Für Preise und Produktverfügbarkeit in Ihrer Region wählen Sie bitte aus den folgenden Angaben:

Find RepsFind Dealers

Town of Cary Council Chambers Retrofit with Canto USA RETRO Series

by Leave a Comment

The Town of Cary in North Carolina needed to upgrade the ambient lighting in its Council Chambers, but replacing the entire system was proving too expensive.

The existing fixtures were widely spaced and used mini-candelabra lamps, so any LED replacement needed enough output and a wide enough beam to cover the chamber properly. It also needed to work with the existing lighting controls and provide smooth dimming for televised council meetings.

Access was another concern. Maintenance staff had to replace lamps above sloped seating risers, and the town had identified the work as a potential safety risk.

Finding a High Output Retrofit Solution

Cailen Waddell, Program Supervisor of Technical Operations for the Town of Cary, worked with Andrew Fisher of Bandit Lites to evaluate several options.

They considered replacing the fixtures using wireless, wired, and line-voltage control systems, but the labor and control-system upgrades pushed those options beyond the project budget.

What Cary needed was a screw-in LED retrofit that could provide enough output for video production, dim smoothly at low levels without visible flicker, and continue using the existing fixtures and controls.

Cailen and Andrew contacted Shawn Harmon at Canto USA and found that the RETRO Series could meet those requirements. Its mini-candelabra options, interchangeable optics, and line-voltage dimming allowed the town to upgrade the existing houselights without replacing the entire system.

20 RETRO-Classic Houselights Installed

The Town of Cary selected 20 RETRO-Classic® units at 2700K.

Once the RETRO units arrived, the town’s maintenance staff completed the installation in-house in about half a day. They used different lenses and lamp extensions to achieve the right beam spread, fixture fit, and glare control throughout the chamber.

Andrew Fisher said:

“Not only did the lighting look perfect, but Canto USA went above and beyond on this project. They worked with Cary to send out lamp and lens samples, swapped out lensing as needed, and supported the project at every step. I can’t say enough about the customer service at Canto USA.”

The finished system worked with Cary’s existing dimming controls while providing the output and coverage needed for meetings and video production.

Cailen Waddell added:

“It worked and was really easy to complete the project and get back to production right away. We’re extremely happy with the house lights and considering the RETRO-HPL for our stage lights.”

RETRO Series LED Retrofit Kits

RETRO Series LED retrofit kits shown in multiple fixture configurationsTechnische Datenblätter und mehr anzeigen

Canto USA’s RETRO Series Fully Dimmable LED Retrofit Houselights

Canto USA is proud to present our RETRO series. The RETRO-Fusion® 2.0 and RETRO-Passive® 2.0 are 0-100% phase dimmable (forward and reverse) variable wattage LED 2700K-6500K 80-97 CRI engines. They are designed for older SCR, TRIAC, and IGBT dimmer systems but are compatible with newer dimmer systems. A direct replacement of existing lamps, our LED retrofit can be used in a wide range of applications or even new installations. Custom and standard mounting options are available.

If you’re planning a municipal or performance-space lighting upgrade, explore the RETRO Series LED retrofit kits to see how an existing fixture system can be preserved while improving output, control, and maintenance access.

RETRO Series Retrofit at Community Presbyterian Church Shines Even Brighter

by Leave a Comment

Community Presbyterian Church RETRO-Fusion® Install

RETRO-Fusion installed at Community Presbyterian Church, view of pendent lights over sanctuary

Community Presbyterian Church in Celebration, Florida, needed a better sanctuary lighting solution. With more than 800 members, multiple worship services, and a busy event schedule, the existing halogen lamps created maintenance and heat problems.

Carter Wanzek, Technical Director for the church and a former stagehand, explained what they were experiencing:

“The halogen bulbs were getting so hot that they were melting into the sockets, even in the middle of service. We would occasionally hear a ‘pop,’ look over, and the light in that area was gone. The appeal of LED retrofits was a ‘no-brainer’ and drew us to purchasing twenty-three of Canto USA’s RETRO-Fusion® 500s.”

Interior view showing RETRO-Fusion lighting coverage in sanctuary
Close-up of RETRO-Fusion retrofit in pendant housing

23 RETRO-Fusion Houselights Installed

The church upgraded the sanctuary with 23 Canto USA RETRO-Fusion® 500 units.

The retrofit let the church keep its existing pendant fixtures while moving away from hotter, shorter-lived halogen lamps.

The pendants are mounted roughly 20–25 feet above the floor, so reducing the need for frequent lamp replacement was an important benefit. The new lighting also provided wider, more even coverage across the sanctuary.

Church members and staff quickly noticed the difference in brightness and how much easier it was to see people and activities throughout the room.

For Community Presbyterian Church, the upgrade reduced fixture heat and maintenance while improving overall sanctuary lighting

"Die Mitarbeiter und Mitglieder der Kirche freuen sich über die neue Beleuchtung.

RETRO Series LED Retrofit Kits

RETRO Series LED Retrofit Kits product photoTechnische Datenblätter und mehr anzeigen

Canto USA’s RETRO Series Fully Dimmable LED Retrofit Houselights

Canto USA is proud to present our RETRO series. The RETRO-Fusion® 2.0 and RETRO-Passive® 2.0 are 0-100% phase dimmable (forward and reverse) variable wattage LED 2700K-6500K 80-97 CRI engines. They are designed for older SCR, TRIAC, and IGBT dimmer systems but are compatible with newer dimmer systems. A direct replacement of existing lamps, our LED retrofit can be used in a wide range of applications or even new installations. Custom and standard mounting options are available.

Read more about the RETRO-Fusion® 2.0 updates in our product announcement post.

Results after retrofit

  • Clearer, more even illumination across the sanctuary floor — improved sightlines for congregants and staff.
  • Fixtures run noticeably cooler; issues with bulbs heating sockets were resolved.
  • Reduced maintenance frequency due to longer LED life and reliable operation during services.

If you have an older house-light system or are experiencing fixture heat and frequent lamp failures, a RETRO Series retrofit can provide a safe, dimmable, drop-in solution. Contact Canto USA for application guidance and to view spec sheets for RETRO-Fusion and RETRO-Passive.

RETRO Series Customizations: Fit the RETRO to Your Fixtures

by Leave a Comment

The RETRO series can be adapted to many fixture types through RETRO series customizations so the LED engine fits correctly, performs well, and meets your venue’s installation and dimming requirements. Because every venue is different, we frequently build custom configurations around specific can sizes, socket types, and installation restrictions.

A venue with an E11 socket may need a different setup than one built around an E26 base, and some installations use bare-wire connections instead. Canto USA offers short, medium, and tall E11 and E26 versions so the RETRO can sit correctly inside fixtures with different depths.

How to prepare for a RETRO series customization

Providing a few pieces of information up front helps our Custom Department evaluate fit and create a demo sample quickly. Typical items to gather:

  • Socket type (E11, E26, E39, BA15D, bare wire)
  • Can/fixture internal depth (distance from socket to trim/reflector)
  • Fixture diameter or PAR size (PAR 38, 46, 56, 64, etc.) if applicable
  • Photos of the existing lamp installed in the fixture (interior and exterior)
  • Desired color temperature (2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K, 5000K) and dimming expectations

If you’re unsure where to begin with measurement or scope, our I Want to Retrofit My Theater—What Next? post outlines common retrofit planning steps and can help you collect the right information before contacting our team.

RETRO Series LED retrofit kits shown in multiple fixture configurations

RETRO Series LED Retrofit Kits

View spec sheets and more for the RETRO series to compare mounting options, fixture compatibility, and product details.

Canto USA offers the RETRO-Fusion® 2.0 and the RETRO-Passive® 2.0, both designed for variable-wattage installations and compatibility with older SCR, TRIAC, and IGBT dimmer systems while remaining functional with newer dimming systems. Our RETRO retrofit kits are direct replacements for existing lamps and include standard and custom mounting options.

Adapters, reflectors, and color-temperature choices

Other installations may require a custom extension, an E39 screwbase adapter, a BA15D socket adapter, or a PAR ring sized for PAR 38, 46, 56, or 64 fixtures. Reflector choices can help when the lamp sits deeper inside the housing and when beam shaping is required. Color temperature is selectable separately with options at 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K, and 5000K to match the look and ambient requirements of the space.

Demo samples, modeling, and testing

If you know the dimensions of your existing fixtures but aren’t sure whether the RETRO series will fit, our custom department can build a sample for on-site or lab testing. Special Projects Coordinator Rance Brewster builds demo fixtures to the required specifications, assigns each one a serial number, and tests its light output for 24 hours before it leaves the shop.

Using 3D drafting, printing, and simulation tools, we can model a client’s space to help determine light output, optical layout, reflector placement, foot-candle levels, and overall power consumption before final installation. See real-world RETRO installs in our before-and-after gallery: Canto USA RETRO Installations: Before-and-After LED Retrofit Projects.

Custom projects are an important part of what we do at Canto USA. If your venue has an unusual fixture, installation challenge, or lighting requirement, contact our sales team, and we’ll help determine the right RETRO configuration for your space.

Canto USA RETRO Installations: Before-and-After LED Retrofit Projects

by Leave a Comment

Canto USA RETRO installations show how venues can move from incandescent lighting to LED without replacing every existing fixture.

That approach has worked in churches, school auditoriums, museums, theaters, and other performance spaces where the original houselights, wiring, or dimming system are still useful. Instead of rebuilding the entire lighting system, RETRO products can be configured around much of what is already there.

Socket adapters, lamp extenders, optics, and different mounting options help address the differences found from one installation to another. Older fixtures may sit at different depths, use different bases, or need different beam spreads depending on where they are mounted.

The RETRO Series also includes several output levels. A venue can choose a model based on the lighting it is replacing rather than treating every fixture the same. The RETRO 150, for example, is intended for applications that previously used a 150-watt incandescent lamp, while higher-output RETRO models are available for installations that need more light.

Replacing incandescent lamps with LED can also reduce power use while improving consistency from fixture to fixture.

If you have recently completed a Canto USA RETRO installation and would like us to feature it, please let us know. We enjoy seeing how RETRO products are being used and recognizing the dealers, designers, integrators, and installation crews behind those projects.

McLean Bible Church and Northern Virginia Schools

At McLean Bible Church, Artistic Concepts Group installed 208 RETRO-Classic® 500 units with 2700K COBs.

The installation required more than choosing one lamp and repeating it throughout the building. Different optics were used depending on throw distance, and E11 stems of different lengths helped deal with fixtures that were recessed to different depths.

That kind of adjustment is common in retrofit work. Existing houselights may have been installed years apart or mounted differently from one section of a room to another. Being able to change the optic, stem length, or color temperature gives the installer more room to work with the fixtures already in place.

Artistic Concepts Group also completed RETRO installations at several Fairfax County schools.

At Falls Church High School, 38 RETRO-Classic 500s at 3000K replaced 200-watt long-neck A lamps. Lamp extenders were used to fit the existing fixtures.

Fairfax High School had E11 mini-candelabra bases, so the retrofit had to work with that existing socket arrangement.

McLean Bibelkirche RETRO-Serie installieren

Before-and-after RETRO installation at McLean Bible Church auditorium
Mehr erfahren

Falls Church High School RETRO-Serie installieren

Before-and-after RETRO installation at Falls Church High School auditorium
Mehr erfahren

Fairfax High School RETRO-Serie installieren

Before-and-after RETRO installation at Fairfax High School auditorium
Mehr erfahren

RETRO Installations at Mesa Public Schools and the Musical Instrument Museum

Clearwing Systems Integration coordinated RETRO installations for several Mesa Public Schools, including Dobson High School, Westwood High School, and Red Mountain High School.

The same RETRO model was not used everywhere.

Dobson High School used RETRO-Classic 300, 500, and 700 units at 3000K. Red Mountain High School used RETRO-Classic 300 and 500 units at 3000K. Westwood High School relied mainly on RETRO-Classic 700 units, with several RETRO 150s added where a lower-output unit made more sense.

Those projects show why retrofit work often requires more than matching a single wattage. Fixture position, throw distance, output needs, and the existing room layout can all change from one part of a venue to another.

The Musical Instrument Museum took a different approach and selected the RETRO-Passive® line.

RETRO-Passive uses a fanless design. That matters in a museum or other quiet space where even a low level of mechanical noise may be noticeable. The RETRO-Classic® is designed for quiet operation, but a passive unit gives noise-sensitive installations another option.

Dobson High School RETRO-Serie installieren

After installation at Dobson High School auditorium
Mehr erfahren

Westwood High School RETRO-Serie installieren

Before-and-after RETRO installation at Westwood High School auditorium
Mehr erfahren

Red Mountain High School RETRO-Serie installieren

After installation at Red Mountain High School auditorium
Mehr erfahren

Musikinstrumentenmuseum RETRO-Serie installieren

After installation at the Musical Instrument Museum auditorium
Canto USA RETRO-Passive 2.0 product image
View Spec Sheets and More

Canto USA’s RETRO Series Fully Dimmable LED Retrofit Houselights

Canto USA’s RETRO Series was developed for venues that want LED lighting without automatically replacing the fixtures and controls already in the building.

The RETRO-Fusion® 2.0 and RETRO-Passive® 2.0 are 0–100% phase-dimmable LED engines that support both forward- and reverse-phase dimming.

Available configurations include different wattages, color temperatures from 2700K to 6500K, and CRI options from 80 to 97.

They are also designed to work with older SCR, TRIAC, and IGBT dimming systems as well as newer dimming equipment. That can be useful in an auditorium, theater, church, or museum where the existing control system is still doing its job and does not need to be replaced simply because the lamps are changing.

The result is a retrofit that can be built around the room that already exists rather than forcing the room to be rebuilt around a new fixture package.

Why Venues Choose RETRO Retrofits

  • Keep existing fixtures and trim where they are still suitable for the application.
  • Continue using compatible SCR, TRIAC, IGBT, or newer dimming systems.
  • Choose optics based on the actual throw distance in the room.
  • Select color temperature and output to suit different areas of the venue.
  • Use lamp extenders or mounting options when existing fixtures sit at different depths.
  • Choose RETRO-Passive for spaces where fan noise needs to be avoided.

Related RETRO Projects

If you are looking at RETRO for an existing venue, start with what is already in the ceiling. The current lamp, socket, fixture depth, throw distance, dimming system, and preferred color temperature will give your Canto USA representative a much clearer picture of which RETRO setup fits the space. You can also submit a project questionnaire with those details.

Red Mountain High School Auditorium Retrofit

by Leave a Comment

Red Mountain High School completed a Red Mountain High School auditorium retrofit in 2016 that kept the existing auditorium layout while moving the space to LED retrofit technology. The auditorium is used by Dance, Theatre, Orchestra, Band, Choir, and Guitar programs, so the houselights see heavy use throughout the school year.

The school retrofit approach preserved the existing fixtures and infrastructure and focused on the benefits of LED retrofits: fewer lamp changes, improved maintenance access, and a consistent houselight wash for performances and assemblies. In this project Canto USA supplied RETRO-Classic houselights and Clearwing Systems Integration handled system coordination.

Working With Clearwing Systems Integration

Auditorium interior after the RETRO retrofit at Red Mountain High School

The school worked with Clearwing Systems Integration on the project. Clearwing later coordinated additional retrofit work for Mesa Public Schools, including installations at Dobson High School and Westwood High School.

Red Mountain used two RETRO-Classic® models in the auditorium: 56 RETRO-Classic 500 units and 42 RETRO-Classic 300 units, all specified at 3000K. Using two output levels provided flexibility to address varying fixture locations and throw distances across the room.

Creating a More Even Auditorium Wash

The finished installation produced a more even houselight wash across the main auditorium and both side pods. Consistent houselighting improves the audience experience during entry, intermission, and exit and provides predictable illumination for rehearsals and performances.

Because many houselight fixtures are mounted high above the auditorium floor, routine lamp changes previously required lifts or special access equipment. The LED retrofit reduced the frequency of those service interventions while keeping the existing infrastructure intact.

Learn more about the RETRO Series LED retrofit kits used in houselighting and auditorium applications.

Canto USA After RETRO Install Red Mountain High School Photo 02

Why this retrofit approach matters

  • Preserves existing fixtures and layout, reducing scope and disruption.
  • Improves maintenance cycles by reducing lamp-change frequency.
  • Provides a more uniform auditorium wash appropriate for concerts, theater, and assemblies.

Keeping the retrofit targeted to houselights allowed the team to focus on these practical benefits without converting the entire lighting system.

RETRO Series LED retrofit kits shown in multiple fixture configurations
View Spec Sheets and More

Canto USA’s RETRO Series Fully Dimmable LED Retrofit Houselights

Canto USA is proud to present our RETRO series. The RETRO-Fusion® 2.0 and RETRO-Passive® 2.0 are 0-100% phase dimmable (forward and reverse) variable wattage LED 2700K-6500K 80-97 CRI engines. They are designed for older SCR, TRIAC, and IGBT dimmer systems but are compatible with newer dimmer systems.

A direct replacement of existing lamps, our LED retrofit can be used in a wide range of applications or even new installations. Custom and standard mounting options are available.

Dobson High School RETRO Series LED Retrofit

by Leave a Comment

Dobson High School in Mesa, Arizona, had an auditorium lighting problem that started with the ceiling height. Many of the fixtures were difficult to reach, so even a routine lamp change could turn into a larger maintenance job.

This RETRO Series LED retrofit used Canto USA houselights to create a more even auditorium wash and reduce fixture maintenance needs. The project addressed both illumination gaps and the logistical challenges of high-mounted houselights.

Finding the Right Retrofit Solution

Dobson High School worked with Clearwing Systems Integration to improve the auditorium lighting. Clearwing recommended Canto USA’s RETRO Series LED products for the existing system.

The finished installation used three RETRO-Classic® models: 39 RETRO-Classic® 700s, 11 RETRO-Classic® 500s, and 34 RETRO-Classic® 300s, all at 3000 K.

Improving Light Distribution Across the Auditorium

Using three output levels gave Clearwing room to work with the auditorium as it was. The RETRO-Classic® 700s were used where more output was needed, while the 500 and 300 models fit areas that did not require as much light. That mix helped bring the darker, can-free section of the ceiling closer to the light levels in the rest of the auditorium.

Before view of Dobson High School auditorium showing dim seating and ceiling lighting

The end result of the RETRO Series LED retrofit was more even light that blended the area previously without cans back in with the rest of the auditorium. That makes a difference in a room that may host a theater production one night, a concert the next, and an assembly or rehearsal during the school day.

Reduced Maintenance

The LED conversion also addressed the maintenance problem that started the project. With fixtures mounted high above the floor, changing lamps could require a lift, extra labor, and time when the auditorium was available for maintenance. Longer-lasting LED technology reduces how often crews have to make that trip to the ceiling.

At Dobson High School, the mix of RETRO-Classic® 700, 500, and 300 units helped fill in the darker section of the auditorium without treating every fixture the same. It also meant the school could update those hard-to-reach houselights without changing the entire layout overhead.

After view of Dobson High School auditorium with a brighter, more even RETRO Series LED retrofit
RETRO Series LED retrofit kits shown in multiple fixture configurations
View Spec Sheets and More

Canto USA’s RETRO Series Fully Dimmable LED Retrofit Houselights

Canto USA is proud to present our RETRO series. The RETRO-Fusion® 2.0 and RETRO-Passive® 2.0 are 0-100% phase dimmable (forward and reverse) variable wattage LED 2700K-6500K 80-97 CRI engines. They are designed for older SCR, TRIAC, and IGBT dimmer systems but are compatible with newer dimmer systems.

A direct replacement of existing lamps, our LED retrofit can be used in a wide range of applications or even new installations. Custom and standard mounting options are available.

Project highlights

  • Models installed: 39 × RETRO-Classic® 700, 11 × RETRO-Classic® 500, 34 × RETRO-Classic® 300 (all 3000 K)
  • Primary goals: even light distribution and reduced maintenance for high-mounted houselights
  • Outcome: more uniform auditorium wash and fewer lamp-change events due to LED longevity

Related project: Red Mountain High School Auditorium Retrofit for Mesa Public Schools.

Musical Instrument Museum LED Retrofit with RETRO-Passive

by Leave a Comment

Musical Instrument Museum LED Retrofit with RETRO-Passive

The Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) in Phoenix, Arizona, is home to more than 6,800 musical instruments on display and over 13,600 instruments in its full collection. The Musical Instrument Museum LED retrofit later updated the auditorium lighting with a quieter, lower-maintenance LED solution designed around the needs of live performance.

When the museum started planning an LED upgrade for its auditorium, sound was just as important as light output. The Musical Instrument Museum LED retrofit needed to provide reliable house lighting without adding noticeable mechanical noise to a room designed for live music. The museum also wanted to cut down on the routine maintenance that came with replacing traditional lamps.

CantoUSA nach der RETRO-Installation Musikinstrumentenmuseum Foto

Musical Instrument Museum LED Retrofit: Finding a Quiet Solution

The Musical Instrument Museum worked with Clearwing Systems Integration on the auditorium upgrade. Because the room is used for live performances, the new lighting needed to operate quietly without adding distracting fan noise during a show.

The RETRO-Classic® operates at approximately 19 dB under specified conditions, but MIM wanted to take cooling-fan noise out of the room completely. That made the fanless RETRO-Passive® a better fit for the auditorium.

The finished installation used 29 RETRO-Passive 500 units at 2700K. The 2700K color temperature kept the warm look the auditorium needed, while the passive cooling design allowed the lights to operate without mechanical cooling fans.

Why Fanless LED Lighting Matters in Performance Spaces

Fan noise may not stand out in an office, classroom, or other everyday space. In an auditorium, however, even a low level of background sound can become noticeable during a quiet part of a performance.

RETRO-Passive uses passive cooling instead of a mechanical fan. For MIM, that meant the auditorium house lights could be converted to LED without adding another sound source to the room.

That was especially important in a museum built around music and listening. The lighting needed to support the space without becoming something the audience could hear..

Why 2700K Worked for the Auditorium

Quiet operation was only part of the project. The museum also wanted to keep the warm appearance of its existing auditorium lighting.

The 2700K color temperature selected for the RETRO-Passive 500 units provided the warmer light the room called for while allowing MIM to move to LED. The goal was not to change the appearance of the auditorium, but to update the lighting technology while keeping the atmosphere familiar.

Canto USA’s RETRO Series LED retrofit kits are designed for projects where compatible existing fixtures can remain in place. That gave MIM a way to update the light source without automatically replacing the entire lighting setup.

Reducing Auditorium Lighting Maintenance

Lower maintenance was another goal of the Musical Instrument Museum LED retrofit.

Changing a lamp above auditorium seating can take more work than it might seem. Depending on the fixture location, staff may need access equipment, enough room to work, and an open period between performances or other scheduled events.

Moving the house lights to LED reduced how often those lamp changes would be needed. For a busy auditorium, that meant fewer routine maintenance interruptions and less time spent reaching fixtures simply to replace lamps.

At Clearwing’s AVL Expo in December 2018, Joel Harris, House Audio Engineer and Technician at the Musical Instrument Museum, stopped by the Canto USA booth and shared his approval of the products.

An LED Retrofit Built Around the Auditorium

The Musical Instrument Museum LED retrofit was planned around the needs of the room. MIM needed warm 2700K house lighting, a fanless design that would not add cooling noise, and an LED option that could reduce the amount of routine lamp maintenance.

With 29 RETRO-Passive 500 units, the museum was able to move its auditorium house lights to LED while keeping the quiet environment needed for live performances. The project addressed the lighting, sound, and maintenance needs of the auditorium without making the upgrade more complicated than it needed to be.

RETRO Series LED Retrofit Kits

Technische Datenblätter und mehr anzeigen

Canto USA’s RETRO Series Fully Dimmable LED Retrofit Houselights

Canto USA is proud to present our RETRO series. The RETRO-Fusion® 2.0 and RETRO-Passive® 2.0  are 0-100% phase dimmable (forward and reverse) variable wattage LED 2700K-6500K 80-97 CRI engines. They are designed for older SCR, TRIAC, and IGBT dimmer systems but are compatible with newer dimmer systems. A direct replacement of existing lamps, our LED retrofit can be used in a wide range of applications or even new installations. Custom and standard mounting options are available.

LED Theater Lighting Retrofit: What to Check Before You Buy

by Leave a Comment

Planning an LED theater lighting retrofit involves more than finding an LED replacement with the right wattage. The fixtures already in the room, socket type, available space, mounting height, dimming system, and desired light output can affect which retrofit option works.

Older theaters, auditoriums, houses of worship, and other performance spaces can vary widely from one installation to another. Taking a few measurements, checking the existing lamps, and gathering photos before choosing a product can help narrow down the options and catch potential fit issues before installation begins.

Here are some of the most important things to check when planning an LED theater lighting retrofit.

Canto USA RETRO Install Before After Westwood High School Blog Photo

1. What Type of Lamps Are You Using Now?

Start with the lamps currently installed in the fixtures.

  • Is the lamp a PAR 38, T4 Quartz, HPL, or another type?
  • Start by checking two things on the existing fixture:
  • Base type: E11, E26, E39 Mogul, bare-end wiring, BA15D bayonet, or another connection
  • Lamp wattage: such as 150W, 250W, 500W, or 1000W

Once you know those two details, you can narrow down which Canto USA RETRO Series LED retrofit options are worth comparing.

Wattage alone, however, does not tell you whether a retrofit will fit or perform correctly in a particular fixture. Two fixtures using the same lamp may have different housings, reflectors, socket positions, or usable internal space. You need to consider the fixture along with the lamp.

2. Is Your Current Lighting Bright Enough?

Before trying to duplicate the existing system, consider whether you are satisfied with the amount of light it provides now.

An older auditorium may still be operating at the light levels it was designed around years ago. If the room has always seemed a little dim, an LED retrofit gives you an chance to choose a higher-output option instead of simply matching the old lamp’s wattage.

If the existing brightness works well, the goal may be different. You may want to maintain a similar appearance while moving to LED, reducing power use, and cutting down on future lamp changes.

Knowing what you want to keep and what you want to improve makes it easier to narrow down the right RETRO option.

3. Photos Can Clear Up the Details

Sometimes the fastest way to figure out what you are working with is to see the fixture itself.

A couple of useful photos include:

  • The full fixture from a little distance
  • A close-up of the lamp and socket connection
  • Fixture manufacturer and model number
  • Interior fixture dimensions
  • Ceiling or mounting height
  • Architectural or as-built drawings
  • Information about the existing dimming system

Original construction drawings can also be useful if available. Section drawings may show fixture depth, mounting details, socket position, or other dimensions that are difficult to measure once the fixtures are installed overhead.

Having this information before selecting an LED retrofit can help identify compatibility concerns before the installation begins.

Canto USA RETRO Install Before After Falls Church Blog Photo

4. Check the Fixture and Reflector for Clearance

Some older houselights were designed around much smaller lamps. In those fixtures, the socket may sit deep enough inside the housing that a larger LED retrofit reaches the reflector before it can be fully installed.

This is one reason measurements are important, but testing the actual fixture can provide even more information.

For unusual, older, or modified fixtures, Canto USA can provide custom-tailored samples when appropriate. Testing a sample in the existing fixture allows the venue to check fit, light output, appearance, and operation before placing a larger order.

This can be especially helpful when the original fixture documentation is incomplete or when the hardware has been changed over the years.

5. Decide What You Want the Retrofit to Improve

Not every LED theater lighting retrofit starts for the same reason.

Some venues are looking to reduce energy use. Others want fewer lamp replacements, especially when the fixtures are difficult to reach. A room may also need more light output, better consistency between fixtures, smoother operation, or an update from aging incandescent equipment.

In many cases, several of these goals are involved.

Identifying the problems you actually want to solve helps avoid choosing a retrofit based only on the wattage printed on the existing lamp.

6. Evaluate the Existing System Before an LED Theater Lighting Retrofit

Once you have the lamp information, fixture details, photos, measurements, and dimming system details, Canto USA can use them to narrow down the right retrofit options and provide a more accurate quote.

Before placing a final order, it is also a good idea to have the installation evaluated in person. A local representative, dealer, or installer can look at the fixtures and electrical system and confirm that the proposed retrofit is appropriate for the room.

For older venues in particular, that additional check can help uncover fixture modifications, electrical differences, or other conditions that may not be obvious from photographs alone.

Start With the Information You Already Have

You don’t need a complete engineering survey to start looking at an LED retrofit.

Start with the lamps already installed. Write down the wattage and base type, take clear photos of the lamps, sockets, and fixtures, and check whether the original fixture drawings are still available.

Those details will give a much clearer picture of what may fit, what needs to be measured, and whether a sample should be tested before ordering a larger quantity.

From there, you can match the RETRO setup to the existing room and fixtures instead of choosing a product without knowing how the current lighting system is built.

If your project involves a followspot rather than house lighting, read Canto USA’s guide on how to determine the followspot you need for your space.

RETRO Series LED Retrofit Kits

Technische Datenblätter und mehr anzeigen

Canto USA’s RETRO Series Fully Dimmable LED Retrofit Houselights

Canto USA is proud to present our RETRO series. The RETRO-Fusion® 2.0 and RETRO-Passive® 2.0  are 0-100% phase dimmable (forward and reverse) variable wattage LED 2700K-6500K 80-97 CRI engines. They are designed for older SCR, TRIAC, and IGBT dimmer systems but are compatible with newer dimmer systems. A direct replacement of existing lamps, our LED retrofit can be used in a wide range of applications or even new installations. Custom and standard mounting options are available.

Westwood High School Auditorium Retrofit

by Leave a Comment

Westwood High School in Mesa, Arizona, underwent an auditorium retrofit to improve light output for orchestra, band, choir, drama, assemblies, rehearsals, and other campus events. The upgrade focused on providing usable light at the auditorium’s throw distances so seating areas, aisles, and performance zones received consistent illumination.

Unlike many older auditoriums where fixture access is the primary maintenance concern, Westwood’s fixtures were relatively easy to reach. The limiting factor was lamp output: the existing lamps weren’t delivering enough usable light for the distance between the houselights and the areas they needed to illuminate. Clearwing Systems Integration worked with the school to evaluate options and specify an LED retrofit that addressed those conditions.

In 2017, Westwood had 60 RETRO-Classic® 700s at 3000K and 14 RETRO-Classic 150s at 3000K installed. It has been a “night and day change” according to Jill Maurer, Systems Design Engineer. “It is so bright in that auditorium since the retrofit was completed.”

Westwood High School auditorium before RETRO retrofit

Addressing Light Output and Throw Distance

The goal at Westwood wasn’t simply to switch to LEDs; it was to provide enough output to work effectively with the auditorium’s existing fixture locations and throw distances. Selecting a mix of RETRO-Classic 700 and 150 models allowed the design team to match light levels to different parts of the room—higher-output units where needed and lower-output units where appropriate.

Canto USA’s RETRO Series LED retrofit kits are designed to upgrade existing houselights so venues can retain much of their lighting infrastructure while improving lumen output, consistency, and dimming compatibility.

Using both RETRO-Classic 700 and 150 units let the team match the light level more closely to each part of the room. The 700s handled areas that needed more output, while the 150s worked better where less light was called for. Matching the light source to the application—considering throw distance, fixture placement, color temperature, and room use—is a key part of a successful auditorium retrofit.

The completed installation created a noticeable change in the auditorium. As Jill Maurer said, “It is so bright in that auditorium since the retrofit was completed.” That improved, consistent light supports performances, rehearsals, assemblies, and community events throughout the year.

Improving a Busy Performing Arts Space

School auditoriums are multi-use spaces. A well-planned auditorium retrofit does more than reduce wattage: it delivers dependable light where and when people need it—on stage, in seating areas, and along aisles—while minimizing maintenance and ensuring dimming compatibility for theatrical and presentation needs.

Westwood High School auditorium after RETRO retrofit

Other district auditoriums presented different challenges that the RETRO family handled by adapting to each venue’s requirements. For example, the Dobson High School project dealt with fixture access and uneven light levels, while the Red Mountain High School installation addressed difficult maintenance access. These case studies illustrate how RETRO products can be configured around different auditorium layouts.

For Westwood, the main challenge was clear: the existing lamps simply were not delivering enough light over the required distance. Selecting RETRO-Classic models with higher output where needed allowed the school to improve usable light while maintaining the existing fixture layout.

Related Canto USA Installations

We’re pleased that our lights have made the client and dealer happy and that they’re part of the shows and presentations at Westwood.

RETRO Series LED Retrofit Kits

RETRO Series LED Retrofit Kits product imageTechnische Datenblätter und mehr anzeigen

Canto USA’s RETRO Series Fully Dimmable LED Retrofit Houselights

Canto USA is proud to present our RETRO series. The RETRO-Fusion® 2.0 and RETRO-Passive® 2.0  are 0-100% phase dimmable (forward and reverse) variable wattage LED 2700K-6500K 80-97 CRI engines. They are designed for older SCR, TRIAC, and IGBT dimmer systems but are compatible with newer dimmer systems. A direct replacement of existing lamps, our LED retrofit can be used in a wide range of applications or even new installations. Custom and standard mounting options are available.

New Coat of Paint and Seats? No—New Lights: Replacing Auditorium Houselights

by Leave a Comment

Dwain McMillan, Lead Sound Support and Lighting Tech for Fairfax County Public Schools, had a personal connection to this project. As a graduate of Fairfax High School, he had even more reason to want the auditorium lighting upgrade done right.

For Artistic Concepts Group, Canto USA’s RETRO Series LED retrofit kits had already become a go-to option for replacing older auditorium houselights. At Fairfax High School, the existing system gave them another opportunity to put that approach to work.

Replacing 105 Auditorium Houselights

The auditorium originally used 105 500-watt E11 mini candelabra lamps. Those were replaced with 3000K RETRO-Classic® 500 E11 mini candelabras with short reflectors.

The new RETRO-Classic units work with the auditorium’s existing ETC Sensor3 Dimmer Rack, allowing the school to keep its familiar dimming system while significantly cutting the amount of power used by the houselights.

Each fixture dropped from 500 watts to just 49 watts. Across all 105 fixtures, that reduced the total load from 52,500 watts to 5,145 watts—just over a 90% reduction in power.

The project also reported a 30–40% improvement in the room’s light quality. That comparison assumes the old system was fully lamped, which was not always the case. The previous lamps could begin going out after only two to three months of use, making it harder to maintain consistent lighting throughout the auditorium.

CantoUSA RETRO Vorher Nachher Fairfax High School Foto

The change was immediately noticeable. Fairfax High School’s drama teacher was especially happy that he could clearly see the seats again.

The brighter, more consistent houselighting made the room look as though it had received a much larger makeover. It may have looked like new paint and new seats, but the biggest change was simply replacing the old auditorium houselights.

For a school auditorium, that improvement goes beyond appearance. Better houselighting makes it easier for students, staff, and guests to move through the seating area while giving the school a much more usable lighting system without replacing the existing dimming infrastructure.

See the Fairfax High School Before and After

Below is a before-and-after time-lapse showing the auditorium lighting upgrade.

The video was recorded with a smartphone, so some iris and aperture adjustment may be visible as the houselights dim up and down.

Want to view a before and after gallery slider of this job? Click Here

RETRO-Fusion® 2.0

CantoUSA RETRO-Fusion Serie Produktfoto

Want to learn more about the RETRO-Fusion 2.0? Click Here

RETRO-Passiv® 2.0

Canto USA RETRO-Passive 2.0 product image

Want to learn more about the RETRO-Passive 2.0? Click Here