MSRP: A la carte lights from $89 - $825; Quick LitePad Kit: $2199; Pro Gaffers LightPad Kit: $3599
Expected Release: Available Now
Review Date: October 1, 2008
Reviewed
By: Jessica Creech
Final
Score:
7.3
In this issue of MFM, I’ll be reviewing Rosco’s new LitePad HO (High Output) line of products. The LitePad line underwent product revisions during the spring and the HO upgrades were available to consumers in June 2008. There’s a lot of ground to cover when talking about this product line, so let’s get right to it.
The LitePad line is Rosco’s initial foray into lighting hardware. In the past, the company has been strictly an accessories and peripherals outfitter, producing gels, diffusion, products for green screening, etc. But with the release of LitePads, Rosco joins the ranks of other hardware manufacturers like ARRI, Lowell and KinoFlo. These products differ greatly, however, from traditional lighting hardware in both design and performance.
Subject is lit using LitePads for key, fill and hair/back light.
Unlike many of the products I’ve reviewed in the past that were more group packaged, Rosco’s LED LitePad HO line is primarily a pick-and-choose, a la carte offering for gaffers (or, lighting technicians). The line offers six standard sizes ranging from a 3”x6” unit to a 24”x24” unit. Additionally, 3” and 12” circular units are available. If these sizes do not suit the needs of the gaffer, special sizes and shapes can be manufactured upon request. Rosco also offers a full line of accessories, including adapters, eggcrates, mounting brackets, dimmers and color filter packs. They have developed two kits for purchase as well. Their Quick LitePad Kit contains 1 of each size unit (including a 3" Circular LitePad) plus some accessories for $2199. Their Pro Gaffers LitePad Kit includes two of each size unit (including a 3" Circular LitePad) plus all accessories for $3599. (You can view the entire LitePad HO product line, including available accessories, at http://www.rosco.com)
3”x6” (6 watts) LitePad positioned in auto instrument panel.
Ease of Use
The learning curve for LitePads is very minimal. The basic product design is incredibly streamlined. The thickness of each unit, regardless of surface area, is only 8 millimeters and is very lightweight. I performed a rudimentary mounting experiment to see if basic gaff tape would hold the 12” circular pad on a wall. Eureka! It worked! I don’t AT ALL suggest you mount your lights this way. But the point is, in a pinch, it will suffice. This success also illustrates the lightweight nature of the unit.
Setup is also very easy. Each LitePad HO is shipped with a 12 volt transformer that plugs into a standard wall socket. Given that only one thin cord with a male connector extends from the light unit itself, it’s pretty obvious that users have to attach that cord to the transformer cord (equipped with a female connector). To turn the light on, just plug the transformer into a wall socket. And there you have it…..setup is done. Since the units are LEDs, there are no bulbs to position or replace either. Rosco guarantees each unit against manufacturing defects for two years and a 60,000 hour lamp life.
The greatest impediment to using the LitePads is found in mounting them. Although Rosco offers mounting brackets in their accessories line, they are not included with the lights when purchasing them on an individual basis. Brackets come in four sizes, ranging in price from $24.99 to $79. So these are a necessary but added expense. Each bracket (except the 24” one) ends in a ¼ - 20 bolt that can be adapted to Manfrotto accessories, attenuating arms, baby pins, etc. However, obtaining the items that the brackets are attached by, and attached to, requires additional time and money. Without mounting brackets, stands and accessories, the gaffer is limited to whatever he or she can brace or lean the unit against or tape it to. Although finding the needed hardware is not extremely difficult, Rosco would earn extra points in the “Ease of Use” category by simplifying the process and making them directly available to consumers.
