Philips led the historic conversion of the Ball's light source from incandescent and halogen bulbs to its Luxeon LED technology in 2007-2008 as well as its subsequent upgrade to even more energy-efficient Luxeon LEDs in 2008-2009. Now, in 2009-2010, Philips will complete the final step in its conversion of the entire Times Square Ball application to a powerful and highly sustainable LED platform.
The 545 custom-designed Philips scalloped LED flood bulbs lighting the numerals use just nine watts each, compared to the 40 watts consumed by the incandescent and halogen bulbs previously used, representing a 78 percent energy savings. The new LED bulbs are designed for outdoor use and are rated to last for 25,000 hours based on the unique usage factors in the Times Square application.
Professional lighting users can enjoy the benefits of the Times Square Ball LED technology in their own end use applications, as a commercial version of the LED bulb used to light the numerals - the Philips EnduraLED PAR 30 Longneck - is now available for purchase through professional channels.
"Following our landmark upgrade of the Times Square Ball to LED technology over the past two years, we are very excited to deliver yet another innovative LED solution that helps to elevate the impact and sustainability of the ball through the use of our powerful new LED flood bulbs in the Numerals," said Ed Crawford, CEO, Philips Lighting North America.
"Global icons like the Times Square Ball are not the only applications that can enjoy the benefits of LED technology. In addition to offering a wide range of professional LED solutions, we are delighted to offer a broad line of LED retrofit bulbs to consumers for the first time, enabling everyone to enhance their life with light through high performance, energy efficient and long life LED lighting."
(Jim Evans)
