I used the older Asteras on a feature a couple months ago and they saved our production. Truly the most versatile film light on the planet. Saved us days of prerigging and wiring and opened up creative lighting possibilities on a number of locations where traditional lighting was near impossible.
didn´t knew that Shia Labeouf knew so much about lightning! such a complete actor... altought I am a little disapointed, not gonna lie, was hoping he would scream at the end "JUST DO ET"
I just received my 4 tube kit with charging case. That was the most fun unboxing of all time for me. Taking each tube out of the delivery tubes and the placing them in the case along w the accessories. Cant wait to start playing tomorrow after seeing what they can do with your video.
Agree Luke, hopefully the days of carrying sheets of minus/plus green will soon be over. I found the charging time to be a bit quicker than 3 hours...I guess the age of the battery has a lot to do with it.
Yup... it may be spread over a couple episodes, with one comparing a few brands on a bench and then another one with tubes on a set. And then there’s those pesky taxes that need finishing...:)
Just wanted to let you know that if you shared a link to the ARRI Interview episode #138, it will no longer work because I had to change it out for a new version. The only thing that has changed is the word Arri is now ARRI. This was a request from ARRI:)
Don't have to wait til 2020.. lol Asteras and Quasars are already waayyy over-used in a ton of music videos because people think they are being creative when using them as set decor. Here's a PSA put out at the beginning of 2019. facebook.com/kenzofilms/videos/2188952574459314/
Thank you! I tried to find a link to that vid for the comments, but failed... corporate video often follows behind music videos, so we probably have some more time to “enjoy” colored tubes... hopefully more as a tool to light the shot and not necessarily be in the shot:) That said, I have a few upcoming episodes that are heavily invested in that look😂
@@meetthegaffer Ha! Very true. I love the practicality and unique versatility of tubes. But I try to keep them out of the frame as much as I can. I liked seeing how they were used in the frames on some projects at first, but then everyone and their brother started copying and it became a cheap way for music videos to "look professional". I wish folks would get more creative and strive for originality! Hopefully the trend stays in 2018!
@@austinbridge I guess this is just the current mole richardson 9-12 light equivalent as far as being a prop for music videos? I wonder how many lighting companies are designing products in the hopes of productions picking them up to be used in shot just as much as out of shot?
Great episode Luke. What are some of the differences between the titans and QS 4 foot Rainbows? It seems like TITANS are much easier to rig and are more versatile in pixel mapping/creative effects? Anything else? Side note: on my screen your expendables and promo code text scrolled a bit too fast to easily read - both speed and made the text "stutter" slightly.
That’s a very open ended question, because it depends where the overall light level is. This is true when using any kind of colored light, so colors are often more vibrant when the overall lighting is darker where the light needs to play, so it doesn’t get washed out by white light. Hope that helps!
Is there any difference in lumens when plugged in vs running on battery? I saw he mentioned it was set at 100% which could run for 5 hours - then he switched to 'max' (250%?) which could run for 2 hours. If they were plugged in you're not getting more juice out of them, right? A pet hate is running lights on v-lock batteries and finding they only go for 5 minutes at half power! These look great - would be interested to see some kind of show-down between these, quasars and some other tube LEDs. Interested in using them for quick and dirty commercials and even for corporate stuff - talking heads for example with appropriate modifiers.
Just seen a kit of 8 titans in a hard case (that doubles as a charger). Wonder how far you could get lighting a space with just that kit - seems incredibly versatile for the price!
I don’t know all the ins and outs yet, but the basic concept of being able to set the battery life for an event is pretty slick. If you are on AC you are able to get maximum brightness indefinitely. How that compares to max brightness in battery mode depends on your setting of the time duration.
Everything is relative. Yes they are versatile, but they are just another tool in ones arsenal of tools:) I wish the interface had less of a learning curve. I prefer the Quasar and Kino interfaces, but the ability to run 100’s of units on the app is pretty darn impressive!
I have not played with the remote! That might not need the transmitter, and you could probably use other transmitters, but combining the Astera transmitter with the Astera app is quite powerful in terms of what all you can do to manipulate those tubes.
Have been using the AX1 for 2 years now. Great lights, the app however is very limited IMO. I hook these up to a console (agree about the universe count) On a console the option are limitless!
@@meetthegaffer yes but I mean the extension cord you can buy from Astera, it doesn't look like it can plug into any power box for just a single tube, looks like it goes into a power box you have to buy separately to power several lights. or am I mistaken?
@@meetthegaffer thank you for the response. Yes my single Titan came with AC power as well, what I mean is the extension cord they sell, it doesn't seem to work with the single tube AC cords.
I have a question: I want to use the DMXIS controller (www.enttec.com/product/controls/dmx-lighting-control-software/dmxis/) with the Astera Titan Tubes. The controller works with DMX-512 compatible light fixtures. If I program my lights with DMXIS would they work? Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Anecdotally, yes... legally, I’m assuming the batts are under the minimum for air travel as long as they are with you in the cabin, like comparable v-mount.
It just depends what you’re doing, who wants it done, and if you can get a return on the investment. They are a known brand, so clients/DPs ask for them. They are easy to use and reliable. DMXable and can be set to a specified run time. Your experience may be different, but I’m very happy to have them on the truck!
@@meetthegaffer still u can get a smart led strip that have the same functions for example the one by lifx or Philips cover them with a deffuser and u get same results and probably its even more versatile with way less money, and if u want its for filming for example u have a lot of rgb lights also with the same functions with high cri over 95 and still way way more cheap . german companies tend to sell things more expensive just because they are german made. im right and you know it. im not saying this stuff just because ii have nothing to do I love the product I was considering on buying but when I saw the price it just blow my mind to pay that price for a basically led light.
I wish I had the time and the smarts to cobble together my own DIY fixtures. I dream up my own grip and truck layout fabrication, but when it comes to electronics I need to rely on people who can bring together functional hardware and software. It all depends how you work and the expectations of those who hire you or sub-rent your equipment. Yes, you may be able to create similar fixtures, but will you be able to hand them off to someone else without a half-day of training? As these units get more sophisticated we all have to come up to speed on many different interfaces. You may be a wizard with electronics and DC... not everyone is:) And yes, those who come to market with a solid product and have a lot of R&D or well paid workers to support will ask a premium for their work. Certain areas of the world can absorb this premium and still make a profit... many can not. This is an unfortunate, even maddening disparity. I acknowledge that you think it’s ridiculous, but as hard as it may be to accept, the pros out way the cons in the SF Bay Area, and I think it’s safe to say that most of us local gaffers are very thankful for Asteras, despite their cost:)
I used the older Asteras on a feature a couple months ago and they saved our production. Truly the most versatile film light on the planet. Saved us days of prerigging and wiring and opened up creative lighting possibilities on a number of locations where traditional lighting was near impossible.
They are a great tool to have available. The internal battery is quite brilliant.
didn´t knew that Shia Labeouf knew so much about lightning! such a complete actor... altought I am a little disapointed, not gonna lie, was hoping he would scream at the end "JUST DO ET"
I just received my 4 tube kit with charging case. That was the most fun unboxing of all time for me. Taking each tube out of the delivery tubes and the placing them in the case along w the accessories. Cant wait to start playing tomorrow after seeing what they can do with your video.
Great video once again. Thank you Luke!
Thanks for doing this Luke. I just rented a Titan Tube, it was fantastic, especially the plus and minus green to match other LED light.
Yes, thankfully all the main LED tube makers incorporate that function. We have it pretty good these days!
Agree Luke, hopefully the days of carrying sheets of minus/plus green will soon be over. I found the charging time to be a bit quicker than 3 hours...I guess the age of the battery has a lot to do with it.
I have started getting stuff from Maccam.... good people and great prices.
Would love a Meet the Gaffer "tube light comparison" video :)
Yup... it may be spread over a couple episodes, with one comparing a few brands on a bench and then another one with tubes on a set. And then there’s those pesky taxes that need finishing...:)
Dam grip and electric is becoming like cameras back in the day, quasar science I just bought is almost absolute. Thanks guys
Ha, ha! Your Quasars are just fine:)
That’s what I was thinking. No plugs and app for basic stuff like off and on when up high.
Hello! Thank you for such a great video)
Just wanted to let you know that if you shared a link to the ARRI Interview episode #138, it will no longer work because I had to change it out for a new version. The only thing that has changed is the word Arri is now ARRI. This was a request from ARRI:)
Very nice 👏
The music video industry will be thick with these lights in 2020. Just a prediction.
I think they already are:)
Don't have to wait til 2020.. lol Asteras and Quasars are already waayyy over-used in a ton of music videos because people think they are being creative when using them as set decor.
Here's a PSA put out at the beginning of 2019.
facebook.com/kenzofilms/videos/2188952574459314/
Thank you! I tried to find a link to that vid for the comments, but failed... corporate video often follows behind music videos, so we probably have some more time to “enjoy” colored tubes... hopefully more as a tool to light the shot and not necessarily be in the shot:) That said, I have a few upcoming episodes that are heavily invested in that look😂
@@meetthegaffer Ha! Very true. I love the practicality and unique versatility of tubes. But I try to keep them out of the frame as much as I can. I liked seeing how they were used in the frames on some projects at first, but then everyone and their brother started copying and it became a cheap way for music videos to "look professional". I wish folks would get more creative and strive for originality! Hopefully the trend stays in 2018!
@@austinbridge I guess this is just the current mole richardson 9-12 light equivalent as far as being a prop for music videos? I wonder how many lighting companies are designing products in the hopes of productions picking them up to be used in shot just as much as out of shot?
Great episode Luke.
What are some of the differences between the titans and QS 4 foot Rainbows? It seems like TITANS are much easier to rig and are more versatile in pixel mapping/creative effects?
Anything else?
Side note: on my screen your expendables and promo code text scrolled a bit too fast to easily read - both speed and made the text "stutter" slightly.
Quick, anecdotal, comparison episode coming shortly!
Besides being sold as a design element do they enough power to color a set like in traditional gels
That’s a very open ended question, because it depends where the overall light level is. This is true when using any kind of colored light, so colors are often more vibrant when the overall lighting is darker where the light needs to play, so it doesn’t get washed out by white light. Hope that helps!
Is there any difference in lumens when plugged in vs running on battery? I saw he mentioned it was set at 100% which could run for 5 hours - then he switched to 'max' (250%?) which could run for 2 hours. If they were plugged in you're not getting more juice out of them, right? A pet hate is running lights on v-lock batteries and finding they only go for 5 minutes at half power! These look great - would be interested to see some kind of show-down between these, quasars and some other tube LEDs. Interested in using them for quick and dirty commercials and even for corporate stuff - talking heads for example with appropriate modifiers.
Just seen a kit of 8 titans in a hard case (that doubles as a charger). Wonder how far you could get lighting a space with just that kit - seems incredibly versatile for the price!
I don’t know all the ins and outs yet, but the basic concept of being able to set the battery life for an event is pretty slick. If you are on AC you are able to get maximum brightness indefinitely. How that compares to max brightness in battery mode depends on your setting of the time duration.
Everything is relative. Yes they are versatile, but they are just another tool in ones arsenal of tools:) I wish the interface had less of a learning curve. I prefer the Quasar and Kino interfaces, but the ability to run 100’s of units on the app is pretty darn impressive!
If I purchase 4 of the AX1 model will I need that transmitter in order to do the same effects on all 4?
The transmitter is a good thing to have in order to communicate with the tubes remotely, individually or as a group.
@@meetthegaffer so without it there no way to communicate to them? They also sell a small controller
I have not played with the remote! That might not need the transmitter, and you could probably use other transmitters, but combining the Astera transmitter with the Astera app is quite powerful in terms of what all you can do to manipulate those tubes.
$800. ? great video and information as usual.
List price for the 4x 4 ft Titan kit is $4,395... The earlier model kit is half that price.
Have been using the AX1 for 2 years now. Great lights, the app however is very limited IMO. I hook these up to a console (agree about the universe count) On a console the option are limitless!
Yup! I bow down to board ops, because I will never be that smart:) when you work with Asteras, what is your preferred console?
@@meetthegaffer I'm an MA Lighting guy :) I just recorded some video of AX1 and S360 pixelmapping. Going up on Instagram tomorrow
Because I am clueless, what is your Instagram handle?
@@meetthegaffer @jeangonzales I just posted the video
Following:)
Thanks for this. I bought 3 titan tubes. Do you know a way to sync flow sets to music?
Personally, I don’t, but it’s obviously been done... so let me check.
Luke Seerveld great thank you! I’m using them to teach fitness class in a great space. Would be epic if they can pulse to BPM.
Totally!
Those extension cables, do they only go into a multi light power box? Or is there some way to create an extension with just one Titan tube?
You can power one Titan tube with a single AC adapter, is that what you’re asking?
@@meetthegaffer yes but I mean the extension cord you can buy from Astera, it doesn't look like it can plug into any power box for just a single tube, looks like it goes into a power box you have to buy separately to power several lights. or am I mistaken?
You can buy single tube power. That’s all I have. I have a box of four Titans and they each have an individual AC adapter/power cord.
www.maccam.tv/product/astera-led-titan-helios-tube-single-charger/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI-YSVpbam8QIVwxd9Ch38FgUREAQYASABEgISBfD_BwE
@@meetthegaffer thank you for the response. Yes my single Titan came with AC power as well, what I mean is the extension cord they sell, it doesn't seem to work with the single tube AC cords.
I have a question: I want to use the DMXIS controller (www.enttec.com/product/controls/dmx-lighting-control-software/dmxis/) with the Astera Titan Tubes. The controller works with DMX-512 compatible light fixtures. If I program my lights with DMXIS would they work? Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Hey Haunter, did you ever figure this out?
Can you fly with them considering the batteries installed?
Anecdotally, yes... legally, I’m assuming the batts are under the minimum for air travel as long as they are with you in the cabin, like comparable v-mount.
Please let me know about programing how you do it chaser effect n all
You will have to do some digging, but you could start here: ua-cam.com/video/PTl1tYpCvr4/v-deo.html
Also, this is a good place to start if you are new to the tubes: ua-cam.com/video/DWu2tVrjaMM/v-deo.html
I need like 20 of these but so freakin expensive!@
Yup, good tech can be spendy.
I don't think its worth the price with all do the respect its a rip off
It just depends what you’re doing, who wants it done, and if you can get a return on the investment. They are a known brand, so clients/DPs ask for them. They are easy to use and reliable. DMXable and can be set to a specified run time. Your experience may be different, but I’m very happy to have them on the truck!
@@meetthegaffer still u can get a smart led strip that have the same functions for example the one by lifx or Philips cover them with a deffuser and u get same results and probably its even more versatile with way less money, and if u want its for filming for example u have a lot of rgb lights also with the same functions with high cri over 95 and still way way more cheap .
german companies tend to sell things more expensive just because they are german made. im right and you know it.
im not saying this stuff just because ii have nothing to do I love the product I was considering on buying but when I saw the price it just blow my mind to pay that price for a basically led light.
I wish I had the time and the smarts to cobble together my own DIY fixtures. I dream up my own grip and truck layout fabrication, but when it comes to electronics I need to rely on people who can bring together functional hardware and software. It all depends how you work and the expectations of those who hire you or sub-rent your equipment. Yes, you may be able to create similar fixtures, but will you be able to hand them off to someone else without a half-day of training? As these units get more sophisticated we all have to come up to speed on many different interfaces. You may be a wizard with electronics and DC... not everyone is:) And yes, those who come to market with a solid product and have a lot of R&D or well paid workers to support will ask a premium for their work. Certain areas of the world can absorb this premium and still make a profit... many can not. This is an unfortunate, even maddening disparity. I acknowledge that you think it’s ridiculous, but as hard as it may be to accept, the pros out way the cons in the SF Bay Area, and I think it’s safe to say that most of us local gaffers are very thankful for Asteras, despite their cost:)