Lighting: what are the different types of effects?

In the world of lighting for the stage, parties or home installations, there are a multitude of lighting effects. To make the right choice, it is essential to know the main types of projectors and effects, as well as their technical characteristics. Here is a detailed guide to help you better understand the technologies available.

1. The main types of lighting effects

PAR

The PAR (Parabolic Aluminised Reflector) projector diffuses uniform light. Ideal for fixed settings, it is often used for background lighting and colour washing walls or stages. They can be RGB, RGBW or RGBAW depending on the number of colours they can produce.

ASTRO

The astro effect is inspired by traditional disco balls, with one or more powerful LEDs inside, projecting light beams through multiple rotating lenses. It creates highly visual rotating effects on walls and ceilings.

BEAM

The beam projector generates a very tight and intense beam that pierces through smoke and creates a spectacular ‘laser beam’ effect. It is often used in dynamic shows such as concerts or clubs.

WASH

Wash projectors flood a surface with coloured light. Perfect for creating atmosphere or covering a large area without a sharp beam.

SPOT

Spot projectors produce a fairly precise and sharp beam. They can be used to highlight specific areas. They are often equipped with additional features such as gobos (see below) and colour wheels.

DERBY

The derby effect sends out several coloured light beams that fan out. Very dynamic, it quickly fills a dance floor with animated points of light.

STROBE

The strobe produces high-frequency flashes of light. It gives a jerky effect to movements on the dance floor and creates a powerful dramatic effect.

LASER

The laser emits thin, intense beams, often red, green or blue, which can be used to draw shapes, directional beams or tunnel effects. They can be controlled by DMX or operate automatically.

UV (Black Light)

Black light highlights fluorescent elements (paint, white clothing, etc.) and creates a unique party atmosphere. Essential for neon atmospheres.

MOONFLOWER

The moonflower is a multi-lens effect that projects rotating colourful patterns. It gives a sense of movement by filling the space with dancing shapes.

GOBO

A gobo is a shape cut out of a metal or glass disc, inserted into a projector to project a pattern onto a surface. Some projectors have fixed or rotating gobos for greater visual variety.

2. Understanding LEDs: RGB, RGBW, RGBA, RGBAW

• RGB: combines red, green and blue colours to create different shades
• RGBW: adds a white LED for purer lighting and better management of pastel shades
• RGBA: incorporates an amber LED to enrich warm tones such as orange and gold
• RGBAW: combines all of the above for the most accurate light reproduction possible, particularly in theatre or high-end events

3. Technical specifications to be aware of

Power

Often expressed in watts, this alone is not enough to evaluate performance. Also consider the brightness in lumens, the number of LEDs and their type.

Beam angle

Determines the width of the illuminated area:

• Narrow angle (15°–25°): tight beam
• Medium angle (30°–45°): ideal for washes
• Wide angle (60°+): very diffuse ambient effects

PAN / TILT

These are the motorised movements of a projector:

• Pan: horizontal rotation
• Tilt: vertical rotation

Motorised lighting effects can thus sweep across the space in a dynamic way.

Zoom

Some projectors have a zoom (manual or motorised), which allows you to adjust the projection angle without changing the device.

Practical tips

• For an immersive atmosphere, combine different types of effects: for example, a PAR for the background + a derby for movement + a laser for depth.
• Outdoors, choose IP65 or higher projectors for resistance to moisture and dust.
• For better image quality, avoid overly powerful lighting effects at short distances.