Tag: LED vs conventional lighting

Why LED Lighting is Cost Effective

Posted on by J3551CA

One of the primary reasons that stadiums and entertainment arenas are transitioning to LED lights for their illumination needs is the many ways in which they’re more economical. The lights are revolutionizing everything from the illumination of TV and film sets to concerts and sports extravaganzas.

LEDs are especially popular in the entertainment industry where every dollar counts and budgetary concerns are a daily issue. They use far less electricity than traditional lighting methods so they’re less expensive to operate. LEDs have a much longer lifespan than traditional illumination methods so they don’t have to be replaced as often.

The lights are more reliable and durable than traditional bulbs. They’re not as susceptible to being bumped and or jarred and can withstand impacts that would shatter older style bulbs. The fixtures also require less maintenance. If a single bulb went out in an old-style array, all the lights were affected – a situation that doesn’t happen with LEDs.

An LED array produces more illumination than its old-style bulb equivalent. Lighting specialists can use fewer lights to obtain the same effect. LEDs take less time to set up and are easier to move, which saves money on productions of all types. The lights can produce multiple colors which can eliminate the use of expensive filters and other techniques.

Another cost effective benefit to LEDs is that they can be safely recycled since they don’t contain the dangerous chemicals found in other types of bulbs. In this instance, the cost effectiveness is found through the use of fewer resources and damage to the planet.

LEDs aren’t as affected by colder temperatures as their traditional counterparts. They can be operated in environments without the need to carry as many replacements, thereby mitigating the cost of transporting equipment.

Frank Gatto Lighting was one of the first companies to understand the value and benefits of LED illumination within a myriad of settings, along with the ability to save money for clients. The company’s innovative LED techniques for lighting venues ranging from sports to nature filmography continue to propel the entertainment industry forward.

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.

            

Lighting Quality can Change your Photos and Videos

Posted on by J3551CA

When it comes to taking photos and videos, all light is not created equal. Almost everyone has shot a video that was too dark or taken photos that had a yellow tint. The problem isn’t the equipment – it’s the quality of the lighting.

When taking photos indoors, even flash and fill flash camera options won’t be enough to dispel the tones emitted by certain types of illumination sources. Undesirable light will adversely affect the entire mood and effect of the scene you’re trying to capture.

The angle of the light is equally important. Side lighting will throw harsh shadows and only illuminate one side of the subject, but can create some uniquely artistic perspectives. Frontal lighting makes it easy to reproduce colors, but can leave the subject looking faded, washed out or flat. Backlighting originating from behind the subject can make them seem nothing more than a silhouette, but can also produce some dramatic effects.

Taking photos outside in bright sunlight results in images that have sharp contrast, but it also increases the potential for dark shadows. A cloudy day produces softer, diffused light that minimizes shadows and reduces the amount of contrast.

The type of available illumination also affects videos and can create a vastly different effect than what was intended. A beautifully framed shot can easily transition into something that would be more appropriate for a horror movie or psychological thriller. The way lighting is placed can add texture, color and depth to the video and work to de-emphasize specific elements in the shot to guide the viewer where to look.

Light is even more important in photos and video than how the shot is framed. The way lighting is arranged creates different moods and effects within each frame whether it’s a still image or a video. Correct illumination seldom happens by accident. It’s one of the primary reasons that professional videographers and photographers are in such high demand.

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.

            

7 Reasons To Love LED Film Lighting

Posted on by J3551CA

LED lights are becoming increasingly popular within the film industry, and their ease of use, affordability and availability mean that this trend is set to continue for many years to come.

LED lights have many benefits over and above the usual traditional incandescent, fluorescent and halogen options, and as specialists in providing first-class lighting services in Florida, we are fully aware of just how useful LEDs can be.

Here are just 7 reasons why we love using LED’s to offer our clients awesome lighting solutions.

  1. They are super energy efficient

LED lights use about 50 percent less electricity than traditional incandescent, fluorescent and halogen bulbs do.  This, in turn, makes them far more energy efficient, and cheaper to run.  LEDs also aim light in a specific direction unlike conventional bulbs, which emit light in all directions.  This unique capability to direct light in one direction helps to also reduce the risk of wasted light and energy.  This directional lighting capability reduces wasted light and energy.

  1. They last way longer

LEDs don’t “burn out” or fail like incandescent bulbs do. Instead, they start to dim over time. Quality LEDs have an expected lifespan of 30,000–50,000 hours or even longer, depending on the quality of the lamp or fixture, whereas a typical incandescent bulb lasts only about 1,000 hours.  A longer life means less need to replace them, saving you both time and money in the long run.

  1. They keep their cool

With less than 10 percent of the power used by incandescent lamps being converted to visible light, the leftover energy makes them very hot to use and touch. Such excessive heat and ultraviolet radiation (UV) presents a burn hazard to people and materials, especially on hot, close-knit film sets and in studio.  LEDs emit virtually no IR or UV meaning that they remain cool and present virtually no risk of overheating.

  1. They offer instant light

Many traditional light sources can take up to 3 minutes to provide full brightness.  LED lights, however, come on at 100-percent brightness almost instantly, meaning you can get filming right away without having to wait.  This also makes them an excellent choice for large sets or spaces, like sports fields, that need to flood with light very quickly.

  1. They are really tough

Because there are no filaments or glass enclosure to worry about, LED lights are resistant to breakages and mostly immune to vibrations, falls and other impacts.  Because they are mounted on a circuit board and connected with soldered leads, they are not completely unbreakable, but they certainly are a whole lot tougher than regular light bulbs are.

  1. They can be easily controlled

Some lighting systems are really difficult to control.  LEDs, however, can act as semiconductor devices making them incredibly easy to control. Some LEDs can even be dimmed to 10 percent of light output while most fluorescent lights only reach about 30 percent of full brightness. LEDs also offer continuous, opposed to step-level, dimming (where the shift from the 100-to-10-percent light output is smooth and seamless, not tiered).

  1. They offer amazing color capabilities

Modern LED lights can offer beautiful variations in color and brightness that can completely change the way your audience see the subject.  Choose from extra warm white 2700K, warm white 3000K or cool white 4000K for subtle differences in standard white light, and just about a gazillion different colors if you need something different.

LED Lighting from Frank Gatto & Sons

We offer amazing film and TV lighting solutions across Florida and beyond.  Speak to 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.

            

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.