In 2005, Harpo Studios in Chicago upgraded the set and lighting for The Oprah Winfry Show and added a significant number of LED lighting fixtures in the set.
In order to integrate automated and conventional fixture and manage the additional LED fixtures, a major system upgrade was required. DesignLab Chicago was hired by Harpo Studios to redesign and update the studio’s lighting systems. After careful deliberation we designed, provided, and installed a new network that could handle control of not just the new lighting package for the main studio, but also a second studio in the same building.
The new control system was based on ETC Net2 protocol and integrated control of Studios A and B with that of the XFM studio two blocks away via a fiber link. It included net drops on deck level, on the low and high grids and in other locations of the building. Dry lines were pulled to every tap location and lighting networks were color coded to facilitate cable tracing in the studio’s cable trays. Dimming upgrades were planned at the same time allowing for ten ETC Sensor II dimmer racks to replace the existing 2+ decade-old existing dimmers.
Subsequently, under separate contracts, Designlab provided and installed the planned control system (2005) and dimming (2007).
All portions of the new lighting systems: consulting & planning, controls and dimming were completed and turned over to the client on time and within budget.