Church Lighting Basics-page 2

Glossary of Terms

Architectural Remote Station - Similar to a light switch in a home, a station is typically a
small wall unit which allows the user to activate lighting scenes.

Chase - Group of lights which are turned on and off in a selectable sequence.

Control Channel - An individual control output on a console accessed and regulated by
the console slider, switch or button.

Controller/Console - Run by a light board operator, the console stores and executes all of
the light cues for a performance.

Cue List - A list of events in a production that are signals for a specific action.

Dimmer - An electrical device used for varying the intensity of lamps in a lighting
installation.

Dimmer Channel - A single electrical lighting circuit in a dimmer unit which may be
remotely or locally controlled independently of other circuits in the unit.

DMX - Digital Multiplex. A high speed lighting control signaling scheme to individually
adjust the intensity of multiple dimmer circuits.

Ellipsoidal - The most common theatrical lighting fixture named for the shape of it’s lens.
Offers sharp and soft focus with shutters for shaping the output of the beam.

Fresnel - A focusable spotlight using a lens that produces a soft edged beam.

Lamp - A light source which is also referred to as a “light bulb” or simply a “bulb”.

Lighting fixture - A complete lighting unit consisting of a lamp, a housing and a connection
to the source of electrical power.

LMX - Lightronics Multiplex. A three wire lighting control signaling scheme to individually
adjust the intensity of multiple dimmer circuits.

Par can - The most widely used lighting fixture available in various sizes with the par number
indicating the diameter of the lamp.

Scene - The lighting effect created by adjusting several channels of lighting to the desired
intensity.

Sky-Cyc wash light - A lighting fixture used to illuminate a background surface.