Is it magic? No, just an LED app.
When the Bruins defeated the Maple Leafs in a historic win a few nights ago, the LED lights in my bedroom started flashing the yellow, black, and brown of my favorite hockey team. I know what you’re thinking—I, Dr. Bulb, must have magical powers! Unfortunately I’ve yet to learn how to control the lights with my mind, but I can control them with the Philips Hue home lighting system. The innovative app allows you to control the LED lights in your home from an iOS or Android device. But the app goes further than simply turning lights on or...
read moreWhat’s A Watt Worth?
While attending friend Henry’s house party recently, I was disappointed to find that not only did he not read my blog, but he also didn’t use LED lighting around the house! With an annual cost per watt chart, I calculated that he was losing hundreds of dollars each year on the bollard lights lining the walkway to his house. Using only 15w, today’s most efficient LED equipped reflector bollards have 80% luminaire efficiency and produce 800 lumens. The metal-halide lamps and ballasts around my friend’s house require 70w to produce 816...
read moreCreate Less Light Pollution, Save The Turtles!
Did you know that newly hatched turtles need a dark night sky in order to orient toward the ocean? Newly hatched turtles follow the light, and that light is supposed to be the moon reflecting off the ocean. Because of light pollution, helpless turtles have been found wandering landward or near busy boardwalks instead of the ocean where they belong. Hatchlings are confused by the white light provided by lighting in housing units, outdoor lighting and even street lights, which are somewhat away from the water. The solution until now has been...
read moreIlluminating LED Products and Trends at LightFair International 2013
I, Dr. Bulb, was so caught up in lighting technology and all the illuminating possibilities that I forgot to sit down and blog at LightFair International (LFI)! For two days, I absorbed exciting information about new trends and innovative products that are changing the lighting industry at LightFair, the world’s largest annual architectural and commercial lighting trade show and conference. I also tried to get lighting celebrities to autograph my LED wallpacks and LED bollard lights to no avail. For the past several years, LFI has been...
read moreLightFair International, here I come!
It’s the most wonderful time of the year—LightFair International! I, Dr. Bulb, cannot properly express how ecstatic I am to spend days learning about new products, changes in the market, and other lighting solution topics. Even though I’m agnostic, I’d assume it’s better than Christmas, Kwanzaa, and maybe even Hanukkah—the festival of lights! For those who missed my previous blog, LFI is the premier event of the year for the lighting industry in the world. The architectural and commercial lighting trade show and conference returns...
read moreTurkeys love LED, too!
I, Dr. Bulb have found a new fellow LED enthusiast! Mike Langmo, a Minnesota turkey farmer, installed dimmable, programmable LED lamps in one of his barns in order to simulate natural light patterns indoors. The turkeys don’t even have to venture outside to experience a beautiful sunrise or sunset—a personal dream of Dr. Bulb! Simulating natural lighting patterns isn’t just for fun—it can help regulate the birds’ circadian rhythms, possibly resulting in healthier, more productive flocks. It hasn’t been 100% proven, but Langmo...
read moreTop 5 Lighting Apps
I, Dr. Bulb, may be old, but that doesn’t mean that I am not on the cutting edge of technology. I can wield an iPhone and navigate Google with the best of them. In this blog, I am going to showcase some of the best lighting apps on the market. Of course, I will be counting from backwards from five to one, because I enjoy the suspense. #5- Lighting Library The Pegasus lighting library contains an extensive lighting glossary, lighting FAQs, and access to residential and commercial lighting tips. The lighting industry is a...
read moreLightFair International 2013 Blog
It is that time of year again, on April 23, Light Fair International begins! For those who do not know, Light Fair International (LFI) is the premier event of the year for the lighting industry. An astounding 24,000 lighting enthusiasts from over 70 different countries attended LFI 2012 and even more are expected this year. The event will cover the launch of new products, changes in the market and other lighting solution topics. I, Dr. Bulb, will be headed to Light Fair 2013 and will of course post a blog with a first hand account of the...
read moreJapan Finds Rare Earth Deposit: 20,000 Feet Under The Sea
Good news, lighting fans! Japan has recently found a large reserve of rare earth metals off its Pacific coast. Until now, the rare earth market has been dominated by China, which produces around 90% of the world’s rare earth metals. In the past, China has been able to control the market by reducing production and raising prices. Unfortunately, the increase in cost is passed on to the customers. The recent find is said to be big enough to allow Japan to compete with China. This could lower the price of rare earth metals for the rest of...
read moreIts Time For March Madness! Basketball Lighting Blog
It’s that time again lighting fans, March Madness! 64 teams enter the bracket and only one comes out on top. I cannot wait to see my favorite school performing under the lights. President Obama may have chosen Indiana as his champion, but I, Dr. Bulb, have put my money on Louisville taking home the title. While watching these incredibly talented young men compete, you have to remember that they were not always playing on the big stage. Most basketball players learn the game at a young age on an outdoor court, hopefully one with quality...
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