The LBX8-POE is a AVoIP Silver Award Winner for this year’s HigherEd Product of the Year, as well as receiving the 2024 Best of Show Award from AV Technology at Infocomm 2024. Ikan used Lyra PoE LED Lights to light the AVIXA TV Live! booth at the 2024 InfoComm Show, check out this interview with Ikan’s James Tian and Daniel Napier at the AVIXA TV Live! booth.
PoE Lighting: Making Media Production Faster & More Accessible
In the ever-changing world of media production, efficiency and innovation are key drivers of success. Power Over Ethernet (PoE) technology, although not new, has become a cornerstone in modern media production environments. PoE eliminates the need for traditional electrical wiring, offering a streamlined solution for powering devices like LED lights and DMX lighting controllers, essential for creating the perfect visual setting. This blog post delves into the basics of PoE and its significant impact on the media production industry.
What is PoE Lighting?
PoE allows a single cable to provide both data connection and electrical power to devices such as IP cameras, VoIP phones, and, most notably, PoE enabled LED lights for media production. For a device to be PoE-compatible, it needs to meet the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) standard, which defines the method of safely transferring power alongside data on Ethernet cabling.
How does PoE lighting work?
PoE lighting technology uses Ethernet cables to transmit both power and data to LED light fixtures. It delivers low-voltage DC power (typically 48V) along with communication signals over the same standard Cat 5 or Cat 6 cabling. The Ethernet cables connect to PoE switches or injectors, which provide power and network connectivity to the lights. This setup allows for centralized control, monitoring, and automation of the lighting system through network protocols, enhancing energy efficiency and flexibility in lighting management.
What are the benefits of PoE Lighting in Media Production?
Using PoE for Media Production has many advantages:
- Make adjustments efficiently
- Streamline setups
- Increase safety & reliability
- Have more creative control
Make Lighting Adjustments Easily & Effectively
With PoE, lighting setups that utilize DMX control can be powered and controlled through a single Ethernet cable. This integration significantly reduces the complexity of wiring, allowing for easier and quicker modifications to lighting arrangements, a frequent requirement in dynamic production environments.
Streamlining Lighting Setup for Media Production with PoE Technology
The functionality of PoE lighting is rooted in its ability to simplify installation. It eliminates the need for separate power and data cables, leading to reduced material and installation costs, as well as cleaner setup. For media production, where flexibility and clutter-free environments are crucial, PoE stands out as a remarkably efficient solution.
Increase Production Safety & Reliability with PoE Lighting
PoE operates at low voltages, reducing the risk of electrical hazards. This is particularly beneficial in media production settings where equipment is frequently handled and repositioned. Additionally, PoE’s centralized power source allows for better control and monitoring of the power supply, ensuring consistent performance and reducing the likelihood of equipment failure.
Have More Creative Control with Help from PoE Technology
The use of PoE in media production not only streamlines the technical aspects of production but also opens up new creative possibilities, allowing professionals to focus more on content creation and less on the complexities of technical setup.
What Impact Will PoE Lighting Have on Modern Media Production?
The integration of Power Over Ethernet (PoE) in the media production industry marks a significant step towards more efficient, flexible, and cost-effective production environments. By simplifying the electrical needs for essential equipment like LED lighting, PoE enables media professionals to focus on what truly matters – creating impactful and high-quality content. The versatility and scalability of PoE cater to the ever-evolving demands of media production, ensuring that creative ambitions are not hindered by technical limitations. As technology continues to advance, the adoption of PoE is not just a convenience but a strategic move for any forward-thinking media production setup.
At the 2024 NAB Show, Ikan CEO James Tian sat down with several integrators and designers and asked them what they thought about Ikan’s new Lyra PoE Lights. In this clip James sits down with FX Design Managing Director of Broadcast Justin Gutierrez who had this to say: “The PoE Light is a game changer. ..It’s easy to set up and use, and it’s very clean. You’re dealing with one cable.. it really is going to allow those kind of smaller companies and things to really get into this game, and be successful.”
Ikan Lyra PoE Lighting Systems
Ikan is proud to offer lighting solutions, like our Lyra POE LED Lights, including the LBX8-POE and LBX10-POE Bi-Color Soft Panel Lights as well as the Brand New LBF60-POE Bi-Color Fresnel that are all enhanced by Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology. We are actively developing a range of additional PoE lighting products, as well as a PoE NDI teleprompter monitor. Additionally, our product line includes PTZ cameras and controllers, which are also capable of using PoE for both power supply and data transmission.
Case Study: PoE Lighting at University of Missouri’s School of Journalism
The LBX8-POE was the perfect fixture to be used in a recent installation at the University of Missouri’s School of Journalism and James Cartner, Lighting Designer at FX Design Group, explains why: “The Ikan LBX8-POE lights can provide the necessary level of light within a lightweight, slim fixture and — by running over PoE++ — there is no need for additional cables or an electrician or a permit. Instead, the lighting system can be both powered and controlled via a single Ethernet cable, which can be above the drop ceiling for a cleaner design, connected to a NETGEAR PoE-enabled network switch. I also like that Ikan provides a high level of support and offers a product at a price point that brings it within range of many users.”
Get in Touch for Tailored PoE Lighting System Recommendations
PoE lighting offers a sleek, efficient solution for environments where space and time are at a premium. If you’re ready to transform your media production efforts, but aren’t sure which products will be best for your needs, contact our team for 1-on-1 support today.
About Ikan
At Ikan, we have a team of skilled professionals who are passionate about every aspect of professional video production. Founded in 2005 and headquartered in Houston, our expertise lies in designing and manufacturing top-quality, professional-grade video equipment that is trusted by a diverse range of professionals, from TV stations and production studios to colleges, K-12 schools, churches, and corporations.
Our extensive range of professional products includes LED lights, teleprompters, PTZ cameras, tripods & pedestals, and monitors. Ikan products are sold through authorized dealers located in more than 50 countries around the world and at www.ikancorp.com.