The Dataflash name is back, and this time ETC has replaced the xenon tube with a full LED engine. The High End Systems Dataflash 5000 puts out 52,000+ lumens from a variable-white LED center (3200–7500K) ringed by an RGB LED array — and with an IP65 rating, it’s cleared for outdoor stages and festival rigs where the original xenon-based unit never went.

The original Dataflash AF1000 built its reputation on raw single-point punch — one xenon tube, one big hit of light, reliable enough that they’re still running in road cases decades later. ETC acquired High End Systems in 2017 and has been working through the catalog, and the 5000 is the modern answer to that legacy fixture. The core idea is the same: a dedicated strobe unit with more output and control than anything built into a wash or a moving head. What’s changed is everything under the hood.

The LED engine is always-on rather than flash-based, which changes how designers can use it. The variable-white center gives you warm or cool strobing depending on the look, the RGB surround adds color wash capability between strobe hits, and pixel mapping support opens up effects that the AF1000 couldn’t touch. Two dome accessories are included: a Reflector Dome for punch and atmospherics, and a transparent Eye Candy dome that shows off the full LED array. ETC backs it with a three-year fixture warranty and a five-year warranty on the LED array — which is a meaningful commitment for a fixture in this price class.

One thing to note: if you’re running legacy AF1000 rigs, the 5000 is not a drop-in replacement. DMX addressing and channel mapping are different enough that you’ll be reprogramming, not just swapping.

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ETC announces High End Systems Dataflash 5000, a high-energy strobe fixture capable of 52,000 lumens. With both an RGB LED array and a 3200–7500 K white light center, Dataflash 5000 offers bold color capabilities to meet any artistic vision. An IP65 rating makes Dataflash 5000 an ideal choice for festivals and outdoor gigs.

Dataflash 5000 has an LED engine that turns on and stays on. With the variable white light center and the surrounding RGB LEDs, designers can achieve both warm and cool strobing while also painting the stage with vivid color.

Included dome accessories make Dataflash 5000 even more versatile. The Reflector Dome easily attaches to the fixture face for powerful strobes and atmospherics. The transparent Eye Candy (EC) dome highlights all of the fixture’s bold effects.

Automated Lighting Product Manager Matt Stoner says, “With its distinct round face and dynamic color capabilities, Dataflash 5000 is going to bring a lot of visual interest to those productions that are looking to create high-energy moments.”

An expansive collection of strobe modes and macros make it easy to build the energy and looks required for any show. Get even more granular control with Dataflash 5000’s pixel mapping capabilities.

Tania Lesage, ETC Market Manager, says, “Dataflash 5000 is going to be a powerhouse in any setting. We are excited the IP65 rating means that outdoor productions can take advantage of this high-impact tool.”

Learn more about the Dataflash 5000 by visiting etcconnect.com.