Last Updated 22 hours ago
Overview
The De Sisti Giotto Linear VW is a linear 180W tunable-white cyclorama light. Its purpose is an even wash over a cyc or backdrop rather than a face-lighting key or a focusable spotlight.
Manufacturer photographs. Swipe or scroll for the next view; select an image to enlarge.
Specify Giotto by the cyc height, setback and fixture spacing. A strong centre reading is less useful than a camera-visible even field from the bottom of the cyc to the top.
Key specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Source / LED power | 180W LED cyclorama light |
| Wall-power consumption | 200W at 120V or 230V |
| Colour versions | VW 2,800–6,600K |
| AC supply | 90–250V, 50/60Hz |
| Controls | Local dimming and 5-pin DMX in/out |
| Dimming | 2 channels at 8-bit; 3 at 16-bit |
| Colour-rendering reference | CRI >95; TLCI >96 |
| Cooling | Temperature-managed cooling; confirm fan behaviour on the supplied unit |
| Weight with yoke | 5.5kg MO |
| Protection | IP20 |
Source: model-specific manufacturer datasheet. This entry covers the 180W VW model. The VW+C is the separate colour version. Use the VW overview for its 2,800–6,600K range; the sheet’s colour table contains VW+C wording.
Strengths and limitations
Strengths
- Linear housing suits a repeated row of cyc fixtures.
- Tunable white allows the backdrop white point to be set independently of intensity.
- Wired DMX/RDM supports a permanent studio patch.
Limitations
- Uniformity depends on setback, orientation and overlap, not just fixture count.
- The VW version has no saturated-colour wash mode.
- An exposed floor row needs physical protection and cable management.
Practical uses
| Setup | Working approach |
|---|---|
| Single-row cyc wash | Set the setback and orientation on one representative section, then repeat the spacing. Walk a meter grid from bottom to top and inspect the full surface from the camera. |
| Overlapping units | Balance the overlap rather than forcing every head to the same percentage. Small position changes can be more useful than correcting a bright seam with dimmer level. |
| Coloured backdrop | Keep talent away from the cyc to reduce spill and allow separate lighting control. Check the desired camera colour and saturation before recording the cue. |
During a relight, keep a record of position, tilt, focus or accessory setting and dimmer level. That makes a repeat setup more useful than a Kelvin value or console percentage on its own.
Output and colour
Judge the wash as a field, not a single centre number. Setback, aiming, cyc curvature and overlap determine whether an apparently powerful row produces visible bands. Meter the actual surface and verify it through the intended camera exposure.
The VW is intended for adjustable white. The separate VW+C adds colour mixing and a different personality; do not expect colour washes from the VW model.
The manufacturer photometric charts provide the source measurements. Compare beam and field angles separately and keep CCT, distance and front accessories with any recorded lux value.
For high-speed work, test the actual camera, shutter and dimmer level. Check low-level fades and a short recorded clip before relying on a general flicker-free claim.
Power and batteries
The published wall-power figure is 200W at 120V or 230V; the 180W LED rating describes power to the light engine. Size the circuit from the input figure and the complete connected package. The standard AC supply accepts 90–250V at 50/60Hz.
Do not assume that an AC studio head accepts a camera battery. For mobile operation, use the manufacturer-approved supply arrangement for that exact version; an AC inverter also needs adequate continuous rating and runtime.
Power pass-through is limited by the connectors, cable, circuit and manufacturer instructions. Plan the total downstream load rather than daisy-chaining by the number of heads alone.
Controls, dimming and cooling
The VW version uses wired DMX/RDM for intensity and white-light control. Wireless DMX and network options are listed as optional; verify their installation before including them in a show patch.
Run the fixture to operating temperature and listen from the microphone position. A quiet fan beside the head can still be audible to a close microphone; include the warm fixture in the sound check.
Modifiers and rigging
Use the model’s specified accessories and mounting points. Keep any diffusion, protective cover or cable clear of the wash path. A standard Fresnel barndoor or a generic panel grid is not an assumed fit.
For a floor row, secure the yoke, protect the cable route and keep the working area out of traffic. For overhead use, plan the complete suspended load and retain independent safeties. Leave access to the controls and connectors.
Related guides: lighting types and accessories and modifiers.
Alternatives and related fixtures
| Fixture | When to choose it |
|---|---|
| De Sisti Giotto Linear VW+C | The 230W colour model for branded backgrounds or saturated cyc cues. |
| De Sisti SoftLED 2XL | A broad 180W softlight for a nearby subject or small background; check coverage carefully before substituting it for a cyc optic. |
Browse the De Sisti range or search all lighting equipment.
Videos and industry coverage
De Sisti’s lighting demonstrations show the manufacturer’s Fresnel and colour-light workflows. Check the named model in each demonstration before applying a feature to a rental head.
Rental and used-fixture checks
- Identity: read the full model label, including T, D, VW, VW+C, Lite, HP and any weather-rated suffix. Match the label to the supplied datasheet and console personality.
- Front surface and accessories: look for cracks, yellowing, uneven illumination or a damaged diffusion surface. Fit the actual grid or intensifier and check all retaining points.
- Mechanical condition: load the yoke with the intended accessories, inspect the mounting point and cable strain relief, and confirm that tilt holds without excessive force.
- Electronics: warm the fixture, check colour across the working dimmer range and test local and remote control. Compare neighbouring heads on camera before committing to a matched set.
- Complete package: include power and data leads, adapters, accessories, cases and replacement-part availability in the rental or used-purchase decision.