I'm considering getting one of these kits (Interfit Paterson DigiLite x 2), or something like it:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/331709-REG/Interfit_Paterson_INT141U_DigiLite_Fluorescent_2_Light.html

Any downsides I should know about? (barn doors would be handy for controlling how much light spills into the background, for instance.) Also, how quiet are these? (I know Kino Flo's are quiet and flicker free... but they're quite a bit more money.) Is 288 watts generally enough for typical interview/talking head use in a dimly lit room?

Anyone?

At 144 watts each, that's just a little more than the Lowel Caselight 2, which uses two 55 watt lamps. I often shoot interviews with a couple of Caselight 2s, so you probably would be OK, unless that diffusion panel eats a lot of light, which it might. The Lowels are open and have very good reflectors, but they cost a lot more.

I had 3 of these about a year ago and ended up sending them back.

they are dim.... and very red in color. Not daylight and not tungsten but red.

For the money.... get the fotodiox 6 banks or the lights from dvinfo member richard at http://www.coollights.biz/ his are very nice!