SeaChanger Color Engine

We here at Cal Stage get folks coming in fairly frequently to show us new products.  Some are interesting, some are not.  Every once in a while, one is amazing, with a capital 'A.'  Not so long ago, we saw the SeaChanger, an absolutely amazing unit for the ETC Source Four.  So amazing that JR bought two units on the spot.  We've all played with it, had it on demos, and have quoted it to several customers. The unit is virtually SILENT.  In a world of moving fixtures and color changers of various sorts that have fans, a color changer that makes no noise is absolutely revolutionary!!  Smooth, even fades from one color to another, the fade speed is controllable, the unit will work with both the tungsten halogen Source Four, or the HID version with the neutral density wheel available as an option - creating an effectively DIMMABLE HID fixture!  And unlike some other Source Four color changers, the SeaChanger doesn't eliminate the shutters or pattern slot! And who makes the SeaChanger?  This great unit is made by Ocean Optics, some good people in Florida who got into dichroics as a sideline to their own primary business, making various spectrographic units and fiber optics.  They make many of the gobos used by Vari-Lite in their fixture line.  So they aren't unacquainted with the theatrical world. The below information is reproduced from the Ocean Optics website, with their permission.

The SeaChanger Color Engine is a dichroic color changer designed for a variety of entertainment lighting applications, in particular those where Source Four stage lights are specified.  No fans: Silent operation Patented Patterned Dichroic Coatings: Greater color selection, immunity to temperature effects Precision Optics: >85% transmission efficiency 6-channel DMX: Smooth variable fades and color mixing Complete Source Four Compatibility: Does not interfere with the Source Four gate, shutters or accessories

The SeaChanger is a dynamic new CMY color changer for ETC Source Four Ellipsoidals. SeaChanger uses Ocean Optics' patented dichroic filter technology to create a virtually endless palette of stable, reproducible colors that do not shift or fade with time or temperature. SeaChanger is a self-contained unit with an internal power supply and 6-channel DMX controller. The unit installs within seconds -- without tools.

With SeaChanger, there are no burned, broken or jammed gel strings to replace, or noisy fans to contend with. Installation is quick and efficient, and periodic cleaning is as easy as removing a few setscrews.

Millions of Color Combinations

The SeaChanger (SEA-XG) employs four filters -- cyan, magenta and yellow, plus the Extreme Green filter -- in a 7.0" x 11.5" module that weighs less than 12 lb. and readily fits Source Four fixtures. These filters can be configured in 4 billion different positions that yield a virtually endless variety of colors.

The Extreme Green Filter allows for deeper reds and blues. Like the other SeaChanger dichroic filter wheels, variable saturation in the XG wheel is fully controllable via DMX. The Extreme Green Filter increases the color gamut of the SeaChanger to include those deep blues and reds never thought possible in a dichroic color mixing system. 

Another option is neutral density filter, also referred to as the dimming wheel. The dimming wheel can be used to replace the Extreme Green Filter and is unique in that it is able to maintain a consistent color temperature from maximum through minimum dimming with no compensation. 

Because the dichroic filters are ceramic in nature, the SeaChanger is highly resistant to heat, humidity and other environmental conditions that often plague gel filters and necessitate frequent filter changes.

Advantages of Dichroic Color Filters

Ocean Optics patented optical coatings production method combines optical thin film deposition techniques with microlithographic procedures. This process allows us to create micron-scale precision patterning of dichroic coatings on a single substrate -- such as a monolithic colored filter for stage lighting -- with spatial resolution, transmission efficiency and filter durability that's superior to dye-colored gels and other technologies.

Our patented processes yield the most robust and highest transmission dichroics available -- filters so hardened they are essentially ceramic in nature. These properties offer great resistance to heat and humidity, eliminating the need for noisy cooling fans in the SeaChanger. Our dichroic patterned filters allow you to control color, intensity and saturation to unprecedented levels of precision.

Built-in Dimming and High-resolution Adjustment

Materials such as gel filters and colored glass are not very robust. These materials may not function over a wide temperature range and in some applications can degrade significantly. What's more, gels and colored glass may not provide adequate transmission efficiency for entertainment lighting applications; colors may not be as sharp and dimming effects are more likely.

No Special Tools Needed!

The SeaChanger requires no special tools to install, and fits between the lamp and the lens module of the ETC Source Four. The SeaChanger's bayonet mount secures it to the Source Four -- simply transfer the Source Four's yoke onto the SeaChanger for suspension. Optional yokes and yoke extensions are available.

Color Matching and Other Capabilities

SeaChanger is available with a DMX-to-USB converter and will interface to a PC loaded with add-on software that matches the color engine's CYM combinations to more than 300 Rosco gel filters and other gel book values. For added convenience, SeaChanger also supports the Remote Device Management (RDM) protocol and can be programmed for stand-alone operation.

Accessories and Color-matching Products

SeaChanger is compatible with a variety of stage-lighting accessories. We offer accessories such the SeaChanger- EY 16.5" yoke extension. In addition, Ocean Optics manufactures and markets optical-sensing components to measure the color of any filter, reflective surface or light source; to calculate the CYM coordinates; and to provide DMX settings to duplicate the experience with the SeaChanger.

SeaChanger Pricing

Discounts are available for quantity orders.

Specifications

Source Four is a registered trademark of Electronic Theatre Controls, Inc. (ETC). Neither Ocean Optics nor the SeaChanger Color Engine is affiliated with ETC.