ARRI SkyPanel S60 Pro First Look

At IBC 2024 in Amsterdam, I caught up with ARRI to have a look at their new SkyPanel S60 Pro. The SkyPanel S60 Pro is a new take on an old product and a new addition to the SkyPanel family.

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ARRI is using a variation of the RGBW LED light engine in the SkyPanel S60 Pro, and not the newer RGBACL that is in the Orbiter and SkyPanel X. The light engine in the SkyPanel S60 Pro is improved with new LEDs/diodes, 20% more output, 4 pixel zones and higher efficiency. Even though the light engine is slightly different, the color can be matched with the S60-C (+ across SkyPanel models and generations).

You may be thinking, hold on, didn’t the S60 get replaced by the SkyPanel X? Well yes, and no. The existing SkyPanel S60-C will be discontinued upon the release of SkyPanel S60 Pro.

I recently reviewed the SkyPanel X that was announced at IBC 2023, and you can see that review here.

Everything old is new again

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The SkyPanel S60 Pro combines the benefits of the classic SkyPanel S60-C with innovative updates that serve the needs of today’s professionals while delivering cost performance and versatility. The new SkyPanel S60 is claimed to create soft, balanced illumination that exceeds even the most ambitious requirements of any film or stage crew.

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It is almost a sort of hybrid mix between the older S60-C and the new SkyPanel X21.

The SkyPanel S60 Pro weighs 15 kg / 33.1 lbs with the manual yoke.

It’s been 9 years since the SkyPanel was first released

The SkyPanels were first announced way back in April 2015. At the time, the SkyPanel range consisted of two lights, the SC60 and SC30, and both models were available in either a full color-tuneable LED or remote phosphor version. What a lot of people probably don’t know is that these lights were in development for over 10 years.

I reviewed the original SkyPanels way back in May 2016. You can read that review here.

Over the last 9 years, they arguably became the industry 1×1 and 2×1 standard and have been used on countless movies, TV shows, and commercials around the world. I think the reason they became so popular was for two main reasons. The first is that they were designed with ARRI cameras in mind and they looked good when using them together. The second was build quality. They were designed and built to stand up to the rigors of set life and rental use and even today you can still find tons of them in rental houses across the globe. Yes, they were expensive, but rental houses have made their money back countless times as it is a product that still goes out the door today. ARRI also released a lot of firmware updates and improvements to the SkyPanel series over the years.

Lighting technology has come a long way in the last 9 years, and even though the SkyPanels are still being extensively used throughout the industry, it was certainly time for an update. I think what people tend to forget is that 9 years ago RGBW technology was in its very infancy, and the SkyPanels were one of the first fixtures of their type to come to market.

It is, however, a little surprising to see a new 2×1 style fixture from ARRI, especially since they already have the SkyPanel X.

The SkyPanel S60 Pro, just like the SkyPanel X is a self-contained unit with a built-in power supply. There is no separate power supply like the older S60-C.

The SkyPanel Pro retains the fast and familiar onboard control panel of the SkyPanel Classic, but with an upgrade: it’s now positioned at the bottom of the fixture for easier access when mounted on a stand. This design makes it the perfect choice for various applications [internal link], from compact setups to large studio installations.

To satisfy the demands of increasing efficacy within production workflows, SkyPanel S60 Pro offers new and enhanced technical features and it features new digital innovations, such as digital twin, an exact replica of the luminaire in Unreal Engine, developed by ARRI Solutions that offers unparalleled customization and control throughout the entire production chain. This digital twin reduces workloads and improves efficiency in preproduction, on set, and in post-production by allowing crews to quickly synchronize real-world and virtual camera and lighting systems for live collaboration.

Enhanced serviceability is also featured with CloudIO software. CloudIO is the industry’s first digital IoT device that seamlessly operates in the cloud, engineered by Claypaky. This is ideal for lighting professionals and rental companies, as CloudIO offers streamlined diagnostics, remote assistance, and comprehensive service.

In case you are not familiar with CloudIO, it is a compact device, equipped with a 7-inch capacitive touch screen. It has two in/out pass-through DMX connections, so it is possible to interface and communicate directly with up to 31 lights in series. This is particularly useful for rental companies, who can connect their lights to the CloudIO when they return from a tour. The CloudIO is equipped with a retrofit system, allowing it to be fitted to most Claypaky lights.

To enable more flexibility and creativity on set, the SkyPanel S60 Pro is set up with 4 LED zones for better pixel control, unmatched color accuracy, and optimal light distribution. There is also improved low dimming performance which is a benefit and allows users to achieve smooth, flicker-free dimming at lower levels.

ARRI responded to customer feedback and made improvements to the fixture’s handles, position of the control panel, but more importantly, to its connectivity and control options. The state-of-the-art fixture features an integrated power supply that helps to streamline setups, making the luminaire easier to transport and manage with fewer cables and less rigging materials, while it keeps the same size and weight of the classic S60-C.

All ARRI SkyPanels are part of an ecosystem and the new SkyPanel S60 Pro can be seamlessly integrated into existing workflows and wireless setups with built-in CRMX and Bluetooth for app-based control, such as the ARRI LiCo app, or use 5-Pin DMX in and out for robust traditional control, and Ethernet in and out for newer studio installs.

When mixing different SkyPanels color consistency is assured and the new S60 Pro is fully compatible with S60-C front and yoke accessories. Based on the tried-and-true LiOS software, SkyPanel Pro users will benefit from the latest software features such as the ARRI ALEXA Modes.

Output

ARRI claims that the S60 Pro can output 15,900 lx @1m / 3.3′ when used at 5600K. The light draws 500W.

ARRI states that the S60 Pros are a future-proof, secure investment, backed by a comprehensive three-year warranty. With their rugged build and flexibility, these luminaires are said to be suitable for a wide range of applications, from studio and location work on movies and television to live entertainment, photography, theater, and corporate productions.

The SkyPanel family now consists of:

– SkyPanel Classic: the LED soft light panels that have set a new industry standard, coming in different sizes

– SkyPanel Pro: the S60 Pro is the next generation of the classic S60-C, with enhanced feature set, controllability and more, for improved workflows

– SkyPanel X: the great modular, all-weather LED panel that delivers both native hard light for long throws and native soft light for close distances

All SkyPanels are available in two housing colors: iconic blue/silver and all-black.

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