Norman Lamps, Inc.

Stage and studio lamps are specialized high-intensity bulbs engineered for theatrical lighting, film and video production, photography, and broadcast applications where precise color rendering, controllable light output, reliable dimming behavior, and consistent performance are critical. These aren't ordinary bulbs adapted for entertainment use – they're purpose-built for demanding professional applications where lighting quality directly impacts the final artistic or commercial product.

The requirements for stage and studio lighting differ significantly from general illumination. Color rendering must be perfect or near-perfect (CRI 95-100) because lights need to reveal performers, sets, and subjects exactly as intended. Dimming behavior must be smooth and predictable across the full range from 100% to near-blackout, with consistent color temperature as the lamp dims. Light output needs to be substantial – stages, sets, and subjects often need high illumination levels for proper exposure and visibility. Beam characteristics must be controllable through fixture optics to create the lighting designer's intended effects.

Common bulb types in theatrical and studio lighting include tungsten halogen lamps in various configurations: FEL and FEV lamps (1000W medium prefocus base), EGT, EGR, and similar designation lamps for ellipsoidal spotlights, PAR56 and PAR64 lamps for PAR cans and wash lighting, and various double-ended quartz halogen lamps for cyc lights, border lights, and specialty fixtures. Each lamp designation indicates specific voltage, wattage, base type, and performance characteristics matched to particular fixture types.

Photography and video production use tungsten studio lamps in various wattages from 150W to 2000W+, with 3200K color temperature that matches tungsten film balance and video cameras' tungsten white balance setting. Fresnel lamps for spotlights with focusing capability, open-face lamps for soft light sources, and various specialty lamps for specific lighting instruments all serve the goal of illuminating subjects with flattering, controllable, high-quality light.

HMI (Hydrargyrum Medium-arc Iodide) lamps represent advanced discharge technology used extensively in film, video, and high-end stage lighting. These lamps produce daylight-balanced 5600K light with exceptional efficiency – several times the light output per watt compared to tungsten. However, HMI lamps are expensive, require specific ballasts, produce flicker that can interfere with certain camera frame rates, and demand careful handling and installation. Their advantages in efficiency and daylight color balance make them valuable for large-scale productions and situations where daylight matching is important.

LED technology is gradually entering stage and studio lighting, offering obvious advantages in efficiency, heat reduction, and color flexibility (color-changing LED fixtures can produce any color without gels). However, traditional tungsten fixtures remain preferred by many professionals for their superior color rendering in skin tones, smooth dimming characteristics, and the familiar quality of light that cinematographers and lighting designers have worked with for decades. The debate between LED and tungsten continues, with both technologies serving different priorities and preferences.

Lamp life in stage and studio applications can be quite short – high-wattage tungsten halogen lamps might last only 200-500 hours due to the extreme operating conditions (high temperature, frequent dimming, shock from movement and transportation). This means productions and venues need to maintain adequate spare lamp inventory and perform regular preventive replacements to avoid failures during performances or shoots. The cost of lamp inventory and replacement is simply accepted as part of professional lighting budgets.

Common Lamp Types: FEL/FEV (ellipsoidal), EGT/EGR (ellipsoidal), PAR56/PAR64 (wash lights), double-ended quartz halogen (cyc lights), various fresnel and studio lamps, HMI lamps (professional film/video)

Key Characteristics: Perfect color rendering (CRI 95-100), smooth dimming, high intensity, 3200K tungsten or 5600K daylight balance, specific bases matched to fixtures

Applications: Theatrical productions, film and video production, photography studios, broadcast television, concert lighting, architectural and event lighting