Ocean Optics Introduces SeaChanger Color Engine for ETC Source Four Ellipsoidals

CYM Color Changer Replaces Gel Scrollers in Source Four ERS

Dunedin, Fla., April 2005 – The SeaChanger Color Engine from Ocean Optics is a CYM color changer for ETC Source Four Ellipsoidals that uses patented dichroic filter technology to create a virtually endless palette of stable, reproducible colors that do not shift or fade with time or temperature. SeaChanger’s robust, ceramic-like filters offer great resistance to heat and humidity, eliminating the need for noisy cooling fans. The unit installs within seconds -- without tools.

SeaChanger is a self-contained unit with an internal power supply and 6-channel DMX controller. SeaChanger also supports the Remote Device Management protocol and can be programmed for stand-alone operation. The unit retails for $2,499; distributor pricing and volume discounts are available.

SeaChanger employs four patterned filters -- cyan, yellow, magenta and a neutral density (dimmer) filter -- in a 7.0" x 11.5" module that weighs less than 12 lb. and is designed to fit the ETC Source Four ERS. Users can configure filters in up to 4 billion combinations to create a nearly infinite variety of colors -- from delicate pastels to deep, saturated primaries. Also available is an optional high-saturation magenta color wheel that, when used in place of the dimmer wheel, generates deeper reds and blues.

The SeaChanger’s dichroic filters provide higher transmission efficiency and greater resistance to temperature and humidity than gels and other filter materials. Our patented process yields the most robust and highest transmission dichroic filters available -- filters so hardened they are essentially ceramic in nature. These patterned filters allow users to control color, intensity and saturation to unprecedented levels of precision.

SeaChanger is available with a DMX-to-USB converter and will interface to a PC loaded with add-on software that matches the color engine’s CYMK combinations to more than 300 Rosco gel filters and other gel book values.

SeaChanger is compatible with a variety of stage lighting accessories. Ocean Optics offers the SeaChanger-XM Extreme Magenta color wheel -- ideal for setups requiring deeper reds and blues -- and the SeaChanger-EY 16.5” yoke extension. In addition, Ocean Optics manufactures and markets optical-sensing components to measure the color of any filter, reflective surface or light source; to calculate the CYM coordinates; and to provide DMX settings to duplicate the experience with the SeaChanger.

Ocean Optics is a leading supplier of optical sensing technologies including chemical sensors, analytical and spectroscopy instrumentation, optical fibers, and thin films and optics. The company’s Thin Films Division designs and manufactures patented patterned dichroic optical filters for a variety of industries and applications, including display applications such as digital projection and entertainment applications such as color changers for stage lighting.

For more information, contact Ocean Optics, Inc., 830 Douglas Avenue, Dunedin, FL 34698, 727.733.2447, Fax 727.733.3962, SeaChanger@OceanOptics.com. Or visit our website at www.OceanOptics.com and www.SeachangerOnline.com.

Contact an Ocean Optics Applications Scientist