The Erfurt Theatre stands for sophisticated musical theatre and enriches the cultural scene of the Thuringian state capital with operas, musicals and concerts by the Erfurt Philharmonic Orchestra. Built in 2003, Erfurt Theatre is considered one of the most modern venues of its kind in Europe, offering stunning sound and excellent visibility. Recently, the 800-seat main auditorium was upgraded with a state-of-the-art ETC ArcSystem Pro LED lighting system.
Decision for sustainability and efficiency
Previously, the ceiling of the theatre was equipped with ETC Source Four PAR fixtures, which used conventional incandescent lamps to provide a warm and even light. In the interests of sustainability and energy efficiency, the Technical Director of the Erfurt Theatre decided to replace these older luminaires with modern LED technology. This change promises to bring new efficiency to the theatre’s lighting system.
“Our team actively participated in the task and presented various innovative technical solutions,” says Mathias Meyer, head of TAL Chemnitz GmbH, which accompanied the project and supplied the lighting package. After careful consideration, the decision was made in favour of the ArcSystem Pro Four-Cell Round LED lighting system from ETC, which is controlled via a wired DMX connection. ArcSystem Pro Four-Cell Round are high performance, soft fade luminaires for medium to long range lighting. The round luminaires have multiple suspension options and offer the option of fade-to-warm technology that mimics the appearance of incandescent lamps.
Exceptional brightness and light weight
According to Meyer, the luminaires stood out for several reasons. “First, the exceptional light quality is absolutely on par with previously installed lamps,” he says. “The brightness and colour rendering perfectly match the needs of the technical team and the musicians.” The ArcSystem Pro Four-Cell Round’s light weight and craftsmanship also offered advantages. “Installing the LED systems was a breeze thanks to the clever use of existing ceiling recesses, saving time and eliminating the need for additional construction work.”
Resource-saving efficiency was also evident in other areas. “With the new LED lighting, energy consumption is reduced by around 80 per cent,” Meyer continues. “And the thermal load on the room and – very significantly – maintenance costs are also reduced.” In addition, ETC consistently continues its commitment to excellent customer service. “With a ten-year warranty on the LED module, nothing stands in the way of long-term use.”
LED technology: the path to a more sustainable and efficient event industry
Events, from concerts to conferences, are an integral part of our society and culture. Lighting and visual effects play a crucial role in inspiring the audience and creating a unique experience. But these spectacular effects often come at a high price: enormous energy consumption and the associated CO2 emissions. This is where LED technology comes into play, offering not only a cost-efficient but also an environmentally friendly solution.
Energy efficiency: LEDs consume less power
One undeniable advantage of LED technology is its energy efficiency. Compared to traditional incandescent lamps or halogen spotlights, LEDs consume significantly less energy to produce the same amount of light. This leads not only to reduced electricity costs, but also to a reduction in CO2 emissions. So in the long run, organisers can not only save money but also reduce their ecological footprint.
Longevity: less waste, more use
LEDs have a longer life than conventional light sources. While an average incandescent lamp lasts about 1,000 hours and a halogen spotlight up to 2,000 hours, an LED lamp can shine for up to 25,000 hours or more. This reduces the need for constant replacements and therefore the amount of e-waste that needs to be disposed of. In the event industry, where hundreds or even thousands of light sources are often used, this can make a significant difference.
Versatility and quality: the right light for every occasion
LEDs offer a remarkable variety of colours and can be controlled quickly and easily. Unlike conventional light sources, which often require colour filters, LEDs can produce any colour in the RGB spectrum. This enables event organisers to create specific atmospheres and effects more easily. At the same time, the quality of light is maintained without unnecessary energy consumption due to colour filters and external control elements.
Safety: less heat, less risk
Traditional lighting solutions such as incandescent lamps or halogen spotlights can become very hot and thus pose a potential fire risk. LEDs, on the other hand, generate significantly less heat and are therefore safer to operate. This is particularly important in enclosed spaces or at events where many people congregate in a small space.
Advantages of LEDs in the event industry at a glance
- Energy efficiency: LEDs consume less power than traditional incandescent and halogen lamps, resulting in lower energy costs and reduced CO2 emissions.
- Durability: With a lifespan of up to 25,000 hours or more, LED technology reduces the need for constant lamp changes and generates less waste.
- Colour diversity: LEDs can cover a wide colour spectrum and can be easily controlled, providing a variety of visual effects.
- Less heat: LEDs generate less heat than conventional light sources, reducing the risk of fire.
- Compact design: LEDs are often smaller and lighter than other light sources, making them easier to transport and install.
- Flexibility: Quick changes in light intensity or colour are easy to implement, making them ideal for dynamic and interactive events.
- Quality of light: LEDs provide a high quality of light that is suitable for a variety of applications, from stage lighting to accent lighting.
A win-win
The advantages of LED technology in the event industry are clear: it is energy-efficient, durable, versatile and safe. Switching to LED lighting is therefore not only a smart financial decision, but also a step towards more sustainable and responsible event design. It is time for event organisers to take full advantage of this revolutionary technology, keeping both their own profit and the planet in mind.
LED upgrade at ETC: affordable, straightforward and sustainable
To make the switch to sustainable LED technology easier, ETC has been offering its customers retrofit kits for some time now, enabling Source Four users to convert their conventional luminaire to a modern LED spotlight. The second generation Source 4WRD Color II Retrofit Kit allows users to quickly and easily convert their existing Source Four fixtures into modern LED fixtures. The new generation offers improved performance, especially in colour rendering and light intensity.
The upgrade is not only of high quality, but also sustainable. It enables an energy saving of 75 percent and the re-use of a large part of the existing headlamp. The Source 4WRD Color II can be used as a retrofit kit or as a stand-alone fixture, offering a variety of built-in colour and sequence settings. All the proven features of the original Source Four are retained.
In addition, ETC offers a comprehensive warranty for the product, underlining its reliability and longevity.
