LED tube system with passive cooling, CRI 95+, TLCI 98+ and electronic color temperature adjustment (2700–6500K) for classic Kino Flo fixtures.
Intro
The Kino Flo Select system is an LED-based evolution of the classic True Match fluorescent tubes. It combines passive cooling (fanless), high color accuracy, and compatibility with existing Kino Flo fixtures. The tubes emulate the characteristic, soft light of the original Kino Flo system with modern LED efficiency and electronic color control.
History & Development
Kino Flo revolutionized film lighting in 1987 with its first fluorescent tube fixtures, establishing soft, shadowless light as a standard. The Select series marks the transition to LED technology, following the increasing discontinuation of fluorescent tubes. Development of the Select tubes began in 2018 to translate the proven light qualities of True Match tubes into LED form. The system expanded in 2021 with RGB variants and in 2022 with special high-output versions for large productions.
Practical Use in Film
The Select system is primarily used as fill light and for beauty lighting. Its even light distribution is particularly suitable for portraits and interviews, as it creates natural skin tones without harsh shadows. In "The Queen's Gambit" (2020), cinematographer Steven Meizler used Select tubes for consistent facial lighting in the chess scenes. The system facilitates color matching between different light sources, as the color temperature can be adjusted electronically. Green screen productions benefit from precise color rendering and the ability to digitally correct color shifts.
Comparison & Alternatives
Compared to the original True Match fluorescent tubes, Select offers higher energy efficiency and electronic color control, but does not quite match their maximum light output. ARRI SkyPanel and Litepanels Gemini represent more direct competition, but have different beam characteristics. While SkyPanels soften spot-like light with softboxes, Select inherently produces diffuse light. For budget productions, Quasar Science Q-LEDs serve as an alternative, but they exhibit lower color accuracy. The Select system scores points for its compatibility with existing Kino Flo fixtures, thereby reducing investment costs for existing equipment inventories.
Technical Specifications
Select LED Tubes (Standard Series)
General Parameters:
- Number of LEDs: 120 high-quality LEDs per tube
- Power (4ft): 55W (55W for Select 20, 150W for Select 30)
- Color Temperature: 2700-6500K electronically adjustable; also 2500-9900K in the extended menu
- CRI: 95+
- TLCI: 98
- Flicker-Free: Up to 40,000fps
- Power Supply: 100-240V AC (1.25A at 120V) or 24V DC
- Cooling System: Passive (fanless) - Noise level <20dB
- Beam Angle: 160° (modifiable with integrated barndoors and honeycomb grid)
Control and Connectivity:
- DMX Protocol: DMX-512 Standard
- Wireless Control: Lumen Radio® Wireless DMX
- Color Control: Full Plus/Minus Green (±150CC), Hue/Saturation
- Connectors: AC Input, 2× 5-Pin XLR (Female/Male)
- App Control: Optional via dedicated app
Compatibility:
- Fixture Compatibility: All existing Kino Flo fixtures (Diva-Lite, 4ft Double, 8ft Double, etc.)
- Replacement Component: Drop-in upgrade for existing True Match tubes
- Accessories: Soft diffuser, color filters, stands, diffusion gels
Lux Output at Reference Conditions
- Select 20 (4ft): ~754 Lux at 6ft distance (6500K)
- Select 30 (variable): Higher output due to extended tube count