Dark Showroom vs. Light Showroom

[Beach Bear]

Which do you prefer? Why do you like it better? Do you think all CECs should be like that? What are some ups and downs? Does your CEC have a dark showroom? Show type? And which store do you go to?

I think all CECs should have a dark showroom because it makes the show more entertaining and the lights are cooler. But, please share your opinions.

[CEC3066]

well I prefer a Dark showroom but now that CEC is switching to flourescent bulbs that is no longer possible as those bulbs don't work w/ dimmers

[Beach Bear]

well I prefer a Dark showroom but now that CEC is switching to flourescent bulbs that is no longer possible as those bulbs don't work w/ dimmers

Yeah I suppose you just have to turn the front section of the lights completely off, if you can.

[zeekeroo]

I've never been in a dark showroom, but the reason why there are light showrooms is because people are afraid that the kids will fall and trip.

[MMBBfan327]

I like darker better. It gives it more of a "show" feel to the whole experience...it also matters if your store still has what you would consider a "showroom." The store in Milwaukee here on Chase Ave., they've still got a kickin' showroom and a MMBB, and it's pretty dark. Not like, PTT dark...but it's still fun to watch. However West Allis, with the Phase IV and MMBB, just does not gel together...so it all depends on your store.


I've never been in a dark showroom, but the reason why there are light showrooms is because people are afraid that the kids will fall and trip.

Well, you're right. Kid's safety is CEC's number 1...but a contributing factor to the lighter showrooms date back to the late '80s when the whole family still had fun coming to CEC. Folks (mostly OLDER folks), HATED the darkness. This was a huge complaint, and CEC finally addressed it by tuning up the lights a little brighter every few years. Now, it's gotten to the point where you're blinded by lights!

[raebigc]

our showroom lights are dim.

[Larry the Tech]

Most of the old MMBB stages w/o Phase 4 still have dark showrooms. The dark is what I prefer. We need dark showrooms, they make the show look cool.

[Vega III CEC]

Most of the old MMBB stages w/o Phase 4 still have dark showrooms. The dark is what I prefer. We need dark showrooms, they make the show look cool. I feel it helps the show along because it focuses more of the "city in the nighttime" feel the older stages give off and makes Studio C more colorful than it already is. That, and dimmer lights hide the dirt, wear, and tear the robots have to endure for a bit longer than a very bright-lighted area.

[macrossmaster]

A dark theatre is what is needed to draw attention to the show! Otherwise your attention is divided. Dark showrooms really bring the magic to life - but this is primarily with RAE, but still nicer to make it seem like a real show environment.

[Beach Bear]

Yes, I agree. I noticed CEC fruitlessly have lights above the booths. Seriously, you don't need a light above your table with all those bulbs on the ceiling. But I think that CECs should take the light bulbs out of the dark area in the front of the showroom. That way you wouldnt have lighting making the show look weird. Also, if the front of the stage has black walls it was obviously meant to be dark.

[CEC_Tech]

I used to love it darker. My dimmer still works, but we went to Compact Flourescents like everyone else.

I always thought it was cool when the lights would dim. The guests even enjoyed that aspect of it.

[bzier]

I hate the lighting now. It's so stupid, and honestly, I feel like I'm sitting in a school cafeteria when dining and trying to watch the show at CEC.

[NickRyder]

Yeah that's one thing about the current layout and style, the 'show' part of it isn't really there and you're right it exactly looks like a school cafeteria, especially with the way the tables are laid out - thought the same thing when I saw Andrea's pictures of her CEC that she posted - so yeah it would be nice if the show room was actually a 'showroom' again and not just another well lit place to eat. Although, is the current show 'dimmer' worthy now? Course dark lighting might help make the sadder looking bots look slightly better...lol

[CEC_Tech]

Well, my dimmer took a dump yesterday. We had a citywide blackout Saturday night. In the morning the surge took out a component of the dimmer. So, I had to bypass the dimmer completely instead of using just the manual switch. Here's where it gets interesting.

One of the electrical lines contracted a short, so we had every other light out. The showroom was actually pretty dim, but usable for one day. ( got it fixed this morning). The interesting thing was that my AT's said everyone seemed a little more calm and there were no complaints and people were kind of laid back and happy! WTF! All we need is dimmer lights and people calm down, I know there's some kind of science behind it. Maybe it's worth a look, my show even looked way better in the dim light.

[NickRyder]

Hmm interesting... maybe with all the flashing lights and noises and bright lights people get a little crazier... I know I feel more nervous and anxious and easily irritated when the lights are too bright. So yeah that probably works... keep the dimmer lights!