Videssence lights the new, spacious main Gateway Center news set that recently debuted at KDKA-TV with new LED lighting fixtures. For over two and a half decades these two have partnered to utilize Videssence’s lighting products to ensure a superior broadcast image of KDKA’s exceptional sets and lively anchors and guests. Videssence provided LED Fresnel and Soft Lights in addition DMX control/power strips for the current studio.

The contemporary set centers around high-tech 90 inch vertical monitors designed to look like windows overlooking the Pittsburgh skyline and can also be displayed as 14 individual panels. The results of the nine month design and transition from old to new, received wide public acclaim. According to ftvlive.com participants in forums at TVNewsTalk.net had many positive comments such as "Now THAT is one beautiful set!" and "This is easily the top set this year." Fixtures from Videssence helping to bring the set to life with light were the 50 watt VN050 and 100 watt VN100 Vidnel Fresnels along with 100 watt VF100 Vidfill, Soft Lights.

Lighting is critical to render the finest details of a striking set. Being able to do it with energy saving LED lighting instruments is a bonus. Videssence’s fluorescent studio lights from the old set were replaced with new technology, LED fixtures. Fresnel requirements were filled by Videssence’s 50 and 100 watt Vidnels. These formidable studio fixtures use a fraction of the power of tungsten units and produce much less heat in the space. The fixtures distribute a soft directional beam of adjustable light with single shadow focusing. In spot focus the 100 watt unit delivers 184 footcandles at a 15′ distance. Barn Doors were used for additional control. Additionally, Videssence’s new 100 watt Vidfills were used. Performing like quartz, the powerful new Vidfill LED Soft Lights provide over 54 footcandles at a 12' distance. The indirect optical design and internal diffusing lens delivers a large, smooth wash of soft, even, shadow-less light while shielding the talent from glaring LEDs. Results provide comfortable, cool fill lighting for use in television, studio or motion picture sets.

Both the Vidnels and Vidfills LEDs have a color rating of 96+ CRI with greater than 50,000+ hours rated life and are offered in either 3200K or 5600K. Passive heat dissipation in the units is designed with a unique thermal cooling system to assure maximum LED light output and avoid the noise and failure of internal fans. In addition, to ensure the full life of components, the power is shut off to the driver and LED when dimmed to ZERO with DMX so no external relay or power cut off is required.

“Out with the old” also applied to the dimming system at KDKA-TV as the entire dimming system was removed. Lighting control was replaced with an ETC Control Console controlling Videssence’s 4 Channel dimming VIDStrips and 4 Circuit DMX/Power VIDStrips. The DMX VIDStrip provides DMX feed and power to the fixtures. For those wondering about the fate of the old set, according to KDKA-TV’s website, “Large portions of the old KDKA set were donated to the Waynesburg College journalism department.” Videssence applauds the “pay it forward” decision.