Movie Theater Lighting Key Terms

Some terms for movie theater lighting

By J. Stoltzfus, writer/programmer LOCAL CITIZEN

When it's time to outfit a commercial movie theater or "movie house" with lighting, there are a lot of options from which to choose. Cinema houses or movie theaters and multiplexes tend to use a lot of different types of lighting for a variety of purposes. From the lobby to the projection area, lighting plays a large role. Find out about some of the basic terms in movie theater lighting to understand what builders generally use.

Dimmers

One key part of movie theater lighting is the dimmer controls that let lights gradually "fade" before a show. Commercial dimmers are used in many cinema theaters across the country.
Try: Find out about dimmer history, use and more at ePanorama.net.

Wall sconces

Another common part of theater lighting is the fixtures called wall sconces, which provide decorative lighting along a wall area. Wall sconces are more for general lighting, but they are often part of the overall setup.
Try: Get a complete guide to lighting with wall sconces at My Sconces. For more, try this page at Allabouthardware.

Recessed lighting

Movie theaters also use recessed lighting to allow light fixtures to "blend in" to their surroundings. Recessed lighting can be difficult to install, but commercial spaces generally hire skilled contractors to implement these kinds of lighting styles.
Try: Find out about how recessed lighting and other movie theater lighting styles are adapted for home use at DIY Home Theater Design.

Reader board lighting

Another kind of movie theater lighting is the "reader board," the LED or digital marquee that theater builders use to outfit the lobby to show guests what shows are playing and when. Reader board technology changes, but its general use is still popular inside movie theater lobby areas.
Try: Get educated about reader board lighting technologies at TMCNet.

In-floor lighting

Movie theaters also often use in-floor lighting, in which a "rope" or strand of light, or a linear piece installed at the edge of carpeting or aisles, use a lot of small lights to provide a "path" for walkers. These in-floor lights often utilize fiber optic design for efficient lighting.
Try: Check out details on fiber optic rope lighting, a good candidate for movie theater in-floor lighting solutions, at Guide 4 Home.

Floodlights

These large lights are often used for new movie theater opening nights and promotions. Floodlights can "sweep" an area for an impressive look and get the attention of viewers.
Try: Find the stage definition of a floodlight in the British Theater Guide. Also see EnergyVortex for information on energy-saving LED floodlights.