Astera PixelBrick: battery-powered LED fixture with 8 individually addressable LEDs (1,750K–20,000K, CRI >96), 1,200 lux @ 1m; enables pixel mapping for effects and accent lighting.
The fixture operates with a color temperature range of 1,750K to 20,000K with a CRI of >96 and TLCI of >97. Each of the 8 LEDs can be dimmed with 16-bit resolution and controlled in different colors, allowing for gradients and chasing effects. The maximum light output is 1,200 lux at a distance of 1 meter. The integrated battery (14.8V, 2,600mAh) fully charges via USB-C in 3 hours. The IP65 rating ensures protection against dust and water jets. Magnetic mounts and a 1/4" thread enable versatile mounting options.
Astera launched the PixelBrick in 2020 as a supplement to the existing AX series. The German company Astera LED Technology, founded in 2008, developed the fixture in response to the growing demand for compact, pixel-mapping-capable light sources in filmmaking. In 2021, a revised version followed with improved app control and extended effect algorithms. Integration into professional lighting systems such as MA Lighting grandMA3 and ETC Eos quickly established the PixelBrick as a standard for accent lighting.
Gaffers frequently use PixelBricks for background lighting with color gradients, for example, to simulate neon light or screen reflections. The compact design allows them to be hidden in tight sets or attached to props. In night shots, they serve as controlled light accents in vehicle interiors or as eye-light enhancement. Wireless control eliminates cabling for moving set pieces. Typical applications include color washing walls, rhythmic lighting effects synchronized to music, or creating ambient light with defined color temperatures.
Competing products such as the Quasar Science Q-LED X or ARRI SkyPanel S30-C offer higher light output but lack individual LED pixel control. Classic Dedolight systems achieve more precise light direction but require mains power and cabling. For large-area illumination, Astera Titan Tubes or Helios Tubes are more suitable, while PixelBricks excel in spot accent lighting and effect lighting. The choice between PixelBrick and alternatives depends on the desired amount of light, color control, and mobility.
Als DoP schätze ich die präzise Farbkontrolle jeder einzelnen LED – ich kann gezielt warme und kalte Bereiche in einem einzigen Fixture mischen, um subtile Hautton-Modulation zu erreichen. Die kompakte Bauform ermöglicht es mir, sie diskret im Bildbereich zu platzieren, ohne dass sie die Kamerafahrten behindern oder im Frame sichtbar werden.
Die PixelBricks geben mir die Möglichkeit, emotionale Stimmungen durch dynamische Farbwechsel zu verstärken – von der langsamen Verschiebung von Blau zu Rot während einer Dialogszene bis hin zu schnellen Farbsequenzen bei Action-Momenten. Besonders wertvoll ist die Synchronisation mehrerer Units für kohärente Lichtchoreografien, die die narrative Spannung unterstützen.
Ein 8er-Set kostet etwa 3.200 Euro, rechnet sich aber durch wegfallende Generatorkosten und reduzierte Rigg-Zeit – meine Gaffers sparen täglich 2-3 Stunden Setup. Die 20-Stunden-Laufzeit eliminiert Akkuwechsel während der Drehtage, und die drahtlose Kontrolle reduziert mein Kabel-Budget um etwa 15% pro Produktion.
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