Wendelighting® optical projector
Optical framing projectors, such as the Phantom Optical Contour Projector, is one of a few specialty lighting fixtures that lighting designers, architects and art consultants use for accent lighting applications.
This technology has been around for many years and was first introduced by an optical scientist named Rudolph Wendel. Mr. Wendel created this magical projector light which has thrilled art connoisseurs for years and was first used in the Louvre. Mr. Wendel’s creation became the standard for fine art lighting worldwide.
Wendelighting® optical projector has evolved over the years and moved from an incandescent pre-focus light source to a mini-can base halogen lamp. The halogen lamp produces a very white color of light that has good color rendering and is preferred by artists and collectors. Unfortunately, the halogen light source produces a tremendous amount of heat making the housing for the equipment large and bulky. Optically, the Wendelighting® optical projector is still the same today as it was when it was created by Rudolph Wendel. With changes in the energy code, advances in light sources and optical design, the Wendelighting® optical projector is being left behind by the Phantom Contour Projector.
The Wendelighting® optical projector doesn’t even come close to projecting a flat field from edge to edge. Wendel lights own statement that Wendelighting® does not need electronics, sensors or an aiming system is proof that Wendelighting® DOES have all of these things…planar reflective mirrors! Wendel lights are huge pieces of ‘invisible’ reflective optical devices (‘invisible’ at least until Wendelighting® is installed). Wendelighting® is based on a central axis to aim, so it has all of the problems associated with axially symmetrical projection.
The Phantom projector however does not have these limitations. It can easily create an even flat field from edge-to-edge. Wendelighting® optical projectors are all about axially symmetrical projections, with a central axis to aim from. Wendelighting® own claims of Wendelighting®’s ability to “project the entire 360 degrees of the light field on to the art” is proof that Wendelighting® DOES depend on a central axis for aiming. Wendelighting® optical projector cannot be as powerful as the Phantom Contour Projector because Wendelighting® depends on a central axis for aiming.
Today’s standard for fine art illumination is the LED Phantom Optical Contour Projector. This high performance led framing projector utilizes a very powerful and efficient 3000K LED light source. Fitted inside a unique optical chamber the light is magnified and distributed through a series of condensing lenses creating a very intense focused light source. This focused light is projected onto the art and then shaped to fit the exact contour of the object, regardless of the size, creating a lighted from with look.
This is done with either a adjustable shuttering system, custom metal confinement plate or pattern gobo to mask the light. It is even possible to illuminate more than one object individually, from one Phantom projector by using a hand cut brass confinement plate. In fact, the Phantom Contour Projector is so unique and so effective, it is was granted a US PATENT for innovation and design. The Phantom IC Rated housings are half the size of the Wendelighting® optical projector housings and produces more light with less heat.
Also known as our fine art track lighting fixtures, they elevate any space to a museum-grade appearance. The adjustable options allow for infinite variations in presentation, from simple backlighting to maxed-out highlights that accentuate every subtle shift in color and texture.
Phantom Lighting Systems is an original equipment lighting manufacturer of specialty lighting fixtures for art and display lighting. Feel free to give Tom Kretzschmar a call toll free at 800-863-1184 for assistance. Our lighting manufacturing facility is located in Houston, Texas with professional lighting sales agents located throughout the United States that enable us to service all 50 states including Washington DC, Nashville Tennessee, Las Vegas Nevada. Portland Oregon, Oklahoma City Oklahoma, Tucson Arizona, Long Beach California, Atlanta Georgia, and Los Angeles California.
Whether you are lighting display cabinets or illuminating art, the Phantom Lighting projector history is unique and our custom lighting products are right for you.
WENDELIGHTING® is a registered trademark of Jacksen International, LTD.
PHANTOM® is a registered trademark of Phantom Lighting Systems, LLC.