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The withdrawal of the Source Four PAR, PARNel, Fresnel and JR It marks the end of an era in professional lighting, but it is not a sad goodbye, but rather a natural evolution. LED is no longer the future, it is the present, and ETC is very clear about it. These legendary models have done their job for years, but now it's time to make way for more efficient, versatile and sustainable options. And the best thing is that ETC already has LED alternatives in its catalogue that not only maintain the same quality of light as always, but take it to another level. So, more than nostalgia, it's time to get excited about what's coming!
These models have made their mark with their reliability, optical quality and exceptional performance. Who hasn't ridden a Source Four Par and enjoyed its versatility? Or ridden a Source Four JR and appreciated its performance in smaller spaces without sacrificing the power of its bigger brothers? The ParNel, that curious hybrid between PAR and Fresnel, also earned its place in the industry with its soft and uniform beam of light. And what about the Source Four Fresnel, with its ability to emit a warm and enveloping light, it was the faithful ally of those seeking the perfect balance between delicacy and precision. Each one had its own personality, but they all shared the same DNA: ETC excellence.
The series Source Four ETC's ETC has been a true classic in professional lighting since its launch. With its first-class optics and impeccable projection, it has been a favourite of designers around the world. And with good reason: Its innovative design made the most of the lamp and avoided wasting light., marking a turning point in the industry. But times change, and so does Source Four. Now, its legacy lives on in more advanced LED versions, which maintain the same precision and versatility as always, but with an added bonus of efficiency and technology.
Why is ETC leaving these classics behind?
The world of professional lighting is not standing still, and ETC is clear about it. As part of its commitment to innovation, the brand has decided to remove these classics from its catalogue. Far from being a simple change, this decision is part of a strategy focused on more efficient and sustainable technology. These have been three of the main reasons that have led the American brand to make this decision:
The transition to LED technology: efficiency and versatility
For years, ETC has been betting on LED lighting as the future of the sector. Energy efficiency, durability and advanced color control have made LED luminaires superior in many aspects to halogen options. Models such as the Source Four LED Series 3 and fos/4 Fresnel They offer exceptional light quality with much lower energy consumption, which allows for reduced operating costs and the carbon footprint of any production. By phasing out halogen models, ETC is sending a clear message: LED is the present and the future of stage lighting.
Regulations and sustainability: goodbye to halogen lamps
In many regions, especially in the European Union and in certain states of U.S., energy regulations are restricting the use of inefficient light sources. Halogen lamps, although they have been an industry standard for decades, are energy-intensive and generate more heat than LED alternatives. ETC has chosen to stay ahead of these regulatory changes and align its portfolio with more sustainable solutions. The withdrawal of these models is not only a matter of innovation, but also of environmental responsibility and compliance with regulations.
Technological update: simplification of the catalogue and new needs
Technological evolution also plays a key role in this decision. New generations of equipment offer greater control over color, compatibility with modern protocols such as DMX/RDM and Ethernet networks, and superior thermal performance. In addition, ETC is simplifying its catalog to focus on solutions that truly respond to the current needs of lighting professionals. With the disappearance of these models, users can migrate to products that offer them more flexibility and better performance.
This mandatory transition to LED technology requires evaluating key aspects such as energy consumption, compatibility with room control systems, and color rendering. At Stonex, we support cultural spaces throughout the entire process.
What is coming now?
While these models are leaving the stage, ETC continues to innovate with new, more efficient, versatile and future-proof lighting solutions. LED technology continues to advance and the industry is evolving towards more sustainable and more controllable options. So, although it pains us to say goodbye, we know that the brand will continue to offer us incredible tools to continue creating unforgettable shows. In addition, ETC has thought of all the options when it comes to facilitating the renewal of these discontinued equipment, providing the possibility for its users to incorporate the SWRD II and SWRD II Color modules, which will allow them to continue operating with more modern LED technology, saving energy and offering better quality.
Recently, ETC has launched new spotlights such as the Source Four LED Series 3, which offers incredible light and spectacular color reproduction thanks to its eight-color mixing technology. There is also the range fos/4, designed especially for film and television, with precise color control and easy integration with other lighting systems. In addition, the Eos console family has improved with more intuitive tools to make programming easier and more creative. And we can't forget the Desire series y ColorSource, which are versatile and affordable options for theatres, events and architectural spaces, guaranteeing quality lighting with powerful and simple colour management.
We say goodbye to these spotlights, but not with sadness, but with great gratitude for their legacy. We are left with the anecdotes, the lights on at key moments and the certainty that ETC will continue to surprise us with new releases. So, while the Source Four Par, ParNel, Fresnel and JR retire to applause, we move on, ready to discover what new beams of light the future holds for us. Ready for the new era of lighting?
Stonex, official distributor of ETC in Spain
Do you want to know everything ETC lighting fixtures or control panels can do for you?
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