Star Ceilings can be found in hotels, night clubs, theatres and restaurants, limousines and vans, and more recently, high end home entertainment theatres.

MATERIALS The basic components of a system are PMMA (Plastic) fiber in several diameters and a light source with twinkle wheel to provide random "star shimmering" effects.

More sophisticated effects are being achieved by organizing (mapping) the fiber in the input and installing multiple light sources (or circuits, when using LEDs) controlled using DMX2.

Holes drilled in the ceiling accept individual fiber strands. The other end of the fiber is collected in a common input, terminated, and inserted into a light source. The light source is placed in the ceiling or in a nearby closet. LED, Quartz halogen, and HID light sources are typical power supplies for star ceilings.

As the star field technique gained notoriety, several manufacturers developed "kits" for sale direct (via the internet) or through distribution as DIY products.

The kits consist of a pre-made fiber harness and light source. The end user or contractor is responsible for designing the star field, bringing power to the LS, installing the fiber and wiring the light source. Kits are convenient. Because they are pre-made, the terminations are high quality (far less likely to burn or melt), and there is no measuring, or cutting (so far fewer mistakes are likely) However, kits are restrictive, making them limited in application to smaller room areas (10x10 maximum) in most cases)

Still other suppliers, including FTI, offer a pre drilled/pre-installed fiber in 2x2' or 2x4' ceiling or acoustic panels per architect's spec. Customer or contractor is required to create the common end, make the connections, and wire the LS.

A 4th approach consists of a pre-made and hung panel, suspended from the ceiling, or inserted into the ceiling (a dome, for example). The fiber supplier may drill and install the star field, but fabricating and hanging the panel, and bringing power to the light source are customer's (Contractor's) responsibilities.

FTI offers a hybrid system combining the convenience of a kit, with the versatility of a custom installation. Click on the Product Details web link on the right for more information.