They Last So Long?

Posted on by J3551CA

Advances in modern technology have meant that you can now illuminate your home, venue or other area with low-energy, cost-effective, long-lasting light sources that offer the same amount of light as traditional light bulbs, without the heat and expense.

LED (Light Emitting Diodes) use very little energy and last a really long time.  Unlike energy saving light bulbs, they light up instantly and do not take time to reach the desired brightness, making them the perfect choice for venues or events looking for full illumination at a fraction of the cost.

These types of modern LEDs produce light in a totally different way to how old-fashioned incandescent bulbs do.  With incandescent light bulbs, the electricity is passed through a thin wire filament, With LED light bulbs, the light is produced with the use of a semiconductor that emits light energy when the electrical current is passed through it.

While it is true that LEDs can be more expensive to purchase initially, the low energy output and long shelf life make them an excellent investment for anyone looking to maximize their lighting abilities, either in the home or within a professional environment.

How Do LEDs Last So Long?

Because LEDs are as much as 90% more effective than incandescent light bulbs, they have a much longer lifespan. This is because they have no working parts that will burn out or break over time.

An average LED light is a very robust piece of kit.  They are solid-state devices with no glass to break, nothing to wear out and they are not made from fragile glass that is likely to break.  In turn, this means that they will last a whole lot longer than regular light bulbs.

For the technically minded, the way they produce light is a crucial element of their longevity.  Because they are made of substrate semiconductor materials and have two specific two doped regions, P – positive and N – negative. When current passes through the PN junction it causes electrons to jump to higher atomic energy states. When the electrons return to the ground state, light in the form of photons is emitted. This phenomenon is called electroluminescence and it consumes very little energy since very little heat is generated.

How Long Should an LED Light Bulb Last For?

Well, if it has no way of burning out or becoming damaged, technically it should last forever?  If you invest in LED lights for your home, it may well be the last time you have to purchase light bulbs for a very long time indeed.

LEDs are touted to have a 50,000-hour average life. This is a massive increase in lifespan when you consider that the average life of a halogen 50-watt bulb is only between 1,000 and 2,000 hours.

How the LED is fitted and how long it is used for will obviously affect the real-world efficiency of your light source.  For example, an office that is lit for 10 hours a day using an LED light source should only have to replace the LEDs every 8-9 years.  A homeowner with LED lights in the living room, where lights are only one for a few hours a day, may not need to replace them for almost 20 years!

Frank Gatto LED Stage Lighting Solutions

LED lighting has completely transformed the way in which are able to illuminate studio sets, outdoor broadcasts and large events and occasions.  Our state-of-the-art LED lighting solutions provide high output, flicker-free, single-source lighting that runs cool with low current draw, saving up to 90% in energy costs while still providing the best-looking lighting for every event.

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.

            

Big Events Need Even Bigger Lighting

Posted on by J3551CA

As a nation, we love a big occasion. The bright lights, the loud music, the roaring cheers from the crowd — we literally cannot get enough of it.  Of all the events we love the best, nothing beats world-class sporting occasions.

Here at Frank Gatto & Associates, we have been honored to supply first-class lighting for some of the biggest sporting events in the country, sometimes even the world!  We light up the sports fields and arenas so that you can see all the action.

Frank Gatto – Proudly Lighting Up The ESPN

As a global cable and satellite sports television channel, ESPN shows some of the biggest sporting events from all around the world.  With exclusive access to games, tournaments and championships, as well as behind the scenes action, ESPN is a world leader in broadcasting the best-loved sports in the world.

Our lighting Directors and Technicians are among the best known and most respected in the industry, which is why we are regularly asked to provide lighting for ESPN, whatever the occasion.

From Friday Night Fights to Game Day and College Basketball, and everything in between, we supply the lighting solutions that make help make ESPN the biggest in the business.

Baseball

Frank Gatto & Associates were asked to provide the lighting for the 2017 World Series, meaning we were in the spotlight to ensure that every inch of the action was seen by nearly 19 million viewers for every game, the highest ratings the sport has seen since 2005.

Boxing

Boxing arenas are usually housed in large buildings, and the ring and viewings areas are designed to pack a punch!  The lighting is particularly important in these types of settings, as it’s not just about the fight, it’s also about the show.  We can be seen on the set of HBO Boxing, Showtime Boxing, UFC Miami and were even there to illuminate world-class title matches like Mayweather vs. Canelo and Mayweather vs. McGregor.

Football

Huge outdoor events are also a specialty of ours.  Floodlit fields need the very best lighting to capture all of the action, whilst halftime shows need a light show that wows! Here at Frank Gatto, we have worked alongside media giant NBC to illuminate their soccer games so you can see the magic happen.

Super Bowl

The biggest and the best, the Super Bowl is the pinnacle of every player’s career and one of the most watched television events in the country.  We were truly honored to provide lighting for the Super Bowl in Miami, Fl that was watched by a staggering 85 million viewers, and have been involved ever since.

Whatever the occasion, Frank Gatto & Associates have got it covered. We provide state of the art lighting solutions for television and sporting events both in the USA and the world.

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.

            

We Are Not Just Lighting Professionals, We Are Illumination Artists

Posted on by J3551CA

Here at Frank Gatto & Associates, we are experts in the art of illumination. We can transform a dark room into a brightly lit set ready for action, with the use of a wide range of state of the art lighting equipment. We work with some of the biggest names in the business, and we turn every occasion into an epic event using cutting-edge lighting technology.

Ever watched a major sporting event on TV? Well, it might just be thanks to us that you were able to watch every goal, every win, and every near miss. For 30 years we have designed television and special event lighting for world-renowned networks and companies, including HBO, ABC, ESPN, CBS, NBC, Fox, Showtime, Telemundo and Univision. Because we understand the importance of great lighting for every event, our Lighting Directors, Crew Chiefs, and Stage Hands all understand that the successful set-up and operation of lighting equipment is the key to world-class production.

Planning a large event? No problem! We have worked at some of the most prestigious venues in the US, including Madison Square Gardens, the Home Depot Centre and the Staples Center, as well as a wide range of large sports arenas, local convention centers, and theaters.

Award Winning Illumination Artists

Yep – that’s right! Our lighting services are so good we have even won awards for them. Frank Gatto’s groundbreaking lighting design work has so far earned us 3 Emmy’s, and we hope there will be many more to come! We also offer consultation work to assist with lighting sets during the planning and pre-production stages as well as attending and holding seminars on television lighting, news sets and sporting events.

Event Lighting As An Art Form

Here at Frank Gatto & Associates, we truly believe that great lighting is an art form. The key to success is in the planning, and we cover every aspect of your lighting requirements, regardless of the size of the venue or type of event. We illuminate your set so that it can be perfectly captured on video. What’s more, we design the lighting to enhance the viewer’s experience, and show your event in, quite literally, the best light ever!

We have the LED lighting fixtures to meet any creative, technical, or environmental challenge that is asked of us. From fixtures that provide high output, flicker-free, single-source lighting that all run cool and offer low current draw through to weatherproof fixtures that run on both AC power and DC batteries, we have what you need.

Our unlimited range of lighting applications, coupled with our 30 plus years of experience, has enabled us to turn event and television lighting into a true art form. Whatever the requirements, we can provide first class, tailor-made lighting solutions to suit.

Would you like to know more? Call our friendly team today on 561-368-0101 to find out how we can provide you with the bet lit set this side of Hollywood.

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.

Frank Gatto & Associates, Inc.
2263 NW Boca Raton Blvd #107, Boca Raton, FL 33431

Phone: 561-368-0101
Email: frank@frankgattolighting.com 

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

 

LED’s – Saving The Environment One Light At A Time

Posted on by J3551CA

These days, environmental concerns are far higher than ever before.  So many items that we use or purchase in day to day life are designed to reduce negative effects on the world around us and its’ natural resources.

This is also the case when it comes to the lighting we use here at Frank Gatto & Associates Inc, both in our own homes and as a commercial lighting supplier.  LED has transformed the ways in which we can provide efficient and reliable lighting systems, while still being kind to the environment.

In fact, LED lighting has a huge number of benefits over traditional lighting sources, when it comes to saving money and lowering our own carbon footprint.  Here are just a few of the reasons why LED lighting is so much better for our environment.

  1. LED Lights Are More Energy Efficient

LED lights are up to 80% more efficient than traditional fluorescent and incandescent lights. 95% of the energy in LEDs is converted into light and only 5% is wasted as heat. This means that less energy is used, which in turn reduces the demand from power plants and decreases greenhouse gas emissions.

  1. LED Lights Do Not Contain Toxic Elements

Some forms of lighting, like fluorescent strip lights, for example, contain noxious chemicals like mercury and need to be disposed of properly.  LED lights do not contain any toxic elements, making them safer to use and easier to dispose of.  Using LED’s also help to reduce the cost and energy required to have mercury-based light sources taken away by specialist contractors, saving the need for additional transportation and road pollution.

  1. LED’s Use Less Light

Because the quality of light distribution in an LED light is focused, they do not emit lights in all directions like traditional bulbs do, often wasting light that isn’t needed.   This means that less LED light is required to achieve the same level of brightness given off from fluorescents and incandescent lights, which in turn helps to reduce energy consumption and light pollution.

  1. LED Lights Last Longer

An LED light can last up to as much as six times longer than other types of light including fluorescent and incandescent lights.  This means LED lights offer lower carbon emissions all around. Fewer lights to buy means less manufacturing processes, packaging materials, and transportation.

  1. LED Lights Do Not Increase Noise Pollution

The unique way in which LED lights work means that they do not generate any vibrations or humming noises when they are operated.  This, in turn, means that using LED lights can help to reduce noise pollution from the environment.

Here at Frank Gatto & Associates we care deeply about the world around us and are always looking for ways to produce first-class lighting solutions that have a minimal effect on our environment.  As class leading lighting professionals, we have scoured the lighting sector to acquire the very best LED lighting technology to help protect our environment as well as continue to make us a leader in the televised sports lighting arena.

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 Lighting Vs Conventional Lighting

Posted on by J3551CA

Advances in lighting technology mean that there are more interior and exterior lighting options available in than ever before.  While many of us still use traditional lights, the switch over to LED lighting in both residential and commercial settings is gaining momentum.

Initially LED light sources were expensive and considered a phase, but as prices have leveled and the benefits of LED lighting are becoming better appreciated, the tide is slowly turning away from traditional light sources.

As a specialist provider of lighting solutions to some of the best-known names in American television, we really know our stuff when it comes to light sources.  If you are thinking about changing any of your existing lights to LED lights, here are some things you should consider.

COST

Pro’s – LEDs may be more expensive to purchase initially, but they will last far longer than other types of light.  In fact, some LED light bulbs can offer a lifespan of as long 60,000+ hours, compared to only 1,000 hours with incandescent or fluorescent bulbs.  

Con’s – They are definitely more expensive the purchase from the outset.  If you have to replace a lot of bulbs all at once, you may not be willing or able to pay large sums purely for light bulbs.

EFFICIENCY

Pro’s – LEDs are probably the most efficient type of lighting on the market today.  Typical source efficiency ranges between 37 and 120 lumens/watt, whereas most values for LED system efficiency fall above 50 lumens/watt.

Con’s – You may need very bright illumination that would be better served using traditional bulbs, in which case LED may not produce the amount of light you require.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS

Pro’s – LED lights contain virtually no toxic chemicals and are free from mercury.  This makes them incredibly environmentally friendly and 100% recyclable.  Using LED lights can help to reduce your carbon footprint by up to a third.

Con’s –  Cool white LED lights emit much more blue light than conventional light sources, especially in outside lighting.  This means that they can cause far more light pollution than other sources like traditional high-pressure sodium lamps.  It is therefore important that LED lights are well shielded when used outdoors.

DURABLE QUALITY

Pro’s – Because LED lights do not contain moving parts, they are far more durable and better suited to outdoor, or hard to reach environments.  They can take a fair bit of banging about before they fail.

Con’s – If you are looking to use lighting outside, be aware that LED performance largely depends on the ambient temperature of the operating environment. Too hot or too cold and the unit may fail.

LIGHT QUALITY

Pro’s – LED lights produce a pretty good spectrum of lights and are available in a wide variety of colors, making them a good choice for many domestic and commercial applications.

Con’s – If you are looking for professional grade lighting, with a particular requirement for high-quality rendering, LED lights can render badly using cool-white LED’s.

Overall, the move towards LED lighting is gaining momentum, with many users beginning to see the value in paying more for bulbs, that will effectively last longer and save them money over time.

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.