LAS VEGAS — As the curtains close on NAB Show 2026, the buzz surrounding the future of production lighting continues to grow. This year, GVM (Great Video Maker) took center stage in the Central Hall (Booth C6935), unveiling a comprehensive ecosystem of professional lighting solutions that bridge the gap between ultra-portable content creation and high-end commercial filmmaking.
For those who couldn’t make it to the Las Vegas Convention Center, here is a deep dive into the innovations GVM showcased and why they are set to redefine the industry standard for 2026 and beyond.
The “All-in-One” Revolution: No More Ballast Hurdles
The dominant theme at the GVM booth this year was the elimination of the external ballast. Filmmakers have long struggled with the cable clutter and setup time of traditional high-power lights. GVM’s answer? A series of “All-in-One” (AIO) COB lights that pack the engine, cooling, and power supply into a single, sleek unit.
The NEW Flathead FA Series
The star of the show for travel photographers and mobile crews was the FA Series. These are the lightweight, travel-friendly “siblings” to the flagship Flathead line.
- FA-500C (500W RGBWW) & FA-500B (500W Bi-Color): These units proved that high output doesn’t require a heavy footprint.
- The 3X Optical Intensifier: Attendees were stunned by this compact attachment, which triples the brightness while maintaining a soft falloff and zero color fringing. It’s a game-changer for illuminating subjects directly without bulky softboxes.
SD Series AIO RGB (300C & 500C)
Expanding the popular SD line, GVM introduced the 300W and 500W RGB models. The “killer feature” here is the expandable data port, allowing users to snap on modules for CRMX, Art-Net, or sACN only when needed, keeping the light simple for basic shoots but ready for the biggest sets.
Power Meets Precision: The 1200W Powerhouses
GVM demonstrated its range by showcasing two distinct 1200W bi-color solutions, catering to different workflow philosophies:
- AIO 1200B: The ultimate plug-and-play light. It can be powered by a standard household outlet with a single cable, making it the most accessible 1200W light for independent creators.
- Rain R1200B: For traditionalists and heavy-duty rigs. This model uses a separate ballast for ground-level control when the light is rigged high. Its G-Mount system allows for even larger modifiers, such as the 360° Light Dome.
Flagship Color Science: The Flathead FH400C
After its initial tease at NAB 2025, the FH400C arrived in its final, perfected form.
- RGBAL Engine: Unlike standard RGB lights, the addition of Amber and Lime chips allows for industry-leading color accuracy (CRI/TLCI 97+) and exceptional SSI scores.
- Interchangeable Control Modules: GVM’s modular connectivity system allows users to swap between Bluetooth, DMX, CRMX, and Ethernet modules via a simple four-screw slot. This “future-proofs” the light against changing industry protocols.
Versatility in Tight Spaces: PF100B & Zip Tie Series
Innovation wasn’t limited to raw power. GVM also focused on the “problem-solver” lights:
- PF100B Fresnel: A compact 100W light with internal optics. It’s the perfect tool for car interiors or highlighting background details with surgical precision.
- Z200B Zip Tie Series: GVM’s modular LED panels saw a major upgrade with the Inflatable Softbox system. These panels can be zipped together to create massive, soft light walls that are lightweight enough to be hung almost anywhere.
Industry Trends: What We Learned at NAB 2026
The GVM showcase highlighted three major shifts in the lighting industry:
- Efficiency over Size: Portability is no longer an excuse for low power.
- Modular Connectivity: Professional protocols (DMX/CRMX) are becoming accessible to all tiers of creators.
- Advanced Color Engines: The industry is moving beyond Bi-color/RGBWW toward 5-color engines (RGBAL) for true-to-life skin tones.
Missed the Show? Catch Up Online.
While the physical booth has been packed away, the products are just beginning their journey. You can watch the full Product Walkthrough & Tour to see these lights in action.
