Astera Launches SolaBulb

	SolaBulb is a zoomable LED bulb with a 15-degree to 50-degree adjustable beam.

Astera's R&D department has been busy again, coming up with SolaBulb, billed as the only bulb on the market with a built-in 15-degree to 50-degree zoom range optimized for maximum lux output.

The SolaBulb project first germinated when LunaBulb was launched in June 2024, as the team learned about the potential of the LunaReflector to emulate the style and look of PAR bulbs. A SolaBulb prototype was quickly produced.

According to Ben Diaz, Astera's head of product development, it was soon realized that SolaBulb -- a small, versatile light source -- was unique.

Diaz notes that high-level innovation also comes with some risk, so he travelled to the US, UK, Australia, and New Zealand with prototypes, meeting lighting professionals to gather their feedback regarding the SolaBulb.

Favorable responses in these territories plus additional user comments in recent months drove Astera to unveil this product at IBC (where the LunaBulb Accessory Kit was launched last year): "We believe this was the ideal time and place to reveal SolaBulb's incredible potential for all types of events, films and TV applications as well as installations like museums and attractions" Diaz says.

SolaBulb is a zoomable LED bulb with a 15-degree to 50-degree adjustable beam -- giving both spotlight and wide-angle beam spreads -- and a PAR20 Fresnel lens. Equivalent to a 50W tungsten PAR bulb, the optical design gives it an "architectural"/scenic look for theatrical, corporate, and film projects.

In a statement, the company says, "Features include high-quality light output with clean edges and a stunning, even beam, making it ideal for eye-lights, concealed backlights, or background accenting and effects, but also a perfect tool to illuminate corporate spaces, luxury events, museums, and catering at elegant dinners."

The fixture is powered by Astera's five-color Titan LED engine, which is billed as delivering outstanding CRI; it offers the same performance and beam characteristics as the company's larger luminaires, like QuikSpot or QuikPunch.

The front barrel is rotatable to obtain the desired beam angle, and the fixture comes complete with a SolaSnoot that neatly attaches directly to the front of the barrel, eliminating light spill.

The unit allows filmmakers and event technicians to use spotlight practicals for the first time, the company says, while being 100% compatible with Astera's NYX Bulb setup procedures.

Robust and with fan-free operation, rigging the SolaBulb is easy. It is compatible with Astera's battery-driven PowerStation, which can be used as an external display or power supply. The fixture's housing includes two threads (1/4" and 3/8") for attaching to baby pins, tripods, and other mounting accessories.

When no other control is available, SolaBulb can be turned on or off via its onboard hardware button, or "blue mode" can be activated for Bluetooth pairing or to apply different color presets.

Onboard CRMX makes LumenRadio's wireless DMX and RDM protocols available for integration with lighting consoles, plus tablet-based controllers such as Blackout. It also works with Astera IR WhiteRemote and FX Remote for tweaking color temperatures and getting correct skin tones or dimming values, and is fully compatible with the Astera App.

The DMX patch can be swiftly configured using the Astera App, which offers full control over SolaBulb and other Astera fixtures that can be combined in the same smart ecosystem, offering all the same set-up features and real-time monitoring.

Applications for the product also include a table centerpiece, a controllable downlighter on set, a mood enhancer for events, or an architectural/environmental feature light.

Diaz explains that affordability was another important consideration: "We believe that our attractive pricing can allow more users to use the luminaire in quantity, which makes a huge difference in being able to unleash the real potential of SolaBulb. Especially when combined with existing NYX Bulb and LunaBulb accessories, there's no end to the creative possibilities for gaffers, designers, and technicians."