Frequently Asked Questions About Laser Lights
Aug 07, 2024
3 minute read
Are Laser Lights Safe?
Modern laser lights are completely safe. However, like any strong light source, it is not advisable to look directly into the laser beam. About 30 years ago, countries worldwide enacted laws to restrict the use of laser lights near or above live audiences due to safety concerns. Today, with advancements in technology, manufacturing, and safety awareness, these marvelous laser devices can be sold to the public without special permits or training.
How Do Lasers Work?
The term LASER stands for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. Unlike standard bulbs that emit light in all directions, lasers focus light into a monochromatic point using a small number of photons. This focused light is then processed into a straight laser beam, which can be used in various ways.
Can Lasers Work with DMX?
Yes, you can use DMX technology to connect all types of lighting, allowing you to control color, movement, and intensity. If you’ve attended a show with an impressive laser light show, it likely had a professional DMX expert behind the scenes programming the entire performance.
What Lasers Do Clubs Use?
Clubs typically use high-power laser systems designed to create vivid animated light displays that enhance the venue's atmosphere. These lasers can produce various colors and effects, from patterns to sweeping beams synchronized with music, providing an immersive experience for club-goers. Popular choices include TTL and analog lasers, both capable of delivering impressive laser effects. Many of these lasers are DMX controllable, allowing for customized results with a DMX controller.
How Powerful Should Laser Lights Be?
The power of laser lights should match the venue size and the type of effects desired. Small clubs and discos usually need laser lights ranging from 500 to 1500 milliwatts (mW) for bright and visible effects. Larger events, such as big nightclubs and medium-sized events, benefit from lasers with power between 1,500mW to 5,000mW to ensure vibrant beams that reach greater distances. Large outdoor spaces like the Stone Mountain Laser Show may use lasers exceeding 5,000mW.
Difference Between Cheap Laser Units and Professional Systems?
Several factors distinguish professional laser systems from cheap units, the most obvious being the power output rating. Professional laser lights start at around 500MW, which is 5 to 6 times more powerful than typical small home or DJ units. Higher power equals enhanced beam clarity and sharpness. More advanced systems also come with superior diodes and servos, allowing faster response times and higher tolerance for line definition and shape creation. They can display multicolor moving images or graphics, programmable onboard or via industry-standard ILDA transmission ports from PC editing software.
At MIYA Laser, we offer laser lights for both applications—whether you need lasers for DJ or home use or professional installations.
Should I Buy Party or Professional Laser Lights?
You should buy what fits your needs. A small home laser light won’t suffice for an arena show and wow thousands of people. While your laser lights may look great at a house party or mobile disco, they may fall short in the professional event lighting world. Purchase according to your needs, but ensure it suits your ultimate use. Never skimp on professional shows.
What Can Laser Lights Do?
In entertainment, laser lights add dynamic elements to performances and events. They create captivating visual effects that can sync with music, enhancing concerts, theatrical performances, and nightclub atmospheres. Lasers can project patterns, animations, and even text, transforming spaces. They are indispensable for light shows, often seen at festivals and public celebrations, depicting spectacular displays of color and patterns in the night sky. Combining laser lights with smoke machines or hazers makes the beams visible in the air, enhancing the effect.
Do You Need a Smoke Machine to See the Laser?
Using a smoke machine significantly enhances the visibility and impact of lasers. Smoke particles scatter the laser light, making the beams visible as they travel through the air. This creates a visually mesmerizing experience, especially in environments like clubs or entertainment venues where atmospheric effects are desired. However, in settings where complex patterns or projections are the focus, a smoke machine may not be necessary. The decision to use a smoke machine depends on the desired visual effect and the laser's application environment.
Which is Better: LED Lights or Laser Lights?
Choosing between LED and laser lighting technologies depends on the specific needs of your event or venue. LEDs are known for their energy efficiency, longevity, and wide range of vibrant colors, making them ideal for ambient lighting. Lasers, on the other hand, excel at creating sharp, focused beams and intricate patterns, enhancing live performances and light shows with their precision and brightness. Ultimately, the better choice depends on the visual effects you aim to achieve. LEDs are used for washes and spotlight effects, while lasers provide detailed and impactful visual effects. Both are often used together in large lighting setups to complement each other.
Laser lights offer a dynamic and mesmerizing addition to any event or performance. From TTL and DMX lasers to analog lasers, there are options to suit every need and occasion. Investing in high-quality laser lights can transform your performances, making them unforgettable experiences for everyone involved. Whether for a Stone Mountain Laser Show, rave lasers, or Christmas laser lights, MIYA Laser has the best laser lights for sale to meet your needs. Visit our lighting store for the best selection of concert lights, stage lighting, and cool lights for all your event lighting requirements.