Scharff Weisberg Lighting is the first company in the Northeast to take delivery of the highly-anticipated VARI*LITE VL500™, and Scharff Weisberg has already employed the fixtures on a product launch for Sun Microsystems. “As the premier VL shop in New York City, bringing the VL500 was a no-brainer,” comments Scharff Weisberg Lighting’s Chris McMeen. “The VL500 comes with many new improvements over the old VL5 such as onboard DMX control, onboard dimmers (available on our units), improved yoke movement, yoke locks, and better reflector efficiency which make it that much brighter. Now units will also be available in either the pastel pallet or the standard CMY color mixing which can be changed in the shop.”

The VARI*LITE VL500 Wash luminaire is based upon the Emmy Award-winning VL5 Wash luminaire but with significant design improvements. This multifaceted luminaire is available in four base models: the VL500, VL500D, VL500 80V and VL500A. As an option, all models are available with pastel versions of the standard colors; the pastel colors offer a softer Broadway-type color palette often used in live theatre.

The innovative DICHRO*TUNE™ radial color mixing system employs three sets of 16 radially-mounted dichroic blades–blue, amber, and magenta–to produce a smooth, full spectrum of color crossfades.

All models of the VL500 (excluding the VL500A) also employ 16 radially-mounted diffuser planes to control beam spread. For additional beam control, all models have six interchangeable lens options, including clear, stipple (included in stock fixture), 8-row, 10-row, 12-row and Buxom.

All models are designed with natural convection cooling supported by on-demand micro-fans for high-temperature applications. With the on-demand fan mounted internally in the yoke of each mechanism, the luminaire is ideal for television and theatrical productions.

The VL500 offers complete stand-alone operation with no Smart Repeater™ Processing Unit required. Simply plug in DMX512 and power, and the VL500 may be controlled through any DMX512 lighting-control consoles.