A gobo projector is a profile spotlight used to project patterns and images on a surface such as a floor, ground, wall or ceiling. Gobo projection has been around for decades. It is a commonly equipped feature in ellipsoidal reflector spotlights which use an elliptical-shaped reflector to provide a sharply defined circular beam of localized light with the edge controlled by the built-in shutters. Optical devices, including the shutter and iris, are placed in the gate area to modify the appearance of the light projected through the lens system. A gobo is a patterned disc which is inserted into the light path to control the shape of the emitted light and its shadow. The origins of the word “gobo” are not proven but some lighting professionals believe it is an acronym for “graphical optical black out” or “goes before optics.” Gobos used with ellipsoidal reflector spotlights can create interesting lighting scenes in theatrical applications. They are also incorporated into automated lighting systems (moving head lights) to create dynamic effects in nightclubs and other musical venues.
at the Open Lighting Product Directory (OLPD)
