There’s a quiet lighting revolution coming… you ready?
It’s not often that we find ourselves witnessing a potentially game changing product. In my career I can certainly remember such moments with the VL5, Intellabeam, Studio Color, MAC2000, Wholehog 1 and 2, CK Colorblast and yes, the ETC Source 4 Leko. However, since the Source 4, nothing significant has been created to evolve this technology. The leko is a standard in theater, industrial, corporate, TV and even Rock and Roll. Yet, in 25 years, it’s barely changed.
This week, Coemar have quietly introduced what very well could become another significant product moment. I traveled to Germany last week… just so I could see what all the noise is about.
The Reflection LEDko as it is called, is more than just a leko. Sure, it looks like a leko, and in many cases, it acts like one too. In fact, if you wish, you can use it as nothing more than a leko. You can use all of your existing Source 4® accessories including Lens Assemblies, barn doors, even scrollers (unless of course you use the full color LEDko Full Spectrum). One thing you won’t need are metal or glass patterns. You can print on a transparency your patterns, corporate logo or images using a standard office printer, then insert that transparency into the LEDko. It won’t burn or melt. In fact, because there’s virtually no UV, it won’t even fade! You messed up the client’s logo colors? No problem, print another one!
Another area where the LEDko is just different… they have created one of the, if not THE first “Soft Edge Profile” fixtures. Using the same back end LEDko, you can add our Soft Profile optics with either fresnel or PC lens and you’ve got an instant soft light with internal framing shutters and external barndoors as well! In early demos, I’ve watched LD’s get very excited about this feature. But for rental companies, to be able to send a case of back end LEDko engine bodies – then both soft and hard edge front ends… you can mix and match more options than any other single light I’ve seen.
The light source powering the LEDko is the revolutionary source created last year for the Reflection PC that won Plasa’s best lighting product. It draws 120 watts and can be loosely compared to a standard leko lamped with a 575. It’s also expected that future versions will stand up to 750′s! The LEDko comes in 3 versions. The 3200k “Halogen Like” offers warm color temperature and looks just like a standard white leko. This version is also brighter than the others. Second, the VariWhite offers variable whites from 3000k to 7000k programmed via DMX or set onboard. Last but not least, the Full Spectrum gives you full color, variable whites from 3200-9000k and even a built in library of leading gel manufacturers. Any of these three LEDko bodies will fit standard leko accessories or Coemar soft / hard profile optics bodies.
So what you’ve got is this. 3 types of body or engine that can operate on their own or with standard leko lens assemblies and accessories or Coemar designed accessories. Pictured here is the LEDko body without any lens and a Coemar developed optical body including their patented internal framing shutter system.
LED Source have arranged to get sample packages and will have those by the end of April or first week of may. Be sure to contact either Dorel or Jerry at LED Source to get your eyes on these. In the meantime, please check out a preview video HERE.
Marcel
Imitation is flattery??
I hate to complain (those who know me might argue that a tad…) but I am really growing tired of the lack of ingenuity or innovative thinking in the world of Entertainment Equipment sales.
You see, we’ve got a couple of key competitors in the field who, since the beginning of time, have “borrowed” from us at every opportunity. One such competitor recently launched a new website… or so they called it a new website. In fact, it really was just their slightly changed version of GearSource. They even went so far as to copy our successful want area, the Need Zone.
When we set out to create GearSource, the decision was made that we would not use cheap off the shelf web software. If we were to do it right, we would create whatever was needed to make the sale of other people’s property safe, efficient and quick. That’s exactly what we have created and continue to improve. We are proud of what we’ve built over the past 8 years and we look forward to what’s coming.
For others, I suggest they may want to look within and find their own identity. Because we’ve found success with our model certainly doesn’t mean that others will also. We have worked very hard to establish ourselves and to develop an extremely complex back-office system that automates the process of equipment sales. To copy just the “shiny bits” will never work.
We are currently hard at work on what very well may be a revolution in not only the production equipment business, but the re-sale of pre-owned items in any industry. More to come soon!
Marcel
Coemar Support to be Better than Ever!
This week a deal was put in place for Coemar’s service and Support center here in North America. Obviously warranty and support was among our biggest concerns when taking on Coemar in both GearSource and LED Source, so we’ve been working diligently to get this deal in place quickly.
Today, I can tell you that Jorge Bombino, the same person who was responsible for Coemar support at ICD in the past, has set up his own company, RoboLite Services to exclusively support Coemar equipment here in the USA. Jorge has spent more than 10 years servicing Coemar lighting fixtures and knows the product almost as well as the factory guys, so we’re pretty happy that he’s the “man”.
Jorge will hit the ground running on this Exclusive arrangement from his south Florida location. In fact, RoboLite already has a pretty large stock of Coemar parts. Soon, we will work on setting up technical training classes as well – so we can have factory trained technicians in the field.
Effective Monday August 9th, you can reach Jorge at any of the following:
GearSource or LED Source – Extension 4409 or Direct: 561-578-4409
Email:
Address:
RoboLite Services
2440 West 80 St. Bay 1
Hialeah, Fl-33016
We would love to report “It’s Business as Usual” here with Coemar in the USA. Service and support will be the best it’s ever been as a result of this new agreement between Coemar, Gearsource, LED Source and RoboLite.
Isn’t it time to check out the awesome Coemar range? Call us… we’ve got demo gear too!
Marcel
Coemar takes a step forward with focused distribution agreements
GEAR-SOURCE, LED SOURCE SIGN EXCLUSIVE AGREEMENTS WITH COEMAR
(Wellington, Fla.) — Marcel Fairbairn, founder and president of Gear-Source, Inc. and GearSource.com, a leading connection for production and concert equipment, has inked an exclusive sales and marketing agreement with Coemar, a prestigious Italian manufacturer of automated lighting and LED products. GearSource will serve Coemar’s North American market utilizing its experienced automated lighting sales staff as well as its advanced web-based system, GearSource.com.
Additionally, Fairbairn’s company LED Source, a national and international supplier of LED lighting, will exclusively distribute the Coemar LED range—including the ultra-popular ParLite LED and exciting new products to be shown at this year’s conventions. With the help of company VP and partner Gavin Cooper, Fairbairn established LED Source in 2005 followed by a franchising program four years later. Currently, LED Source is North America’s first and only franchisor in the world of LED lighting.
“From the industry leading ParLite LED to the rental and touring powerhouse Infinity range, Coemar products deliver exceptional technology and unsurpassed performance,” said Fairbairn. “This new relationship with Coemar is a massive win for the market, which will now have access to Coemar products in addition to an experienced staff and – in many cases – lower prices due to our state-of-the-art sales and delivery technologies.”
Fairbairn has spent more than 20 years in the entertainment lighting business. While serving as shareholder and vice president of Coemar’s U.S. operations from 1999 to 2002, he noticed an excess of unwanted inventory in the entertainment production business—resulting in the creation of Gear-Source in fall 2002. Since then, GearSource.com has re-marketed more gear in professional stage lighting, pro audio, video and staging than any other entity. Recently, GearSource’s efficient and cost effective approach to selling has become especially important to markets hit by this recession that are looking to save on traditional inventory acquisition methods. A large majority of the company’s customers are “dealers” that include production / rental companies or resellers; its end-user clients also include televisions studios, cruise lines, theme parks, theaters, schools and churches.
“We are thrilled by the coverage we will gain through the experience of the GearSource team. It is a great opportunity to work with Marcel again and benefit from the access to market that he and his companies can uniquely provide our brand. Our collective customer base will be rewarded with even greater value—plus Coemar will gain unprecedented exposure through its presence on the industry’s most popular site,” said Fausto Orsatti, Vice President of sales and marketing at Coemar. ”Additionally, one of Coemar’s biggest challenges has always been our customers’ ability to dispose of older inventory to make way for new technology. Gear-Source provides a unique solution to that problem.”
Coemar products will be available from both companies before the end of July. Contact your representatives or visit the companies’ websites for more information.
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About Gear-Source, Inc.:
Founded in 2002, GearSource.com™ sells predominately used products in professional stage lighting, pro audio, video and staging. Customers include production/rental companies and resellers, as well as televisions studios, theaters and churches. Prior to founding GearSource.com™, Marcel Fairbairn served as a director for Martin Professional’s US office for seven years and also served as vice president with two major Automated Lighting manufacturers, including Coemar. For more information, please visit www.gearsource.com.
About LED Source:
Founded in August 2005 by Marcel Fairbairn, LED Source is a national and international supplier of LED lighting that specializes in full-scale evaluations and retrofits through its Retrofit Division in addition to providing consultation all the way through to supply on new projects within their Architectural and Entertainment Divisions. the company launched a franchise program in October 2009 and expects to have a network of 150 franchise offices throughout North America within three years. For more information, please visit www.ledsource.com
About Coemar:
Established in 1933 and based in Castel Goffred,o Italy, Coemar S.p.A. is a world leader in lighting for the entertainment industry. The company also develops, manufactures and sells its products for architectural and commercial applications and guarantees pre-sale and after-sale services. At an international level, the company operates in five continents with a network of over 50 distributors. www.coemar.com
A missed opportunity by Apple??
I was in Canada last week spending some time at my mountain paradise with my LED Source franchise team. One evening while we were enjoying a nice hottub and watching the snow, my Consultant, Marc suddenly realized he’d been sitting in the jets for 30 minutes with his iPhone in his pocket.
You all know what happens next. A form of panic sets in and the hair dryer comes out. Marc went on a mission googling “Wet iPhone” and various other iterations of “oops, I drowned my iPhone” and tried each – one after the other.
I thought to myself that Apple has missed an opportunity here. I guess they’re happy to say “sorry, you got this thing wet, your screwed”.. then sell the loyal fan another iPhone. But why not do more. Why not do something that no one would expect and offer a Life Jacket to the drowned phone. Why not exceed expectations? This is about the 10th person I know who’s done this, so it’s certainly not uncommon.
One idea would be for apple to say “Great, you’ve drowned your iPhone. Don’t worry… we’ve got a drowning survival kit. Make an appointment at the apple store and for $49.95 you’ll be back in business”.
So it’s a stretch but wouldn’t this make people even more loyal to this growing brand that seems to be moving deeper into our wallets with their every move?
Marc was (like most people in this situation) unsuccessful. Apple want nothing to do with him except to sell him a new phone, and if he wants to save the photos and videos he took while in the rockies, he needs to send the phone away along with $100.
I just think Apple is missing an opportunity to do something remarkable in this case.
NAMM Followup
So recently, our VP, Henry Kones visited the NAMM show with a couple of goals. So far, his goals have certainly been met.
You may have noticed recently that we’ve been adding a large number of Instrument Amplifiers and even a few instruments. The idea is that our concept and 8 year old system that we’ve developed within GearSource would be easily portable to other Genres of gear. Not outside the music or entertainment business, but just expanding within.
First, we added a line of B-Stock amplifiers from one particular manufacturer. Low and behold, within 24 hours we began receiving orders. Why? Because these B-Stock amplifiers were priced WELL below standard dealer costs and still carry full warranty! In some cases we’re looking at 50% – 60% off standard prices.
We will continue making it really easy for our users to lock in on great deals offered by manufacturers on their B-Stock or clearance inventory in all of our categories, so in the coming weeks, continue checking back. We’ve got more guitar amplifiers, guitars and a few other surprises as well.
Marcel
Post your Product Reviews.. it REALLY works!
Hey All – ya know how you visit sites and see reviews placed by other users on products you’re looking at? We’ve got that exact functionality on GearSource.com under each of our stock items. For example, lets say you’re shopping for a Digital Light and you find your way to the High End Systems DL2 Stock Item on our site located HERE. You would then click on User Reviews, then Add Review or in this case, Be The First To Review It.
If you’re not already logged in – you’d click Login / Register. To register you only have to add a name and Email Address. Then post your review which will help many others to decide on what to purchase. That’s it. Very easy but not very useful until you start posting those reviews! PLEASE make an effort to improve our shopping experience for everyone, yourself included!
As a side note, you should ALWAYS post Reviews on items that you’ve got listings in. So – lets say you’ve got these DL2′s for sale. Well – a review isn’t going to guarantee the user buys yours but it’ll help steer the user to a DL2 over another digital light. Get it?
Also – you work for a manufacturer? Then you and your co-workers should DEFINITELY be putting reviews on all of the listings within your brand. It’s really a no-brainer. All you’re doing is telling the world “Choose this product over our competition for these reasons”. Don’t get too “pitchy” though, because the people on our side who review reviews will not approve it!
So get going. How about you take the challenge and post a few reviews today! I’ll even buy ya a nice cold beverage the next time I see you at a tradeshow.
Marcel
The REAL LDI Followup
I know, I’ve made some pretty crazy posts concerning the show cancellation, and Elvis sightings. All in good fun. I figure though it’s time for some real information, or at least my real opinion on what went down.
First and foremost, I was quite concerned by what I saw. Not only was the show lightly attended by visitors, but the manufacturers stayed away too. On top of that, the exhibitors who were there, for the most part cut their budgets to a point where perhaps it did more damage than good. Take a look at Martin, Robe – and oh yeah, what about the hot new Varilite VLX sitting on the Philips booth. Huh?A release with this much potential and hype and you’ve got one on display at the parents booth?
Another observation worth mentioning is a fact I posted on Facebook last week. There’s a paradigm shift happening. You may not have taken notice as yet, but you will. Remember back when Martin, High End, Varilite and other US or European manufacturers ruled the show floor with massive stands and even bigger parties? Those shows also witnessed small “cheezy” booths brought in by the Chinese importers including American DJ, Elation and Chauvet. Did ya happen to notice who were the smallest and largest this time around? Both Elation and Chauvet not only showed strong, in fact, they duked it out for the best booth award, finally reeled in by Elation.
Product you ask? Sure, there were some promising new products. Here are a few I think are worth mentioning, and of course – my own personal opinion on each.
Sea Changer Plasma: Great food at the Sea Changer stand. I didn’t see anything I needed to have. Sure, the plasma technology shows promise but the efficiency of Plasma compared to LED is really not impressive. I thought the advancement though was interesting.
Robe Robin: Unfortunately, I was relatively under-whelmed with the Plasma technology on the Robe stand. I wanted to be blown away, but when the sales person told me that “using only 262 watts, we’re seeing output comparable to the 300 watt lamps out there”. Sure, the lamp is the size of a Tic Tac – I get it, but once again, it’s nothing I NEED to get my hands on, especially at more than $6000.
Elation Platinum Spot: Now HERE is a new lamp technology I “get”. It’s a 160 watt lamp with output that most closely resembles (or blows away!) a 575 watt spot. If you’re going to yell and scream about a new lamp technology, let’s make it something worth yelling about – and this one is. Not to mention the incredible price point they are able to achieve. I am certain that Elation will completely lock up the install market with this one – as long as it’s reliable.
Robert Juliat LED Profile: Speaking of disappointing, I didn’t actual get to see this new Profile, but I got the “pitch” from one of the company’s sales people. In his own words, “the fixture is the same as our standard Profile, and has output very similar to the CDM150 version”. Once again, why would I buy a 100 Watt LED fixture for a bunch more money when the output is only 50% better than a proven, long life and reliable – and cheap, lamp? Just doesn’t make sense to me. The answer I was given was that the field is better. Good luck with that one! If you’re only getting a 150 output from a 100 watt LED – you’re doing something wrong… but what do I know?
Color Kinetics Color Rave (rage??): I liked the working title for this product better. It was going to be called the “SpectraBlaze” but apparently that name was taken. Anyway, the product itself is excellent. In fact, at only 24 inches long, it puts out 500 more Lumens than the 48″ ColorBlaze with an awesome 6000 lumens. Additionally, it’s the first 5 color fixture to be released by CK. RGB White and Amber allow a huge number of new or improved colors to be produced. Lastly, the fixture features, for the first time ever, on board processing and power. You can even do Stand Alone programming! Sure, other companies have done that stuff before, but not the leader. They do now! This tells me that for the first time, Color Kinetics are really showing they are interested in producing product for the entertainment word. Not architectural products that are used in rentals.
Total Structures Lightlock: Very cool idea, just not sure about the market for it. I think the price was around $2500 (dont quote me) and I am just not certain there’s a market. The basic idea is that you cannot hang moving lights (or any light) on trapezes, lightweight automated bars or pantographs due to unwanted oscillation in the structure. Lightlock has a Gyroscope in it that offsets any movement. It’s cool as hell, but again – I just don’t know that people have been screaming for this. At a few hundred dollars, sure – but you’re asking people to pay almost what they paid for the light! Time will tell.
PRG Bad Boy: Just cool to finally get a look at this thing closeup. It is definitely a light that’s got a place in today’s touring biz. Jury is out on the new console though. Since they won’t sell it to anyone, they’ll have hundreds of competitors!
ETC Selador Fire and Ice: Come on guys… you bought this nice little fixture company. We get it… but do you really want us to think these are must have new fixtures? The rigging thing, I just don’t know enough about it to comment. Sorry.
Other than product, there is little to report on. The parties were lame at best, the Peabody Bar was relatively tame and uneventful. No nudity, fights, or dancing on tables. Huh?
I did manage to get out with the Upstaging folks – Don Carone, Robert Carone and John Huddleston – to see AC/DC the night before LDI opened. I wore earplugs, and it was still one of the louder shows I’ve been to. Otherwise, the lighting was awesome, and the band was actually still pretty rock and roll! Not that I expected them to stand still, but they gotta be pushing 60 and still rocking like they’re 30! God bless guys!! A funny side story. On my way up to LDI, I passed a yellow Lamborghini Gallardo with an AC/DC logo airbrushed on the back and custom plates that said “4-Rock”. Talk about a die hard fan.
Sorry I don’t have more to say about the show. Unfortunately, that’s what this show was to me. Rather disappointing. The scary thing was – the show gave me the impression that our industry is hurting quite badly – and recovery is not coming quickly enough. For the first time, I am concerned by what I saw. I hoped to see business as usual, but saw a business I didn’t recognize and too few people there to represent any sort of solid recovery.
Marcel
LED Source announce Aggressive Growth Strategy with plans for 150+ Locations
Nov 16th 2009 – Wellington, FL - LED Source is once again pioneering the market and bringing access to energy saving benefits via LED Lighting to millions in both the USA and Canada. After 4 years of successful operation in the Wellington, FL area, LED Source will utilize an innovative yet proven method of growing their business through Franchising.
Don’t confuse this franchise with the likes of hamburger and ice cream shops. LED Source is a franchise concept on the leading edge of an energy-saving revolution already underway in the United States, Canada and Globally. “Our concept is the fusion of the world’s most time tested and effective way to grow any business coupled with a product that, according to the Department of Energy, has the potential to reduce U.S. energy consumption by more than a third” said Marcel Fairbairn, President and Founder of LED Source. To clarify, consider that saving a third of our energy consumption would provide a reduction in emissions equivalent to that generated by 47 million cars!
In the United States, lighting accounts for 22 percent of the nation’s electricity. The Department of Energy noted that LED’s perform better than fluorescent and last twice as long yet do not contain any of the harmful mercury. When asked about the challenges of growing a concept promoting the use of LED Lights, Fairbairn said, “We still battle the initial cost concern but that is changing rapidly. Currently we can show most projects a return on investment within a matter of a few years and often less than 2. As the value continues to rise we will see ROI in a matter of months. We will be ready to serve that demand like no one else.”
According to the International Franchise Association, franchising is a 2 trillion dollar a year industry. “Franchising is the most powerful method of business growth. It captures that spirit of being in business for yourself and not by yourself. My team is very proud to be working with a brand like LED Source that is literally changing an entire industry whilst making a profound difference for those who enjoy the energy savings of LED“ says Marc Plaisted, President of BrandChise Consulting and Chief Consultant to LED Source. LED Source franchisees need not be LED lighting experts. In fact, LED Source provides all of its franchisees with intensive training on business operations and product knowledge as well as marketing and advertising, sales training, and even bookkeeping and financial. “LED Source is leaving no stone unturned with respect to franchisee support,” said Plaisted.
“We intend to create a company with lots of success stories!” said Fairbairn.
LED Source has grown by over 300% in just 3 short years. As a major supplier of the world’s top LED product lines, LEDSource has the knowledge, the inventory and the team to bring unprecedented results to any installation. For more information on an LEDSource franchise, contact LED Franchising: Marcel Fairbairn at (866) 900-4LED or by email marcel@LEDsource.com.
Press Contact: Claudette Cyr – claudette@ledsource.com or by phone +1(561)578-4402
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