uyer Tips
Last updated: October 30, 2025
A 3D laser show is the craft of creating depth—with aerial beams, laser graphics, scrims, and water/smoke screens—sometimes (where legal) with audience scanning. This guide covers five proven methods, how to choose ILDA (DB-25) vs FB4 network laser control, and the RGB laser projector wattage you actually need. We include Starshinelights field notes and a buyer checklist so you can plan, price, and buy a clean bundle that’s in stock—with a fast quote.
| Section | Jump |
|---|---|
| What “3D laser” really means | #what-3d-means |
| Five proven 3D-feel methods | #five-methods |
| Safety & compliance checklist | #safety |
| Gear & setup recipes (ILDA vs FB4, wattage) | #gear |
| Starshinelights field notes | #cases |
| Budget & procurement (price / buy / bundle) | #budget |
| FAQ (collapsible) | #faq |
| CTA & internal links | #cta |
What “3D laser” really means
Lasers are visible only when they hit a medium (haze, smoke, mist, water droplets) or a surface (scrim, façade, cloud base). “3D” is the viewer reading volume (overhead planes), parallax (camera-path graphics), or a transparent plane (scrims/water screens) as depth. No medium, no visible “3D.”
TL;DR: Short runs + one stream → ILDA (DB-25) is the best price. Many independent zones or long distances → FB4 network lasers over Cat6. Ask for a bundle so cables, a haze machine, and safety are in stock on day one.
Five proven ways to create a 3D-feeling laser show
1) Aerial beam looks (liquid sky, targeted beams) — Place RGB laser projectors at stage/truss, add consistent water-based haze, and draw planes/fans overhead. The lit particles create a convincing 3D volume.
Quick setup & buying notes: ILDA for short runs; FB4 network laser for long rooms. Moderate scan angles; steady haze flow. Consider haze machines.
2) Audience scanning (strict safety required) — Beams pass into/near crowd space. Highly regulated; perform only where legal and under a compliant safety process (interlocks, no-scan zones, trained operator).
3) Camera-path laser graphics (parallax) — Program laser graphics and move a virtual camera for depth cues on walls, scrims, or haze planes. Start at 30 kpps @ ~8°, widen until corners hold; optimize point count.
4) Rear-projection to a scrim (see-through logos/text) — Hang a scrim (mesh drape), place lasers behind, project toward the audience. The surface nearly disappears; logos/text appear to float while the stage remains visible.
5) “Floating in space” via water/smoke screens & cloud shots — A water screen or fine smoke curtain becomes a transparent projection plane; in darkness, images appear suspended. Cloud projection requires rare high humidity and very high power with fast scanners—set expectations carefully.
Safety & compliance checklist
E-stop & interlocks installed and tested · audience no-scan zones (or compliant scanning) documented · RCD/GFCI power · lens caps during focus · airflow verified for haze stability · log site plan / operator / timecode / content revision.
Gear & setup recipes (ILDA vs FB4, wattage & atmospherics)
Control: ILDA (DB-25) is great for short runs/one stream (controller like Pangolin FB3 to ILDA IN). FB4 network laser over Cat6 scales to long distances and multiple independent zones with remote config.
Wattage (guideline): Small indoor ≤15 m: 1–3 W RGB · Mid ≤25 m: 3–6 W RGB · Large/outdoor: 6–12 W+ (ambient light and content style matter—send photos for a precise quote).
Surfaces & media: Haze for aerials · water/smoke screen for “floating” · scrim for see-through text/logos · weather strategy for outdoor shows.
Explore: ILDA laser projectors (RGB 1–5 W) · Network-controlled FB4 lasers · Cables & DB-25 accessories
| Method | Primary Medium | Control Choice | Typical Wattage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aerial beams | Water-based haze | ILDA (short) / FB4 (long) | 1–6 W indoor; 6–12 W+ outdoor | Moderate scan angles; steady haze flow |
| Audience scanning* | Haze/smoke | ILDA/FB4 (per layout) | Venue-specific | *Legal & compliant setups only |
| Camera-path graphics | Wall/haze/scrim | ILDA or FB4 | 3–6 W mid rooms | Start 30 kpps @ ~8°; tune points |
| Rear-projection scrim | Scrim (mesh drape) | ILDA or FB4 | 3–6 W mid; 6–12 W large | See-through reveals; easy stage visibility |
| “Floating” water/smoke screen | Fine water/smoke curtain | FB4 preferred (placement) | 6–12 W+ dark venues | Looks suspended; darken room |
Starshinelights field notes
Canal light trail (Netherlands) — Network backbone along docks; local ILDA near stage for fast focus. Liquid-sky planes read as 3D with steady haze; rain changeovers held with labeled Cat6 looms.
Rooftop DJ bar (Guangzhou) — Two short-throw RGB lasers on ILDA; consistent haze; modest angles. Client selected the best price bundle (controller + DB-25 + e-stop), with spares in stock.
Villa event (Athens) — Water screen for “floating” logos over pool, FB4 for façade graphics, ILDA spare at FOH. Flexible programming; the floating plane sold the 3D illusion.
Budget & procurement (price / buy / bundle / wholesale)
Small events (≤15 m): 1–3 W RGB + haze; buy a bundle (projector + controller + cables + e-stop).
Weddings & corporate (≤25 m): 3–6 W RGB; scrim or narrow haze planes; choose FB4 network lasers for multiple independent looks.
Clubs & festivals: 6–12 W+ RGB on FB4; keep an ILDA spare. Request a quote showing what’s in stock vs. made-to-order. Integrators: wholesale / OEM / ODM options for bulk orders.
FAQ
What’s the simplest, best-price path to a 3D feel?
Aerial beams with consistent water-based haze. One or two RGB laser projectors on ILDA, short runs, modest angles deliver big impact.
When should I use FB4/network instead of ILDA (DB-25)?
Pick FB4 network lasers if you need multiple independent zones, long Cat6 runs, remote config, and easier scaling across a venue.
Can I do audience scanning?
Only where legal and with compliant safety: interlocks, no-scan zones or regulated scan methods, trained operator, and documented procedures.
How do I make logos look like they’re floating in space?
Use a water screen or a fine smoke curtain as a transparent projection plane in a darkened environment.
Which wattage should I buy for my venue?
Quick rule: small indoor ≤15 m: 1–3 W · mid ≤25 m: 3–6 W · large/outdoor: 6–12 W+. Send photos/distances for a precise quote.
Do you offer bundles, wholesale or OEM/ODM?
Yes—request a bundle (projector + controller + cables + e-stop), wholesale tiers, and OEM/ODM options. We’ll confirm what’s in stock.
Get a wiring sketch & fast quote
Send room photos and throw distances—our engineers will return a one-page wiring sketch with ILDA vs FB4 choice, wattage, cables, haze, and safety in a single bundle. Browse ILDA lasers, FB4/network lasers, and the buying guide.
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