Skip to main content
Electronic Theatre Controls Inc

Will Source 4 HID Fixtures Flicker on Camera?

Symptoms/Issue

I have a Source 4 Par or Spot, and want to use it for a photo shoot. Will it flicker on camera? 

Description/Explanation of Issue

The lamp is driven with a 165Hz square wave which passes through zero very quickly. (Unlike electromagnetic ballasts which have a sine wave output). So, although it does dowse and restrike the arc at the 165Hz rate, the off time is tiny. In most cases this results in effectively flicker free operation. The same technology is used in TV and film studio discharge lamp electronic ballasts.

 

  • Was this article helpful?