There is a new HMI technology called CST that features 3200K tungsten lamps that are hot-strike AND have a much longer useful life and can be switched out with 6000K daylight lamps.

I believe that Phillips invented it. Their 1st lamp is called the Ceramic ST 250 HR. It is the tungsten equivalent to their daylight MSR 250 HR lamp. Same fixture can handle both. Both are hot-restrike. Looks like they also make a 500watt version. Jenbo Lighting International (a Taiwanese manufacturer) has already started making these in 150 watt (6600 hour life) 250 watt (4,000 hour life) and 500 watt (1,000 hour life) versions. Quartzcolor seems to be the first manufacturer with fixtures and ballasts using the Phillips/Jenbo CST lamps that are geared towards filmmaking.

http://lucifer-gmbh.de/produkte_pdf/102105.pdf

http://www.prismaecat.lighting.philips.com/FredhopperPDFWebServiceInter/docts/40e1e6a6-4568-4d29-a818-de0a580ae3b8/Ceramic_ST_int.pdf

Has anybody tried this new technology? Best prices?

My question to Richard of Coolights is: when are we going to see 250 and 500watt fixtures that can switch between tungsten and daylight?

Cheers