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WPI Technical Theatre Handbook: Parabolic Reflector Cans
 
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Parabolic Reflector Cans

Parabolic reflector cans (most commonly called PAR cans, or simply cans) are non-focusable instruments. PAR cans consist mainly of a metal cylinder with a sealed-beam parabolic reflector lamp at one end. These lamps are very similar to those used in many automobiles as headlights. The instrument throws an unfocused beam, the shape of which depends on what type of lamp is in the instrument. The most common types of lamps are: very narrow spot (VNSP - "vee-nisp"), narrow spot (NSP - "nisp"), medium flood (MFL - "miffle"), and wide flood (WFL - "wiffle"). In addition to the type of lamp, PARs come in several sizes, denoted by a number (typically one of 16, 38, 46, 56 or 64). The instrument size and throw increase as this number increases. Theatrical applications of cans typically include washes and effects lighting. Color frames can be used with most cans by using the clips present on the front of the instrument. Refer to figure 5.4 for an example of a PAR can.

Figure 5.4: Typical PAR can.
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next up previous contents index
Next: Fresnel Spotlights Up: Lighting Instruments Previous: Cyclorama Lights   Contents   Index
Steve Richardson 2000-07-06

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