The VARI*LITE® VL500D™ Wash luminaire is based upon the Emmy® Award-winning VL5™ Wash luminaire, but with significant design improvements.

The patented and innovative DICHRO*TUNE™ radial color mixing system employs three sets of 16 radially mounted dichroic blades - magenta, blue, and amber - designed to produce a smooth, full spectrum of color cross-fades.

This luminaire is also available with pastel versions of the standard colors. The pastel colors offer a softer Broadway-type color palette often used in live theater.

In addition to its internal dimmer for intensity control, the VL500D utilizes 16 radially mounted diffuser planes to control beam spread. For additional beam control, the VL500D may be purchased with six interchangeable lens options, including clear, stipple (included in stock fixture), 8-row, 10-row, 12-row, and Buxom.

The VL500D is designed with natural convection cooled lamps, and internally cooled electronics which utilize low velocity, low noise micro-fans. Two on-demand fans are mounted internally in the yoke arms and activate only in extreme conditions where ambient temperature exceeds 41°C, or if the fixture is mounted in a horizontal position. User override is possible through the unit's menu display.

The VL500D is a stand-alone fixture with no additional outboard equipment required. Simply plug in DMX512 and power, and the VL500D may be controlled through a variety of DMX512 lighting control consoles.

The VL500D comes standard with an on-board, backlit, invertible LCD display. This enhanced display is easy to read with or without the backlight on. The display also has an optional extended remote function, which allows "shop" addressing and adjustment of other fixture parameters by means of battery-powered, hand-held controller, thereby avoiding the need to power the light.