Let DP&L Help with Your Spring Cleaning by Switching Out Inefficient Light Bulbs

Spring is a great time to think about making changes to get rid of things that don't work that well anymore -- like those inefficient incandescent light bulbs that use four times more energy than efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL). Did you know replacing one inefficient bulb with a CFL -- which lasts 10 times longer - could save you $30 over its lifetime? DP&L is giving Miami Valley shoppers three chances over the next few weeks to spring into savings by buying a CFL at a reduced price and getting one free at area retailers.
DP&L representatives will also be on hand to discuss energy-saving tips and offer suggestions about how and where to use your new CFL bulbs. There will also be displays of a hand-cranked generator and a bike allowing visitors to generate enough energy to light up different types of bulbs.
If you can't make it to the three events, you can still save money by buying a variety of CFL bulbs for discounted prices at each location all year long.
DP&L's energy saving programs, introduced in 2009, have saved DP&L's business and residential customers enough energy to power 40,000 homes for a year.
Since 2009, energy-smart shoppers have bought more than 5.5 million DP&L discounted compact fluorescent light bulbs at retailers like Lowe's, Walmart, Home Depot, and Sam's Club.

Lumenpulse Launches Lumentone LED Lighting Controller ‎

Lumenpulse Inc. announced the release and availability of Lumentone, an intuitive LED lighting controller. Developed to simplify control, Lumentone opens the doors for anyone to be able to implement and manage sophisticated lighting shows.
Suitable for either white light or colored light installations, Lumentone is a wall-mounted DMX controller that gives users access to advanced lighting installations, by allowing them to dim, change colors, modulate the color temperature, add effects, or alter the rate of change -- with just a nudge and a turn of the dial.
"Lumentone will simplify fixture control, enabling anyone to take advantage of LEDs, regardless of their level of expertise or familiarity with the technology," said Francois-Xavier Souvay, Founder, President and CEO of Lumenpulse. "With Lumentone, users can alter the mood of a space simply by pushing and turning the dial. It's as easy as changing tracks on an MP3 player."
Lumentone comes with 13 standard, pre-programmed shows, which can be selected by pressing and turning the dial. There are 8 color changing scenes, including 3 that are specifically developed to utilize RGBW technology. These scenes range from static colors to random fades and sparkle effects. There are also 5 scenes dedicated to white light control, including a standard dimming control, comet effects and a Dynamic White option which allows the user to alter the color temperature from a warm 2700K to a cool 6500K -- or any temperature in between.
The dial itself provides instant feedback for the user as it illuminates to reflect the lighting effect chosen, further simplifying the lighting management process for the user.
The controller is compatible and easily integrated with all industry standard North American gang boxes and any decora faceplate, and is available in white, black or custom finishes. It is suitable for almost any environment, operating in temperatures as low as -10°C (-14F) and as high as 40°C (104F).

Dr. Ihor Lys to Join the ElectroFur Team

ElectroFur INC, an innovative glowing faux-fur clothing and accessory designer, has established a recent partnership with Dr. Ihor Lys. A renowned scientist, Lys has received more than 50 patents for his groundbreaking work in advancing LED technology. His efforts have been integral to the widespread cross-market adoption of LEDs as an illumination source. Lys is the new Technical Advisor at ElectroFur.
Dr. Lys was selected as one of the world's 100 Top Young Innovators by Technology Review, MIT's Magazine of Innovation in 2002 and in 2008 he was named National Inventor of the Year by the Intellectual Property Owners (IPO) Education Foundation. "I've been working in the lighting industry for a long time now," says Lys, "and when it comes to consumer products, I believe the combination fun fur with light is a perfect pairing. I've seen a lot of things lit up, and this is really cool."
Lys and Lee agree that glowing clothing is going to become a regular sighting. "I believe that glowing fun fur is the most exciting development in this ready-to-explode segment of the clothing market," acknowledged Lys. "It's irresistible," says David, "when you see glowing fur, it is mesmerizing when you wear it, you're a star. ElectroFur is ready to go big, and our future is definitely brighter with Lys here!"

Molex LED Array Holder Provides a Solder-Free Connector

Molex Incorporated announced today that its new LED array holder will support Citizen Electronics' recently introduced Chip on Board (COB) series of arrays: CLL010, CLL020, CLL030, CLL040 and CLL050. Molex currently offers LED array holders for the Citizen CLL-330 and CLL340 LED array products which provide unique compression contacts to power the arrays while eliminating the need for hand soldering or expensive Surface Mount Technology (SMT) equipment. Ideal for light fixture original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), the holders reduce installation time and increase connectivity options while lowering costs. The solderless screw-down connection allows for a standardized manufacturing process, adding to the design flexibility of the Citizen COB series of LEDs.
Molex LED array holders are ideal for all general illumination applications including downlighting, architectural lighting and area lighting. The thermoplastic housing supports high heat-generating environments and the holders comply with UL 496 specifications.

Intersil Unveils Industry's Smallest and Lowest Cost LED-Based LCoS Pico Projector System Solution

Intersil Corporation introduced the Pico-qHD, the world's lowest cost pico projector system, and the industry's smallest production-ready LED-based LCoS Pico Projector solution. Developed for low power and cost-sensitive embedded or accessory pico projector applications, Intersil's Pico-qHD provides a fully integrated reference design that includes a high volume production optical engine, hardware, firmware and customizable design files. The low cost system solution utilizes Micron's E330 compact 5.5 cubic centimeter qHD optical engine, allowing for easy integration into a wide range of applications, including Micron's recently announced portable PoP Video pico projector mobile device accessory. Built on an inexpensive 1.7 inch by 2 inch PCB, the Pico-qHD is designed to meet the low manufacturing cost requirements of consumer applications such as digital cameras, smartphones, tablets, video players and other handheld products. Driven by such applications, Pacific Media Associates forecasts pico projector sales of 58 million units per year by 2015.
The platform is based on Intersil's new ISL97901, a fully-integrated buck/boost RGGB LED driver customized for pico projector display applications. The ISL97901 provides industry-leading overall power efficiency, the smallest solution footprint and the ability to drive RGB or RGGB LEDs. The ISL97901 maintains the highest image quality with precise LED current control. A 2.0mA resolution provides consistent white balance setting, yielding uniformity over production units and throughout the life of projectors. Its electronics system can drive up to 1.5A LED current, making it compatible with a variety of high power LEDs, and enabling pico projector engines with brightness levels exceeding 20 lumens.
The LED LCoS Pico Projector reference design integrates a broad range of Intersil products in addition to the ISL97901 buck-boost LED driver, including the TW8835 LCD video processor, ISL9307 power management IC, ISL9110 buck-boost converter, ISL9230 battery charger and, as an option, the ISL58333 OEIC sensor for automatic, real-time white balance control to maintain image quality and reduce optical calibration cost.

Two new takes on the tripod lamp

The Arteriors Home Linden Tripod Wood Floor Lamp, $909 at Lamps Plus, maintains the traditional foundation of the tripod, yet its elongated neck and outward curved legs help it make the leap from industrial to modern and sculptural. The wood base and off-white cotton-lined shade help soften the look and lend it a laid-back lavishness. The lamp measures 71 inches high and the shade is 20 inches wide. 

European lighting market value to soar by 40%

The energy shortage raises energy-saving awareness around the world, and with the effort of the major companies, LED lighting once again takes over the spotlight in 2012. According to LEDinside, the LED research division of TrendForce, Europe has become one of the most fast-growing LED markets in the world besides Japan. Benefiting from the ban imposed by certain countries against selling incandescent light bulb of high wattage in 2012, the value of European LED lighting market will soar to US$3.01 billion in 2012, a 44% YoY growth.

Dimmer Friendly LED Controller Chips

LEDs are widely desired for its digital controllability, besides being energy and cost efficient. However, LED bulbs are not compatible with domestic dimmer switches. Therefore, several lighting designers and engineers made attempts to integrate the existing LED light bulbs with analog dimmer systems. Capable of surpassing CFLs (Compact Fluorescent Lights) and incandescent, these high efficiency LEDs need to be modified to comply with the dimmers, resulting in new and superior technology. In response to this need, Cirrus Logic, an integrated circuit developer, has launched a new CS161X digital LED controller chips that support dimmer-friendly LEDs.

Sacramento lighting designer is big on LEDs

Michael Sestak does more than light up a room. The Sacramento lighting designer transforms space with artful use of LEDs and other energy-efficient breakthroughs. He's helped many clients see their homes or businesses in a whole different way. "You want to make it magic," Sestak said. "You don't want to see the wires or the glare of bulbs. Lighting is supposed to illuminate space. It's all about placement. That affects what you see and how you see it."

Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/04/21/4421873/sacramento-lighting-designer-is.html#storylink=cpy

Solar Cells with LED-Type Design to Enable High Efficiency

The research team at University of California, Berkeley, has hypothesized as well as proved a counterintuitive concept. By designing solar cells like LEDs, both emission and absorption of light can be achieved. The research findings will be presented by the Berkeley team at the Conference on Lasers and Electro Optics, (CLEO:2012) to be held in San Jose, Calif, between May 6 and 11.

Ligthing sales at Philips increased 2%

Lighting comparable sales at Philips increased 2% year-on-year; mid-single-digit sales growth in all businesses was partly offset by a decrease at Lumileds. LED-based sales grew 22% compared to Q1 2011, and now represent 16% of total Lighting sales. Lighting achieved high-single-digit sales growth in its growth geographies. Results were impacted by operational issues at Consumer Luminaires and Lumileds, as well as a one-time loss on the sale of assets. Reported EBITA was 3.0%. In total, Philips reported first-quarter sales of EUR 5.6 billion; EBITA of EUR 552 million.

Energy-Saving Light Turns On and Off as You Blink

Are you aware that when blinking, the brain temporarily switches off? Taking this idea – coupled with energy saving technology – to the extreme, inventor and Instructables technology editor, Randy Sarafan devised an innovative solution to making us aware of our electricity consumption habits. With his ‘Energy Saving Light,’ Sarafan has created a wearable lamp device that operates only when your eyes are open. The light reacts to each blink – bringing light when needed and darkness when not.

Energy-Saving LED Lamp Markets Poised for Rapid Growth

The consumption of General Lighting LED lamps in the United States reached $592 million in 2011, an increase of 22% over 2010and the market is forecast reach $2.4 billion in the year 2016, according to a new LED lamp market forecast and research report from ElectroniCast. The report also reveals that the market for LED-based Decorative lamps will increase at well-over 40% per year, And  that LED-based Linear (Tube) Lamps - an emerging competitor to the fluorescent tube-- are forecast to increase in quantity at a very impressive annual growth of over 90%, well beyond the pace of the rest of the market

Luminus Announces LD10 LED Light Engine for High Intensity Spot Lighting

Luminus Devices, Inc. announced today the availability of its new LD10 LED Light Engine. Designed for a variety of indoor and outdoor lighting applications, the LD10 is available at 800 and 900 "hot" lumen output levels, color temperatures of 3000K and 4000K and CRI greater than 80. The Light Engine includes Luminus' Big Chip LED technology, which enables high lumen fixtures with industry leading center beam intensity. For spot lighting applications, the LD10 can deliver 17,000 candelas into a 9-degree beam using off-the-shelf optics.
Sophisticated on-board electronics provide power, dimming and protection feedback to the LED. The LD10 accepts a 24VDC power input and a 0-10V dimming signal. In addition, it has thermal feedback protection circuitry that ensures longevity and reliability.
Luminus will be exhibiting in Hall 4.2, Stand G02 at Light + Building, April 15-20 at Messe Frankfurt in Frankfurt, Germany, where the new LD10 LED Light Engine will be on display. For more information on how Luminus is enabling the conversion of today's conventional lighting fixtures to LED, visit www.luminus.com .
About Luminus Devices Luminus Devices is a leading developer and manufacturer of LED technologies and solutions for the multi-billion dollar global illumination market. Luminus' high efficacy and high brightness LEDs are used by many of the world's biggest companies for general lighting, projection display, entertainment, ultraviolet curing, medical, portable, transportation and digital signage lighting applications. Luminus has more than 144 patents/patents pending worldwide, and its revolutionary Big Chip LED(TM) technology enables new markets for solid-state lighting. Headquarters and wafer fab manufacturing facilities are located near Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.A. For more information, visit www.luminus.com

Philips' pricey LED bulb has impressive specs

Philips on Sunday will start selling an LED bulb that sets a new bar for performance--and price.
The company will release the Philips L Prize LED on Earth Day for a suggested price of $50. The general lighting bulb came out of the Department of Energy's L Prize competition to develop long-lasting, efficient, and less expensive LED lamps. Philips claims its L Prize LED is the most efficient 60-watt LED equivalent and it improves on features from Philips own existing LEDs.

Viper Networks in Testing With LED-O Products

Networks, Inc. has recently begun testing several of LEDs America's LED-O products on behalf of a group of potential clients based in the country of India. Upon successful confirmation of energy savings of 50% to 90% and zero maintenance requirements, along with no hazardous gases from LEDs America products, the Company expects to secure its first major order from India with an estimated value of $1.2 million (U.S. dollars).
As announced earlier this year, Viper Networks has 100% exclusivity for LEDs America's LED-O(R) products in India including sales and marketing export rights for the next 5 years, with multi-year renewals to be based on certain regional distribution benchmarks and annual sales growth achieved during the initial period.
Since Viper Networks has entered into a manufacturing joint venture with LEDs America of North America, the Company will be working diligently to help ramp up higher production levels, while instituting quality control measures for manufactured parts, streamlining assembly line efficiencies and establishing end line packaging and shipping options for worldwide delivery.
North American distribution venues are being reviewed, in addition to numerous export access points throughout India and multiple countries in the Middle East.

Rebates to Cut Price of $60 LED Bulb

How much would you pay for an amazing, state-of-the-art light bulb? Shoppers will be asking themselves that very question at Home Depot and other outlets starting Sunday – Earth Day – when the bulb that won a $10 million government contest goes on sale. The bulb is the most energy-efficient yet, lasts about 20 years and is supposed to give off a pleasing, natural-looking light. But what separates it from the pack most is the price: $60.

Are there health or environmental concerns with LED lights?

LEDs do have a dark side. A study published in late 2010 in the journal Environmental Science and Technology found that LEDs contain lead, arsenic and a dozen other potentially dangerous substances. LEDs are touted as the next generation of lighting,” says Oladele Ogunseitan, one of the researchers behind the study and chair of the University of California (UC)-Irvine’s Department of Population Health & Disease Prevention.

Can cows be LED to give more milk?

LED bulbs are already known for milking more light out of less electricity. But can they even get cows to give more milk? This seemingly outlandish idea is getting serious attention. A study overseen by Oklahoma State University found that cows at one of the dairy farms in that state squeezed out 6 percent more milk when LED lights were used compared with cows under fluorescent lights. One theory: LED lights reduce stress, making for more contented and productive cows.

Philips enhances the experience of light with LED innovations at Light + Building

Philips presented a range of lighting innovations for professionals and consumers at the world’s leading lighting and architecture fair, Light + Building 2012. A full switch to the latest LED lighting would provide energy savings of up to 80% in many applications, and an average of 40% for all lighting. LED technology also offers unprecedented possibilities to digitally control light, to create intelligent and dazzling light experiences.
Lighting accounts for 20% of global electricity use, while public spaces and commercial buildings alone represent 60% of lighting-based electricity use. At Light + Building 2012, Philips presents intelligent LED solutions and controls that offer efficient and flexible lighting for streets, buildings and shops, when and where it is needed. These innovative solutions enable substantial energy savings while making streets safer and buildings more comfortable, and creating more attractive shopper experiences to drive sales.
The new range of LED bulbs demonstrates Philips’ leadership in LED technology.  They are designed to emit warm white light similar to traditional lamps, with dramatic energy savings (up to 90% less energy consumption) and a lifespan of up to 25 years. Also recognizing that people have varied preferences in light tone, Philips has developed the unique DimTone feature that allows light to be adjusted simultaneously in intensity and color, from bright to warm light, to create the ambience of choice by means of a dimmer.
Philips has been recognized for innovation in lighting design, winning nine iF Product Design awards in 2012 for its consumer luminaires. At Light + Building 2012, the company proudly presents its latest line-up of LED design luminaires for the home.
New technologies such as OLED are re-defining lighting design, with their thin form and diffused light quality. Philips demonstrates both its design expertise and technological mastery, presenting breathtaking OLED installations and solutions at the show.

GE LED Lighting Brings New Radiance, Energy Savings to Marriott Headquarters

GE Lighting LED solutions were recently installed in several locations at Marriott International’s headquarters located in Bethesda, Md. The installations have enriched lighting quality, heightened employee security and improved energy efficiency. Following its corporate campus-wide lighting update, Marriott will use 860,000 fewer kilowatt hours of electricity and save more than $120,000 in combined energy and maintenance costs a year.
Enhancing outdoor security while saving money -- Security and energy savings were top priorities when considering new lighting to cover the nearly 2 million square feet (45 acres) of parking and garage space at Marriott headquarters. After testing competitive exterior garage fixtures, parking lot lights and contemporary post tops, Marriott selected GE’s family of high-efficiency Evolve LED lighting systems.
More than 230 Evolve LED Area Lights now illuminate Marriott’s outdoor lots, while inside the parking deck nearly 400 Evolve LED Garage Light fixtures and several Evolve LED Tunnel Light installations—as well as more efficient GE T8 fluorescent lamps—help light the way for associates to and from the headquarters offices. Collectively, a 280-watt reduction per outdoor lighting fixture will cut electricity use by 580,000 kWhs a year, equating to $70,000 in utility cost savings.

Sunovia's Aimed Optics LED Fixtures Receives DesignLight Consortium Certification

Sunovia Energy Technologies, a LED lighting company has received certification from DesignLight Consortium (DLC) for its EvoLucia LED cobra head and shoebox fixtures in the Outdoor Pole/Arm-Mounted Area and Roadway Luminaires category.
EvoLucia's LED cobra head and shoebox fixtures are designed with Sunovia's award winning Aimed Optics platform. This technology creates uniformity in light on the ground by directing the LEDs as opposed to its competitors that bend the light through a light-bar system. The certification from the DLC will open up additional opportunities for Sunovia's LED fixtures by allowing its customers and suppliers to receive incentives from state and utility energy programs.
The DLC was formed in an alliance with the Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships and the Lighting Research Center to provide a means for manufacturers to submit their product specifications and have them evaluated among various state and utility standards around the country. Currently, the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) ENERGY STAR program does not have a rating for LED products such as the cobra head or shoebox fixtures.

Korean Research Center Selects Veeco MOCVD System

LED-IT Fusion Technology Research Center (LIFTRC) of Korea recently selected the  Veeco TurboDisc K465i GaN Metal Organic Chemical Vapor Deposition (MOCVD) system for research and development of high brightness light emitting diodes (LEDs), including green LEDs and ultraviolet (UV) LEDs.
Dr. Ja-Soon Jang, Chief Director, LIFTRC, and Professor, Department of Electronic Engineering, at Yeungnam University commented, “Veeco’s K465i enables us to conduct research and development of next generation LED technology on a fully-automated, low cost of ownership platform. Veeco’s industry-leading position, localized support and technical expertise will help us achieve our goal of collaborating with local and worldwide LED manufacturers.”

New Cree XSP Series LED Street Lights Shatter Performance

Cree, Inc. announces a breakthrough innovation in street lighting with the introduction of the XSP Series LED Street Light – the most affordable and efficient Cree 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.
Breakthrough engineering improves optical efficiency 15 percent compared to previous generations of LED street lights and reduces the number of LEDs used by more than half without sacrificing application performance – fewer LEDs enable lower luminaire costs and faster payback for customers. NanoOptic Precision Delivery Grid optic technology efficiently delivers light to the street making communities appear cleaner and safer.
Based on Cree’s advanced LED technology, the new XSP Series was designed from the ground up to deliver incredible system efficiency of up to 100 lumens per watt and is designed to provide long L70 lifetime of more than 100,000 hours. The breakthrough street light delivers municipalities up to twice the lumens per dollar compared to previous generations and can pay for itself the first time a city avoids sending a crew and truck to replace a bulb.

Philips and Optogan sign up to cooperate in LED road lighting solutions in Russia

Royal Philips Electronics and Optogan, a leading Russian manufacturer of LED products today announced the signing of a joint venture agreement to become a strong player in the fast growing LED road lighting market in Russia. The new company will be 51% owned by Philips and 49% by Optogan. Financial details of the joint venture were not disclosed
The joint venture will combine Philips’ latest LED road lighting solutions and international quality standards with Optogan’s LED knowledge, innovative solutions and understanding of local market requirements in this field. Products developed and manufactured by the joint venture will be sold in the Russian Federation and within its customs union with Kazakhstan and Belarus.
The Philips-Optogan partnership will focus on developing a local LED industry, supporting the energy efficiency (EE) initiatives by the Russian Government. Switching to LED street and road lighting can reduce energy consumption by up to 80% and lead to significant savings in service and maintenance costs. The enhanced visibility created by the bright light can also contribute to an enhanced feeling of security and can help improve road safety.
Road lighting in Russia is an attractive market segment as it is anticipated to become one of the leading growth segments for LED. The Russian road lighting market is expected to double over the next four years to EUR 100 million by 2015.This growth is mainly driven by government energy efficiency programs for modernization of road lighting. It is expected that due to this also the share of LED will reach 50% as early as 2015.

Energy-efficient light sensors put in Denver Towers

Fourteen motion sensor lights will be installed in Centennial Towers (Denver), a project that will cost the university $14,919. The lights are meant to to save nearly $5,000 per year according to Director of Housing and Residential Education Christy Cerrone. The lights are part of an initiative by the ASCEND campaign at DU to reduce energy costs and carbon emissions. According to university energy manager Tom McGee, the light sensors will save 74 cents per kilowatt hour compared to energy being used before the sensors were installed. According to Cerrone, the project is expected to be “paid back” in benefits in just over three years.

Xeleum Announces High Efficiency LED Lighting Fixtures

Xeleum Lighting today announced the availability its XTR series of high efficiency LED light fixtures. These fixtures provide more evenly distributed natural light and years of maintenance free operation at less than half the energy cost of the fluorescent fixtures they are designed to replace.
Because of this energy cost savings, the incremental added cost of the LED fixture is typically paid within the initial year of operation. This is in addition to the very significant cost and maintenance savings of never again having to replace a fluorescent tube. With over 50,000 hours of life expectancy, and depending upon the actual operating conditions, the luminaire could be expected to provide superior lighting well into its second decade of operation.
The architecturally designed XTR luminaires, available as 1 ft X 4 ft, 2 ft X 2 ft and 2 ft X 4 ft fixtures, include three light engine cylinders made up of linear arrays of high efficacy LED chips which are fully tested in accordance with LM80 requirements. Superior photometric and thermal management engineering ensures the LEDs will always run at the cool temperatures necessary to achieve their rated long life potential while producing high quality natural light.
Additional features include diffusers which are specifically shaped to be thinner yet stronger and more efficient than simple flat diffusers and drivers with higher power factors (> 0.9). And unlike fluorescents, LED lighting products contain no mercury or other toxic materials, no glass, turn on instantly and are dimmable. With a low profile of only 1.8 inches, the XTR troffer will fit into even the tightest of spaces.

Shedding light on how to choose the best bulb

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?

SemiLEDs Reports Second Quarter of Fiscal Year 2012 Financial Results

SemiLEDs Corporation , a developer and manufacturer of LED chips and LED components, today announced its financial results for the second quarter of fiscal year 2012, ended February 29, 2012. Revenue for the second quarter of fiscal 2012 was $7.9 million, a 21% decrease compared to $10.0 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2011.
“Given the ongoing challenging industry environment, we are pleased with our quarterly financial and operational results. Our strategy of pursuing the indoor lighting market has proved successful as it continues to improve our revenue growth, and we remain cost conscious in areas of the business that won’t impede our innovation and technology advantage,” said Trung Doan, Chairman and CEO of SemiLEDs. “We look forward to working within a better economic climate but for the time being we continue to maintain the slow, steady growth and improvement that we have shown over the last two quarters,” concluded Doan.
GAAP net loss attributable to SemiLEDs stockholders for the second quarter of fiscal 2012 was $7.1 million, or a loss of $0.26 per diluted share, compared to GAAP net loss attributable to SemiLEDs stockholders of $1.2 million, or a loss of $0.05 per diluted share, for the second quarter of fiscal 2011. On a non-GAAP basis, net loss attributable to SemiLEDs stockholders for the second quarter of fiscal 2012 was $6.1 million, or a loss of $0.22 per diluted share, compared to non-GAAP net loss attributable to SemiLEDs stockholders of $0.7 million, or a loss of $0.03 per diluted share, for the second quarter of fiscal 2011.
GAAP gross margin for the second quarter of fiscal 2012 was negative 9%, compared with positive gross margin for the second quarter of fiscal 2011 of 23%. Operating margin for the second quarter of fiscal 2012 was negative 73%, compared with negative 6% in the second quarter of fiscal 2011. Margins continue to improve through continued expense management.

Amerlux Introduces HORNET LED Multiple Recessed Downlights

Offering an architectural look and high performance with innovative energy efficient recessed downlighting, Amerlux introduces the new HORNET LED Trim and Trimless Multiple Recessed Downlights, using the latest in miniature low wattage LED technology for the commercial, retail, hospitality and institutional markets. HORNET Multiples deliver an unprecedented level of performance, architectural styling, and operating savings. Building on many years of experience of delivering task-specific, energy-efficient lighting solutions, Amerlux is committed to facilitating sustainable strategies recognized by organizations such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and The U.S Green Building Council.
Simplifying the lighting plan, the new HORNET LED family now features Multiple downlight designs that combine the aiming flexibility of track with the look of recessed, maintaining a more consistent, inconspicuous aesthetic and more compelling experience for end-users.
"Hornet is revolutionizing the industry with a complete family of track and recessed fixtures that minimize energy consumption and costs while providing superb quality and design aesthetics," stated Frank P. Diassi, Chairman and Founder of Amerlux. "We are committed to driving innovation utilizing the latest LED technology for commercial, retail, hospitality and architectural lighting applications."
HORNET Multiple recessed adjustable accent fixtures are offered in five configurations: 1-light; 2-light; 3-light; and 4-light, which can be fully recessed or semi recessed heads that allow for higher aiming angles. Available with painted trim or trimless options for a cleaner looking ceiling, the inconspicuous cluster of accent lights allow for 30-degrees across, with a 45-degree tilt and a 360-plus degree rotation.
Each head is designed and engineered in a size that fits into the palm of your hand and precision engineered for optimal thermal and optical performance. A state-of-the-art 12-watt LED provides light output equivalent to 50-watt halogen lamp while using one-third the power. Life at 70% of initial lumen output is rated at 50,000 hours, which is more than 10-15 times longer than halogen providing for lower operating and maintenance costs with a great energy savings.
HORNET Recessed Multiples are designed with a clean painted trim that sits flush with the ceiling line, for minimal edge detail. A trimless fixture is also available with a perforated plaster ring that mounts to the aperture for the application of drywall compound which is applied directly to the plaster ring and feathered away for a clean installation look in the ceiling. High performance lighting applications are effectively achieved from above a smooth, uninterrupted surface, for a clean, unobtrusive aesthetic.
Amerlux uses micro-binned LEDs to minimize color variations from fixture to fixture. HORNET deploys a crisp light with a 3000K constant color temperature and up to a 90 CRI (color rendering index), but the fixtures are also available in 2700K, 3500K and 4000K temperature options at an 82 CRI. Clean consistent beams are delivered free of projected heat and UV/IR radiation, making them optimal for lighting color or heat sensitive merchandise. With full range dimmability and specialized optics, the luminaires are offered in White Texture, Black Texture and Silver Texture finishes are standard, but custom color options include over 200 durable powder coat painted finishes from the extensive Amerlux palette, to complement nearly any design scheme.
"Our Hornet Multiples offer designers the ultimate in energy efficient and high performance downlights," says Chuck Campagna, CEO and President of Amerlux. "A perfect complement to our new Hornet track luminaires, our Multiples deliver superior performance, ease of maintenance and versatility for a broad range of commercial applications."
HORNET fixtures are engineered with a die-cast lamp housing that is vented for optimal thermal management and conducive to high performance, precise optical alignment of the heads and reflectors for consistent performance from fixture to fixture.
The HORNET luminaires feature full range dimmability and Amerlux's specialized optics in a variety of beam spread distributions with soft edges, free of striations that can be adapted to a 15-degree spot to a 60-degree wide flood that can deliver up to 780 lumens.
Accessories include a Double Bezel, which accommodates up to two forms of media: a one-inch die cast aluminum Frontal Snoot; and a stamped steel painted optical matte black Cross Blade that sits in the snoot and receives up to two additional forms of media. Media cartridges include the Hexcel Louver, Spread Glass Lenses, Color Filters and Cross Blade for better glare control and cut-off for special effects.

Philips Lumileds Brings New Standards to Mid-Power LEDs for Illumination

Philips Lumileds today launched its first white, mid-power LED and in doing so has raised expectations for mid-power reliability, performance over time and temperature, and color maintenance. Intended for office and other distributed LED lighting solutions, Philips Lumileds uniquely specifies CCT, CRI, and R9 for each of its new mid-power emitters.
Philips Lumileds has utilized its vast know how, including proprietary phosphor technology, to create its first illumination mid-power LED. “We believe that many of the mid-power solutions being implemented today will see unplanned and unexpected color shift over time and we think the industry needs better LEDs,” said Philips.  Philips Lumileds other mid-power products include SuperFlux, SnapLED and SignalSure LEDs, which are the most widely used LEDs for automotive exterior lighting.

Siemens Osram light unit said to plan first China LED plant

Siemens AG (SIE), which is seeking to sell shares in its lighting subsidiary Osram this year, is drafting plans for its first production plant for light-emitting diodes in China, two people familiar with the project said. Osram has given the go-ahead for the project and is negotiating which parts of LEDs and related components it will produce in the country, said one of the people, who declined to be named as the plans haven’t yet been finalized.

Bus-Tops says it with LEDs

Bus-Tops, the collaborative public art installation across 20 London boroughs has installed 30 red and black LED screens on the rooves of bus shelters. So the best place to see the screens is from the top deck of a bus. The point of the exercise is not just the fun of hunting the Bus-Tops but also a comment on who can be an artist. Cibic’s work offers the chance for anyone to create a solo exhibition at the new project space Waddington Studios Projects in London in January 2013.

Nuclear Measurements Solution Provider Chooses Noribachi LED Illumination

Noribachi, a leading innovator of smart energy LED and solar lighting products, announces the successful LED lighting retrofit of the CANBERRA U.S. corporate headquarters in Meriden, Connecticut.
CANBERRA is part of the multinational AREVA Group and a global leader in providing nuclear measurement systems. At the forefront of the nuclear industry, CANBERRA develops highly specialized radiation detection equipment, precision work that demands the most advanced technologies to support it. Working within the demanding confines of nuclear regulation, CANBERRA selected Noribachi for their highly efficient, quality LED lighting products.
CANBERRA's loading area originally contained a combination of sixteen 400W high bay and flood lamps. By switching the eight 400W high bays out for 300W custom designed Noribachi LED bulbs, CANBERRA was able to completely eliminate the need for the eight flood lights, totally removing the fixtures, and reducing the total power consumption by over 60% while improving light levels.
In addition to cutting the energy costs by more than half, Noribachi's LED retrofit solutions extend light source lifetime from 1.5 years to over 5 years. Significant light quality improvement is another noticeable benefit, prompting Mike Raicik, Manager of Capital Project and Energy Management at CANBERRA, to note, "The LEDs are so bright and clear people keep coming into the area to see if the loading dock door is open."
Prior to Noribachi's illumination upgrade, CANBERRA's facility had suffered a reduction in their parking lot light levels after moving from 400W to 250W HID bulbs to save on energy expenses. Noribachi was able to ameliorate this condition by retrofitting all 26 of the 250W HID bulbs with custom crafted Noribachi LED bulbs that draw only 100W while generating light output equivalent to the 400W bulbs that CANBERRA had previously used.
Noribachi's success in retrofitting CANBERRA's parking lot extended to the rest of the facility's outdoor areas as well. Weary walkway lights that had emitted a ghastly orange glow found new life with Noribachi LED WALLPACK.L fixtures which produce a much whiter, clearer light and require three-quarters less energy to operate. To top off the upgrade Noribachi also furnished 8 new LED bollard fixtures for CANBERRA's entrance, ensuring proper illumination is the first impression visitors have when coming to the facility.
Thanks to the Noribachi illumination upgrade CANBERRA's global headquarters will save over $15,000 annually on energy costs and will reduce their draw from the grid by more than 63,000 kilowatt hours per year. For comparison, the average American home uses approximately 11,500 kilowatt hours per year, meaning that CANBERRA's energy savings is equivalent to making 6 US homes totally grid-independent, contributing to a stronger, more efficient manufacturing facility and easing demand on the local electrical utility.

New Sequential, Linear LED Drivers From Supertex

Supertex introduced CL8800 and CL8801, sequential, linear LED drivers designed to drive long strings of low cost, low current LEDs in solid-state replacements for fluorescent tubes, incandescent bulbs and CFL bulbs. Both ICs minimize driver circuit component counts, requiring just four or six resistors and a diode bridge in addition to the IC. Two to four additional components in the circuit provide transient protection, and neither capacitors nor magnetic components are required. Because the ICs are multi-stage linear current regulators, there are no high frequency switching currents and, thus, no need for a front-end EMI filter. CL8800 is intended for 230VAC input, while CL8801 is for 120VAC input. Luminous efficiencies of greater than 115lm/W are achievable with both ICs.
CL8800 has six current regulator outputs and CL8801 has four. These outputs tap a string of series parallel LEDs, and the regulators sink current at each tap and are sequentially turned on and off automatically, tracking the input sine wave voltage. Voltage across each regulator is minimized when conducting, providing typical efficiency of greater than 90%. Output current at each tap is individually resistor-adjustable. Cross regulation, as the IC switches from one regulator to another, provides smooth transitions. The current waveforms of both ICs can be tailored to optimize for input voltage range, line/load regulation, output power/current, efficiency, power factor, THD, dimmer compatibility and LED utilization. Both ICs are compatible with phase dimming with the addition of an RC network.
"CL8800 and CL8801 deliver very easy retrofit solutions for designers looking to replace existing fluorescent tubes or incandescent bulbs with more energy efficient solid-state lighting fixtures," states Jimes Lei, Director of Applications Engineering for Supertex. "The minimal component count required for both devices, as well as their efficient operation, make them an extremely attractive solution in terms of cost and performance."

Crane-Shaped Lamp

A former LEGO concept designer imaginatively reinterpreted the classic Castiglioni Arco lamp, which, when it made is debut in 1962, was an inspired piece of genius in itself. Taking cues from the forms of streetlamps, the Castiglioni brothers designed the floor lamp to hang eight feet away from the base. It suspended itself over the dinner table without requiring the typically messy wires and rigging of an overhead light.

Pelican Introduces 3715 LED Flashlight

With first responder professionals in mind, Pelican Products has introduced the 3715 LED flashlight. This lightweight and tough lighting tool was designed for the worst case scenario.  Featuring the all new downcast lighting mode which incorporates 3 5mm LEDs (32 lumens) to safely light the way, the 3715 LED will help first responders find their way through dark and smoky situations.  When used in downcast only mode, it enables first responders to read/write documents and reports as well as converse without blinding fellow responders.  When combined with the light's next generation main LED, it generates up to 174 lumens.
Additionally, the 3715 LED offers four light modes -- high (174 lumens), low (95 lumens), downcast (32 lumens) and signaling (142 lumens). Powered by 4 AA batteries (sold separately), its run time is 4 hours, 45 minutes on high with 8 hours, 30 minutes on low, 10 hours on signaling and 31 hours in downcast mode.
Other first-responder-friendly features include a four-level battery life indicator (indicated by blue LEDs built into the switch), a tethered battery door so it won't be lost in the field, an IPX4 water resistance rating and a stainless steel mounting clip with split ring. Constructed of nearly indestructible polymer, this flashlight has been rated for a drop test of two meters. In addition it sports the advanced safety approval - Class I, Division 1, which allows for safe usage in some of the most dangerous environments.

LA LED Introduces High Mast LED Light

LA LED, Louisiana manufacturer of LED lighting systems, is pleased to introduce their new Knight High Mast Light. This LED high mast light is designed to illuminate large areas where light distribution of a similar 1000 - 1500w metal halide is designed. The Knight HM can be mounted on a wall with a universal bracket, or suspended from a ceiling using a ceiling mount for interior high bay replacements, or mounted to a pole using the included pole mount.
Robert Owens, President of LA LED, said in making the announcement, “This is a full range versatile lighting system, which means that you needn’t worry whether you have 100v or 277v, because it will work utilizing a UL certified power supply. The light uses a unique version of Cree XPG LEDs, enabling it to outperform many competitive systems. The LED life in the field is 22.83 years at 6 hours per day average.”

Discount LED bulbs offered to farmers

The Delaware Electric Cooperative is planning to help poultry farmers in its service area convert from incandescent and compact fluorescent lights to the more energy-efficient LED lights. LEDs use about 80 percent less energy than traditional poultry lights, the co-op noted. The co-op anticipates each six-flock poultry house will be able to save $983 per year by installing the lights.

Cree Expands Industry’s Best-Selling CR LED Troffer Family

One year after introducing the revolutionary CR Series LED Troffer, Cree is expanding the CR Troffer family to address more applications and to eliminate the use of antiquated fluorescent technology in new or retrofit commercial and industrial settings. Cree is also announcing new pricing to drive even faster payback for building contractors, designers and owners.
The CR Series offers payback-friendly pricing and a no-compromise alternative to fluorescent lighting -- consuming nearly 50 percent less energy than a comparable linear fluorescent and delivering more than twice the lifetime. With an estimated payback of less than one year in a typical new office installation, Cree troffers provide superior performance and greater energy savings over fluorescent options.*
The new troffers now address three times the number of applications, including surface-mount, in-ceiling retrofits and suspended light engine luminaires. The popular CR24™ and CR22™ Troffers are available to ship directly from stock to accommodate high demand and jump-start end-user payback. Pricing for 0-10V dimming control to five-percent is significantly reduced, which means daylight harvesting has never been more affordable.
The CR Series has expanded three-fold by offering CR24 upgrade kits, a standalone light engine and SMK Series surface mount kits. The CR24 UPKIT provides a quick upgrade solution to replace existing, outdated fluorescent luminaires while leaving the ceiling intact. The light engine, CR-LE, is now available as a standalone luminaire and offers an economical alternative to replacing fluorescent strips in “back-of-the-house” lighting applications. The entire CR Series of troffers and light engines can now be installed in surface mount applications -- extending payback beyond T-bar ceilings. All of these solutions are built on the same great performance of the CR Troffer and are now available in the new 3000 Kelvin color temperature for retail and hospitality applications demanding beautiful, warm light.

World LED Replacement Lamps Market Will Exceed $ 3.7 Billion

Strategies Unlimited, the leading market research company covering LEDs and LED lighting, projects unit growth of 30% in 2012 -- 2016 for LED replacement lamps. The global market will grow from $2.2 billion in 2011 to $3.7 billion in 2016. The revenue growth will be moderated by a forecast 14% per year decline in the average selling price. The research covered LED lamps that are used in existing sockets and serve as replacements for legacy lighting sources in residential and commercial indoor applications.
On the supply side, manufacturers will continue to benefit from the oversupply of LED sand governmental subsidies that aim to advance the adoption of LED lighting.
On the demand side, the LED replacement market units growth rate is expected to be the highest in China at 44% CAGR. In 2011, the LED replacement A 19 bulbs were the highest selling product with Japan leading the number of units sold. Sales of PAR LED lamps and LED MR 16 were driven mostly by commercial applications in developed economies. However, this trend will be reversed as the construction sector recovers in developing countries.
LED replacements for linear fluorescent lamps yielded the highest units sales numbers in China and Japan; between 2010 and 2011 the average selling price declined at 23%. The U.S. and European markets yielded fewer sales due to stricter requirements for product quality.
LED Replacement Lamps Market Analysis and Forecast is the latest in a series of reports on LED lighting by Strategies Unlimited. Founded in 1979, the company has been conducting research on the LED market since 1994. Based in Mountain View, California,. Strategies Unlimited is a research unit of PennWell Corporation, a global media and information company. PennWell’s many brands include LEDs Magazine, Solid State Technology, and Laser Focus World.