CAME-TV Andromeda MK II Announced – RGB Tube Lights With Barn Doors

by Francesco AndreolaApril 27^th, 2022

At NAB 2022, CAME-TV announced the prototype of a new light that will soon hit the shelves: the CAME-TV Andromeda MK II RGB Tube Light. This slim fixture will be available in three versions (daylight, bi-color, RGBDT) and different lengths (including 2, 3, and 4ft). It inherits built-in barn doors from the original version while adding a rechargeable battery and onboard controls.

Tubular fixtures are becoming extremely popular these days. They often come in handy to use as accent lights or even props and usually add nice, colorful details to the image. Chinese company CAME-TV already offers an RGB tube light, the Boltzen Andromeda RGB.

This product is now receiving an upgrade that brings several improvements in terms of powering and controlling the fixture. We visited the CAME-TV booth at NAB and Emm was kind enough to introduce us to this new product. Here’s what we found out!

CAME-TV Andromeda MK II RGB Tube Light: what’s new

The new CAME-TV Andromeda MK II is a dimmable tube light that will be available in three different versions: daylight-balanced, bi-color, and RGBDT. One interesting thing about this product, compared to similar ones from the competition, is that it inherits the removable built-in barn doors from the original version. These allow users to have more control when flagging and shaping light.

Like its predecessor, the CAME-TV Andromeda MK II will come in different length options, including 2, 3, and 4 feet. Moreover, the settings of multiple RGB tubes can be linked together by positioning all fixtures in the same channel.

The original featured a power cord connected to an external control box/battery plate. Though this upgraded version comes with an integrated rechargeable battery. When fully charged, it should ensure up to 3 hours of operating time to the 2 and 3 feet tubes. Moreover, onboard controls have been added to the back of the fixture to improve usability.

Power and mounting options

When it comes to powering and rigging the light, the Andromeda MK II offers a good amount of flexibility. Indeed, besides relying on the built-in battery, the fixture can also draw power from the DC/D-Tap (14.8V) port on the back of the unit. Moreover, a USB-C can also be spotted at the back. However, it is not clear if it supports power delivery or not.

Furthermore, the body features four 1/4”-20 threaded holes, one on each short side and two on the back. These also allow multiple Andromeda MK II fixtures to be arranged in an array when using specific mountain brackets, thus easily turning this product into a key or fill light source. Finally, the light can easily be attached to metal surfaces via two integrated magnets.

CAME-TV Andromeda MK II: controlling the light

In addition to the new onboard controls, the company made sure this light supports smarter ways of accessing settings. Indeed, the CAME-TV Andromeda MK II allows for remote control via a proprietary smartphone app (available for both iOS and Android) or a dedicated remote controller (sold separately). This second option is particularly interesting since it opens up control of a virtually unlimited number of fixtures and supports grouping functions.

Price and availability

Although CAME-TV is well-known for charging a reasonable amount for their products, there’s currently no official pricing information for their new Andromeda MK II RG Tube Light. For reference, the original 3ft model is currently listed on their website for $270. 

Nonetheless, we should find out soon. In fact, according to the company, the light will probably become available in the next month or so.

Disclaimer: This article and the video were made in cooperation with CAME-TV.

Do you often use RGB tubes for your video work? What do you think about the new CAME-TV Andromeda MK II RGB Tube Light? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below!