About Us
Optikinetics Ltd was formed in 1970 when a group of young visionaries saw science, in the form of light and movement, as a means to enhance the aural experiences. The first effect produced by Optikinetics was the 6 inch Liquid Wheel producing a projected effect of constantly moving and mixing globules of coloured light. Liquid wheel projection is a dynamic effect that is still in great demand.
In 1973 Optikinetics moved to their current head quarters in Luton, which is now the centre of all lighting effects manufacturing and development.
After experimenting and adapting other projectors and luminaires Optikinetics launched the World's first purpose built multi effects projector, the Solar 100. Then in 1973 the ever popular and versatile Solar 250 effects projector was launched. The 70’s would never have been the same without the innovative Optikinetics effects lighting and effects projections, which launched disco lighting into the mainstream.
Over the first 10 years Optikinetics lead a revolution in contemporary entertainment lighting. This success has continued with the introduction of increasingly more powerful and sophisticated products.
The early 1980s saw the introduction of Optikinetics' first aluminium trussing system. OPTI Trilite, originally branded as simply Trilite. Trilite was developed as a strong, portable, modular and lightweight exhibition and rigging system for Optikinetics’ own products. The original system was based around a 2 inch tube. What is now OPTI Trilite 200 series and was developed into all the other variants of the OPTI Trilite that exist today.
Trilite was so successful that in 1984, to satisfy demand, Optikinetics opened the first of two factories in Huntingdon, England. Trilite soon established itself as ‘the’ system for entertainment lighting installations and exhibitions.
In 1990, with Trilite in demand Worldwide, Optikinetics opened another Trilite and aluminium fabrication factory in Canada. This was followed by the opening of a sales and distribution centre in the USA to serve the needs of our clients, for Trilite and Lighting, in the Americas.
In the 1991 in response to a particular requirement by the NAAFI in Portsmouth, England a 19mm tube version of Trilite was rapidly created and installed. This was then changed to a 1 inch tube which eventually became the OPTI Trilite 100 series.
As Optikinetics moved into the 1990's new lighting products continued to be developed.
Throughout the early 1990's custom gobos and effects were becoming more popular and in demand. In house custom gobo design, production and etching was started in 1994 followed by a Mac studio additions to the standard range of effects and developments in custom etched black and white and dichroic coloured gobos.
In 1995 OPTI Trilite took on its first major commission for aluminium fabrication not linked to Trilite. It was a sculpture called Ether 1, which was manufactured in the UK, shipped and installed in the grounds of the UN head quarters in Geneva within 3 weeks of the initial brief. Since then there have been many custom applications indoors and out.
The K4 Effects Projector was launched in 1996 to replace the Solar 575 in response to demand for a lighter cooler running projector with the same high light output.
The GoBo Range of projectors was launched in 1999 to satisfy the needs of a growing retail and display market for attention grabbing projection and promotions.
Also in 1999, in response to the fact that most clients referred to Optikinetics as OPTI, the company rebranded its two main product areas under the main umbrella of [OPTI]. These became [OPTI] Kinetics - Effects and Effects Lighting Equipment and [OPTI] Trilite - Structural Systems.
In 2003 DMX Analogue units or DMX options were introduced along with a DMX controllable X-Y Mirror for the GoBoShow and GoBoPro. The OPTI X-Y Mirror can also be adapted for use on other luminaires.
Also in 2003 OPTI Trilite 18+ started production at the OPTI Trilite factory in the UK. This format had already been made in the Canadian OPTI Trilite factory for many years (along with the 5 other size formats, up to 24 inch, produced there exclusively for the Americas). OPTI Trilite 18+ is based on a 2 inch tube on an 18 inch pitch, it is perfect for bigger, stronger applications.
In 2004 OPTI Kinetics developed and produced the OPTI Kinetics projection Clock Attachment with moving hour, minute and second hands. A battery and real time clock ensure that accurate time is kept, for up to 10 years, during times when the projector is switched off. The OPTI Kinetics Clock Attachment is used with OPTI projectors in retail, corporate and leisure environments all over the World to reinforce brand awareness.
The OPTI Kinetics Clock Attachment is available as standard with either a Modern or Roman face. It can also be customised to suit any application, to promote a company, its products or services.
In 2007 OPTI Kinetics developed a range of 10 new larger format effect wheels with panoramic designs. OPTI Kinetics OPTI Max 9 inch Wheels were launched in 2008. At the same time a new range of OPTI Kinetics Abstract 6 inch Effect Wheels were being developed along with a new OPTI Kinetics Multi-Mirror and Snow effects. These were launched in 2009 followed by a modified version of the OPTI Kinetics Multi-Mirror, for both OPTI Solar projectors, being introduced in 2010.
OPTI Trilite has developed a large range of Lecterns that continues to expand. In September 2008 the powder coated metal version of the motorised, height adjustable HiLo Lectern was introduced with a wood finish HiLo Lectern launched in 2010. Recently two new lecterns have been added to the range and, driven by customer feedback, customized lecterns are always being produced to suit individual needs.
To coincide with the expansion of the range of OPTI Lecterns a new OPTI Lectern dedicated website was introduced in 2009: http://www.lecterns.org.uk/
In 2008 OPTI Trilite introduced OPTI Trilite 100 V-Truss. OPTI Trilite 100 V-Truss is a fantastic stackable version of OPTI Trilite 100 that saves on storage and transport, space and costs, with minimal reduction in strength. OPTI Trilite 200 V-Truss was introduced in 2009 and OPTI Trilite V-Truss kits were introduced in 2010.
In the late summer of 2010, to provide a ‘one stop’ shop for Special Needs customers, OPTI Kinetics created a new, e-commerce Multi-Sensory website featuring OPTI Kinetics effects projectors, effects and spares used in Multi-Sensory Therapy: http://www.multi-sensory.co.uk/
In 2011, OPTI Kinetics introduced 15 new OPTI Kinetics 6 inch Multi-Sensory Effect Wheel designs. More are being developed along with some larger OPTI Max 9 inch Effect Wheels.
For 2012 OPTI Kinetics are developing more effects and long-life Effects Projectors that are quiet, light, cool and bright.
The developments and the show go on...
