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Visual Connection completes major upgrade of Eurodam's theatre lighting

Visual Connection completes major upgrade of Eurodam's theatre lighting
Visual Connection Ltd, the UK-based visual technology concept and installation company, has completed a major upgrade of theatre lighting on board Eurodam, including the installation of a full rig of LED moving lights for Holland America Line.

Visual Connection has been working with HAL over many years, researching how to reduce the power consumption and running costs of its moving light rigs.

This latest installation is ground breaking for the sector, where the power requirements of theatrical lighting used for on board shows are a large factor in fuel costs.

Visual Connection collaborated with international lighting designer Brian Monahan of BPM Lighting Designs in Los Angeles to source Robin DLX spot units and Robin DLF wash units from Robe.

These LED sourced moving lights are more energy efficient, with less moving parts, but crucially provide the same features and output as traditional arc sourced moving lights.

Holland America Line will further benefit because it will no longer need to replace lamps every 700 hours, as required with the arc sourced moving lights. The new models also have air flow designed to keep theatrical haze off internal parts and lens therefore preventing a build up of residue that can affect the unit’s performance. 

Visual Connection completed the upgrade during a ten day dry dock last month including the installation of 35 Robin DLX spot units and 28 Robin DLF wash units.

Cost and energy savings for Holland America Line will be impressive, as an indication: the traditional lighting rig removed from the ship used around 8,760 gallons of diesel fuel every year, whilst a rig of 65 Robe LEDs would use around 730 gallons of diesel fuel every year, a potential yearly fuel cost saving at present prices of around $26,000, notes Visual Connection.

The two companies are currently in discussion about rolling out the new equipment across its full fleet.

David Horner, Visual Connection managing director said, ‘Our challenge was to come up with a new system that saved energy and money, while delivering exactly the same onstage wow factor that a cruise ship audience expects. Working with Brian Monahan we were able to find a rig that can do just that. Brian had the vision we needed to create a stunning show with the new equipment and we are confident that the Robe rig will pay for itself in fuel savings alone.’

Monahan added, ‘I needed an LED spot and wash fixture that was bright enough to punch through the 5mil video wall and moving video panels that were added to create visual scenery for the five different shows. I looked at several manufacturers before settling on Robe. The DLX Spot and DLF Wash had everything I needed; from a great selection of gobo’s, a smooth even field, terrific color mixing and a killer zoom, especially in the DLF Wash.’