An Ellipsoidal Reflector Spotlight (ERS) , also known as an Ellipsoidal Reflector Spotlight , is a focused theatrical light that produces a sharp, precisely adjustable beam of light . This type of spotlight is widely used in theaters, concert halls, and studios to highlight actors, sets, and specific stage elements .
1. Features of an ERS lamp
✅ Precise and adjustable light beam → Suitable for focus lighting.
✅ Shadow Sharpness Control → Can have a hard or soft edge.
✅ Gobo Compatible → Can project patterns or shapes.
✅ Variable lens options → Zoom capabilities for different beam angles.
✅ Bright and powerful light → Used in both halogen and LED versions.
✅ Versatile setup → Can be aimed at the stage from different angles.
📌 ERS lights are often used to highlight main characters and important stage elements.
2. Applications of the Elliptical Reflector Spotlight
🎭 Theatre and musicals → Spotlight on actors or sets.
🎤 Concerts and performances → Highlighting musicians and solo artists.
📷 Television and film productions → Controllable lighting with sharp contours.
🏢 Architectural lighting → Projecting patterns or targeted lighting onto buildings.
📌 ERS lights are often hung from grid structures above the stage for maximum flexibility.
3. Difference between ERS and other theater lights
| Characteristic | ERS (Ellipsoidal Reflector Spotlight) | Fresnel lamp | PAR lamp |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light beam | Accurate and sharply focused | Softer and wider | Broad and powerful |
| Zoom function | Yes, adjustable | Limited | No zoom, fixed bundle |
| Usage | Actor and object lighting, projections | Background and mood lighting | General stage lighting |
| Gobo compatible? | Yes | No | No |
📌 An ERS offers more control and precision than a Fresnel or PAR lamp, making it ideal for spotlight and projection applications.
4. Parts of an ERS lamp
🔹 Ellipsoidal reflector → Concentrates the light on a specific point.
🔹 Shutter blades → Mechanical diaphragms to adjust the shape of the light beam.
🔹 Lens Options → Various lenses to adjust the light beam.
🔹 Gobo holder → For projecting patterns and effects.
🔹 Gel Frame → Holds colored filters for light modification.
📌 The combination of shutter blades, lenses and gobos makes ERS lights extremely versatile in theatre.
5. Traditional vs. LED ERS Lamps
| Characteristic | Halogen ERS | LED ERS |
|---|---|---|
| Energy consumption | High | Low |
| Heat production | Lots of warmth | Little heat |
| Lamp life | Shorter | Longer |
| Color adjustment | Filters needed | Dynamic via DMX |
📌 LED ERS lamps are popular because of their flexibility, lower energy consumption and longer lifespan.
💡 In short:
An Elliptical Reflector Spotlight (ERS) is a focused theatrical light with a precise, adjustable beam , often used for spotlighting, patterns, and projections in theater, film, and events. Thanks to shutters, lenses, and gobos, it offers ultimate control over the light.