Astera Awarded Best in Show at Euro Cine Expo 2024

The LunaBulb mimics the appearance of a traditional bulb but offers all the benefits of LED technology. This means lower power consumption and full wireless control when adjusting color and brightness. The Best in Show judges were impressed by how the LunaBulb provided gaffers with both creative and practical possibilities, combined with technological advances and user-friendly design elements.

 

In terms of technical specifications, the LED-based LunaBulb consumes only 3.5 watts and is available with E26, E27, and B22 fittings. Using the Titan LED engine, which is common to the entire Astera range, the LunaBulb offers precise, flicker-free control for both white light levels (1,750 – 20,000K) and a range of colors (RGB, Mint, Amber). This allows seamless integration with other Astera lights, designed as a full ecosystem.

 

The design of the LunaBulb allows a quick switch between a classic bulb and a slimline form via a spring-loaded clip. This means the lights can be used in versatile ways, either in the style of a conventional bulb or in other fixtures to provide a practical light source with high control and adaptability.

 

An important part of the jury's decision was not just the LunaBulb itself but also the PrepCase that accompanies the bulb. This significantly simplifies configuration and setup, allowing eight bulbs to be pre-configured on the go. The PrepCase is battery-powered, generates auto-assigned DMX addresses, and allows bulb adjustments on-site. Alternatively, users can use Bluetooth Bridge, the Astera App, or a set of Astera remotes to instantly adjust the bulbs individually or collectively.

 

Christine Gebhard, Editor-in-Chief of film-tv-video.de, said, “It can be difficult to evaluate film products across so many different categories, from Astera’s small LunaBulb to large-scale, €200k camera. But we simply fell in love with the concept being forwarded by Astera; fitting the most advanced and innovative LED technology in the exact shape of a 150-year old bulb design.”

 

Ben Díaz, Head of Product Management at Astera, added, “Combining tradition with innovation is one aspect that often influences design at Astera. Many lighting solutions of the past are beautiful in their aesthetic, and carry with them a tradition, history and convention which it is important to maintain in film-making. With lights such as our LunaBulb and PlutoFresnel, we aren’t trying to change or erase the beauty of that traditional lighting form, but simply make it more effective, efficient, practical, accessible and flexible for lighting creatives. On the other hand, some of our range is a full revolution not just in terms of technology, but lighting aesthetic also – for instance, with our TitanTube. By bringing both tradition and innovation together under the Titan LED engine, we provide lighting directors with the ability to honour tradition or break new ground with their vision, without disrupting the workflows that they have developed. We are pleased, proud and honoured to have received this award, which recognises this underpinning philosophy.”