The future prospects for stage lighting systems are incredibly exciting. Following the advent of incandescent lamps, the technological evolution of stage lighting began with the introduction of ellipsoidal reflector (Leko) fixtures in the 1930s. A fundamental shift occurred in the 1960s with the arrival of SCR dimmers. Currently, automated fixtures and moving lights (first emerging in the 1970s) are driving yet another revolution in stage lighting technology.
Computer software for stage lighting design will continue to develop, eventually allowing designers to control their "visual" technology in a completely artistic and "interactive" manner. Current lighting software primarily assists designers with drafting, drawing, and documentation tasks. Future stage lighting design software will likely incorporate features like "touch-sensitive screens" and "voice recognition." Intelligent control of stage lighting systems is already beginning to emerge.
I. Cause Analysis
Outdated Concepts:
This involves many aspects. On the production side: Some believe stage fixtures are low-tech, easy to copy, and don't require investment in development; others think the high-end market is too small, with high development costs and risks; some have weak standards awareness, ignoring technical standards and regulations; and a few even have low legal awareness, passing off inferior products as genuine or producing counterfeits. From the user perspective: Some theater leaders believe lighting only needs to be adequate for performances, unwilling to invest in updating equipment or purchasing high-end fixtures; some venue managers reject high-performance fixtures that require complex operation and maintenance, don't care about light leakage, and are satisfied as long as the show runs without issues and bulbs don't need frequent changing; a few lighting technicians, accustomed to old fixtures, are reluctant to accept new technologies and products.
Weak Design Capabilities:
Some fixture manufacturers have few or no dedicated design personnel, and the professional level of existing staff is often low. They frequently hire external help temporarily for new product development. While they might hire genuine lighting experts, these experts often lack deep understanding of the stage environment and the specific functional requirements of fixtures within it, potentially resulting in designs not welcomed by the stage community. Furthermore, these external designers leave after development, making product improvement and upgrades difficult.
Insufficient Investment in Fixture R&D, Lack of Technical Reserves:
In recent years, some visionary domestic manufacturers have started making significant investments and developed new products. However, for a vast country like China, this level of investment is still far from sufficient. Driven by short-term economic interests, short-sighted behavior is common, and manufacturers willing to make substantial investments and build technical reserves are rare.
Impact of the Low-End Market:
Currently, many theater troupes and venues face financial constraints, especially numerous small and medium-sized troupes and county-level venues. Consequently, low-priced, low-performance products still have a broad market. Manufacturers fiercely compete for this low-end market, inevitably leading to price wars. Costs are cut to the bone – saving fractions of a cent wherever possible, using thinner materials, shorter/thinner wires, and fewer production steps – gradually eroding product quality. High-end products find few buyers ("like lofty tunes appreciated by few"), offering little return on the significant effort required. Combined with manufacturers' own limited capabilities, many find it easier to remain comfortable in the low-end market.
Low Management Level of Manufacturing Enterprises:
Most domestic lighting fixture factories are small enterprises, including many privately-owned ones. Although a few have obtained international certifications like ISO 9000, workshop-style production and family-style management are still widespread. They lack the construction of modern corporate systems.
Impact of Advanced Foreign Products:
The entry of advanced foreign fixtures brings new technologies and ideas, but also impacts the domestic market. Currently, high-end products are largely dominated by foreign brands. Many large venues built in recent years opt for imported fixtures whenever budget allows. Some domestic manufacturers, unable to compete with foreign brands, abandon high-end product development, which negatively impacts the development of domestic fixtures.
II. Suggestions and Strategies
Facing the current situation, what actions should businesses take?
Update Concepts:
Mindset is the most crucial point. New concepts lead to a new outlook and clear direction. Conceptual updates are multi-faceted, as outlined in the cause analysis above.
Master Global Trends and Cutting-Edge Technologies in Stage Lighting:
In today's open-market economy and with advanced information technology, understanding development trends and the cutting edge is not difficult; the key is being proactive. Browsing the internet is likely one of the best methods. Closed-door development is no longer viable and will lead to elimination. Where possible, join organizations like ESTA to integrate into the international industry. This allows early insight into developments and potential participation in standards-setting, gaining technical initiative.
Strictly Adhere to Relevant Standards, Implement Domestic and International Product Certification:
Current stage lighting standards primarily focus on safety. GB7000.1-1996 "General Safety Requirements and Tests for Luminaires" and GB7000.15-2000 "Safety Requirements for Luminaires for Stage Lighting, Television, Film, and Photographic Studios (Indoor and Outdoor)" are equivalent to the corresponding IEC standards. Implementing these standards is highly beneficial for aligning products internationally. China's CCC (China Compulsory Certification) is a mandatory safety certification. Although stage lighting fixtures are not yet included in the first batch of 132 products across 19 categories requiring CCC, manufacturers should take proactive measures. Safety certification is an inevitable trend. Foreign products carry UL, CE, TÜV, etc. These certifications are essential passports for domestic fixtures entering the international market. Visionary manufacturers can start with domestic certification (like CQC voluntary certification, which does cover stage and studio lighting) and gradually achieve international certification.
Crucially: Fixtures using ungrounded two-pin connectors do not comply with any standards and cannot pass certification. We urge manufacturers to stop producing fixtures without grounding wires and using only two-pin plugs (adopt the internationally standard three-core cable with grounding). Relevant standards include QB/T2135-1995 and WH/T17-2003. We also urge lighting professionals to value their lives and refuse to use ungrounded fixtures. Furthermore, we urge relevant regulatory bodies (e.g., technical supervision departments) to oversee standards compliance in the production and sale of stage lighting fixtures. Cultural authorities could also establish management mechanisms. Many industry and national standards related to stage equipment (some mandatory) have been established in the last decade, but largely go unenforced due to a lack of promotion and, crucially, supervision. To improve the level of stage equipment (including lighting), align with international standards, and integrate into the global economy, this disregard for standards must end.
Strengthen Industry Management and Coordination, Leverage Industry Associations (Societies):
Under the market economy, the old scientific research system has dissolved, and the functions of government bodies like the Ministry of Culture's Department of Science, Education, and Health (and provincial counterparts) have changed. Associations like the China Performing Arts Equipment Association can play a vital role in management and coordination, including standards development. Influential organizations like ESTA (Entertainment Services and Technology Association) and USITT (United States Institute for Theatre Technology) significantly impact the industry and have driven the development of stage technology and products (e.g., the DMX512 protocol and the newer ACN protocol).
Cultivate the Domestic Market, Explore International Markets:
Good products need mature market support. Markets require cultivation; a healthy market fosters better products. Exploring international markets and integrating into the global economy further elevates product quality and sophistication.