ARRI 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, color, beam field and output, SkyPanel represents the culmination of more than a decade of research and development of LED technology at ARRI.
Two sizes for limitless applications
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 mm 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 color tuneable and remote phosphor versions.
Fully tuneable, excellent color rendering
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' (Color) versions are fully tuneable; correlated color temperature is adjustable between 2,800 K and 10,000 K, with excellent color 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 color 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 color 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 color temperatures.
Powerful light output
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 color gives users an unprecedented amount of control.
True soft light beam quality
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 color and intensity.
Natural shadow rendition
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 colors. 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.
Versatility built in
While the SkyPanel was designed to be used primarily as a soft light to illuminate people, various built-in features make it extremely versatile. The diffusor panels on the front of the lamphead are interchangeable, so going from the Heavy Diffusion panel to the Lite Diffusion can be done in a matter of seconds, and further diffusion accessories are planned. With the on-board battery input, SkyPanel can be run off industry-standard batteries for untethered soft light requirements. The S60 can be operated at up to 50% of its total power on battery, and the S30 can be used at full power.
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 colors, it offers a compelling alternative to conventional space lights.
Remote phosphor versions
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 color rendition and outstanding light output. The remote phosphor versions of SkyPanel are roughly 10% brighter than the color versions and have a lower price point. Different color temperature panels are available, including 2,700 K; 3,200 K; 4,300 K; 5,600 K; and 6,500 K.
Built to last
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. The combination of an aluminum core with fiberglass-reinforced thermoplastics results in a solid fixture that can withstand heavy daily use on busy film sets. The electronics have been designed to last beyond a minimum of 25,000 hours, and to be easily serviceable. The LED light engine even allows for recalibration, further enhancing SkyPanel's credentials as a long-lasting, high-quality fixture.
Other features include a 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.
Main Features: