They find that the lighting adds a truly dramatic effect, and in return, the congregation really reacts to the lights. A Primer on Automated Lighting Besides being more technically advanced, today's lighting fixtures are usually more reliable. Breakdowns are rare, manufacturing standards have risen, and more personnel are qualified to service them. Bargains can be found on older fixtures, but it's best to buy only equipment you know is serviceable and for which you can get parts. Fifteen years ago, there were only half a dozen automated lighting manufacturers.
Today there are more than thirty.
You get what you pay for, and it's well worth paying more for a system that will still perform flawlessly in five years. Whatever you buy, it should come with a healthy warranty, and you should meet the people who will repair it before buying. The most popular moving light effect is the scanner, also known as the automated luminaire. Initially found only on concert tours, or in very ritzy nightspots, the moving light is now a staple of the club industry and in many houses of worship. Because it's easier to move a mirror than the entire fixture, scanners are faster than other types of lighting.