The Gdynia-based portmaker has unveiled its latest luminaire which has nothing in common with the previous devices we know from the manufacturer's portfolio. OMNIRAY™ because that's how it was christened by the creators is certainly a multi-functional, modern device, but also a product with an idea behind it.
The idea is certainly to classify the device in HUF type. Which is a pretty good move however few of us yet know what it really means. It is, however, a key part of understanding OMNIRAY™.
What is the HUF?
We can't deny that Portman is a pioneer when it comes to popularizing "Retro" devices, and since the launch of the P1, we've been using the term for most stage devices that are meant to look, in addition to glowing.
HUF is nothing more than an abbreviation for the statement "Hybrid Utility Fixture". We have to admit that it is not only catchy but also an apt name in reference to not only OMNIRAY™. Several other devices available on the market which we most often referred to as "Vapor on strides", "Such a strobe with the function of something there" definitely lacked class placement. With the release of the new fixture we get a classification that we can openly use.
What would I personally include in HUF? All devices that, thanks to the technologies used, will perform well in at least 3 lighting categories. In this case, in the main, we have Par, Blinder, Beam - of course, on the side it will work well as Strobo, or a classic Eye-Candy for the camera.
Some technicalities.
The device itself is equipped with 2 light sources. The first consists of 22 LED chips with RGBWAL color mixing mode and a power of 20W each (440W total). It is placed deep inside the device around a "telescope" acting as a beam and equipped with a single 40W RGBW chip. For the main light source, the device has a declared illumination angle of 85°,while for the beam it is 3.8°.
All the technology is enclosed in an IP65-rated housing, with dimensions of 400x440x290mm and a net weight of 13 kilos (without the mounting bracket). Also worth mentioning is the design itself, which is simply nice and aesthetically pleasing. In the middle of the device we have a diamond-shaped indentation, which is somehow associated with the manufacturer, and on the back of the device an orange ring directly suggesting whose product it is.
Screen and control.
In this paragraph, Portman has definitely grown up by using an OLED touch panel in the setting. Just navigating through the software is child's play and intuitive. I know this because I had the opportunity from the shoe in action to simply re-address the device, it came practically by hand. Touch buttons responsive and large enough even for fat fingers! Also here you will have no problems.
Another cool tidbit is that depending on whether the device has a signal or no signal it informs us through the color of the buttons. Red no signal, Green DMX via XLR is signal and blue CRMX mode (optional module).
In the device we find several modes, where each has a task. And so in blinder mode we have red shift plus 3200K for white at 100%, theater mode where we have CRI above 95, and classic stage mode for full control - which I can't quote now because there is no manual or DMX Chart available.
Accessories and functionality
We can, of course, purchase accessories for the device in the form of stackable overlays. Available at the moment are two frosts - medium and strong, such a funny pattern overlay and a fresnel lens. What's cool is the overlays are magnetically attached and can be stacked with each other.
During my super live there was a comment that from now on for half an hour on the screamer we will set the angles in them on the grille, and here nothing could be further from the truth. The manufacturer has anticipated this and created a graduation on the grip clamp every 10°. During my visits to the set of the clip, I still mentioned that it would be useful to have a graduation on the panorama - this I was assured that the problem would be solved with a butterfly accessory.
Summary
Portman with its new device has certainly stepped out of the familiar patterns. We got a new, multifunctional device that will find a wide range of applications in the industry from open-air, studio, banquets in the form of blinders, strobes, floodlights, a simple pair, or an additional beam effect - according to the idea of the HUF device.
The retail price of the device is currently about 5800 PLN net (1390 euros). A lot or not a lot, I won't tell you that - remember that this is the starting price, and there are always substantial discounts when buying more. However, looking at the number of possibilities and applications it is within reason.
Just as recent launches of e.g. Elementa were, to me, a reheated chop, to put it mildly, I think we are finally getting the promised breath of fresh air. The device seems accessible and functional for any mid-range user, but will also find considerable utility in the TV or PRO market.
Full product information on the manufacturer's website.
Manufacturer: PortmanDistributor: P.S. Theater.
