ETC Source Four PAR or Altman Star PAR

[Barry Cheong]

Can anybody comment on either of these 2 lights?

 

Source 4 PAR (not the Source 4 Leko)

http://www.etcconnect.com/products/products.asp?77

 

or

 

Altman Star PAR

http://mail.altmanltg.com/publicsynergy/do...%2DA&Country=US

 

I'm just wondering about general performance and how well they handle in the harsher conditions of the film/video production world as opposed to theatre/architectural world.

 

Also has anyone used ETC's PARnel? It seems like an interesting product.

Edited December 29, 2005 by Barry Cheong

[Don Bachmeier]

The Source Four PAR is commonly used for live event and concert lighting which is a combination of theater and film/video production. It is built to the same quality as the Source Four ellipsoidals.

 

Barndoors don't seem to work as well with the PARNEL as they do with the PAR version. But you don't have the extra glass lenses to haul around. Either way they are not fresnels, if you are looking for that kind of control.

 

However if you are looking for wash lighting, something for a bounce board or through a diffusion frame they are very handy. The efficiency of the output compared to the wattage is the main thing (to me). Whether that offsets the extra weight and price is up to you. The newer versions take 750watt bulb as well as the older 575watt.

 

I've examined but not used the Star PAR. It appears equally as rugged. It may have a slightly higher output.

 

I've seen some trucks with UniPARs on them instead of the usual PAR64 rock and roll lights but I haven't heard how they've held up.

[Barry Cheong]

Thanks! The input is appreciated.