Punch is the most efficient, automatic, and versatile "front end" facility for the control of light in existence. It can automatically record any complexity of lighting cues for any number of scenes and has an infallible memory for repeating these cues at any future time.

Punch enables the scenic or lighting artist to create any complexity of lighting effects. There is no limit to the number of changes from one lighting effect to the next. The changes can be rapid and dynamic or gradual and subtle. They can be repeated with complete accuracy from performance to performance or from season to season. Most important, the lighting for any given scene or sub-scene can be immediately and infallibly recorded. Stand-by rehearsal time, formerly required for recording a given lighting set-up, is reduced to seconds.

Punch is a fully automatic system which frees all the performing arts from former mechanical limitations. The author is now free to create any number and complexity of moods within his script concept. The producer, director and scene designer are no longer limited in the variety or quantity of lighting effects desired. The lighting specialist and the operating technician are given automatic aids transcending normal capacities for computation and memory. Just as electronic aids have released scientists and engineers from routine work (but not replaced them-indeed such aids have broadened the scope of science) so has Punch expanded the role of the creative technician in the theatre and the studio. It signalled the beginning of a new era in controlled lighting for the performing arts.

Punch is fully compatible with all Century Lighting electronic dimmers but is especially recommended for use with C-Core. It can also be used to remotely activate cross connect units, positioning devices, and color changers on the same infinite preset basis.

The Punch control center consists of three mobile units:

1. The control console which sets up the lighting during rehearsals and subsequently controls the lighting cues during actual performances.

2. The card punching machine and

3. The card reading machine. The three units can be located together or remotely during rehearsals or performances. A relay rack~ which contains the temporary memory units for each control circuit, is usually installed in the basement or other uncritical place.

Punch is generally recommended for installations requiring forty or more dimmer circuits.

In drama workshops Punch provides the instructor with a teaching aid of the highest order. It enables more students to achieve, study and compare more lighting setups in a mere fraction of the time involved in traditional teaching methods.

reproduced from:
Century Theatre Lighting
1960 Sales Catalog
Century Lighting, Inc.
New York, NY







Copyright 2001 VISUAL TERRAIN, INC.