Astera LED panel with 16 individually controllable pixels (24 LEDs each), 2700K–6500K, IP65 housing, 2–8h battery runtime for eye-light and effects.
Technical Details
The AsteraBox measures 570 × 570 × 110 mm with a weight of 13.2 kg. Each of the 16 pixels features 24 LEDs (6× Red, 6× Green, 6× Blue, 6× White) and can be individually controlled for brightness, color, and color temperature (2700K-6500K). The integrated battery allows for a runtime of 2-8 hours depending on the brightness setting. The waterproof IP65 housing can withstand drops up to 1.5 meters. Control is via DMX512, Art-Net, or the proprietary AsteraApp via Bluetooth. The system supports 16-bit dimming and includes built-in color calibration for consistent color reproduction across multiple units.
History & Development
Astera first introduced the AsteraBox at NAB in Las Vegas in 2016, building upon the Titan Tube technology launched in 2014. The development aimed to address the demand for pixel-controllable surface lights for virtual production and LED wall supplementation. In 2019, a revised version followed with improved color rendition (CRI >96, TLCI >97) and expanded app functionality. The current generation from 2021 integrates CRMX wireless protocol and enhanced effect libraries.
Practical Application in Film
The AsteraBox is primarily used as an eye-light for actors, to simulate monitor or display light, and as practical lighting on sets. In "The Queen's Gambit" (2020), multiple AsteraBoxes simulated the changing light from televisions in hotel rooms. The pixel control enables realistic fire, lightning, or explosion effects without post-production. Gaffers utilize the system for quick color temperature adjustments in mixed lighting situations, allowing daylight and artificial light to be blended without gels or filters.
Comparison & Alternatives
Unlike the Astera Titan Tube, the AsteraBox offers surface lighting instead of linear lighting with higher light output. Competing systems like the Quasar Science Q-LED or LiteGear LiteMat achieve similar light output but lack pixel control. The Arri SkyPanel S60-C significantly surpasses the light output (up to 57,000 lumens) but requires a power supply and does not offer pixel segmentation. For pure surface illumination without effects, traditional LED panels are often more cost-effective, while the AsteraBox remains indispensable for complex color gradients and dynamic lighting effects.