I am working on replacing the lighting in our church. Currently we have three bars of 8 500W par 64 (24 total) that light a platform that is roughly 70 x 30 with the lighting set off the platform by about 20 feet. That gives me a light throw of 30 to 60 feet. I have been recommended the DLED 36 tri-brick (2) to replace the center section with a 36WA to provide center wash. What do you think?

Let me see if i have this right. you want to replace all 8 pars with 2 DLEd Tri Bricks and a few Dled 36 W.A.?

No, just the center one. Because of budget issues, we have decided to approach in sections. Replace the center bar then show it off to attract additional revenue for the outer bars.

I think your decision to replace in "stages" is a smart move.

One thing I'd warn about is your next set of upgrades. I don't know what your lighting design is so I can't really make recommendations as to which way to go next. I think the idea of replacing one set is smart, in order to raise funds for the next two sets of upgrades.

The throw is quite a bit. Are you hitting zones or just doing a general wash in a single static color now? I'm jus not sure if the Brick can throw that far with the more narrow-beam you've been accustomed to. I'm wondering if a more "like for like" replacement might be more suitable. But, with replacing 8 cheap Parcans(I mean, by comparison, not that you're being cheap) and dimmer packs with LED cans, it's a bit costlier going with 8 LED cans over what you're looking to go with.

You're going to have a LOT of fun with your new RGB options though.

Take a look at the DLED 36 TRI Brick cut sheet. specifically the photo-metrics section.
http://www.elationlighting.com...i-brick-cutsheet.pdf

I'm no expert, but looking at that photometrics sheet, it doesn't get out as far as 30-60 feet. With my inexperienced photometrics chart familiarity, I'd say offhand that the DLED 36 Tri-Brick isn't goint to cut it for them very well.

Hmmm...
A 500W par 64 at 10 ft is 130fc, the brick at 10 ft is 33fc. Hardly a close comparison.

Does anything equal the output of a par can? We cannot afford to invest in something that leaves us darker than we are.

I was just going of LUX values. I've been told what FC is, but I can't keep that sort of stuff in my mind right now.

I guess it comes down to what is your budget?

I'm strongly considering buying 8 ELED RGB Zooms, but it's dependent on pricing when they actually come out. They are listed on the Elation web site, but they aren't an available product yet. The objective is for these to replace 8 ADJ 64 LED Pro fixtures. I have no idea what this is going to run me right now. But, that seems to be a fairly similar "like for like" replacement for you over the 8 cans you currently have up in the truss. I guess it should be asked:

What exactly is in the trusses? Are you targetting 3 areas? If so, how many lights per area/zone? How are they gel'ed?

If you were doing RGB(sort of) with the traditional cans and targetting 3 areas, with 3 cans/area, you'd only need to replace each set of 3 with 1 new ELED RGB Zoom.(3:1 replacement ratio, not bad!)

Also, it might help if you could share some photos of the staging area as well as the trusses, and if possible, the whole thing in perspective. It might help steer some advisement.

Even better might be more snaps showing the stuff in use, one truss at a time.

Having the lights in front and above helps with avoiding shadow issues. Obviously you know this. I don't get the idea you're clueless, just need to be pointed to the right fixtures. I think a bar fixture is just not the right fit for this application. The distances are too great for this to be a good fit. You definately need ParCan type fixtures of some sort.

You need something more along the lines of an ELED Par RGB Zoom to match perfectly. An Opti Par Tri gets your closer then a DB 36 Tri, but still not quite there at around half.

I took a look at the design brick 70 and it seems to fit. Might be a little pricey for my budget but then again, there is a tremendous amount of light. I am going to take some pictures of the current arrangement. Maybe there are some better ideas out there.

Take a look at the ELED Strip RGBW. So far I haven't found any LEDs that can compare to a par for white light. I tried a Design LED 60 Strip WA and it wasn't as bright as the RGBW strip when it came to white. I have used the 36 tri-brick with great results, but not from that distance. I have two Strip RGBWs mounted up 28' about 35' from the back of the platform. In a cantata, with a dark stage you are in good shape, but if you light the choir with any white light, the color will get washed out.

The brick 70 and 50 are nice units! Not sure if we are still making the 50 though, haven't seen it on the site but i have used them. Also so is the RGBW strip. you have a lot of very nice choices. I agree with chris some pics will definitely help us all get a better sense on what you have.
Sincerely,

It's too bad a lot of local resellers don't stock Elation products(even my local resellers don't carry them in inventory, it's all drop shipped). This way, with stock on hand for demonstration purposes, stuff could quickly be swapped in and out and tested.

Oh well. It's not really a unique Elation thing, lots of places are that way about a good many brands. I know from my preferred dealer, due to distance, such options are impossible. Since this stuff tends to be expensive, it's too costly to try and fail. This makes the job of those who can properly do consulting and sales very important to those trying to make a decision.

Still, even with my limited knowledge, I don't see brick/bar lights being the way to go here. I think a much more directional fixture is the only way to address this issue. Such design is working now, and it would seem to me a more "like for like" swap-out would be the best way to start addressing this issue.

That reminds me, I need to document my latest round of problems with some lights of mine. I'm not calling support folks promptly and I've lost a week as a result!