Coventry Plans £10m LED Street Lighting Upgrade

Plans to upgrade Coventry's street lights with LED technology, costing over £10 million, are set to be reviewed by councillors.

The city council's cabinet will examine proposals on Tuesday to replace more than 29,000 individual lights.

Councillor Patricia Hetherton, the cabinet member for city services, stated that LED bulbs would help the authority reduce costs and its carbon footprint.

She mentioned that this upgrade would provide a better and more financially efficient service.

A report indicated that the council's energy bill for street lights was £3.4 million in the last financial year.

The new LED lighting would use nearly half the current energy consumption, leading to annual savings of £900,000 based on current costs. Additionally, the new bulbs would require significantly less maintenance, officials noted.

Philips Lighting Products Ordered to Recall 7-Year-Old Items

The German District Court of Düsseldorf has ruled in favor of Seoul Semiconductor in the patent infringement lawsuits, and also ordered that products manufactured by Philips Lighting and sold since March 2017 be recalled and destroyed.

The Court also ruled that a fine of up to €250,000 would be imposed for each violation of this order. On December 17, the German Federal Patent court also affirmed the validity of these patents, which solidifies the strength of many related patents.

These court orders relate to the core technology used to achieve CRI 70 (Color Rendering Index 70%) or higher, applicable to all home lighting, automotive lighting products, IT flash, and backlights. Since the effects of these judgments are applicable to all products infringing on the patented technology, it is expected to have a ripple effect on markets worth over $100 billion for finished goods and over $10 billion for packages in the lighting, automotive, and IT sectors.

Philips Lighting brand (currently Signify Group) is the world’s leading lighting company with 2023 annual revenue of approximately $7 billion. The Court ordered Conrad Electronic, the global distributor where these products are sold, to immediately cease the sale of certain products manufactured by affiliates of Philips Lighting brand, and also ordered the recall and destruction of infringing products distributed in the market since March 29, 2017. Additionally, the Court ruled that a fine of up to €250,000 per violation would be imposed for each non-compliance. This serves as a strong punitive measure to prevent the recurrence of such infringement activities. These court orders are applicable to all products with a CRI of 70 or higher, not just those manufactured by the affiliates of Philips Lighting brand. Particularly, by defeating the invalidation lawsuit filed by Philips Lighting, Seoul Semiconductor has strengthened the related patent technology.

For the past 30 years, Seoul Semiconductor has been pursuing its vision of "clean, healthy, and beautiful with light," striving to shift the paradigm from harmful artificial lighting to the light of nature. To achieve this, the company invests nearly $100 million annually, about 10% of its revenue, in research and development (R&D). As a result, Seoul Semiconductor holds an overwhelming number of over 18,000 optoelectronic patents in the LED industry and has collaborated with Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation (MCC) for years on joint research and development to improve CRI.

Lumary Will Make Its Debut at CES 2025 with Innovative Products

Lumary, an innovator in smart lighting and smart home technology, will make its in-person debut at CES 2025, showcasing its creative products: the Permanent Outdoor Light Max, UFO High Bay Light, and the Next-Generation 4-Zone Solar Watering Timer. These industry-first products, developed based on market demand forecasts, mark Lumary's entry into various segments of the smart home industry. During the event, Lumary will exhibit at the Lumary CES Experience Center, located at Booth #40548 in the South Hall 3.

Following the success of Lumary's first-generation permanent outdoor light on Amazon in 2023, Lumary developed the new permanent outdoor light max based on user feedback. The latest model features a split design, innovatively separating the base from the light body. Installation is as simple as securing the base under the eaves and sliding the light body into place. Additionally, the LED beads have been upgraded, with reduced spacing between them, resulting in significantly increased brightness and a more vibrant decorative ambiance at night.

Lumary introduces the concept of smart lighting to traditional UFO high bay light, addressing the challenges of complex wiring and lack of centralized control in workspaces like garages, workshops, warehouses, and barns. With the Lumary App and remote control, users can easily configure and flexibly group lights, allowing groupings to be customized, split, or reorganized based on different task requirements.

Equipped with a three-level motion sensor, the product enhances workspace safety while optimizing energy and time savings. The sensor detects motion up to 60 feet away, eliminating the need for manual switches, and offers adjustable illumination times ranging from 5 seconds to 60 minutes.

Following the launch of its first battery-powered smart irrigation system in April 2024, Lumary has further enhanced the user experience with the introduction of a Wi-Fi direct connection version, eliminating the need for a Bluetooth gateway. The new Wi-Fi module features low-power design, with energy consumption as low as 400μA/h.

The system is equipped with an adjustable solar panel and two 4V 550F super capacitors, significantly extending its battery life (with a lifespan of up to 50,000 hours). Additionally, a highly requested water usage monitoring feature has been added, offering more intelligent management for home garden irrigation.

LED Drivers for Lighting: Industry Growth Trends and Competitive Insights to 2030

The global market for LED Drivers for Lighting is estimated at US$25.8 Billion in 2023 and is projected to reach US$98.1 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 21.0% from 2023 to 2030.

The growth in the LED drivers market for lighting is driven by several factors, including the ongoing global shift towards energy efficiency, the continued expansion of smart home technology, and increasing regulatory requirements for energy-saving technologies. As governments worldwide implement stricter energy efficiency standards, the demand for advanced LED drivers that can meet these standards is increasing. This regulatory environment, coupled with growing consumer awareness about the benefits of energy conservation, propels the adoption of LED technology across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors.

Additionally, the rising popularity of smart home ecosystems has created a robust market for smart LED drivers that can be controlled via apps and integrated with other home automation systems, providing both convenience and energy savings. Technological advancements that enable the production of more reliable and cost-effective LED drivers also contribute to market growth, making LEDs an increasingly attractive option for a wide range of lighting applications.

Collectively, these factors ensure the continued expansion of the LED drivers market, reflecting the broader trends of energy conservation, technological integration, and environmental responsibility.

Frontier Senior Living and Nobi Join Forces to Save Lives with AI-Powered Smart Lamps in 56 Communities Nationwide

Following a highly successful trial that delivered life-saving results, Nobi, announced a transformative partnership with Frontier Senior Living, one of the largest senior-housing operators in the United States. This collaboration will bring Nobi's AI-powered Smart Lamps to 56 Frontier communities, spanning 3,700 living units, redefining fall detection and prevention to enhance safety and save lives in senior care.

In June 2024, Nobi conducted pilots at two Frontier memory-care communities — installing Smart Lamps in 31 units in total. The results were transformative:

Eliminated long-lie falls, with an average intervention time of under 4 minutes.
Reduced average intervention times by 84% and maximum intervention times by 95%.
"Among the oldest residents, prolonged periods spent on the ground after a fall increase mortality rates by over 50% in the following six months," said Niels Coch, Head of Nobi USA. "With intervention times consistently under 4 minutes, the Frontier Senior Living team is truly saving lives and reducing long-term care needs. Their staff's dedication and efficiency in responding to incidents are exemplary – they should be proud of that, and we are proud that Nobi can provide the tools to make their care even more impactful."

Nobi Smart Lamps not only enhance safety but also create efficiencies for care teams by streamlining post-incident investigations. "For falls with unidentified causes, our staff would previously spend hours gathering information and reporting," continued Moody.

Nobi's AI-powered Smart Lamps seamlessly integrate into senior-living environments, offering an elegant design and unparalleled functionality. Their capabilities include fall prevention, real-time fall detection, and circadian rhythm lighting, all while respecting the highest standards of privacy.

Profoto Announces Pro-B3 750Ws Powerful Monolight

Profoto introduces the exceptionally powerful Pro-B3 750Ws Monolight—a battery-powered flash system that delivers superb performance, extensive customization options via modifiers, and durability that's been proven by previous Profoto Pro-series lights. Boasting the shortest flash duration in its category and a speedy recycling time, the Pro-B3 makes freezing action effortless. It features an 11-stop range with 0.1 stop increments for extensive control of lighting strength. Also, for continuous lighting, a 56W LED is featured with a high CRI of over 92 for excellent color clarity.

Profoto Pro-B3 750Ws Monolight

Key Features

    750Ws Light, LED Modeling Lamp
    Output: 2380 Lux at 3.3' (5600K)
    Built-In AirX Connectivity
    0.01-2.0 Sec Recycling Time
    1/75,000 Sec Freeze Mode Flash Duration
    11-Stop Power Range: 0.8 - 750Ws
    Sync, TTL, HSS & Remote Control
    Vast Profoto Modifier Compatibility
    60-Minute Battery Life at Full Power

Simply put, the Profoto Pro-B3 750Ws Monolight is a battery-powered flash system that delivers superb performance, extensive customization options via modifiers, and durability that's been proven by previous Profoto Pro-series lights. Boasting the shortest flash duration in its category and a speedy recycling time, the Pro-B3 makes freezing action effortless. It features an 11-stop range with 0.1 stop increments for extensive control of lighting strength. Also, for continuous lighting, a 56W LED is featured with a high CRI of over 92 for excellent color clarity.

The incorporation of Eco, Boost, and Freeze mode enables even greater control of the monolight by allowing users to decide between flash capacitor longevity, extra power, or shorter flash duration.

The Profoto Pro-B3 comes available in a standard kit with a case and accessories or a duo kit, which provides two flashes, accessories, and a larger case that can fit both monolights.

Ultimately, the Pro-B3's impressive 750W output, intuitive controls and wide compatibility with light-shaping accessories make it a strong choice for photographers in need of a reliable light source for on-location shoots.

Beurer announced the release of two new products designed to bring the benefits of natural sunlight into your home

Beurer announced the release of two new products designed to bring the benefits of natural sunlight into your home routine: the Sunny Daylight Lamp, TL35, and the Extra Bright Daylight Lamp, TL95. These daylight lamps are more than just lights—they are transformative tools for enhancing well-being, focus, and energy, designed to bring the uplifting power of natural light into your routine.

Reduced sunlight exposure during certain times of the year may lead to feelings of low energy, difficulty concentrating, and disrupted sleep patterns. Beurer's TL35 and TL95 are thoughtfully designed to support wellness by mimicking the brightness and spectrum of natural sunlight. These lamps aim to improve mood, boost energy, and encourage healthy sleep patterns for anyone seeking the benefits of light in their daily routine.

Beurer's daylight lamps also offer year-round advantages. In today's modern lifestyles, many people spend significant time indoors under artificial lighting, even in sunny climates. Beurer's innovative daylight lamps provide a sunlight-inspired solution to help create a more vibrant, energizing, and productive environment for everyone.

Sunny Daylight Lamp TL35
Compact, stylish, and versatile, the TL35 is perfect for creating a personalized daylight experience at home or in the office.

Key features include:

    10,000 LUX Light Therapy: Simulates bright daylight to promote energy, mood, and focus.
    Three Color Temperatures: Active Mode (cool white) for concentration, Therapy Mode (natural daylight) for well-being, and Relax Mode (warm light) for unwinding.
    Four Brightness Levels: Adjustable settings for customized comfort.

Extra Bright Daylight Lamp TL95
Designed for those seeking maximum impact, the TL95 offers a powerful light therapy experience with added convenience. Key features include:

    10,000 LUX Light Therapy: Simulates bright daylight to promote energy, mood, and focus.
    Six Brightness Levels: Effortlessly customize your light therapy session.
    Extra-Large Illumination Area: Ensures full exposure for effective light therapy.

Panasonic Connect Europe unveils its first LED display

Panasonic Connect Europe has unveiled its first LED display, the newest addition to its lineup of professional displays. The 110in TL-110AD12AW LED display is designed for higher education, in classrooms and university lecture theatres, or for corporate environments.

The all-in-one LED display features a brightness of 700 cd/m2 and a pixel pitch of 1.27mm, delivering what the company describes as 'high-quality images with no colour deviation, even in bright environments'.

Panasonic says, for the first time, the new 110in model features multiple Intel SDM slots, allowing for AVoIP integration with various proprietary or third-party function boards.

Most traditional LED displays have complex systems that are difficult and time consuming to operate, whilst not being compatible with other devices. The all-in-one Intel SDM-enabled 110in LED display addresses these pain points, providing increased interoperability as customers look for complete, holistic, IP-based solutions that meet complex project requirements.

NUS researchers innovate scalable robotic fibres with light-emitting, self-healing and magnetic properties

A team of interdisciplinary scientists from the Department of Materials Science and Engineering under the College of Design and Engineering at the National University of Singapore (NUS) has developed flexible fibres with self-healing, light-emitting and magnetic properties.

The Scalable Hydrogel-clad Ionotronic Nickel-core Electroluminescent (SHINE) fibre is bendable, emits highly visible light, and can automatically repair itself after being cut, regaining nearly 100 per cent of its original brightness. In addition, the fibre can be powered wirelessly and manipulated physically using magnetic forces.

With multiple useful features incorporated into a single device, the fibre finds potential applications as light-emitting soft robotic fibres and interactive displays. It can also be woven into smart textiles.

The team's research, conducted in collaboration with the Institute for Health Innovation & Technology (iHealthtech) at NUS, was published in Nature Communications on 3 December 2024.

Light-emitting fibres have become an area of burgeoning interest owing to their potential to complement existing technologies in multiple domains, including soft robotics, wearable electronics and smart textiles. For instance, providing functionalities like dynamic lighting, interactive displays and optical signalling, all while offering flexibility and adaptability, could improve human-robot interactions by making them more responsive and intuitive.

However, the use of such fibres is often limited by physical fragility and the difficulty of integrating multiple features into one single device without adding complexity or increasing energy demands.

The NUS research team's SHINE fibre addresses these challenges by combining light emission, self-healing and magnetic actuation in a single, scalable device. In contrast to existing light-emitting fibres on the market, which cannot self-repair after damage or be physically manipulated, the SHINE fibre offers a more efficient, durable and versatile alternative.

The fibre is based on a coaxial design combining a nickel core for magnetic responsiveness, a zinc sulphide-based electroluminescent layer for light emission and a hydrogel electrode for transparency. Using a scalable ion-induced gelation process, the team fabricated fibres up to 5.5 metres long that retained functionality even after nearly a year of open-air storage.

The fibre's hydrogel layer self-heals through chemical bond reformation under ambient conditions, while the nickel core and electroluminescent layer restore structural and functional integrity through heat-induced dipole interactions at 50 degrees Celsius.

The SHINE fibre can be knitted or woven into smart textiles that emit light and easily self-heal after being cut, adding an element of durability and functionality to wearable technology. With its intrinsic magnetic actuation, the fibre itself can also function as a soft robot, capable of emitting light, self-healing, navigating confined spaces and signalling optically even after being completely severed. Additionally, the fibre can be used in interactive displays, where its magnetism allows for dynamic pattern changes that facilitate optical interaction and signalling in the dark.

Photonics Market to grow by USD 321.9 Billion from 2024-2028

The global photonics market  size is estimated to grow by USD 321.9 Billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of  6.45%  during the forecast period. Reduction in transmission costs and scalability beyond 400g is driving market growth, with a trend towards emergence of optical data centers.

The Photonics Market is experiencing significant growth, particularly in sectors like Healthcare, Information Technology, and Telecommunication. Light-based technology, including Lidar, 3D printing, and laser technology, are trending in industries such as Biotechnology, Biomedical Engineering, and Machine Vision Technology. In Healthcare, non-invasive procedures using medical lasers and OCT scanning are revolutionizing Women's Health. Photonics plays a crucial role in 5G deployment with fiber optic cables and photonic integrated circuits. Economic growth is driven by photonics-based computing and data traffic in cloud-based services. Environmental considerations are important, with photonics-based devices offering energy efficiency, material waste reduction, and solar energy solutions. Strategic activities include defense operations, imaging systems for target acquisition, and photonics applications in aerospace, energy, and broadcasting. Companies like Hamamatsu Photonics, Celestial AI, and Corning are leading the way in this dynamic market. Competitive insights reveal opportunities in biometric identification, surveillance systems, and quantum computing.

The data center market has experienced significant expansion due to the increasing popularity of cloud applications and big data analytics. Modern data centers consist of numerous servers, necessitating a large and efficient interconnection network. Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) in optical technology offers terabit data transmission capabilities for such networks. Optical switching, an essential component of photonics, enables fast and energy-efficient intra-data center switching. The photonics industry is crucial in realizing ultra-high-speed optical switches. Disaggregation, a common practice, separates networking, storage, and power resources into modular racks, ensuring each server has its dedicated resources.

Orion Secures Major New Account in Turnkey LED Lighting Retrofit Projects

Orion Energy Systems, a provider of energy-efficient LED lighting, electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, and maintenance service solutions, has been selected to provide lighting retrofit solutions for a North American Building Products distributor covering over 400 locations. The project will commence in Orion's Q3 FY25 and is anticipated to continue for several years. Orion values the total opportunity as $12 - $18M with about $1M anticipated for FY25.

The project encompasses site visits, lighting audits, fixture manufacturing, project management, and the installation and commissioning of industry-leading LED lighting systems across the customer's national store footprint. Orion will provide a combination of LED high bays, strip fixtures, office troffers, and some exterior wall pack and area fixtures based on each location's specific needs.

The lighting upgrade program is designed to substantially reduce the customer's annual energy usage and carbon footprint from lighting, while also enhancing the lighting environment and safety of each location for the benefit of employees, customers and vendors.

Planar Expands Planar CarbonLight LED Display Family

Planar announced the launch of the next-generation Planar CarbonLight CLI Series indoor LED video wall displays. Delivering enhanced visual performance and an updated cabinet design, the upgraded line of lightweight LED indoor video wall displays bolsters Planar’s support for applications in rental and staging, in-camera virtual production and extended reality, on-camera broadcast and more.

The Planar CarbonLight CLI Series now supports the most demanding video performance with up to two times improvement in scan and refresh rates and enhanced gray scale as well as an upgraded brightness of up to 1,500 nits.

A new 500x1000 cabinet size joins the existing 500x500 size, enabling faster video wall setup and teardown when paired with the series’ fast-mounting hardware. Customers also benefit from as much as 19 percent weight savings with cabinets weighing as little as 4.3 kilograms or 9.5 pounds, which are also high strength to support hanging or stacking installations up to 20 meters or 65.5 feet tall and 1,000 kilograms or over 2,200 pounds in weight. The new displays are available in 1.9, 2.6, 2.9 and 3.5 millimeter pixel pitches. For applications requiring 1.5 or 5.2 millimeter pixel pitches, the prior generation of Planar CarbonLight CLI Series is still available for order.

Planar CarbonLight CLI Series new displays can be hung, wall mounted or used in free-standing installations. The enhanced series also features added deployment versatility, supporting video wall installations with curved surfaces and acute angles as a result of the solution’s 30-degree beveled edges. In addition to improved thermal management, the series offers toolless installation and front and rear maintenance for efficient setup and teardown.

The industry leader’s expansion of the Planar CarbonLight LED display family also includes a new 5.9 millimeter pixel pitch model addition to Planar® CarbonLight™ CLM Series line of thin and lightweight LED displays. Featuring transparent and non-transparent carbon fiber structure, the series supports unique viewing experiences for indoor and outdoor events.

The Shops at Crystals unveils 55-foot tree with 100,000 LEDs

The Shops at Crystals on the Las Vegas Strip is celebrating the holiday season with an array of stunning custom decorations throughout the luxury shopping center.

Visitors are invited to capture memories with the display's centerpiece, a 55-foot holiday tree adorned with over 100,000 LED lights and over 5,000 Swarovski ornaments.

This signature tree, created exclusively for The Shops at Crystals, is located on Level 1, directly across from Louis Vuitton.

Marelli named Top Innovator at CLEPA Innovation Awards with h-Digi microLED lighting technology

Marelli has been named a 'Top Innovator' at the Innovation Awards 2024 by CLEPA – the European Association of Automotive Suppliers – with its h-Digi microLED technology, a cutting-edge headlight solution that enhances safety at affordable costs, enabling adoption across a wide range of vehicles. The technology was honored in the 'Digital' category, during a ceremony held on December 4th in Brussels.

The CLEPA Innovation Awards recognize and celebrate ground-breaking ideas in green and digital technology across the automotive supply industry. This marks the second consecutive year that Marelli has been awarded by CLEPA for its innovations in the 'Digital' category (after being honored in 2023 for its HorizonView head-up display). This category recognizes smart solutions within the mobility ecosystem, driven by digitalization.

Based on a new intelligent multipixel LED matrix light source, Marelli's h-Digi® microLED module enables fully adaptive, dynamic headlight operation and high-resolution image projection on the road for driver assistance in a more affordable, compact, lightweight module than any other solution currently on the market.

The h-Digi microLED modulates the light pattern according to objects that are detected through a combination of cameras and sensors, making night-time driving safer – also thanks to full beam lighting that reduces glare for all road users. This innovation expands the availability of high-resolution Adaptive Driving Beams (ADBs), making this affordable safety feature more accessible to the market.

With pixels smaller than 0.1 degree, the resolution of the illumination matrix system is 10 times greater than that of conventional LED glare-free high beam systems and creates a significantly longer illumination range, thus improving safety. The high-resolution system offers benefits also in the low beam mode, as it provides the opportunity for adaptive lighting functions, like dynamic light bending on country roads, or special light patterns on highways during high-speed driving, and also adaptive lighting in adverse weather situations. In addition, each h-Digi® microLED can project graphics onto the road in the driver's line of sight to communicate safety messages, warnings or simple driver assistance patterns such as lane guides. The solution also offers the opportunity for individualization and, potentially, also personalization through attractive "welcome" and "leaving home" projections.

The compact design of the module results in high energy efficiency. Two micro-LED options are available: one of 25,600 pixels configured in an aspect ratio of 1:4, the other of 19,200 pixels configured as an aspect ratio of 1:3. The lighting source is combined with a special optical lens system and a new electronic control, both engineered in-house by Marelli.

Blue Square X Debuts Vision X LED Displays Featuring Jennifer Steinkamp at Art Basel Miami Beach 2024

The Vision X A-Series sets a new standard in LED display technology with its advanced Chip-on-Board (COB) LED packaging and flip chip design. Offering pixel spacings as tight as 0.9 to 1.5 millimeters, these displays deliver ultra-high contrast, wide viewing angles, and exceptional durability. Coupled with reduced power consumption, the Vision X A-Series provides an unparalleled visual experience while ensuring long-term reliability

Renowned digital artist Jennifer Steinkamp presented nine of her captivating creations on Blue Square X's Vision X Art Totem at Art Basel Miami Beach. Towering at just under 10 feet tall and 8 feet wide, the Vision X Art Totem provides an extraordinary platform to bring Steinkamp's exploration of nature and digital artistry to life.

The Vision X Art Totem brings Steinkamp's signature animations of swaying trees and blooming flowers to life with vivid colors, deep blacks, and seamless motion rendering. This immersive display highlights her ability to merge technology and nature, creating transformative visual experiences that captivate audiences.  Get a sneak peek of her art in action here.

Flip-chip technology is a game-changer for LED displays, significantly enhancing their durability and reliability. Unlike traditional designs that rely on wire bonding, flip-chip LEDs eliminate this potential weak point, resulting in a more robust structure that can withstand continuous use and demanding conditions. This design also improves heat dissipation, ensuring consistent performance and extending the lifespan of the display. For digital installations like those featuring Jennifer Steinkamp's work, flip-chip technology guarantees precise, uninterrupted visuals, allowing audiences to fully engage with the art as intended, regardless of the environment.

Auckland Airport completes runway lighting upgrade

Auckland Airport has become the first in New Zealand to switch its runway lighting to LEDs.

The airport has installed 600 LED lights along its 3.6km runway, replacing the old halogen lamps. Up to 20 lights are replaced at a time during twice-weekly overnight runway maintenance closures.

In total, 240 new centreline lights, 186 touchdown zone lights, 52 threshold lights, and 124 runway edge lights have been installed. These LED lights are expected to last 15 times longer than halogen lights and use 70% less power.

A new power center is also under construction at the western end of the airfield, slated for completion next year.

Leuze introduces Power PinPoint LED technology in sensors for precise and reliable object detection

New optical sensors feature enhanced detection capabilities and faster commissioning with Power PinPoint LED technology.

The Power PinPoint LED from Leuze emits the maximum light power from a very small surface. The new light source technology can be used to finely position stacker cranes, among other things, using diffuse reflection sensors.

Aligning and commissioning sensors is often very time-consuming. The Power PinPoint LED from Leuze now makes this much quicker and easier. The sensors’ light-emitting diode emits its maximum light power from a very small surface. The Power PinPoint LED generates a light spot that maintains its size, shape and homogeneity over the sensor's entire working range enabling simple and fast commissioning.

This technology also increases process reliability through precise detection. The innovative light source is available for the first time with Leuze’s new 33C and 35C sensor series as well as the 25C, 3C and 5B diffuse sensor series.

Haier Its 2025 Flagship TV to the Heart of Melbourne Park

Haier, as the official TV and home appliances partner of the Australian Open and Summer of Tennis Events from 2025 to 2027, has disclosed that its premier television for 2025—the M96 series of QD-Mini LED 4K TVs—will be featured at Melbourne Park to enhance the experience for tennis enthusiasts.

Starting on January 6, 2025, the Australian Open, one of the world's prestigious Grand Slam tennis events, will embark on a three-week "tennis carnival" at Melbourne Park. Haier will unveil its 2025 flagship TV, the M96 series, at its fans interaction booth onsite, offering tennis enthusiasts superior experience in match broadcasting and gaming.

The Haier M96 series TV features the latest 4K QD-Mini LED display, supporting HDR10+ and Dolby Vision IQ for superior visual quality. Its AI Picture Quality Processor (AIPQ) adeptly enhances picture quality, with sports as a key scenario, to deliver exceptional details even in high-intensity matches. The low-reflection screen minimizes glare and reflections to ensure color accuracy and sharpness even in challenging lighting conditions such as Melbourne's summer sun. Enhanced by the renowned KEF audio and AI vocal separation technology, it offers an ultra-smooth and immersive audio-visual experience.

The Haier M96 series is ideal for console gamers for its exceptional performance and customizable gaming mode. Fans can immerse themselves in interactive tennis games onsite and sustain the thrills.

With a minimalist design of sleek, full-display aesthetic and zero-gap structure, this ultra-thin TV body can fit seamlessly against the wall. Available in three sizes—75, 85, and 100 inches—it maximizes experience across various settings.

TU Braunschweig researchers, in collaboraiton with OUAS and ams-OSRAM are looking into using microLEDs for AI computing

Researchers at the Nitride Technology Centre (NTC) at TU Braunschweig, in collaboration with Ostfalia University of Applied Sciences and ams OSRAM, are looking into the use of microLED devices in neuromorphic computing.

The researchers say that the adoption of microLED devices may lead to highly efficiency AI computers.

The basic idea is to mimic the biological neural network by using photonic components. The researchers are combining GaN components with conventional silicon microelectronics to create highly integrated arrays with hundreds of thousands of micro-LED. Using microLEDs can enable a power reduction by a factor of 10,000 compared to current technologies.

Research team from ams OSRAM and Fraunhofer wins the Deutscher Zukunftspreis for Digital Light

Germany’s President Frank-Walter Steinmeier honored the winners of the Deutscher Zukunftspreis 2024 at a formal ceremony in Berlin.

The award was presented to a team of experts led by Dr. Norwin von Malm and Stefan Grötsch from ams OSRAM and Dr. Hermann Oppermann from the Fraunhofer Institute for Reliability and Microintegration IZM for the technological implementation of their idea — an LED matrix that turns car headlights into projectors.

The LED technology developed by the team opens up new possibilities for innovative designs thanks to its high-resolution light distribution and its energy efficiency.

As part of their Digital Light project, the researchers and their teams have completely rethought intelligent LED technology and established a basic technology that enables numerous new applications, even beyond car headlights. Dr. Norwin von Malm and Stefan Grötsch from ams OSRAM and Dr. Hermann Oppermann from Fraunhofer IZM have developed a light source that is smaller, lighter, more efficient, more intelligent and more precise in its light output than conventional light sources. The new system will allow car headlights, for example, to illuminate the road ahead precisely and brightly without blinding or endangering oncoming traffic or pedestrians.

A conventional low-beam/high-beam combination is not an option here because it must be possible to control the light’s spatial distribution and for the light itself to adapt to the respective situation. To achieve this, the new headlight does not use two light sources like conventional headlights. Instead, it relies on 25,600 LEDs in a matrix of 320 x 80 points, where each individual LED can be controlled with a digital signal. In combination with a special lens, this creates a headlight that works much like a video projector.

The new system requires minimal installation space and is highly efficient since only the LEDs that are actually required for the desired light distribution are switched on. Systems with passive light modulation, by contrast, rely on shading, meaning that the light source is always on at full power, and the undesired light is filtered back out. However, this is an inefficient solution, since it involves generating unnecessary light. Furthermore, the generated heat must be dissipated, which requires large and expensive cooling systems. The new system prevents these losses from occurring in the first place.

To increase safety, ams OSRAM and Fraunhofer have come up with something special: Their headlight not only provides precise and efficient light for the road ahead; it also acts as a projector and can project pictograms onto the road, e.g., a snowflake if there is a risk of frost or a specific symbol for wrong-way drivers.

Light-based information opens up many new use cases for the team’s LED matrix, which can be controlled via a digital system. Examples include optical data communication between computer chips, e.g., in data centers for AI applications, or augmented reality (AR). Here, the light matrix could be used as a virtual monitor for AR glasses, where digital information is displayed in the user’s field of vision in addition to the real-world environment. A compact design and energy efficiency are essential here since AR glasses must be lightweight and have a long battery life. These use cases demonstrate the enormous potential of Digital Light when it comes to transforming the ways humans and electronic devices interact.

Brighter LEDs with low polarization resist ‘efficiency droop’

Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are ubiquitous, from smartphones to home lighting. However, today’s LEDs have a major limitation: when the operator tries to make them brighter by increasing their power, they become less efficient. 

Now, a team of researchers at Nagoya University in Japan has found a way to make LEDs brighter while maintaining their efficiency. Their research promises to reduce the cost and environmental impact of LED production while improving performance in applications such as visible light communication and virtual reality (VR) glasses. A study describing this development appears in Laser & Photonics Review.

InGaN LEDs represent the most efficient light source globally, although they typically operate at low power levels. To obtain brighter light, it is necessary to increase their power. However, an increase in power supplied to the LED results in a decrease in its efficiency, a phenomenon known as efficiency droop.

One way to overcome efficiency droop is to increase the area of the LED, which increases light output, but it also requires a larger chip. As a result, fewer LEDs can be obtained from a wafer, the thin piece of semiconductor material made from InGaN that serves as the base for the fabrication of LED devices. This results in higher production costs and greater environmental impact, according to the Nagoya announcement.

RecodeXR utilises Brompton LED processing for Manchester-based full service virtual production studio

RecodeXR provides turn-key services from their state-of-the-art virtual production studio in Manchester, UK.

RecodeXR was co-founded by Technical Director Gareth Turner and Virtual Production Director Paul McHugh, who are passionate about producing high-fidelity visuals.

The RecodeXR team are passionate games engine devotees with a heritage working in the games industry and 23 years producing high-end VFX, placing them in a unique position to produce ground-breaking XR content. They have also recently been appointed as ambassadors to Aximmetry Software.

The studio recently relocated to Space Studios, a purpose-built facility for high-end TV, film and commercial production, a move McHugh describes as ideal for scaling their resources across multiple stages. The LED setup features a 10m by 4m curved LED wall comprising Absen 2.5mm LED panels, purchased through PSCo, and is powered by two 4K Tessera SX40 LED processors and three Tessera XD 10G data distribution units.

Automotive Lighting Market to Grow by USD 12.38 Billion (2024-2028)

The global automotive lighting market  size is estimated to grow by USD 12.38 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of almost 8.09%  during the forecast period. Increasing demand for effective interior lighting is driving market growth, with a trend towards development of autonomous vehicles. However, high cost of led lamps  poses a challenge.

The Automotive Lighting Market is experiencing significant growth due to increasing demand from car users for advanced lighting systems in both passenger cars and commercial vehicles. Luxury vehicles lead the trend with adaptive lighting systems, such as LED lights and Xenon or HID headlights, becoming standard features. Indium gallium nitide and aluminum gallium arsenide are popular materials for these systems. Adaptive lighting includes projector headlights, reflector headlights, OLED, matrix LEDs, and laser glare-free lighting systems.

These technologies enhance visibility during vehicle movements, especially on road tracks with pedestrians, road hazards, and traffic collisions. Passenger cars, buses, LCVs (light commercial vehicles) like pickup trucks, delivery vans, and heavy trucks are all adopting energy-efficient LED technology for headlights, tail lights, brake lights, reversing lights, turn signal lights, and interior lighting. Vehicle manufacturers focus on dynamic light sequencing, Dynamic Light System, and smart lighting systems to improve safety and road safety.

The two-wheeler lighting market also follows this trend. Autonomous driving and specialized lighting technologies further boost the market growth. Traditional fixtures like halogen bulbs are being replaced by LED lamps due to their superior illumination and cooling equipment efficiency. Battery technology and charging infrastructure development in electric vehicles also impact the automotive lighting market. The market size is expected to grow based on increasing per capita income, vehicle aesthetics, and lighting design considerations.

Leading automotive companies, including Delphi, Continental, Bosch, Daimler, Scania, and Volvo, are making significant strides in expanding the autonomous driving market. Their efforts, such as research and development, have led to increased acceptance of semi-autonomous features in both passenger and commercial vehicles. By the end of the forecast period, self-driving cars may become a reality, with a substantial number of these vehicles expected to be on the road within the next decade. These prominent automotive vendors have advanced in their research on autonomous vehicles, and the development and testing of features in advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and telematics/connected vehicle applications and services are estimated to continue.

Smartkem and AUO Partner to Develop a New Generation of Rollable, Transparent MicroLED Displays

Smartkem, positioned to power the next generation of displays using its disruptive organic thin-film transistors (OTFTs), has partnered with AUO, the largest display manufacturer in Taiwan, to jointly develop the world's first advanced rollable, transparent microLED display using Smartkem's technology.

'We believe that collaborating with global display industry leader AUO to develop a novel microLED display puts Smartkem's technology on the frontier of microLED display commercialization. Our unique transistor technology is expected to enable display manufacturers to efficiently produce microLED displays, making mass production commercially viable. Smartkem's technology has the potential to take today's microLED TVs from high end market prices of $100,000 down to mass market prices,' stated Ian Jenks, Smartkem Chairman and CEO.

'Because our transistors are processed at such a low temperature compared to other technologies, we are able to pour them directly on top of the microLEDs, completely eliminating the problematic mass transfer and laser welding processes required with other technologies. The key feature that enables the development of this microLED display is our unique low temperature process that allows the use of low-cost, flexible plastic rather than glass. We believe that, if successful, this collaboration will be a significant milestone for Smartkem in its road to commercialization, and for microLED display product development using our technology.'

Lighting Market to Expand by USD 54.76 Billion (2024-2028)

The global lighting market size is estimated to grow by USD 54.76 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of  6.89%  during the forecast period. Growing number of developments and lighting product launches is driving market growth, with a trend towards advances in automotive lighting systems.

The lighting market is witnessing significant trends in various sectors including interior designing, photography, and scientific research. LED lights are leading the charge with their energy efficiency and long life span, replacing traditional incandescent, CFL, LFL, HID, and halogen bulbs. Scientists are also exploring the use of LEDs for growing plants and in developing countries for off-grid solar solutions. In the automotive sector, LED lighting is becoming standard in headlamps and taillights, while solar is powering outdoor lighting in urban cities and commercial buildings. Effective manufacturers like Signify are launching energy-efficient luminaires and smart lighting systems, reducing electricity consumption and operating costs. The Biden Harris Administration is promoting energy efficiency and environmental sustainability initiatives, driving demand for cost-effective, energy-saving solutions. Smart lighting solutions are also being integrated into HVAC, security, and building automation systems, improving urban infrastructure and reducing logistics inefficiency. The horticulture sector is using LEDs for growing plants, and smart LED bulbs are being used in advertising, aviation, medical devices, and camera flashes. The market for LED lights in residential sector, retail, and commercial buildings is expected to grow significantly due to their cost-effectiveness and life expectancy. The semiconductor industry is also investing in research and development to improve the performance and affordability of LEDs.

However, environmental degradation and energy problems remain challenges that need to be addressed, making energy efficiency and environmental sustainability key priorities. The CEA systems and EcoLink range are also gaining popularity for their smart outdoor lighting solutions. The market for LED fixtures in real estate, parking lots, and smart cities initiatives is expected to grow significantly in the coming years.