Optical framing projectors were designed for art displays. They have a variety of design features, such as excellent color rendering, light metering, and adjustability. LED lighting technology is a popular option for modern optical framing projectors. It is the most reliable and durable form of illumination available.
What are the features that an optical framing projector should have?
To make an impact, art displays must have precise and attractive lighting. An art projector must also be designed to achieve that effect. Here’s how they do it:
Optical Framing Projectors
No spill illumination – The part of the beam that doesn’t touch the art but is illuminating the walls or ceilings around it is called spill illumination. Many art display fixtures and most lights produce some spillage, while others produce much more.
This spill illumination can be removed to increase contrast between the subject matter and the surface on which it is mounted. This effect can be achieved using an adjustable projector. Once it’s achieved, the artwork will appear lit from the inside. This vibrancy is rare, and it can be a pleasant surprise to people.
Phantom’s optical framing projectors are available with adjustable shutters to fit square or rectangular subjects or with a customized template for sculptures or other unusually shaped subjects. The effect is identical in both cases except that there is no spill lighting.
Precise optics: The human eye can sense any flaws in lighting displays and may become distracted by them. Optic framing projectors have sophisticated optics that avoid spectral anomalies, such as a fuzzy lighting edge. This feature is important, so the projector should have multiple projection distances to ensure that properly metered light can be delivered to any room.
Color rendering – Many lighting technologies can cause artwork to look muted or discolored. You won’t see fluorescent lights on displays. Halogen lights used to be the best choice for color rendering. They replicate the sunlight’s light well. High performance LEDs are now able to compete with halogen. Many high-performance models have color rendering index scores (CRI) in excess of 90. This area has seen LEDs gain enough ground that there is no difference in their performance from halogen.
LED lighting – LED technology is the best choice for optical framing projectors. It is extremely efficient and durable, with some models lasting up to 50,000 hours. This is important for lights that are left on for long periods of time. The LED technology can also be controlled easily, so it can be used in conjunction with motion controls, dimmers or timers to achieve more efficient operation.
Adaptability – This is the ability to convert existing halogen lamp sources to LEDs. Customers of Phantom have access to conversion kits that can retrofit existing projectors regardless of their housing type. These filters come as standard in 3000K but can be customized to fit any color palette with 2700K, 3500K or 4000K color shifting filter options.
What housings can be used with optical framing projectors?
They are also versatile, and can be paired up with any of several housing options. Phantom offers several housing options for projector housings, including:
The Float Finish Series (FFL Series) – Once installed, the FFL Series will sit flush with ceiling. This effect can be achieved with a color-matched float ring. This creates a zero sightline look that is invisible even when the projector is operating. It is therefore ideal for ceilings with a non-visible cover plate.
The Remodeler Housing Series (RML Series) – This series is for installation between floors and is designed to work with shallow ceiling depths. It can be used with ceilings as narrow as 10 inches in depth and comes with a glare shielded cover plate for a sleek look.
The New Construction Housing (NCL Series) – The NCL Series was designed for installation before sheetrock placement so that it can be integrated early in the build. It has mounting bars that can support joist spacings up to 10 inches tall and 24 inches wide. The same smooth cover plate is included in the RML Series.
The Top Access Series (TAL) – This series is for projects that require top access to the projector. This is a great choice for projects where ceiling penetration must be minimal. It also allows for smooth ceiling finishes.
Surface Mount (SML Series) – This series is easier to install than the others, and it’s mounted to a wall instead of being installed in the ceiling. Phantom’s SML projectors can be mounted to a standard or low-profile canopy design. With clever placements, they can also be hidden completely or partially.
What are the other benefits of optical framing projectors?
Safety is an important aspect of projector housings. Homeowners should look for models that are IC-rated (insulation contact). A projector housing that is IC-rated can be safely used in close proximity to or in direct contact with insulation. These housings are designed to be fire-proof and feature advanced heat sinking, dissipation, and other features. IC-rated houses are particularly important for energy efficient homes that have more insulation. Even with recessed framing projector applications.
The optical framing projectors are ideal for displaying art. They are discreet, reliable, accurate, precise, adjustable, efficient, manageable, and long-lasting, making them worthy of any masterpiece.
We are available to help you with your art lighting projects or answer questions about our contour projectors. Call us at 800-863-1184, or fill out our online request for a quote.