Matthews Studio Equipment Releases First “Light Paper”
Technical publication is first in a series of white papers that addresses lighting design
in home theater environments
December 26, 2003 – Mission Viejo, CA – Matthews Studio Equipment has released its first “Light Paper,” an overview of technical and aesthetic issues related to the application of the company’s Designer Lighting in home theater environments. Targeted primarily at custom integrators, the four-page document is available online at and in printed form (contact StJohn Group). Subsequent Light Papers will address matters such as illumination level and color temperature.
In today’s competitive market for custom home theaters, clients’ expectations for better performance are exceeded only by their demands for great aesthetics. The booming market for stylish home theater seating begs the question: What other products can custom integrators offer to showcase their growing ability to stylize the entire home theater environment? The answer should be obvious – lighting.
While most integrators are well familiar with lighting control systems, few have taken the next logical step – actually specifying and installing the fixtures. According to Kevin Leja, president of StJohn Group, “It is increasingly important for integrators to view every element of a home theater as part of their business – lighting fixtures, carpeting, even tables and other traditional furnishings.”
Bill Hines, general manager of Matthews and author of the Light Papers, believes education and support are critical. “Any dealer can buy lighting fixtures through a distributor, but that doesn’t make you a good lighting designer. Our goal is to supply products specifically for this market and support them with our technical expertise such that, eventually, lighting design by custom integrators will be seen as an integral part of any upscale home theater project.”
MATTHEWS DESIGNER LIGHTING
Designed and manufactured by Matthews Studio Equipment – the world-renowned maker of grip equipment for movie studios – the line consists of four distinct models, all built to the standard of professional lighting instruments and impeccably hand-finished.
Each model has a standard finish and is available in the following optional designer finishes: Antique Bronze, Antique Pewter, Antique Brass, Matte Black Nickel, Brushed Nickel, and Chrome. Custom finishes and sizes are also available. All models are designed for 12V operation and use standard MR16 lamps, Matthews offers a 50W dimmable transformer as an option.
Cameo. This small, articulated spot light, classically known as a key light, produces a radiant highlight and sharply defined cast shadow.
• Retail price $300.00
• Standard finish: Matte Black Nickel
• 2" diameter lamp housing attached to 1" (standard) or 5" (optional) stem
• Articulated ball & socket base
• Blue color filter optional
• Fresnel lens optional
Eclipse. Traditionally called a wall sconce, the Eclipse provides soft patterned light on a wall or ceiling to visually open the space surrounding the light.
• Retail price: $480.00
• Standard finish: Brushed Nickel
• 12" diameter face with 2.5" stand-off
• Custom sizes available
• Blue color filter optional
Cape. The Cape consists of a stainless steel mesh surrounded by a bowed metal frame that attaches to the wall. It provides a soft, diffuse, wrap-around light pattern and broad downward illumination that enhances wall hangings or art objects. Depending on lamp selection, it can also provide a diffuse ambient illumination into the room.
• Retail price: $650.00
• Standard finish: Matte Black Nickel frame, Satin Nickel mesh
• 20"W x 26"H
• Custom sizes available
Torchiere. This classic floor lamp can create a soft glow on the ceiling or brighten the room for conversation.
• Retail price: $1,250.00
• Standard finish: Brushed Nickel base, Black Nickel cone
• 70" tall with 23" diameter cone and 18" diameter base
• Optional cone shapes and glass cones available
BROCHURES AND HIGH RESOLUTION PHOTOGRAPHY
Brochures, technical documentation, and high-resolution photography are available for download from
During the 2004 CES, Matthews Designer Lighting will be shown by invitation at the StJohn Group suite at Embassy Suites, 3600 Paradise Road (one block south of the South Hall of the LVCC). Contact StJohn Group for details.
About StJohn Group
StJohn Group is a distribution and marketing company specializing in products and services for the custom integration (CI) market. The company’s three founding partners – industry veterans John Caldwell, Chris Esse, and Kevin Leja – are joined by Anthony Grimani, who serves as Technology Director. Together they have more than 80 years experience in virtually every facet of the consumer electronics industry. StJohn Group is pioneering a New School approach to products and marketing strategies –one that will help move CI dealers closer to the mainstream of the home design market.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Patricia Leja
24531 Venus, Mission Viejo, CA 92691
Phone: 949-588-0075 • Fax: 949-699-6882 • E-mail:
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