BulbAmerica Official Blog

The History of Incandescent Light Bulbs

2012-05-09T09:30:00.002-04:00

Did you know that Thomas Edison did not create the incandescent light bulb, but he only modified the invention to create it better? Check out this timeline.

1809 - Humphry Davy, an English chemist, invented the first electric light. Davy connected two wires to a battery and attached a charcoal strip betwween the other ends of the wires. The charged carbon glowed making the first arc lamp.

1820 - Warren De la Rue enclosed a platinum coil in an evacuated tube and passed an electric current through it. His lamp design was worked but the cost of the precious metal platinum made this an impossible invention for wide-spread use.

1835 - James Bowman Lindsay demonstrated constant electric lighting system using a prototype lightbulb.

1850 - Edward Shepard invented an electrical incandescent arc lamp using a charcoal filament. Joseph Wilson Swan started working with carbonized paper filaments the same year.

1854 - Henricg Globel, a German watchmaker, invented the first true lightbulb. He used a carbonized bamboo filament placed inside a glass bulb.

1875 - Herman Sprengel invented the mercury vacuum pump making it possible to develop a practical electric light bulb. Making a really good vacuum inside the bulb possible.
1875 - Henry Woodward and Matthew Evans patented a lightbulb.

1878 - Sir Joseph Wilson Swan (1828-1914), an English physicist, was the first person to invent a practical and longer-lasting electric lightbulb (13.5 hours). Swan used a carbon fiber filament derived from cotton.

1879 - Thomas Alva Edison invented a carbon filament that burned for forty hours. Edison placed his filament in an oxygenless bulb. (Edison evolved his designs for the lightbulb based on the 1875 patent he purchased from inventors, Henry Woodward and Matthew Evans.)

1880 - Edison continued to improved his lightbulb until it could last for over 1200 hours using a bamboo-derived filament.

1903 - Willis Whitnew invented a filament that would not make the inside of a lightbulb turn dark. It was a metal-coated carbon filament (a predecessor to the tungsten filament).

1906 - The General Electric Company were the first to patent a method of making tungsten filaments for use in incandesent lightbulbs. The filaments were costly.

1910 - William David Coolidge (1873-1975) invented an improved method of making tungsten filaments. The tungsten filament outlasted all other types of filaments and Coolidge made the costs practical.

1925 - The first frosted lightbulbs were produced.

1991 - Philips invented a lightbulb that lasts 60,000 hours. The bulb uses magnetic induction.

Source: About Inventors

What you need to know about the Philips L-Prize

2012-05-07T14:24:00.002-04:00

Just when you thought all was quiet on the light bulb front, along comes another spoon of outrage to stir the pot. The latest trouble bubbled up last week with an article in the Washington Postunder the rather overheated headline “Government-subsidized green light bulb carries costly price tag.” Things went quickly downhill from there as a slew of right-leaning blogs flogged the meme of a $10 million government investment in a light bulb that the article claimed would retail for $50, far beyond a realistic price for the general consumer market.

Things got so bad so quickly that Philips, manufacturer of the now-infamous “green light bulb” was compelled to issue a press release last Friday to defend both itself and the Department of Energy, which did indeed put up $10 million for its Bright Tomorrow Lighting Prize (aka L Prize), which was designed to spur private sector investment in high-efficiency lighting technology.

So, did we really pay $10 million and all we got was this lousy $50 light bulb?

The truth about the $50 light bulb

In a word, no.

Philips states that the actual retail price of its prizewinning bulb will be closer to $20, comfortably within the L Prize requirement of $22. That’s because the bulb will be sold through partnerships with utility companies, which will offer up to $30 in rebates.

As of last summer, when Philips was announced as the L Prize winner, the Department of Energy already had 31 utilities and other partners lined up to participate in the rebate program.

How a $50 light bulb saves you money

Philips also states that even without the rebate, the lifetime cost of its new bulb is only $82 compared to $213 for a conventional incandescent bulb, based on an electricity rate of 11 cents per kilowatt hour.

The sticky wicket is that incandescent technology is so cheap and simple, we are used to treating light bulbs like we treat disposable paper cups. At the $20 price point, advanced-technology light bulbs need to be viewed more like minor household appliances, like a clock or a blender, that are worth packing up and taking with you when you move.

Calculating the true lifetime cost of Philips’s new light bulb

In a detailed analysis of the Washington Post article, Brad Johnson of Think Progress points out that an earlier version contained no textual analysis of lifetime costs, only an infographic based on “extremely wrong” calculations. The infographic was later stripped from the article without explanation and replaced with more accurate information.

Philips’s new bulb is a 60-watt equivalent LED (light emitting diode) that uses only 10 watts, and it has a life cycle of 30,000 hours as demonstrated through extensive testing during the L Prize process. According to the Department of Energy, the typical lifespan of an incandescent bulb is only 1,000 hours.

Why such a fuss over light bulbs?

As for why a high-tech light bulb would send so many pundits into a tizzy, that goes back to last year, when legislators and thought leaders in the Republican Party tried to leverage new federal energy efficiency standards for light bulbs as a political wedge issue.

The new standards – which were signed into law by President Bush – began to phase in as scheduled on January 1 with barely a ripple of protest by actual consumers, so it looks like the L Prize is the next logical target for outrage – although, in the context of the $4 billion in annual subsidies that President Obama is fond of ascribing to the oil industry, $10 million to develop beneficial energy-related technology is small potatoes.

The benefits of a $10 million light bulb

Despite its dinky size in relation to other energy-related subsidies, the L Prize could have a significant impact on the U.S. energy landscape. The Department of Energy estimates that lighting sucks up about 18 percent of total U.S. electricity generation, so lighting is a logical target for an energy efficiency makeover, which in the case of incandescent light bulbs is sorely needed.

The century-old incandescent technology uses about 10 percent of its energy for light while cranking out the other 90 percent in the form of heat, which adds insult to injury by dumping an extra demand on air conditioning systems.

If widely adopted, high-efficiency lighting like the new Philips bulb could result in significant direct savings for individual households, as well as indirect savings related to a reduced demand for more power plants.

Energy-efficient lighting could also help more households meet their full energy demand with alternative sources, namely photovoltaic installations. With more households generating their own energy on site, the need to construct large centralized power plants is further reduced.

Green bulbs, green jobs

Demand for the new bulb would also help boost job creation in the U.S., since one condition of the L Prize is a U.S. manufacturing base.

Somewhat repetitively, that puts right-wing criticism of Philips’s new bulb in or near the same U.S. job-bashing category as the recent slagging of GM’s Chevy Volt. None other than the notorious Rush Limbaugh has called the Volt practically everything but “slut,” though it is manufactured in Detroit).

More and better green light bulbs

Meanwhile, undeterred by all the brouhaha over the Philips bulb, last week the Department of Energy announced that it is forging ahead with the next phase of the L Prize Competition. The new phase is designed to spur the development of high efficiency LED replacements for spotlights and floodlights commonly used in retail stores and track lighting as well as outdoor security lights.

Source: TriplePunDit

BulbAmerica Becomes the Exclusive Retailer of Platinum Light Bulbs in North America

2012-05-03T10:32:00.000-04:00

BulbAmerica has reached a point that allows them to offer Same-Day Free Shipping. With an exhaustive inventory of over 18,750 available items and a customer base of 150,000+, the company has achieved several milestones.

The leading wholesale retailer of quality lighting fixtures and light bulbs, BulbAmericais the exclusive online retailer of the Platinum light bulb line in North America.

America’s leading wholesale retailer of lighting products and fixtures, BulbAmerica, a Google Trusted Store, is now happy to announce becoming the exclusive North American retailer for the high end Platinum Light Bulb line.

Having been a part of the industry for almost a decade, the largest provider of quality lighting fixtures and light bulbs in the United States stocks large quantities of LED, CFLs, Halogen, incandescent bulbs, projector lamps, and various LED lighting options including LED strips. The user friendly and highly optimized website BulbAmerica.com ensures that visitors enjoy an unparalleled online product browsing experience through quick page loads and a single step checkout that allows visitors to find exactly what they need and have it shipped out in minutes.

A lighting expert at BulbAmerica.com explains, “With an exhaustive inventory of over 18,750 items available for shipment every business day and a customer base of 150,000+, the company has achieved several milestones.” Adding that “As an exclusive provider of the Platinum Light Bulbs product line, BulbAmerica has carved a niche for itself in the industry."

All orders that are in stock are shipped the same day as long as they are received by 5 pm. The entire shopping experience is richer and unique due to the dedication, commitment, and quality of their team. BulbAmerica offers the best turnaround and delivery time in the industry across all categories of lighting products and fixtures.

Renowned for the most competitive pricing in the market, the entire range of Platinum Light Bulbs are available in different shapes, wattages, voltages, bases, and beam spreads, and color temperature that can all easily be sorted using the product sorting feature that is seamlessly integrated into the website. Currently, the company is offering free shipping for over 100 different products from Platinum across the stage lighting, light bulbs, and LED lighting product categories.

Since the companies inception in 2003, BulbAmerica has been offering their customers cost effective and quality controlled products that include fluorescent, halogen light, LED, CFL, and incandescent bulbs, projector lamps, and various LED lighting options.

For more information about the light bulbs and lighting solutions that they offer at BulbAmerica or to inquire about the Platinum Light Bulbs product line that is available exclusively at their online store, visit http://www.bulbamerica.com or call 1-877-650-0775.

Source: PR Web

Earth Day: Would you buy a $60 energy-efficient light bulb?

2012-05-02T12:41:00.002-04:00

Earth Day 2012 arrives with sticker shock: Brace yourself for the $60 light bulb.

Light bulb manufacturer Philips is flipping the switch Sunday on its new super-duper energy-efficient LED light bulb; that's when the bulb will go on sale at various outlets. The full retail price is $60, but consumers will be able to find online deals, rebates and subsidies that will cut the price by $10 or more, according to the Associated Press.

Proponents of the new light bulb, which can reportedly last up to 10 years or more, say it will ultimately save consumers money because they won’t have to replace nearly as many light bulbs over time.

Philips says the bulb will also save plenty of energy: It consumes less than 10 watts to produce light that is the equivalent of a 60-watt incandescent bulb, saving 83% of energy in the process. The company says that if every household in the U.S. used the new bulbs instead of regular 60-watt bulbs, the nation could avoid 20 million metric tons of carbon emissions.

"That’s enough electricity to power the lights of nearly 18 million U.S. households, or nearly triple the annual electricity consumption of the city of Washington D.C.," a company fact sheet says.

That might make the price tag a little easier to swallow.

Still, the light bulb is not for every budget. Time.com points out that the average U.S. home uses 45 light bulbs, so replacing all of them would run $2,250. To quote Time.com: "Yikes."

The light bulb's release is the result of "the L Prize," a $10-million contract awarded by Congress in 2007 to the manufacturer who could find a way to replace the regular ol' light bulb, which is an energy suck. Philips won the contest by a landslide. (The AP notes that Philips "was the only entrant.")

The unveiling of the new LED bulb is just one of many events marking Earth Day this weekend.

Beach and park clean-ups are slated from coast to coast, and there's no shortage of rallies and festivals celebrating Mother Earth. One of the biggest events will be Sunday's rally from noon to 7 p.m. on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., with entertainment by Cheap Trick, and an address by the Rev. Jesse Jackson, among others.

The first Earth Day was reportedly held in 1970 in San Francisco. Since then, it has turned into a world-wide celebration. The official website says that more than 1 billion people now participate in Earth Day activities each April 22, "making it the largest civic observance in the world."

Source: LA Times

Three Finalists From Germany and the U.S. Compete for Prestigious GE Edison Award

2012-04-24T10:53:00.001-04:00

Projects in Hohenschwangau, Germany; Ithaca, New York, and Washington, D.C., Rise to Top of Entries in 29th Annual Lighting Competition

GE Lighting (NYSE:GE) announced three finalists in its 29th annual international GE Edison Award competition today at Light+Building 2012, one of the world's largest trade fairs for lighting and intelligent buildings, held in Frankfurt, Germany. This year's finalists represent lighting design innovations for a museum renovation and expansion, a university addition and an institution's new headquarters building.

"The pool of deserving, forward-thinking applicants in this year's Edison Awards speaks to the truly remarkable things you can do with lighting," says GE Lighting President & CEO Maryrose Sylvester. "The submissions we received incorporated broadened use of LEDs and energy-efficient technologies, unique lighting placement, and lighting control strategies that showcased thought-provoking designs from lighting design teams the world over. This year's finalists truly speak to why the world of lighting has so much to celebrate."

The GE Edison Award competition is open internationally to lighting professionals who creatively employ significant use of GE light sources in a lighting design project completed during the previous year. The finalists for the 29th annual GE Edison Award include:

Museum of the Bavarian Kings in Hohenschwangau, Germany

Lighting Design Firm: Licht Kunst Licht AG, Bonn, Germany

Located in Germany's most picturesque Alpine region, the Museum of the Bavarian Kings underwent an extensive renovation. Planned by Staab Architekten from Berlin, the museum houses a permanent unique exhibition displaying the history of the Wittelsbach dynasty and their Bavarian Kings. GE halogen lamps and state-of-the-art lighting technologies, including GE Tetra® PowerGrid were employed to reveal the remarkable architecture and highlight the precious exhibits.

Cornell University, Milstein Hall, in Ithaca, New York, USA

Lighting Design Firm: Tillotson Design Associates, New York, New York

The modern architecture of Cornell University's Milstein Hall is thoughtfully intertwined with the existing historic buildings. The new addition includes flexible studio space on the upper plate, a pedestrian plaza and auditorium on the ground level, and a critique space and gallery below grade. The lighting systems are carefully integrated within the unique ceiling design and construction at each of the three levels. Fixture and lamp selections, including GE T8 and T5 fluorescent, and ConstantColor CMH® lamps, complement the building aesthetic and the specific function of each floor.

United States Institute of Peace in Washington, D.C.

Lighting Design Firm: Lam Partners, Cambridge, Massachusetts

Prominently located near the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., the headquarters of the United States Institute of Peace houses offices, an international conference center, and a public exhibition and event space. The wing-like roofs connect the building's three curving sections, enclosing two atria below. These multi-layer translucent structures presented the most challenging lighting problem: to light the roofs with no visible sources so they glow softly both inside and outside. A pervasive lighting theme, featuring GE T5 fluorescent lamps, is present throughout the building. Light sources are fully concealed or designed to disappear, revealing and animating, but never competing with the architecture.

All finalists will be invited to an awards ceremony held Tuesday, May 8, 2012, in Las Vegas, Nevada, the evening before the start of LightFair International. During this ceremony, designers who have been designated as winners of Awards of Excellence, Awards of Merit, Awards for Environmental Design, the Award for Residential Design and Special Citations will be recognized with personalized plaques acknowledging their lighting design achievements. The identity of the 29th annual GE Edison Award Winner will remain confidential until announced at the awards ceremony. The winner will receive a personalized Steuben crystal trophy and continued publicity throughout the following year. A distinctive plaque will also be presented to the owner of the winning installation.

All lighting projects submitted for award consideration must have been completed between Jan. 1, 2011, and Dec. 31, 2011. For more information about the GE Edison Awards, visitwww.GEEdisonAward.com.

About GE Lighting

GE Lighting invents with the vigor of its founder Thomas Edison to develop energy-efficient solutions that change the way people light their world in commercial, industrial, municipal and residential settings. The business employs over 17,000 people in more than 100 countries, and sells products under the Reveal® and Energy Smart® consumer brands, and Evolve™, GTx, Immersion™, Infusion™, Lumination® and Tetra® commercial brands, all trademarks of GE. General Electric (NYSE:GE) works on things that matter to build a world that works better. For more information, visit www.gelighting.com.

Source: Globe News Wire

How to brighten up your home with new lighting

2012-04-24T10:43:00.000-04:00

The key to brightening up your home is to diversify lighting, so that there isn't one glaring light casting stark and jarring contrasts across the room. Below are a number of different, pleasurable light sources that can help make your home more aesthetically pleasing.

Task lighting
As the name suggests, task lighting will help you get things done. It helps you throughout the house. In the kitchen, task lighting is particularly important because you will need to see well while cooking with the stove or preparing food on a cutting board. Lighting under your cabinets will help you find supplies easier, and pendant fixtures help keep your general work area illuminated. Reading and desk lamps help with your scholastic projects and pleasures.

Ben Gibbs, the owner of Gibbs Electric (an electrical contracting firm), recommended LED (light-emitting diode) technology because it lasts longer and saves you more money.

Accent lighting
Accent lighting draws attention to a particular object or location. This type of lighting can emphasize different areas. When you enter a room, your view is largely framed by the primary light source. Many times, the room will be so bright that you won't even know where the light sources are. However, if you dim the main light fixture, you can highlight pictures or create dynamic contrasts with smaller light sources.

Ambient lighting
Ambient lighting is the general illumination of a room that sets the mood of the space. In photography, it references light sources that are not explicitly supplied by the photographer (such as off-camera lights) that alter the atmosphere of the scene. In your home, whatever sets the overall tone is ambient light. This can be achieved by candles, ceiling-mounted lights, chandeliers or pendant lighting.

Delicate curtains
Another great way to enliven your home with new lighting is to incorporate natural light. If you replace heavy drapes with airy curtains or blinds, you will benefit from the natural daylight while maintaining your privacy. You won't need to use as much electricity powering your man-made light fixtures during the day. Since the sun changes its position over the course of the day, you will benefit from different angles, shadows and tones. During sunrise and sunset--the golden hours--the right room can be filled with gorgeous tones of amber and gold.

Skylights
Skylights can be horizontal windows or roof lanterns. Owing to their optimal positioning, skylights allow more sunshine to enter your home and distribute it more evenly throughout a room. There is a novelty aspect to skylights because they cannot be equipped in all rooms and regular windows are clearly far more common.

However, skylights are inexpensive and shouldn't be thought of as a luxury item. Aside from their pleasant presence and captivating appearance, they will reduce your reliance on other forms of expensive lighting. They work particularly well in areas such as the kitchen or family room, where a lot of people congregate and light will be needed throughout the day.

Only install skylights if the sun passes directly over the top of your house, unobstructed by trees. Emmy award-winning home design expert Christopher Lowell said, "I've seen people go to the expense of installing them only to find out later that no direct sun light ever reaches them."

Internal windows
Internal windows will allow light from throughout the house to flow from one room to another. Aside from animating your home, this will also open up your home and make it appear more spacious and inviting.

Source: Fox News

Meet the $60 ‘Earth Day’ LED light bulb

2012-04-23T13:40:00.000-04:00

HO/AFP/GETTY IMAGES - This handout image shows a prize-winning, super energy saving LED bulb from the Dutch electronics giant Philips. The 10-watt light bulb, said to last over 20 years, went on sale online and in stores Sunday to coincide with Earth Day.

Just in time for Earth Day, Dutch electronics company Philips unveiled a new super energy-efficient light bulb Sunday with a shelf life that should last about 25 years.

The catch? It costs about $60, but Philips is said to have forged deals with some stores to bring that cost down to about $20, according to the BBC. Still, that price might be too high for consumers, as VentureBeat has previously pointed out.

The new bulbs are made of light emitting diodes (LEDs) that are more energy-efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs, and have same color quality as standard bulbs. LEDs are typically found in TVs, computers, and car headlights.

Philip’s new bulb won the Bright Tomorrow competition last year from the U.S. Department of Energy, which asked companies to create an affordable energy-efficient alternative to the standard 60-watt incandescent light bulb. Philip was an easy winner, as the only entrant in the competition.

Even at the cheaper $20 price, the new LED lights face heavy competition from the much cheaper compact fluorescent bulbs.

The new bulbs hit retail store shelves Sunday.

Photo via Philips

Source: Washington Post

How Five Tech Companies Will Go Green for Earth Day

2012-04-20T09:13:00.001-04:00

The 20-Year-Light Bulb

Philips $60, energy-efficient light bulbOn Earth Day, Philips will begin selling a $60 light bulb that uses just 10 watts of power. Before you balk at the price, consider the fact that it will last some 30,000 hours, some 30 times that of the standard light bulb. That’s about 20 years, and each bulb is expected to save the consumer about $165 over its lifespan.

With the bulb, the company won the L-Prize, a Department of Energy competition to create an ultra-efficient light bulb. Don’t worry about the $60 price tag though: In many cases, you’ll get it much cheaper. Philips partnered with about 280 utility companies, some of which will offer rebates on the bulb, which will bring the cost down to about $25.

The Earth-Friendly Smartphone

LG Optimus Elite from SprintSprint debuts its eco-friendly LG Optimus Elite on Earth Day, and claims that it is one of the most environmentally considerate phones available. The phone runs the Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) operating system, and includes near-field communication (NFC) support, an 800MHz processor, 3G connectivity, and 5-megapixel camera. It retails for $30 with a two-year agreement after a $50 rebate.

But that’s not what will make environmentalists heart flutter: the phone itself is made of 50 percent recycled plastic and does not include ecologically harmful materials such as PVC plastics, phthalates, halogens, or mercury.

Green Storefronts

Verizon Wireless won't release a phone on Earth Day, but boasts the fact that 75 of its retail stores have received “green” certifications from the United States Green Building Council. These stores use a variety of strategies to reduce its environmental footprint.

The carrier says these green stores use Energy Star certified equipment, employ energy management systems to conserve energy, use low-flow toilets and plumbing, and use environmentally friendly finishes and materials in the store’s construction.

Earth-Friendly Glue in PCs

3M is taking the opportunity around Earth Day to release more environmentally considerate glues used in the electronics manufacturing. The company says this makes the process of dismantling discarded electronics easier for recycling. All it takes is concentrated heat to make disassembly easier.

This also has another side benefit in that electronics that previously had to be discarded can now be taken apart easily to be repaired, 3M says. The result is less electronic waste in landfills, according to the company

Easier Search for Green Autos on EBay

EBay's Green Driving siteFinally, auction site eBay will debut a new section of its site focusing on “green” vehicles, allowing searchers to research and find fuel-efficient cars. In addition to connecting to its eBay Motors site for the vehicles itself, information on fuel economy, vehicle reviews, and news on green vehicles will all be available from the special eBay location.

Source: PCWORLD

$50 'light bulb of the future' goes on sale this weekend

2012-04-19T09:38:00.003-04:00

What if you never had to buy another light bulb again? How much would that "light bulb of the future" be worth? This weekend, you'll decide. The L-Prize Philips bulb goes on sale Sunday. In Georgia, you can only buy it online.

11Alive's Julie Wolfe already has one and has been testing the light bulb causing so much buzz.

It seems like just yesterday that a light bulb was a light bulb, and your toughest choice was 60 watt or 75 watt. But the incandescent bulb you've been buying for decade is about to expire. New federal legislation went into effect January 1. The 100 watt bulb is already being phased out. Other wattages will fade from the market over the next few years.

The reason is one we've known for years: they are energy hogs.

Brad Paulsen is the light bulb merchant at the Home Depot in Buckhead. He hooked up an incandescent bulb and a LED bulb to compare their energy use. "This is measured in kilowatts," he said pointing to the old-style light bulb. "It's using .33 kilowatts, while the L.E.D. is using .06. So, a big difference in energy costs, especially over time."

Despite the obvious savings and the beginning of the ban, 40 percent of people still buy incandescent bulbs. There was a major push for CFLs, compact florescent lights, but consumers gave it mixed reviews. The biggest complaint: those florescent lights are not flattering to skin tones and harsh on the eyes.

"CFLs are a florescent light," Paulsen said. "Some people like florescent, some people don't. If you like it and price is a main concern, that's what I recommend."

But now, Light-Emitting Diodes, or LEDs, are lighting up the scene. The new L-Prize Philips LED is at the forefront of the newer technology.

The Philips LED won the Department of Energy's L-Prize. It was the first-ever government sponsored technology competition. It set rigorous requirements and challenged companies to rethink the way we see light. The prize was $11 million.

This latest light bulb is the result.

Its stats are impressive: lasts 27 years, will save you $165 in energy costs, it's mercury-free, and the light looks like an incandescent bulb.

The retail prize in Georgia is $50. Other states have utility subsidies that help bring down the cost. Philips could negotiate those for Georgia in the future. Starting Sunday, you can buy it at HomeDepot.com. Select stores will carry it, but none in our state.

But the L-Prize bulb has a little brother.

"This platform took us 12 months to develop," said Tom Kilkelly from Philips. "But then it had to go through 18 months of testing [to win the L-Prize]. During that time, we've developed some related products."

Paulsen points it out on the shelves of Home Depot: "It looks very similar, but it's $25 everyday, so a much more practical solution for customers."

It's a 12 watt bulb using a bit more energy, putting off just a bit less light, at half the cost. This one will last 23 years. It's the first of many products inspired by the L-Prize bulb.

Source: 11Alive

New Eco-Friendly Light Bulb Coming Out this Week

2012-04-18T09:10:00.000-04:00

New Eco-Friendly Light Bulb Coming Out this Week: MyFoxPHOENIX.com

Ranges in price from $9 to $60

The days of having to constantly replace a light bulb will soon be a thing of the past. How about more than 20 years between changes?

These heavy duty light bulbs are hitting valley store shelves in the next few days -- but the convenience is not going to come cheap.

We’re talking about a brand new eco-friendly line of light bulbs, and the most expensive one runs $60. Philips, the manufacturer, says it lasts more than 20 years and uses a much lower percentage of energy. But $60? Will people buy it?

“I think it’s worth the investment for 20 years if you own your own home,” says Jessica Aranda.

Shopper Dale Scott says he probably won’t buy it – “because the kids would probably break it.”

They're the most energy-efficient light bulbs in the world, and they're set to be released on earth day.

The Home Depot store at 43rd Avenue and Camelback already has the new EcoSmart line.

So for starters, we had to ask, why is it so expensive?

“Because it’s new, anything new coming out, you have to pay for that technology,” says Jeff Robinson of Home Depot.

Lighting expert Jeff Robinson admits they aren’t exactly flying off the shelves yet, not while CFL bulbs -- which are almost as energy-efficient -- are cheaper, and incandescent bulbs run around a buck

The biggest benefits for these bulbs is they last much longer and are more eco-friendly.

“It’s not going to have the mercury in it that CFL has, which is environmentally safer, which there is a lot of concern about that,” says Robinson.

So what do shoppers think?

“I think after you do the cost benefit analysis maybe it’s worth it,” says Aranda.

“I think it all depends on the person. For me I’d just buy some cheap light bulbs,” says Hector Guzman.

“I wouldn’t. They say its energy efficient and that it lasts much longer, you get more bang for your buck and what if it doesn’t, who do I complain to if it doesn’t last 20 years?” says Melissa Smith.

Now the bulbs in this line range from $9 to $50 or $60, it just depends on the kind of bulb you get and the store you go to. Home Depot's were a little cheaper.

Source: MYFOX

Shopping for light bulbs after the incandescent

2012-04-18T09:02:00.001-04:00

As stores continue to phase out incandescent light bulbs, you may be confused about what's left on the shelf.

CFL, LED, incandescent- the light bulb aisle can be a confusing place, especially now that the old style of bulbs are being phased out.

"It was a lot easier before," said shopper John Fithian of Berlin Center. "You didn't have all the choices and everything. What's supposed to save energy or use more, I'm not really sure."

Companies are trying to enlighten the consumer with labels touting energy efficiency and cost.

"We are required now to provide this label which is very similar to the nutrition label that the food industry goes through," explained Sylvia Hart of GE Lighting. "We're standardizing across brightness, energy cost, life and color temperature."

As incandescent bulbs disappear, they're being replaced by CFLs, or compact fluorescent lamps, and LED's or light emitting diodes.

"Right now they are a little bit pricier," explained Electrical Specialist Ellery Dodson of the Boardman Home Depot. "But they're going to last you 20 years. You're not going to have to go out and buy new bulbs every two to three years and they use a lot less energy."

The spiral-style CFLs are cheaper, about $7 a piece, and last for about nine years. The newer LEDs last longer and cost a bit more.

"These come in a daylight and they come in a bright white," said Dodson. "So they are different brightness's."

There's also some extra care involved. CFL bulbs contain mercury. Stores like Home Depot offer recycle bins where you can wrap the bulb in a bag and leave it to be recycled.

Saying goodbye to the classic bulb has been tough for many customers.

"Oh yeah, they've been coming in, buying them by the box load!" laughed Dodson.

Source: WFMJ

Philips Targets Earth Day for L Prize Bulb Availability to Consumers

2012-04-17T09:06:00.002-04:00

Using just 10 watts of power and saving over $165 dollars during its 30,000 hour lifetime, the new bulb is the world's brightest, most energy-efficient 60 watt LED equivalent

Philips today announced it will offer its most technologically advanced LED bulb to consumers for the first time on Earth Day. The company's response to the federal government's challenge to develop aggressive new technology that would support the nation's goal of energy independence and security was met by the development of the most energy efficient bulb in the world. The Philips L Prize LED bulb, winner of the U.S. Department of Energy's Bright Tomorrow Lighting Prize (L Prize) competition, will be available this week at both retail and online outlets.

"Philips is the first and only company to meet the stringent L Prize requirements for a bulb that produces over 900 lumens, a Color Rendering Index (CRI) of 90 and 2700 Kelvin color temperature, features that allow it to closely mimic an incandescent bulb," stated Ed Crawford, GM of Lamps, Lighting Electronics and Controls for Philips Lighting North America. "Because the new bulb is 83% more energy efficient than the standard 60-Watt incandescent, consumers can now experience new savings for their pocketbooks by putting this technologically advanced product to use in their homes."

Philips has partnered with over 280 utility companies across the country to ensure rebates are available on the bulb and expects more than 230 additional utilities to join the program in June when the product is expected to achieve Energy Star qualification. Utilities and efficiency programs such as Cape Light Compact, Efficiency Vermont, Platte River Power Authority (Colorado) and Long Island Power Authority will be offering rebates of $15 - $25 on the bulb, bring the retail price at point of sale down to as little as $25.

"By supporting proven LED technology such as the Philips L Prize bulb, we can give consumers a viable, long-lasting alternative to the incandescent or CFL," said Briana Kane, Senior Residential Program Manager at of Cape Light Compact in Massachusetts. "As we head into the peak summer usage months, the ability to reduce your electricity bill for the next few decades by simply screwing in an LED light bulb becomes an attractive and easy proposition."

The winning Philips product excelled through rigorous short-term and long-term performance testing carried out by independent laboratories and field assessments conducted with utilities and other partners. The product also performed well through a series of stress tests, in which the product was subjected to extreme conditions such as high and low temperatures, humidity, vibration, high and low voltage, and various electrical waveform distortions.

"We knew that it would be an important driver for the industry, spurring innovation and adoption for an alternative to a product that has remained largely unchanged for over a century," said Ed Crawford, GM of Lamps, Lighting Electronics and Controls for Philips Lighting North America. "With LED bulbs, we are looking at a wholesale change in buying lighting technology, going from a disposable good to a durable good. Consumers are no longer looking at a product that will last just six months to a year, they are looking at a product that is much more efficient and will be with them for decades."

If every 60-watt incandescent bulb in the U.S. was replaced with the 10-watt L Prize winner, the nation would save about 35 terawatt-hours of electricity, the equivalent electricity of 17.5 electric power stations, or $3.9 billion in one year. Moreover, the change will also avoid 20 million metric tons of carbon emissions, or the equivalent to removing nearly 4 million cars from the road.

To download L Prize images and video, please click here: http://forummedia.us/philipslprize

About Royal Philips Electronics

Royal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands PHG +1.00% (aex:PHI) is a diversified health and well-being company, focused on improving people's lives through timely innovations. As a world leader in healthcare, lifestyle and lighting, Philips integrates technologies and design into people-centric solutions, based on fundamental customer insights and the brand promise of "sense and simplicity." Headquartered in the Netherlands, Philips employs approximately 122,000 employees with sales and services in more than 100 countries worldwide. With sales of EUR 22.6 billion in 2011, the company is a market leader in cardiac care, acute care and home healthcare, energy efficient lighting solutions and new lighting applications, as well as lifestyle products for personal well-being and pleasure with strong leadership positions in male shaving and grooming, portable entertainment and oral healthcare. News from Philips is located at www.philips.com/newscenter .

Source: Market Watch

There's a bright idea: The energy-saving light bulb that lasts 20 years... and costs $60

2012-04-17T09:00:00.002-04:00

The US government is to launch a revolutionary new light bulb which is the most energy-efficient yet and lasts for 20 years.

There's only one snag. It costs $60.

The bulb was developed after Congress launched the the $10-million L Prize competition in 2007 to find a bulb to replace the energy-wasting 'incandescent' 60-watt bulb.

High tech: The bulb was built by Philips after it won Congress' $10-million L Prize competition in 2007

But when only Dutch manufacturer Philips entered the contest, it was declared the winner and began work straight away.

The bulb, which is is supposed to give off a pleasing, natural-looking light, will go on sale at Home Depot and other outlets starting on Sunday - Earth Day.

Its $60 price reflects the cost of the components, especially the top-notch chips, or diodes, that give off the light, and is the price commercial customers will pay.

But Philips is discounting it right away to $50 for consumers, and working on deals with electric utilities to discount it even further, by as much as $20 to $30.

Out with the old: Congress wants the bulb to replace the energy-wasting 'incandescent' 60-watt bulb

This means the bulb will cost anywhere from $20 to $60, depending on where it's found. Online, consumers will be paying $50 for each bulb, because utilities don't subsidize online sales.

Congress launched the L Prize contest in 2007, with the goal of creating a bulb to replace the standard, energy-wasting 'incandescent' 60-watt bulb. The requirements were rigorous, and Philips was the only entrant. Its bulb was declared the winner last year, after a year and a half of testing. The contest stipulated that the winning bulb be sold for $22 in its first year on the market.

In that context, the $60 price tag has raised some eyebrows. Ed Crawford, the head of Philips' U.S. lighting division, said it was always part of the plan to have utility rebates bring the price down to the $22 range.

Utilities already offer rebates on energy-saving products such as compact-fluorescent bulbs, or CFLs. In return for efforts to curb energy use, regulators allow utilities to raise their rates. The discounts are invisible to consumers - the utilities pay the stores directly.

For $25, or even $35, the bulb looks like a good investment compared to an incandescent bulb. It uses only 10 watts of power, meaning saves about $8 per year in electricity if it's used four hours a day. It's expected to last at least 30,000 hours, or 30 times longer than an incandescent. At four hours per day, that's 20 years.

But the Philips bulb is not only up against $1 incandescent bulbs. CFL are nearly as energy efficient. They use about 15 watts for 60 watts worth of light. They're much cheaper too, typically costing around $5. The Philips bulb looks odd too -the light-emitting surfaces are yellow when the bulb isn't lit, yet shine white when it is.

The Philips bulb has some advantages over a CFL: It lasts three times longer and gives off a more natural-looking light. It doesn't contain the toxic mercury vapor inside CFLs, which creates a minor hazard when they break.

Source: Mail Online

ComEd encourages customers to recycle out-dated lightbulbs

2012-04-16T11:34:00.003-04:00

After nearly 200 years, the standard incandescent light bulb is in for a change as the result of new federal guidelines requiring more energy-efficient lighting products.

In light of this transition and as spring cleaning season progresses, ComEd encouraged customers to properly dispose of old-fashioned light bulbs at local recycling sites and illuminate their homes with energy-efficient light bulbs, such ascompact fluorescent lamps (CFLs).

These lights consume about 75 percent less energy and last about 10 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs, lower electricity costs and decrease the amount of greenhouse gas emissions in the environment.

In 2007, Congress passed the Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA), which sets new efficiency standards for consumer products, including appliances and lighting. The law requires manufacturers to produce new light bulbs that consume about 25 percent less electricity, making way for more innovative and efficient lighting choices, such as halogen bulbs, CFLs or light emitting diodes (LEDs).

A phase-out process for the old-fashioned incandescent bulb was launched in January, starting with 100-watt bulbs.

In 2013, 75-watt bulbs will no longer be produced and in 2014, 60- and 40-watt bulbs will join the phase-out.

ComEd customers can learn more about energy-efficient lighting options, such as CFLs and LED bulbs, by visiting the “home savings” section of the ComEd.com home page, which also includes information on how to obtain discounts for select ENERGY STAR-qualified lighting products. ComEd lighting experts also offer customers tips during visits to home improvement stores across northern Illinois.

“With all the recent federal changes in lighting standards, it’s more important than ever for customers to stay informed on lighting to make the right choice,” ComEd Energy Doctor Timothy Melloch said in a press release. “There are so many new lighting options for our customers to choose from and understanding those options is extremely important.”

The labels include energy costs per year, indicate the bulb’s life expectancy, and provide information on wattage and “lumens,” the unit measurement of a light bulb’s brightness.

Source: MySuburbanLife

Say Goodbye to Old-Fashioned Light Bulbs

2012-04-16T11:30:00.000-04:00

Old-fashioned incandescent light bulbs are on their way to becoming obsolete. The first to go is the 100-watt, which is no longer being produced as of January. The next to go will be the 75-watt bulb in January 2013, followed by 60- and 40-watt bulbs in 2014.

The phase-out is a result of the Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) of 2007, which was intended to make better use of resources and to help the U.S. become energy independent. Part of the law sets energy efficiency standards for lightbulbs. The law requires that by 2020 most light bulbs be 60 to 70 percent more efficient than standard incandescent bulbs, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

ComEd encourages consumers to illuminate their homes with energy-efficient light bulbs, such as compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs). These lights consume about 75 percent less energy and last about 10 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs, lower electricity costs and decrease the amount of greenhouse gas emissions in the environment, according to a ComEd press release.

ComEd customers can learn more about energy-efficient lighting options, such as CFLs and LED bulbs, by visiting the “home savings” section of the ComEd.com home page, which also includes information on how to obtain discounts for select ENERGY STAR®-qualified lighting products. ComEd lighting experts also offer customers tips during visits to home improvement stores across northern Illinois.

ComEd lighting experts will be at the following retail stores this month:

April 21, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Lowe's, 1000 Willow Rd., Northbrook
April 21, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Menards, 6301 Oakton St., Morton Grove

Consumers should also know that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) now requires new fact labels on light bulb packaging to educate them about lighting products and help them choose the best energy-efficient light bulb for their needs. The labels include energy costs per year, indicate the bulb’s life expectancy, and provide information on wattage and “lumens,” the unit measurement of a light bulb’s brightness.

Those planning to discard of their old incandescent bulbs should be aware that they are not allowed in the recycling bin.

Old incandescent bulbs should be disposed of in the garbage, said Cameron Ruen, marketing coordinator for the Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County.

“You won’t find a recycling option for incandescent bulbs. Incandescent bulbs are safe to go in the garbage,” Ruen said.

Pat Dieckhoff, McHenry County College waste reduction assistant, advises that incandescent light bulbs be properly wrapped for disposal. “Bundle it up well so it’s not an issue with the person putting it into the truck,” she said.

While incandescent light bulbs can’t be recycled, they can be reused by the crafty. Green Eco Services shows some ways to reuse bulbs including turning them into little, hanging flower vases.

Source: Skokie Patch

New phosphor means LED lights will be brighter when on, less yellow when off

2012-04-13T09:45:00.001-04:00

You might not have known it, but the LEDs in many LED bulbs aren’t white, they’re actually blue. In order to get them to emit the white-ish tones that we find to be so pleasing (about 2700K for indoor lighting) that blue light has to be adjusted. To do this manufacturers use what’s know as a phosphor — basically a luminescent material — to filter the light and adjust the color temperature. It’s a great solution, but it can result in a bulb that looks yellow (like the Philips AmbientLED above) when they aren’t operating.

The AmbientLED is a great bulb, but it looks a bit strange when it’s turned off (being yellow and all). The solution to this is better phosphors, and those come from companies like Intematix. They just announced their new ChromaLit XT, is a phosphor solution that offers up to 30% increased efficiency compared to competing products and comes in a more “neutral” (less yellow) color. The material can withstand up to 270 degrees C (518 degrees F) so it can handle anything an LED array is going to throw at it.

Since you’ll never buy an Intematix product and you probably don’t spend much time thinking about remote phosphor material, why does this matter? It’s all about appearances. The tone of ChromaLit XT appears in the image on the right — notice how much lighter it is than the gold color used in current phosphor solutions (above). It’s still yellow, but it’s not nearly as jarring a color. And that’s just the change in the course of a single product cycle. Before long the color could get even lighter and our LED bulbs will look even more normal.

Of course, the aesthetics are just one part of the update. The new ChromaLit XT lets out more lumens, which means more light for the same amount of power. That’s a big deal, because LED lighting is all about efficiency.

Intematix announced that the first partner will be UK-based light producer Vexica, who makes LED downlights. While it will take some time for materials like ChromaLit XT so hit consumer products, you can bet you’ll be seeing brighter, less yellow (in the off state) LED bulbs in the future.

Source: Geek

Philips Introduces New Versions of its LED DayLight Daytime Running Lights

2012-04-13T09:37:00.000-04:00

Philips Automotive Lighting North America has just introduced two new versions of its LED Daytime Running Light (DRL): LED DayLight 4 (four LED lamps) and LED DayLight 8 (eight LED lamps).

In addition to providing a powerful LED light source, the lamps are the slimmest and most compact designs available on the market, according to the company. Philips LED DayLight DRLs feature high-powered Philips LUXEON Rebel LEDs that project a powerful, bright white light, the company says. They have a wider beam than the average LED DRL, which provides drivers immediate safety benefits by substantially increasing the vehicle’s visibility to other drivers and pedestrians.

In addition to increasing safety and visibility, Philips says its LED DayLight DRLs add the stylish look of high-performance seen on today’s high-end vehicles. The LED DayLight DRLs lets drivers switch from using their standard headlights to an LED light source during the daytime, extending the life of the headlights.

The Philips LED DRL kits include two LED modules and come equipped with plug n’ play connectors, snap-in mounts and complete mounting, wiring and hardware. Most automotive enthusiasts can install the lights in about two hours or less on most vehicles, Phillips says. Once installed, the lights operate automatically. Both LED DayLight models automatically turn on at the start of the engine. The LED DayLight 4 DRLs turn off when the parking lights are on and LED DayLight 8 dim by 50 percent.

Philips LED DayLight DRLs are designed to last for the life of the vehicle and require no maintenance. They are DOT compliant, and come with a three-year warranty.

For more information, visit www.daylight-led.com.

Source: After Market News

LED Companies Look to Expand in the Outdoor-Lighting Market

2012-04-12T09:06:00.005-04:00

The LED market looks to be heating up once again, as a drop in prices for LED streetlights may begin to sway local governments to make the switch to the new technology. According to a report put out by the Department of Energy, roadway lighting accounts for 25 percent of the outdoor-lighting market in the U.S. with LED lights making up only a 3 percent share of the roadway market. The Paragon Report examines investing opportunities in the LED Industry and provides equity research on Cree, Inc. CREE +5.94% and Rubicon Technology, Inc.RBCN +4.30% .

Access to full reports can be found at:

www.ParagonReport.com/CREE

www.ParagonReport.com/RBCN

"The LED industry has grown in cycles," observed Eric Higham, Director of the Strategy Analytics GaAs and Compound Semiconductor Technologies Service. "The first phase involved backlighting for small consumer devices, like mobile handsets. These solutions have evolved to meet the needs of laptop, television, electronic sign and automotive applications and the next wave for LED adoption appears to be commercial and residential lighting."

Paragon Report releases regular market updates on the Resorts & Casinos Industry so investors can stay ahead of the crowd and make the best investment decisions to maximize their returns. Take a few minutes to register with us free at www.ParagonReport.com and get exclusive access to our numerous stock reports and industry newsletters.

Cree, Inc. announced a breakthrough innovation in street lighting with the introduction of the XSP Series LED Street Light -- the most affordable and efficient Cree(R) LED street light designed to speed payback to municipalities. Using nearly 50 percent less energy and designed to last over three times longer than wasteful, traditional high-pressure sodium street lighting, the XSP Series can double the lumens per dollar compared to previous generations of Cree LED street lights and is the ideal choice for cities and municipalities looking to save money and resources.

Rubicon Technology, Inc., a leading provider of sapphire substrates and products to the LED, RFIC, semiconductor, and optical industries, reported fourth quarter revenue of $19.4 million, which was slightly below the range of management's November guidance. Revenue decreased both year-over-year and sequentially, largely as a result of weak demand from the LED market due to excess inventory in the LED supplies chain.

Paragon Report provides Market Research focused on equities that offer growth opportunities, value, and strong potential return. We strive to provide the most up-to-date market activities. We constantly create research reports and newsletters for our members. The Paragon Report has not been compensated by any of the above-mentioned companies. We act as independent research portal and are aware that all investment entails inherent risks. Please view the full disclaimer at: www.ParagonReport.com/disclaimer

source: Marketwatch

Shedding light on how to choose the best bulb

2012-04-12T08:52:00.002-04:00

About five years ago, various provinces began working toward eliminating old-fashioned incandescent light bulbs from our lives. The idea is that since such a small part of electricity used by incandescent bulbs actually gets turned into light, these bulbs must be wasteful.

The true situation is more complicated and I believe incandescent bulbs are not the bad things they're made out to be. But whether you agree with me or not, we all face the need to buy different sorts of light bulbs in the future and choosing wisely isn't as easy as it looks.
One of the brightest lights on the new bulb horizon is offered by LED technology. This acronym stands for Light Emitting Diode and it's much better than the transitional technology of compact fluorescent bulbs. LEDs offer the potential for much greater lifespan and lower energy consumption than anything else. That said, I use the word "potential" for a reason.
The high price of LED bulbs has attracted hucksters to the market. Sooner or later, you'll be standing in a hardware store aisle, looking at two 100-watt LED light bulbs. One bulb costs $45, the other one $8. Which is the more economical choice?
Tom Herstad knows more about the flood of bad, expensive LED lights than most people because he's trying to counter this deceptive trend. It's not easy. He makes it his business to bring high-quality LEDs to market through his company, Regal Lighting Designs (regalleds.com; 888-900-0702) and he offers several things to look for as you assess LED bulbs.
The main issue is something called thermal management. Even though LEDs do use less energy than incandescent bulbs, they still need to get rid of waste heat - more waste heat than you might think, in fact. Greater surface area on cooling fins (thin, fin-like protrusions that increase surface area to boost the rate of heat loss) is better than less and that's something you can compare by eye in stores. In tests I conducted in my shop, full-sized LEDs made to thread into conventional sockets had fins that become too hot to touch after 15 minutes of use. Fins are definitely an important issue. "Cheap LEDs have no heat-management features," says Herstad, "and that's one reason they fail more quickly than they should."
Another thing to watch for is price. Bargain-basement $8 LEDs deliver less value than $45 equivalents because they burn out proportionally faster while delivering less light. Herstad says that of all the offshore LED manufacturing countries, Taiwan currently shows the highest commitment to quality along with reasonable price levels. Country of origin is another thing you can look for as you shop.
Today's best LEDs offer warm tones of light equal to incandescents. Look for lights rated to deliver light in the 2700 kelvin (K) range of colour temperature. Many people find colour temperatures higher than this to be too white and clinical looking.
There's a growing citizens' movement to halt the various bans on incandescent bulbs in Canada, mostly based on the high cost of alternatives. Whether or not these bans are actually repealed, it still makes sense to know how to choose and where to use today's best lighting technology, even if inventor Thomas Edison's famous light bulb is not the big bad threat it's made out to be.

Source: Ottawa Citizen

Shopping for Lighting Now as Easy as Shopping for Food

2012-04-11T09:44:00.003-04:00

New Lighting Facts label provides quick-hitting information, allows consumers to make comparisons between bulbs

CLEVELAND, Apr 10, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Each morning when you pour your cereal, a quick glance at the nutrition label tells you how many calories you’re absorbing, what ingredients you’re digesting and a myriad of other facts. Now, that same idea is being applied to light bulbs.

The back of every new light bulb package now includes a “Lighting Facts” label, providing information about lumens (brightness), energy cost, life expectancy, light appearance (warm vs. cool light), wattage and mercury content. Mandated by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the label is meant to standardize how companies in the lighting industry convey light bulb features, allowing consumers to quickly make comparisons between bulbs and bulb technologies.

“Shopping for lighting shouldn’t be an overwhelming experience,” says Sylvia Hart, shopping transformation program manager, GE Lighting. “The Lighting Facts label takes something consumers have been using for years, the nutrition label, and applies a similar concept to lighting. Consumers used to have to scan packages to find information about energy, lifespan or brightness. Now they can quickly identify those attributes using an apples-to-apples comparison chart that shows the same features in the same way on every bulb, no matter what the technology or the manufacturer.”

Lumens versus Watts

In addition to the Lighting Facts label, light bulb packaging is moving to an emphasis from classifications by watts to classifications by lumens. Consumers have equated brightness to watts for decades, but in true lighting terms, this gauge isn’t accurate. Watts are merely the measure of electrical energy used to light a bulb. A lumen is a measure of the bulb’s brightness. Simply put, the higher the lumen number, the brighter the bulb.

To ease the transition for consumers used to shopping by wattage, GE packaging will include a lumens-to-watts comparison on the front of each package.

Color-Coded GE Packaging

GE Lighting saw these changes as an opportunity to talk with and survey consumers about their needs in the lighting aisle and what changes could be made to eliminate confusion.

“In our hundreds of conversations with consumers, we heard over and over again that the number-one important attribute to consumers is brightness,” says Hart. “We used this feedback as an impetus for a packaging change that re-categorizes bulbs by brightness using any easy color-coded system.”

GE bulb packaging in the U.S. now incorporates colored backgrounds. Different colors represent different levels of brightness modeled after the natural cycle of daylight, from sunrise to sunset. These include:

-- Yellow indicates bulbs with strong, vibrant light that is ideal for home cooking, cleaning and grooming (2,000 lumens or more, 150 watts or more).

-- Green represents fresh, energizing light good for focused tasks like reading, studying and game playing (1,050 -- 1,999 lumens, 100 or 75 watts).

-- Blue emits an inviting, comfortable light, which is just right for entertaining, socializing and family time (600 -- 1,049 lumens, 60 watts).

-- Orange is considered best for relaxing and watching TV because it gives off a cozy, soothing light (400 -599 lumens, 40 watts).

-- Purple provides subtle and reassuring light for nightlight applications (less than 400 lumens, 25 watts).

While these packaging changes are currently rolling out, consumers may not see the new designs immediately, depending on a store’s inventory. For more information on all of the light bulb packaging changes, visit www.gelighting.com/EESW/new-packaging.html .

About GE Lighting

GE Lighting invents with the vigor of its founder Thomas Edison to develop energy-efficient solutions that change the way people light their world in commercial, industrial, municipal and residential settings. The business employs over 17,000 people in more than 100 countries, and sells products under the Reveal® and Energy Smart® consumer brands, and Evolve ™, GTx, Immersion ™, Infusion ™, Lumination® and Tetra® commercial brands, all trademarks of GE. General Electric GE +1.61% works on things that matter to build a world that works better. For more information, visit www.gelighting.com .

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=50232678&lang=en

SOURCE: GE Lighting

CEB energy-saving initiative a success

2012-04-09T09:38:00.002-04:00

by Ananda KANNANGARA

The novel energy saving program "Switch off at least one bulb during peak hours", launched by the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) last week has helped save at least 30 percent electricity consumption in the country.

According to CEB reports, electricity users from all walks of life have positively responded to the Government's request of using electricity sparingly in their homes, gardens, schools, offices and business premises.

Power and Energy Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka told the Sunday Observer that Sri Lanka is facing a crisis in providing adequate electricity to 4.6 million consumers and it is their responsibility to save electricity at least by switching off additional lights and not using water motors, air conditioners, refrigerators, heaters, irons and other electrical appliances, especially during the peak hours between 6.30 and 9.30 pm.

He said the oath taken by 4.3 million schoolchildren last week to save electricity has also resulted in reducing electricity consumption during this period.

Meanwhile, the decision taken by countrywide Local Government institutions to switch off street lights during the stipulated periods and refrain from using high voltage bulbs even at junctions has reduced electricity consumption to a greater extent.

The Minister predicted the latest CEB energy saving program 'Free Electricity for one month' by reducing 20 percent of the electricity bill and also the distribution of CFL bulbs free of charge to religious places will also reduce the energy consumption in future.

It is also reported that the consumption of electricity in Sri Lanka is 2000 mw a day of this 85 percent electricity is generated from fuel and coal, while 15 percent is generated from hydro power stations.

Source: Sunday Observe

Century-Old Light Bulb Glows

2012-04-06T13:15:00.002-04:00

Engineers at a General Electric facility in Ohio recently dug up a time capsule, and one of the incandescent bulbs inside quickly illuminated the enduring technology’s bright past.

The 40-watt tungsten filament light bulb was found in a 100-year-old time capsule buried at General Electric Lighting’s Nela Park headquarters in East Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo By: General Electric)

“This time capsule was meant to be unearthed when significant changes in the incandescent light bulb occurred,” said Maryrose Sylvester, president and CEO of General Electric’s lighting division.

The capsule was unearthed March 26 as the lighting industry’s emphasis shifts toward LED technology and other innovations aimed at reducing energy consumption and enhancing reliability. Hundreds of employees and retirees were on hand as the contents of the old lead box were removed.

Among the pins, photos, newspapers and pamphlets inside were five incandescent bulbs. While one showed signs of condensation and another was filled with water, three others were intact. One of them was cleaned up, screwed into a special socket and electric current was slowly transmitted through its base until it gave off a warm glow.

“We believe the bulb that we successfully tested was a 40-watt tungsten filament incandescent bulb,” David Schuellerman, a public relations program manager, told reporters.

Company records indicate that both carbon and tungsten filament bulbs were included in the time capsule.

A lead box buried March 25, 1912, at a General Electric facility contained five light bulbs and other items. (Photo By: General Electric)

The bulbs and other items have been moved to a climate- and light-controlled room near the LED laboratories at the GE Lighting Institute, located on the campus. Since 1933, more than 250,000 people, including many co-op staffers and directors, have visited the facility known for its contributions to halogen and LED technology.

The other surviving bulbs may also be tested, Schuellerman said. “We’re cleaning and examining them, using etchings on the glass and written records to determine 1912 performance metrics such as light output.”

Source: ECT

Buying Bulbs Based on Lumens

2012-04-05T10:02:00.001-04:00

Since the first screw base and socket bulbs were made in 1882, lamps have been purchased based on wattage used. Fast-forward 130 years and there is a new metric for light bulbs — “lumens.” Lumens are a measurement of the amount of light produced. This makes a lot of sense since we buy things based on how much of it we get. When buying milk, we buy it by the volume (gallons). So, why should light be any different?

In addition to the new labels telling us how bright light bulbs are, there is some other important information, such as:

    - Estimated yearly energy cost
    - Lifespan of the bulb
    - Light appearance (warm to cool)
    - Energy used

So, the next challenge is to learn what lumens to use around the house. Here is a rule of thumb:

    - To replace a 100-watt incandescent bulb, look for a bulb that gives you about 1600 lumens. If you want something dimmer, go for fewer lumens; if you prefer brighter light, look for more lumens.
    - Replace a 75W bulb with an energy-saving bulb that gives you about 1100 lumens.
    - Replace a 60W bulb with an energy-saving bulb that gives you about 800 lumens.
    - Replace a 40W bulb with an energy-saving bulb that gives you about 450 lumens.

Source: Clean Technica

Congress introduces bill to stop upcoming ban of incandescent light bulbs

2012-04-04T10:08:00.001-04:00

(NaturalNews) In 2007, the U.S. Congress passed the Energy Independence and Security Act which contains a subsection that bans the sale of incandescent light bulbs beginning in 2012. But the new Congress recently unveiled the Better Use of Light Bulbs Act, or H.R. 91, which would repeal this subsection and restore Americans' freedom of choice to buy the light bulbs of their choice.

The idea to ban incandescent bulbs emerged from the false notion that compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL) are better for the environment because they use less energy. But the truth of the matter is that CFLs are loaded with toxic mercury, which upon breakage or disposal pollutes the environment via seepage into groundwater, rivers and lakes, and threatens human health.

"CFLs are so toxic because of the mercury in the glass tubing that the cleanup procedure spelled out by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is downright scary," wrote Phyllis Schlafly, founder and president of the Eagle Forum, in an editorial at WND. "The EPA warns that if we break a CFL, we must take the pieces to a recycling center and not launder 'clothing or bedding because mercury fragments in the clothing may contaminate the machine and/or pollute sewage'."

Such a scenario hardly sounds "green". And at the same time, incandescent bulbs contain no toxic chemicals at all. But none of this stopped the Bush Administration from signing the ban into effect that year.

"People don't want Congress dictating what light fixtures they can use," said Rep. Joe Barton (R-TX), one of the co-authors of the new bill. "Traditional incandescent bulbs are cheap and reliable. Alternatives, including the most common replacement Compact Fluorescent Lights or CFLs, are more expensive and health hazards -- so why force them on the American people?"

Source: Natural News

iPhone 5 to Feature an Organic LED Display

2012-04-02T11:52:00.002-04:00

The next generation iPhone and iPad could end up having Organic LED displays as Apple is reportedly rumored to be changing its technology for its displays in the near future.

The Korea Times recently reported that the company will change its displays to Organic LED from LCD. Samsung has also began to increase its production for Organic LED screens and the Korean electronics giant happens to be one of Apple's biggest suppliers.

"Thanks to the increased volume, chances have been raised to ship Samsung's Organic LEDs for Apple's iPads and even iPhones," said an unnamed Samsung executive to the publication.

Another executive of the company explained how Apple currently has questions for Samsung regarding its output commitment and product volume for its Organic LED business.

Samsung's efficiency is vital for Apple's devices.

"Apple is Samsung's biggest customer, buying $7.8 billion of components such as memory chips and LCDs in 2011," according to the Korea Times. "This year, it will buy around $11 billion of Samsung parts despite the deepening legal battle between the two companies."

Samsung and Apple are engaged in vicious legal battles over patents in various parts of the world, but despite those situations, Samsung produces components for the iPad and iPhone.

Samsung had previously offered Apple the opportunity to use Organic LEDS for their products, but Apple decided to pass due to its belief that the displays has some "technological problems."

Samsung uses Organic LED for most of its top-of-the-line smartphone tablets including the Galaxy Tab, Galaxy Nexus, Galaxy Note and Galaxy S2.

Apple is expected to release the next-generation iPhone sometime around the summer of this year.
It is rumored to feature a high-definition display, quad-core processor, NFC (near field communications), 4G LTE connectivity and wireless charging.

The next iPad will launch sometime in 2013 unless the company decides to put out a smaller tablet later on this year.

Source: The Christian Post