To the question of how effective LED technology will be in replacing tungsten, which is already in danger of extinction in several countries, expert Rory Fraser-Mackenzie offers some clues to better understand what this change known as "Transition to LED" entails "
In the battle of LED vs. Tungsten, it is a fact that tungsten is going to disappear. The European Union is at the forefront of the race to ban this type of luminaire and replace it with the most modern LED ones.. Especially in the stage lighting sector, this change involves large investments, bearing in mind that it is not simply a question of changing a lamp for an LED as we would do in our homes, but rather you have to buy a completely new product.
We are facing an advance towards saving energy, achieving a greener industry in which devices have a longer lifespan. But nevertheless, all these advantages will not be found in any product: only a few manufacturers have developed a technology with high quality and long lasting components.
Efficiency, precision, reliability and guarantees of LED lamps vs. Tungsten
Stand out among them ETC, distributed in Spain by Stonex, which offers a Unrivaled 10-year warranty on LED chip, plus products that enable lossless migration from tungsten to LED shows. The inclusion of lenses and other interchangeable accessories between the old luminaires and the new ones with LED technology make ETC in a reference brand in this technological transition, making it more compatible with traditional devices and more economical and amortizable given the reduction in consumption and decmaintenance costs.
Regarding the benefits of this technology, the innovation applied to the brands that Stonex distributes and specifically to equipment such as ETC Source Four LED cutouts, Has got replicate the effect of tungsten in the appearance that leather or some architectural or textile materials should have. Another of the characteristics that are attributed to tungsten and that generated more mistrust in the LED is its ability to turn off smoothly; a process in which the color temperature itself becomes warmer.
The transition to LED according to Fraser-Mackenzie: a technological revolution
The European market responsible for the brand, Rory Fraser-Mackenzie exposes some keys to take into account in this process of change. As it states: “For illuminators and end users it is very important that the luminaires behave in the way they are familiar with”, referring to the differences LED vs. Tungsten. It also points out that “In most spaces both technologies will coexist for a while and for this reason it is very important that both devices look the same”.
From ETC they are proud of having achieved in the struggle LED vs tungsten a technology that mimics its predecessor and that exceeds it in terms of performance without compromising the energy bill, also offering better options for placing equipment in unwieldy places. “Our work in the theater and entertainment market also requires us to produce lamps that dim perfectly without flickering or abrupt changes in level, and that offer versatility in lighting design. We use this experience in the development of all our luminaires,” says Fraser-Mackenzie.
Challenges and opportunities of LED vs. tungsten
The quality of light continues to be the most difficult aspect of tungsten to imitate, as well as its ability to produce large amounts of white light. However, one of the great advantages offered by the LED is the possibility of very sophisticated color mixtures. "Not only does it translate into an increase in the lumen/watt value" -much more energy efficient- "but they also guarantee a much more refined color selection," explains Fraser-Mackenzie.
In addition, another of the great differences in the competition LED vs tungsten is that the new LED technology achieves a Considerable reduction in heat emission, which results in greater savings in air conditioning of spaces and less risk of overheating of appliances. Some properties that we must not lose sight of when deciding which devices we are going to use to complete our installation.
In Spain, the company Stonex is an official distributor of ETC, among other well-known brands. As a national benchmark in professional lighting and stage engineering, Stonex has more than 40 years of experience offering comprehensive solutions for the entertainment, entertainment, architecture and emergency lighting sectors.; ranging from the design, supply, installation and maintenance of stage equipment and premium lighting.