A PC spotlight (Plano Convex spotlight) is a focused theatrical light with a single plano-convex lens . This type of lamp is widely used in theater, television, film, and stage lighting because of its high light output and adjustable beam .
1. Features of a PC spot
✅ Single plano-convex lens → Provides a concentrated and adjustable light beam .
✅ Zoom Function → Beam size can be adjusted from spot to flood .
✅ Softer edge than ERS lamps → Transition between light and shadow is less harsh.
✅ High light output → Suitable for powerful stage lighting .
✅ Compatible with colored filters (gels) → Can be easily customized with colored foils.
✅ Versatile in use → Can be used for mood lighting and targeted lighting .
📌 A PC spot offers more control over the beam than a PAR lamp, but has a less sharp focus than an ERS spot.
2. Applications of a PC spot
🎭 Theater and stage → General lighting or focused light on actors.
🎤 Concerts and events → Creates a natural light distribution.
📺 Television and film sets → Used as main or fill lighting.
🏛 Architectural lighting → To illuminate specific parts of a building or work of art.
📌 PC spotlights are often mounted in theater spotlights above the stage to provide wide, even lighting.
3. Difference between PC spot, Fresnel and ERS spot
| Characteristic | PC spot (Plano Convex) | Fresnel spot | ERS spot (Ellipsoidal Reflector Spotlight) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light beam | Adjustable, smooth transition | Softer and diffuse | Accurate and sharp |
| Lens | Single-vision plano-convex lens | Fresnel lens with concentric rings | Multiple lenses for sharp focus |
| Zoom function | Yes, from spot to flood | Yes, but less defined | Mostly fixed lens options |
| Shadow effects | Soft shadows | Very soft shadows | Sharp shadows possible |
| Usage | General stage and spotlight lighting | Mood lighting and background lighting | Precision lighting and gobo projection |
📌 PC spotlights offer a middle ground between Fresnel and ERS lamps: they have an adjustable beam with softer shadows than ERS, but a sharper focus than Fresnel lamps.
4. Parts of a PC spot
🔹 Plano-convex lens → Concentrates light into a bright beam.
🔹 Zoom mechanism → Adjustable beam size (spot to flood).
🔹 Gel frame → For placing color filters.
🔹 Barn doors (optional) → Used to limit light direction and spread.
🔹 Lamp reflector → Ensures maximum light output and efficiency.
📌 PC spotlights are often a basic part of any theatre lighting plan because of their flexibility and reliability.
5. Traditional vs. LED PC spotlights
| Characteristic | Halogen PC spotlight | LED PC spotlight |
|---|---|---|
| Energy consumption | High | Low |
| Heat production | Lots of warmth | Little heat |
| Lifespan | Shorter | Much longer |
| Color change | Gel filters required | Dynamic color control via DMX |
📌 LED PC spotlights are more efficient and durable than traditional halogen lamps, which is why they are increasingly used.
💡 In short:
A PC spotlight (Plano Convex spotlight) is a versatile theatrical light with an adjustable beam and a single plano-convex lens . It offers a good balance between sharpness and softness , making it widely used in theater, film, concerts, and architectural lighting .