Which option best describes lamp compatibility for a Fresnel?

• A. All of the above
• B. Tungsten
• C. HMI
• D. LED

Answer: (D)

Fresnel fixtures are designed to give soft, controllable light by using a compact light source inside a lens. Traditionally they run on tungsten-halogen lamps, which deliver warm color and strong output but burn hot and drink power. HMIs use a ballast and have very different electrical and heat needs, so they aren’t a typical match for a Fresnel fixture. Modern practice, however, centers on LED Fresnels. LED sources are energy efficient, run much cooler, last far longer, and plug into the same kind of dimming and control systems (like DMX) that you use with other stage lights. That combination—lower power, longer life, and easy control—makes LED the best description of current lamp compatibility for a Fresnel.