Smart Lighting Makes Sense for Retail and Cinema Complexes 
(23/07/2008)
Smart lighting control systems make easy work of controlling the complex lighting requirements of the retail and cinema industries. Though both industries appeal to similar target markets – consumers of entertainment and goods – their lighting needs are significantly specialized, with specific requirements for different sectors within each industry.
Retail
The retail industry includes stand-alone retail developments such as huge shopping malls and complexes, hypermarkets and large showrooms for auto, furniture and other goods. A quality lighting control system – correctly specified, installed and programmed - can provide easy, intuitive control of all interior lighting, creating an atmosphere which attracts repeat consumers by providing effortless variations of ambiance, auto-sequencing display lighting to highlight special areas or products, as well as building security and emergency lighting.
Supermarkets, boutique arcades and single or chain store outlets are normally located within malls or in high-street locations. Their lighting requirements are less comprehensive, typically, these venues will require multizone general lighting, security and emergency lighting for one or more areas, with possible display lighting in special areas. Again, audio systems are standard, and may be linked with lighting controls.
Cinema
The cinema industry is less diversified, comprising multiplex cinemas, specialty format big-screen cinemas such as IMAX, as well as old style stand-alone cinemas in high street locations. Multiplex cinemas are normally – though not always – built as part of largescale retail malls and developments. Some multiplex and most big screen cinemas are stand alone buildings, with parking attached or provided nearby.
Lighting requirements for cinemas typically include lobby lighting, including corridors, snack outlets and/or food court, and frequently display/exhibition lighting for stands catering to movie-linked promotions. Inside the auditorium, of course, lighting controls are essential for dimming main lights and curtain spots, low-level lighting from sconces and concealed floor strip lighting, as well as emergency lights. For special events, some cinemas also incorporate spot and stage lighting.
Built-in automation is standard practice within the cinema industry for reducing labour in multiplex cinemas, by running up to a dozen films on separate screens with staggered starting times so that just one projectionist can prepare and run all the films sequentially. This is facilitated by inclusion of a signal stripe on the film stock, which triggers relays in the projector employed, which then trigger lighting sequences automatically. All cinemas require sound systems and motorized elements such as curtains, which can be linked to lighting control systems in various configurations to provide seamless control.
Futronix manufactures two compatible systems and a range of accessories for whole-building light dimming control. The Futronix PFX System offers sophisticated lighting control for high-end retail and cinema projects, while the Futronix Enviroscene multi-zone system is both compact and affordable. Both systems can link to a modular system of dimmers and switch panels throughout the complex, with an in-built 7-day timer giving more control over building security and style.
‘Scene dimming’ allows effortless transformation of area lighting for any requirement, including ambient or mood lighting, architectural illumination, exhibition or display lightshow, and security lighting. Futronix dimmers feature true ‘scene dimming’, as compared with pressing simple ON/OFF controls, or simple manual faders.
For retail or cinema projects with comprehensive dimming requirements, Futronix’ all-digital design and commercial build-quality assure reliable, trouble-free operation. PFX and Enviroscene dimmers are easy to install, and able to cope with lamp wattage changes, short-circuits, overloads and wiring alterations. Designed and fabricated for rugged commercial use, these products feature robust construction, generously rated heatsinks, and a very high level of short circuit protection.
Both the PFX and Enviroscene units are typically installed out of sight which means that equipment, wiring and accessory components can be arranged for easy cabling, installation and programming, at the same time simplifying inspection and maintenance.
The PFX System is an unlimited channel lighting control & whole-building automation system, already installed in leading retail complexes and cinemas worldwide to create aesthetically pleasing, energy-efficient spaces. System programming and operation is simple from a PC in the control room, a remote control handset or the Futronix Home-Icon Color Touch Screen Controller.
Ideal for cinemas, the PFR Relay Switching Panel is designed for use with low- power contact closure-control level loads, such as screen curtains, intruder/fire alarms and AV equipment. The RM-40 Relay Switching Module is used for switching loads like fluorescent ballasts, non-dim loads and curtain/drape motors. This module mimics a switch-press, for controlling AV & air conditioning equipment that requires a pulse contact closure of variable duration.
The Enviroscene is an ideal dimmer for smaller cinemas and retail installations. Built around a range of standard modules, the Enviroscene system can be further expanded with add-on Slave Units. The system is easily programmed and operated using a PC or laptop, remote control, or the Futronix Home-Icon TFT Colour Touch Screen Controller.
The Enviroscene dimmer can set up multiple lighting zones, with up to 16 individual zones wired to the system and configured at installation time using the remote control. Each lighting circuit can be set to be in any zone, with each room working with full 20-scene setting independently of any other. For larger systems with even more flexibility, Enviroscene Masters can be connected together to form systems with 32, 48 or more channels of lighting.
Lighting displays draw attention to an area or pick out certain items in a display. A display or security lighting sequence can be programmed to last a few minutes or many hours – automatically sequencing through pre-set scenes and displaying each one for any variable length of time.
The Home-Icon Color Touch Screen controller offers a further option for retail and cinema projects, allowing sophisticated remote control of PFX and Enviroscene systems. The Home-Icon TouchScreen links dimmers together, and adds multiple functions with one-touch macros programmed to run preset ‘environments’ for lighting and for whole-building ambient control.
For single-store retail outlets, the Futronix P800 high performance scene dimmer is an 8 circuit, 4 zone dimmer with 20 scene capability. The P800 delivers multi-room control, and is suitable for use in a variety of light commercial settings. For bigger systems with more flexibility, multiple P800’s can be connected together giving up to 80 channels.
With the appropriate intelligent lighting control systems installed, retail and cinema projects of all sizes can enjoy the considerable benefits of more appealing lighting and ambiance, combined with simplicity and reliability – now and for the future.
Related categories: Lighting control system Office and commercial
