Profile, Fresnel, PAR, wash, spot and beam

Using this guide

Names describe families or uses, without guaranteeing identical accessories or functions. LED describes the source, not beam shape.

Prepare your rental inquiry

• Date, city, venue and setup, event and pickup schedule.
• Intended use, area dimensions and equipment already supplied by the venue or production.
• Main task: presenter, panel, product, ambience or effect; people or surfaces involved, and a visual reference if available.
• What you need help with and what your team provides: equipment, installation, setup or operation. Start with a description and approximate dimensions; availability, models and scope are confirmed in the proposal.

Specify equipment only or whether setup, programming, operation and strike are also needed. Scope is confirmed in the proposal.

You do not need a final equipment list: tell us the result you want and the part you need help with. Availability and scope are confirmed in the proposal.

Features and connections

A profile can project and frame through its optics; Fresnel favors soft edges and blending. PAR may use lenses or diffusers. Wash describes coverage; spot often supports projection and beam targets a narrow shaft. Hybrids exist.

Choose by task: for a presenter or panel, prioritize faces and coverage of the positions; for a product, define the shape, texture or reflections you want to show; for ambience, identify the surfaces and colors; for an effect, say whether you want projection, movement or a visible beam. Describe the desired result so equipment alternatives and, if needed, installation, setup or operation can be assessed. The proposal defines models, accessories and scope; you do not need to know them to inquire.

Prepare the system

1. Define whether you need faces, uniform area, a framed shape, gobo or aerial effect.
2. Compare photometry at the actual distance, included optics, zoom, focus and shaping tools for the exact model.
3. Confirm power, control, mounting and accessories in the rental proposal; test the intended surface and camera.

ETC ColorSource Spot V: specify the optical package

The official name is ColorSource Spot V. It is distinct from ColorSource Spot Deep Blue and Source Four LED Series 3. The October 2026 Rev G guide separates light engine, shutter barrel and lens tube; the barrel may be supplied separately. This version is for indoor use.

1. Request a label photo, installed version and package list: engine, barrel, lens, projection or diffusion accessories and mount. Do not infer the included lens from the engine name.
2. For a lectern or product, test the edge and useful area at the available distance. For a moving speaker, compare with wider coverage. Check focus, shadows and wall spill without transferring Source Four or other ColorSource photometrics.
3. Agree on the control source and personality for the installed version. Test white, color and a slow transition with camera when relevant. If units differ, record version, profile and calibration before changing palettes.

GLMedia can evaluate a package for a defined conference zone or compare another optic or fixture family. Send the date, venue, approximate dimensions, permitted mounting photos and intended result. Accessory compatibility, availability and scope require confirmation.

• ColorSource Spot V — official Rev G guide, October 2026, English
• ETC — exact-model documentation and software notes

Buy or rent: compare a solution you can operate

Compare the same scope: lighting faces and background for the planned dates and hours. A fixture-body price alone does not describe a usable installation. Include optics, modifiers, supports, power, control, transport, storage, maintenance and staff.

1. One-time rental: identify who delivers, mounts, focuses, configures and operates, what testing is included, and pickup timing. A different venue or format may call for a different package instead of purchasing equipment that misses the task.
2. Purchase for repeated use: record expected frequency, available space, operating and maintenance responsibility, spares and preparation time. Confirm package compatibility and service before comparing offers; do not assume staff can already program it.
3. Mixed approach: evaluate retaining existing equipment and adding optics, reinforcement or technical support per event. Review labels, versions and current accessories to avoid duplicate components or untested integration claims.

You can approach GLMedia with photos, approximate dimensions and an open-ended need. Ask to compare rental, purchase where appropriate, installation or technical service. The proposal should define supply, preparation, operation and responsibilities. Availability, commercial terms and scope require confirmation; no savings, return or authorized brand representation is promised.

Questions and troubleshooting

Precautions

• Do not compare useful light on the target through electrical wattage or lumens alone.
• A narrow beam can concentrate energy; follow manual clearances and restrictions without aiming at eyes.
• Confirm lenses, filters and supports are compatible and retained as the manufacturer specifies.

Documentation and sources

• ETC — Guide for Lighting the Stage
• ETC — Fresnel optics

Accessed: 2026-10-22. Selection guide with proposed checks; no GLMedia physical testing.

Guides to plan your system

• Complete equipment and show recovery
• Basic DMX setup