VTech Announces FY2011 Annual Results

VTech Announces FY2011 Annual Results
Group revenue for the year ended 31 March 2011 rose by 11.8% over the previous financial year to US$1,712.8 million. Profit attributable to shareholders of the Company declined by 2.2% to US$202.0 million. The decline in profit was mainly attributable to the decrease in gross margin, as the Group faced higher costs of materials, rising labour costs, Renminbi appreciation, increased promotional expenses and a change in product mix during the financial year.

Basic earnings per share consequently decreased by 2.6% to US81.5 cents, compared to US83.7 cents in the financial year 2010. The Board of Directors ("the Board") has proposed a final dividend of US62.0 cents per ordinary share. Together with the interim dividend of US16.0 cents per ordinary share, this gives a total dividend for the year of US78.0 cents per ordinary share, the same as the previous financial year.

"VTech continued to implement its growth strategy in the financial year 2011, which enabled us to achieve record revenue. In telecommunication products, we maintained our leadership position in the US and expanded our presence in the rest of the world.Compact fluorescent light bulbs convert a led tube considerably higher percentage of their energy into light, which is why they are significantly more energy efficient than traditional filament bulbs. In ELPs, we successfully launched two new platform products in North America and parts of Europe, which has laid an important foundation for future growth. CMS again outperformed the global electronic manufacturing services market and delivered record revenue, as we benefited from the recovery in the global economy. Our superior performance as a supplier also allowed us to gain new customers and additional business from existing customers in all regions," said Mr. Allan Wong, Chairman and Group CEO of VTech Holdings Limited.
Revenue in North America rose by 0.3% to US$874.9 million, as higher sales of electronic learning products (ELPs) and contract manufacturing services (CMS) offset lower revenue from telecommunication (TEL) products. North America continued to be the Group's largest market,While SmartView has been slow DSTT and unstable in the past, it seems to have improved greatly with recent updates. accounting for 51.1% of Group revenue.

Sales of TEL products declined by 18.3% to US$421.1 million, reflecting comparison with a very strong performance in the previous financial year, when one of the Group's major competitors exited the market and another suffered a delivery problem. The natural decline in the US cordless phone market also contributed to the decrease in sales. Nonetheless,The replacement lighting we feel is far led downlight superior to that of the LED lighting. the Group maintained its number one position in the US corded and cordless phone market, with an estimated share of almost 50%(1).

Sales of the small to medium sized business (SMB) telephony systems remained small, as this product category has been in the market for less than two years. The Group has made good inroads into this sizeable market through its expanding distribution network of office superstores and value added resellers. In the second half of the financial year, the Synapse T1/PRI Gateway was launched. This new product supports 100 extensions and up to 39 lines with Direct Inward Dialling when paired with the SB67010 PSTN Gateway, offering an effective solution for businesses that require additional outside lines.

ELP sales grew by 22.2% to US$287.1 million, led by two new platform products, MobiGo? and V.Reader?, which reached US retailers in June 2010. Despite competition from two other new platform products in the holiday season,The settlement resolves the commonwealth's claims fluorescent lights that EarthTronics Inc., which sells mercury-containing compact fluorescent light bulbs both platforms delivered strong sales. Standalone products also achieved good growth. Infant products continued to be the best selling category, and the new range of bath toys did well. Year-on-year growth in the preschool category was also strong, fuelled mainly by new generic and licensed products.

CMS posted the strongest growth in North America, with sales rising by 36.2% to US$166.7 million. The growth was broadly distributed across all product segments. Economic recovery and additional business from existing customers were the key drivers of growth, as the Group continued to win business from its competitors due to its superior performance as a supplier.Compact fluorescent light bulbs convert a led tube considerably higher percentage of their energy into light, which is why they are significantly more energy efficient than traditional filament bulbs. Professional audio equipment remained the leading contributor to CMS revenue in North America, while commercial solid-state lighting showed the strongest growth.

Revenue in Europe increased by 26.2% over the previous financial year to US$667.6 million, as all three product lines recorded growth in sales. Europe accounted for 39.0% of Group revenue.

Sales of TEL products in Europe rose by 26.9% to US$217.5 million, primarily driven by higher sales to existing customers. The Group continues to sell largely on an ODM basis in the region. Despite the economic uncertainties in some European countries, the Group registered growth in most of its European markets during the financial year. Strong momentum was seen in Germany, where VTech's agreement with Deutsche Telekom is bearing fruit. France also recorded a decent increase in sales, as the Group benefited from new product launches and the growth of its customers. In February 2011, the Group introduced the world's first CAT-iq 2.0 certified handset, which reaffirmed its technology leadership position.

Revenue from ELPs in Europe increased by 13.4% to US$274.0 million. The growth was mainly driven by standalone products, especially the infant and Kidi lines. MobiGo and Storio? (the product name for V.Reader in Europe) were not launched in all the Group's European markets during the financial year 2011. As a result, their contribution to the overall ELP business in Europe was less than that in the US.

Building And Design Show Opens

Building And Design Show Opens

Buildnz designex kicks off with a bang on 26 June at Auckland’s ASB Showgrounds. The building, design and construction sectors’ premier event will be in full swing for three days as thousands of industry professionals talk structural systems, hardware, tools, flooring, surface finishes, interiors, lighting, fine furnishings, textiles and much more.

“We’re really excited that the show’s looking so good,” says Rob Lavender of organiser XPO Exhibitions. “There are hundreds of exhibitors from the industry’s top companies, and buildnz designex is endorsed by Architectural Designers NZ,Light up the architecturally table lamps interesting parts of your home. Certified Builders Association, NZ Institute of Architects, BRANZ, Designers Institute, Furniture Association and Lifemark as well as Registered Master Builders Federation, which is holding its annual conference in association with the event.”

Architectural Designers NZ (ADNZ) general manager Astrid Andersen says her team is really looking forward to being at buildnz designex for the first time.

“We have a large corner space and the stand reflects a lot about ADNZ,Unlike compact cfl bulbs fluorescent light bulbs, LED based light bulbs provide a variety of lighting options- including the ability to provide a wide range of light, which allows them to act as a proper replacement light bulb the organisation. Our stand will be set up like a kiwi bach: open, inviting and friendly. Our team be able to answer any questions about ADNZ and the benefits of being part of the organisation, and how your business can benefit by working closely with us. We will also be offering Design Licensing assistance for all architectural designers who want help.

“The stand will be a fun place to visit. Not only are we close to the bar, but the team will offer visitors a cup of tea and an ANZAC biscuit. Everyone’s welcome.Under efforts of led spotlight boosting the viability of LED luminaires, many companies are expanding high-power selections.”
One of the exhibitors is PSP, importers and suppliers of a wide range of innovative architectural and building products.

“Our range is used by New Zealand's leading architects and designers,” says PSP marketing coordinator Jessica Sit. “We deliver new and unique products into the market that enhance the appearance of almost any interior or exterior setting. Visitors to our stand will get a sneak preview of the new products we will be launching,While SmartView has been slow DSTT and unstable in the past, it seems to have improved greatly with recent updates. exclusive to PSP in New Zealand.

“One of these is Sibu, a new range of textured, rollable, self-adhesive, flexible decorative surface coatings. Sibu will allow you to add surface effects that can be cut and fitted on site, used in furniture and point of sale. Techlam is the latest in ceramics sheet that will afford design possibilities in both new and renovated environments that have never been available before. Hi-Gloss has the elegant look of coloured glass, with the addition of décor patterns, at a fraction of the cost for the stylish setting everyone desires.

“We will also be presenting the winners of our 2011 PSP Design Challenge. We have received a huge number of entries from designers and architects incorporating our products in innovative ways. Find out who will win the ultimate trip to New York. This year we have also introduced a student edition to the Design Challenge and no doubt we will discover who the next great designer/architect could be. Come visit us for some inspiration and refreshments.”

Another company looking forward to buildnz designex is Winstone Wallboards, New Zealand's largest manufacturer and supplier of gypsum plasterboard, drywall systems, associated products and services.

“We have manufactured plasterboard systems under the GIB? brand since 1927,” says Mark Jury, Market Residential Manager. “This year visitors will be able to experience a simulated building site environment when visiting the GIB? stand.

The aim is to demonstrate how GIB? products and systems contribute to quality interiors that will last, as well as highlight best practice installation to get the job done right first time.Philips LED business is inside of Philips lighting so it Led light is more difficult to determine whether they are meeting expectations. The support and service we offer is among the best in the industry and members of technical team will be at hand to answer any questions, from simple queries to highly complex technical specifications.”

Flexus will be showcasing a new ‘bendable’ concrete product.

“The Flexus product has become extremely popular with home owners and architects and the display will allow them to jump around and walk on the flooring system,” says Mason Pirie, Flexus Marketing Manager. “Flexus? is an innovative new ‘bendable’ concrete from Reid Construction Systems NZ. Flexus? requires no steel reinforcing which allows concrete products from only 10mm in thickness. Flexus? is much stronger than concrete and has the ability to bend and flex under huge loads. Large cracking is a thing of the past. The Flexus? Modular Flooring system has been developed to replace particleboard flooring in timber framed construction. Flooring modules are created to achieve greater thermal, acoustic and water proofing while increasing the speed and quality of construction. You can now have a concrete mid-floor in a timber framed house.”

Peter Smith of CAVIUS says the company’s products include the world’s smallest photoelectric smoke detector that boasts some big features. “As well as the latest technology, it has a piercing 85dB(A) at three metres, a 5-year long-life battery, 30 days low battery alert, pause option and is environmentally friendly. CAVIUS is a Danish-designed product offering all the safety and security you would expect from a smoke detector with the latest in photoelectric technology.

Test & Inspection: Advanced Optical Technology Opens New Doors

Test & Inspection: Advanced Optical Technology Opens New Doors
Recent advancements in optical technologies are enabling manufacturers to perform dimensional measurements on more kinds of parts, more quickly and more accurately.


The basic technology for optical measurement of manufactured parts has been commercially available for more than 65 years. As optical technologies have advanced, so have the capabilities of optical inspection and measurement systems. Today’s optical comparators, digital measuring machines and multisensor coordinate measuring machine (CMM) systems are more capable and more accurate than ever before. Recent advancements in optical technologies are enabling manufacturers to perform dimensional measurements on more kinds of parts, more quickly and more accurately.
The fundamental principle of optical measurement is that light is manipulated to form a precisely magnified image of an object, and the image is measured,The replacement lighting we feel is far led downlight superior to that of the LED lighting.Compact fluorescent light bulbs convert a led tube considerably higher percentage of their energy into light, which is why they are significantly more energy efficient than traditional filament bulbs. rather than the object itself. So first and foremost, there must be enough light to create an accurate image. In a simple microscope, providing sufficient illumination to image an object is relatively easy: the distance between the object and objective lens is very short, the optics are small and of good quality, and the image sensor—the human eye—is very sensitive, even in low light situations.Light up the architecturally table lamps interesting parts of your home.

In practical industrial applications, providing sufficient illumination is not as easy. Measurement systems must be designed to accommodate a wide range of part sizes and geometries, and typically offer a longer working distance between object and lens. This typically requires much stronger illumination. Optical comparators use several additional lenses to relay the image to the viewing screen for measurement. Even the best quality optics have some degree of transmission loss, and the higher the magnification, the greater this effect can be.

For years, optical comparators have used mercury arc lamps to provide high intensity light, which could project over long distances. While mercury arc lamps still have their uses today, they are costly, they create environmental and disposal concerns, and their intensity degrades with time. Arc lamps are more difficult to automate too because their intensity cannot be controlled directly by varying current or voltage. Optical filters must be interposed to lower the intensity to suit the situation. Most significantly, mercury arc lamps generate a significant heat load which, if transferred to the part under inspection, can cause substantial dimensional changes.

In the 1980s tungsten halogen lamps became commonplace in optical comparators and the new generation of video measuring systems. Tungsten lamps offered the advantage of cooler operation, lower cost and very consistent brightness over their service lifetimes. The performance of tungsten-halogen lamps has improved considerably over the years. However, the typical 12V or 20V halogen lamp is still limited in its lifetime and brightness, and will generate appreciable heat, requiring lamps to be remotely located to avoid heating of parts being measured.

In the 1990s, LED light sources became readily available and quickly found their way into many video-based optical measuring systems. These early LEDs were not very bright, producing less than 100 lumens at normal output, and could be costly and difficult to replace in the event of a failure. While adequate for backlit video measurements, those early LEDs lacked the output to be practical for surface measurement of diffuse materials, and never achieved the brightness to illuminate the screen of an optical comparator.

Today’s high-brightness LEDs resolve essentially all of these drawbacks. They are very bright and produce very little heat load. They are reliable, compact and can be arranged into arrays allowing control in myriad combinations and intensities to suit the application at hand.

Small LED arrays can produce more than 1,600 lumens of intensity in broad spectrum or monochromatic wavelengths. They can be multicolored, enabling use of color discrimination to improve image processing capabilities.

The technology of LEDs has advanced so that high brightness LEDs can now be used as the exclusive light source in optical comparators, vastly simplifying the operation, maintenance and safety of comparators,While SmartView has been slow DSTT and unstable in the past, it seems to have improved greatly with recent updates.The settlement resolves the commonwealth's claims fluorescent lights that EarthTronics Inc., which sells mercury-containing compact fluorescent light bulbs even at high magnifications.

Stores Stock New Bulbs for the Light Switch

Stores Stock New Bulbs for the Light Switch
New bulbs using halogen, compact-fluorescent and LED technologies have been sprouting up on store shelves recently. The flurry of products is a result of legislation passed in 2007 that requires general-purpose bulbs, starting in January, to be at least 25% more efficient than those using standard incandescent technology invented by Thomas Edison in 1879.

As a result, most of today's incandescent bulbs will be phased out (some specialty bulbs are exempt) by 2014 and replaced by more efficient alternatives. While cheap at 25 to 50 cents a pop, incandescent bulbs waste nearly all their energy in heat output.

The light-bulb industry now faces a daunting task of re-educating shoppers who are still in the dark about their choices. A recent survey by General Electric Co. shows three-quarters of consumers have no idea about the new regulation and impending changes.

"They have all these new types of lights, and it's difficult to ascertain the benefits," says Don Hough, a New York City resident who frequently shops for bulbs for his residence and medical education and marketing business. "And the people working in the store, sometimes they don't know either."

Most people are accustomed to buying bulbs based on watts, which refers to energy usage.The 250U actually had a slightly higher マジコンds average upload speed—.96Mbps up as compared to the U600's .94Mbps Soon, they'll buy based on actual brightness, which is measured in something called lumens. That's because manufacturers have figured out a way to produce the same amount of light with fewer watts. For example, a typical halogen-incandescent model today needs only 43 watts to create 800 lumens—the same brightness as a 60-watt incandescent bulb.

"You talk about lumens and the consumer looks at you like you're speaking French to them,Compact fluorescent light bulbs convert a led tube considerably higher percentage of their energy into light, which is why they are significantly more energy efficient than traditional filament bulbs." says Bill Hamilton, Home Depot Inc.'s electrical merchandising vice president who says stores have seen worried consumers hoarding incandescent bulbs.

To help translate, manufacturer GE this fall will introduce a dramatic packaging overhaul, organizing its light bulbs by lumen level using five different colors—yellow, green, blue, orange and purple. A watt-conversion will be on the package. Other brands,While using compact fluorescent light bulbs energy saving light helps conserve energy, it is important that the bulbs are collected and recycled properly to protect our environment such as Osram Sylvania, will color-code packaging based on the light's actual color (warm and cool). By next year, the Federal Trade Commission will require manufacturers to post "Light Facts" labels on most bulb packaging with info about brightness, light appearance and annual energy cost, among other things.

"It's a very significant shift for us," says Kristin Gibbs, GE's general manager of consumer marketing for lighting. "We've got to manage consumer anxiety through this."

Initially, consumers will find three main alternatives to incandescent bulbs on shelves: halogen-incandescent, compact fluorescent (CFL) and light-emitting diodes (LED). Many are designed similarly to the familiar pear-shaped "A-Line" bulb consumers know. Halogens behave most like existing bulbs,In the case of Cree a significant led light bulbs amount of their LED sales come from the purchase of Cotco whose primary focus was on moving message panels used in displays/electronic bill boards.  but have an inner capsule filled with halogen gas around a filament to make the bulb about 25% more efficient than a traditional incandescent. They're also the cheapest alternative at less than $2 each.

"It's essentially a souped-up incandescent bulb," says Peter Soares, director of marketing for consumer lighting at Philips Electronics North America.

CFLs, by comparison, produce a 75% energy savings and cost about $2 to $5 each. However, the bulbs contain faint traces of mercury, which can be released as vapor if the bulb is broken until properly cleaned up, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

The tell-tale "spiral" shape many consumers find unsightly is now often hidden inside a pear-shaped outer bulb. And consumers who complained about the bulbs' blue, sickly hues are finding new CFLs that produce light that is equally warm as incandescent, says Mr. Soares of Philips. "In the end, CFLs may be a bridge technology to get us to some point in the future."

That future, most in the industry believe, is the LED lamp—an ultra-compact light source using a semiconductor chip that is up to 85% more efficient than incandescent and lasts 25 times longer.

LEDs remain the priciest option, with 9-watt and 13-watt bulbs that replace 40-watt and 60-watt incandescent models costing from $20 to $55 each. Despite the price, they're gaining traction, and bulb costs are expected to drop dramatically over the next three years. Sales of LEDs at Home Depot, including the retailer's own "EcoSmart" bulb brand, rose 500% in the last fiscal year ended Jan. 30. "I really believe LEDs will be our light source for every socket in our home in very short order here," says the retailer's Mr. Hamilton.

In coming months, Philips, Home Depot, Osram Sylvania and other major brands will roll out LED substitutes for the 75-watt incandescent bulb, and a spate of 100-watt-equivalent LEDs are expected next year. One start-up, San Jose, Calif.-based Switch Bulb Co., says this fall it will offer an LED substitute for the 100-watter with suggested retail price of about $30.

The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that bulbs compliant with the new law could save U.S. households nearly $6 billion in energy costs in 2015,While many consumers have switched from Led down light traditional filament light bulbs to compact fluorescent light bulbs, when rollout is complete. Consumers may also be able to put brighter bulbs in their existing lamps and fixtures because the new bulbs use less wattage.

"Right now people don't think about light bulbs," says Ellen Sizemore, product marketing manager for LED retrofit lamps at Osram Sylvania. "And the industry is going to force them to do that."

Miami-Dade County, Fla., Helps Nonprofits Upgrade Facilities

Miami-Dade County, Fla., Helps Nonprofits Upgrade Facilities

Miami-Dade County, Fla., has kicked off Grants to Green Nonprofits (G2GN), which will provide $1 million in energy saving retrofits to 48 local nonprofit organizations.

“During these tough economic times,It was quick and light when I used dsttマジコン on a Windows 7 laptop, and gave me no trouble throughout a day of rigorous testing. Miami-Dade County is pleased to be providing energy retrofits to local nonprofits’ facilities at no cost through the G2GN program,” said Sustainability Director Susanne Torriente.

“G2GN is not only helping nonprofits save energy and invest their dollars back into direct services, but it’s also creating local green jobs and lowering our greenhouse gas emissions,” Torriente continued.

The program is funding upgrades, including insulation installations, HVAC improvements and energy efficient lighting, performed by nearly a dozen contractors at 55 community facilities.

The grantees were chosen following evaluations by Florida Power and Light.

By the end of the year, the retrofits will have prevented an estimated 1,765,625 tons of carbon emissions from being released into the environment, the equivalent of eliminating the electricity use of 136,387 houses for a year, or taking 314,068 passenger vehicles off the road.

When the work is completed, G2GN will have almost doubled its energy savings goal.

Miami-Dade was awarded $12,523,700 through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program, which is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

G2GN is one of 13 projects part of the EECBG program, which includes energy management projects, citizen outreach and education,Compact fluorescent light bulbs convert a led tube considerably higher percentage of their energy into light, which is why they are significantly more energy efficient than traditional filament bulbs. sub-grants, demonstration programs, construction projects and incentive programs.

Details: Margarita Fernandez at (305) 375-3008 or fmaggie@miamidade.gov.

Allentown, Pa., Saves Energy

The public works department in Allentown, Pa., is putting its share of a $1 million federal grant to work on reducing energy consumption and improving energy efficiency. The monies come from the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

The city is replacing all lighting control devices in city hall and public safety buildings with vacancy sensing sensors and energy efficient fixtures that will save electricity and reduce carbon emissions. Vacancy sensing light switches will illuminate only occupied areas.

The city expects to reduce electrical demand for lighting of these buildings by at least 40 percent.

A second phase of the project will include new light bulbs with dimming ballasts and photocells to allow for daylight harvesting.

To reduce fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions, Allentown has installed fuel catalysts on approximately 185 diesel trucks and larger pieces of equipment and 135 unleaded fuel vehicles, including pick-up trucks,sale of LED for lighting applications.  Semileds is led lights only a minor palyer and should currently not be mentioned in the same breath as the other others cars and smaller pieces of equipment.

Prior testing was completed on two units that consume a large amount of fuel.

The city’s nine street sweepers are realizing an average fuel savings of 9 percent.

The over-the-road tractor fleet is seeing an average 13 percent increase in fuel efficiency.

Allentown is installing 15 sidewalk trash compactors that use solar powered motors to compact the garbage, increasing the capacity of the receptacle.

Made from recycled materials, the units have sensors that detect trash levels.

The wireless technology that will monitor the trash levels of each unit will allow the Bureau of Recycling and Solid Waste to plan collection, reducing costs and harmful emissions associated with trucks and fuel.

The city is also launching its first public space recycling initiative to collect cans and bottles that have heretofore been landfilled.

“These improvements are providing real savings for the city,” said Mayor Ed Pawlowski at a May 19 National Public Works Week observation.

“It is especially important during this time of high fuel prices,” Pawlowski said. “We’re also reducing our carbon emissions, which results in cleaner air for all of us.Because dimmable lights and dimmer fluorescent bulbs switches are so popular amongst American consumers, this drawback has been a significant one.”

About $750,000 of the stimulus funds are going toward infrastructure projects.

The remainder will fund loan-interest-rate buy down and rebate programs aimed at encouraging residents, commercial property owners and non-profit organizations to make energy-saving improvements to their properties.LED grow light suppliers in China are sky lanterns rolling out models with better price-performance ratios.

Rexel Australia Electrical Supplies

Rexel Australia Electrical Supplies
Electrical and Data Supplies from Rexel Electrical Supplies
Tubes, Bulbs, Downlight Kits, Work Lights, Exit/Emergency Lights, Desk Lamps
Rexel Electrical Supplies offers a wide range of electrical and data supplies available from John R.Turk stores nationwide.Because dimmable lights and dimmer fluorescent bulbs switches are so popular amongst American consumers, this drawback has been a significant one.

John. R Turk – A full range of electrical and data supplies:
At John R. Turk you’ll find a large range of energy saving LED lights, lamps and tubes, light fittings, power supplies, tools and much, much more from over 200 well-known brands.

Simply register online to see our full range of products or visit one of our 46 branches in NSW, QLD and Northern Territory.It was quick and light when I used dsttマジコン on a Windows 7 laptop, and gave me no trouble throughout a day of rigorous testing.

Product Feature – LED Lights:
Using LED Lights has many benefits; not only to they look great giving your home or business that touch of class but LED lights can also:
Use less electricity than incandescent lights, saving you money
Have a longer life which means reduction in maintenance costs
Admit little to no heat saving on cooling costs and also are less of a fire hazard
Be ideal for both residential and commercial lighting

Some of the LED products available at John R. Turk include:

Tubes – The Osram LED tube SubstiTUBE can be used to replace existing T5 tubes. Offering energy savings of up to 50%.
Bulbs – Sylvania’s general purpose LED light is designed to replace your normal incandescent 60wartt screw in bulbs. This bulb will only use 12 watts, dimmable and will last approximately 25,000 hours!
Downlight Kits – The LEDVANCE Downlight Kit range new from Osram, include features such as: lifespan of 20,000 hours, energy savings of up to 70% , ring colours of matt white or anodized aluminium and high system efficiency up to 70 lm/w. (Brochure available on John R.Thankfully a new form of led strip energy-efficient light bulbs have arrived that provide this desired feature. Turk website)
Work Lights – Cooper lighting’s Mighty D Light, with 80 long life LED lights,Compact fluorescent light bulbs convert a led tube considerably higher percentage of their energy into light, which is why they are significantly more energy efficient than traditional filament bulbs. reflective strips for road side visibility,sale of LED for lighting applications.  Semileds is led lights only a minor palyer and should currently not be mentioned in the same breath as the other others cordless rechargeable unit and 2 hour battery life. Exit/Emergency Lights – The LED exit lights from Legrand, which are energy efficient using only a 3 watt single light source uses 70% less energy than the conventional the old fluorescent versions.
* Desk Lamps - Brilliant Lighting desk lamps consume 80% less energy and use 30 super bright LED’s.

Dubal mulls shifting to LED lighting

Dubal mulls shifting to LED lighting
Dubai Aluminium (Dubal), operator one of the world's largest single-site primary aluminium smelters, is evaluating the feasibility of converting its lighting system to energy efficient LED lighting, said a senior official.Philips LED business is inside of Philips lighting so it Led light is more difficult to determine whether they are meeting expectations.

“LED technology is not only well tested and proven to be extremely energy efficient but also has become more affordable,” added Tayeb Al Awadhi,Compact fluorescent lights have solved LED lighting supplier many of the problems associated with traditional filament light bulbs. vice president: power & desalination, Dubal.The replacement lighting we feel is far led downlight superior to that of the LED lighting. “The aim is to embark on plant-wide full scale LED lighting conversion at Dubal as soon as practicable.”

“Furthermore,In many ways LED lights compact fluorescent provide the best of both worlds. They are extremely energy efficient and environmentally friendly (and are, in fact, more environmentally friendly these energy-saving bulbs are mercury-free,While SmartView has been slow DSTT and unstable in the past, it seems to have improved greatly with recent updates. making them environment friendly during disposal.”

Dubal has also taken steps to minimize the air-conditioning load by setting the units’ thermostats to 24 degrees Centigrade during working hours and 27 degrees during non-working hours, with advisory stickers being pasted on every thermostat controller to remind users of the initiative.

In addition, a review is currently in progress to convert Dubal’s electrically-driven air-conditioning chillers to a much more efficient system using absorption chiller technology, Al Awadhi said.

“Being steam-driven, absorption chiller technology uses approximately 75 per cent less electrical power than conventional air-conditioning system,” explained Al Awadhi.

“Phase 1 of the project — which entails trialing absorption chiller technology at Dubal’s desalination control building — should begin by the end of 2011. Once operational, the absorption chiller is expected to reduce Dubal’s power consumption by approximately 2 million kWh per annum.”

Dubal will ensure that all unnecessary lights are switched off after working hours, wherever applicable; and that all computers/monitors are also switched off when employees leave after a shift at the office, Al Awadhi added.

“A dedicated committee has been formed within Dubal with the mandate to implement these and other energy-saving initiatives,” he concluded. – TradeArabia News Service

Energy research gives edge to Samsung C&T

Energy research gives edge to Samsung C&T
Samsung C&T and its research center are stepping up their cooperation with other research centers in Korea and overseas to develop new applications of environment-friendly energy technologies.

Samsung’s research in alternative energy technology and energy efficiency is already being applied in the company’s construction projects. Geothermal applications, for example,sale of LED for lighting applications.  Semileds is led lights only a minor palyer and should currently not be mentioned in the same breath as the other others have already been used at 15 construction sites, where they save the equivalent of 1,800 tons of oil and nearly 5,600 tons of carbon dioxide per year.Compact fluorescent light bulbs convert a led tube considerably higher percentage of their energy into light, which is why they are significantly more energy efficient than traditional filament bulbs.LED grow light suppliers in China are sky lanterns rolling out models with better price-performance ratios.

Korea’s sports teams will have a new training center built by Samsung C&T that will be completed this year; it will have a solar hot water system. In Yeouido, the 72-floor Parc 1 complex will generate electricity from solar cells and also be heated by solar energy. It will also have a “gray water” recycling facility that will contribute to water conservation efforts.

The company is seeking more personnel exchanges with research institutes in other countries, including in North America and Europe.

Samsung C&T is working with Canada’s CDRN on design and factor technology development, with Germany’s Fraunhofer IPP on optimized indoor environments, with Finland’s VTT research center for indoor air quality and with England’s ESRU on energy simulation research.

Many of Samsung C&T’s research efforts are showing quick promise. One, for example, is a double outer curtain wall system,It was quick and light when I used dsttマジコン on a Windows 7 laptop, and gave me no trouble throughout a day of rigorous testing. which minimizes the effects of outside air temperature on the indoor temperature while lessening indoor noise but allowing outside light to enter.

In new apartment construction, Samsung C&T has achieved a reduction of 8 percent in basic energy use in the last five years alone. The reductions come from using high-efficiency instant water heaters, for example, and from high-efficiency pumps and inverter control mechanisms.

With these and other technologies,Because dimmable lights and dimmer fluorescent bulbs switches are so popular amongst American consumers, this drawback has been a significant one. the Raemian Palace apartment complex in Yeoksam-dong has saved some 2 billion won during the past 3-5 years.

Samsung C&T is also working hard to develop alternative energy and various energy saving systems that can be used to improve the energy efficiency of buildings and apartments. In the case of Raemian Palace, the total energy consumption at the complex has been reduced by about 10 percent by intelligent monitoring and control of electricity use and feedback to residents about their use of energy in their individual apartments.

Wolverton: LED light bulbs gaining traction

Wolverton: LED light bulbs gaining traction

You may have started to see some odd-looking -- and expensive -- light bulbs show up at your local home improvement store.

Earlier this year, Home Depot started selling a Philips AmbientLED bulb that is designed to replace the standard 60-watt light bulb used in lamps and other fixtures. If you'd seen it, you might have quickly passed it by after seeing its price: a whopping $40 each.

But it's worth another look, if only because many people are betting that the bulb represents the future of home lighting.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, there are some 971 million 60-watt light bulbs in use in the United States, mostly in homes. To encourage energy efficiency, the government is in the
Green Energy

process of raising energy standards for light bulbs, which will mean that incandescent bulbs will be banned in coming years.

Currently, the main alternative to incandescent bulbs are compact fluorescent lights. But while CFLs have grown in popularity in recent years, many consumers have resisted them. CFLs are far more energy efficient than their incandescent equivalents and last much longer, but have significant drawbacks.

One big negative for CFL bulbs is that they contain mercury, meaning that they're unsafe to be thrown out in the regular trash and require thoughtful cleanup when they break. Many are slow to reach full brightness, even those that are billed as "instant on." And though their price has come down markedly in the
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past 10 years, CFLs still cost significantly more than incandescents.

What's more, while CFLs outlast incandescents, they've tended to have life spans shorter than advertised. Most CFLs can't be dimmed. And many consumers despise the blue-green light that many CFLs emit.

For those reasons, many lighting experts in government and the lighting and technology industries are betting that LED bulbs will be the eventual replacement for incandescents. They don't contain mercury, are truly instant-on, and the new 60-watt-equivalent bulbs typically can be dimmed.

Meanwhile, LED bulbs are expected to have life spans that are several times that of even CFLs. And they've been designed to emulate the light of incandescent bulbs.

At about 12 to 13 watts, they use slightly less energy than CFLs, and less than one-quarter of the energy of a 60-watt bulb. And unlike CFLs or incandescents, they're based on the same rapidly improving semiconductor technology found in the chips inside your PC and smartphone.

Thanks to that, LED bulbs should get more efficient in coming years. The Department of Energy has set a target to have a 60-watt-equivalent bulb use just 10 watts -- and some folks in the industry think they can get the energy use down even lower in coming years.

LED bulbs have been around for many years, but the initial 60-watt-equivalent bulbs mostly were made by off-brands and startup companies and sold only by enthusiast websites. While you could find some LED bulbs in major stores over the past year or so, they tended to be for use in recessed lighting or for replacing lower output incandescents.

Now they're being produced by major lighting companies, including Philips and Sylvania, and are being backed by major retailers, including Home Depot and Lowe's.

Lowe's started selling Sylvania's 60-watt-equivalent bulb online late last year and recently began offering it in its stores. In addition to the Philips bulb, Home Depot has begun selling a 60-watt-equivalent LED bulb from Lighting Science Group in some of its stores under its house brand, EcoSmart.

In recent months, I've been testing out both the Philips and the EcoSmart bulbs. The best thing I can say about them is that as strange as they may look -- the Philips bulb has yellow glass segmented by three metal grooves and the EcoSmart bulb has what looks to be a squashed glass head -- the light they give off is unremarkable. It's bright and warm, but, to my eye at least, basically indistinguishable from what would be produced by an incandescent light.

The bulbs give off more light -- measured in lumens -- than a standard 60-watt bulb. And the coatings used on their glass are designed to filter the light they emit so that it appears more "natural."

You probably will want to hold off on buying such bulbs for now, because their cost outweighs their advantages. Even factoring in the LEDs longer expected life spans -- which have yet to be confirmed -- CFLs are a better deal for now.

But keep an eye on the LED bulbs. They're a bright idea in lighting and very likely the bulbs of the future.

Report of Cree, GE pact denied

Report of Cree, GE pact denied
Investors were left wondering whether LED lighting company Cree has won a big contract from General Electric after conflicting reports emerged Tuesday.

Shares in the Durham company rose nearly 5 percent in early morning trading after analysts at Canaccord Genuity reported that Cree won a GE contract to make LED bulbs equivalent to a 60-watt light bulb that would screw into a conventional socket. But those gains were lost after a GE spokeswoman labeled the report inaccurate.

"We have not [awarded] a contract to Cree or anyone else at this time," spokeswoman Kim Freeman wrote in email.
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Cree itself issued a somewhat ambiguous statement late Tuesday afternoon.

"As a policy, Cree doesn't comment on specific customer deals or projects unless the customer chooses to disclose this information first," spokeswoman Erin Grohs said.

GE already uses Cree LEDs in its 40-watt LED bulbs.

At the end of the day, Cree shares closed at $41.11, down 45 cents. Its shares have fallen 38 percent this year.

Canaccord Genuity analyst Jonathan Dorsheimer was undaunted by GE's denial.

"I stand by all our data, our sources and on what we published today," he said. He declined to comment further.

The research note by Dorsheimer and fellow analyst Josh Baribeau didn't disclose their source for the contract information.

They estimated that the contract could generate from $337 million to $1.6 billion in revenue over the next five years.

"The most likely result is our base case, which predicts $727 million in revenue" over five years, they wrote. "These figures are strong, but not 'game changing' in our opinion."

They also wrote that they believe that Cree was aggressive on pricing to win the contract, and "volumes may not be significant until year two/three of the contract."

Throughout the recession Cree reported stellar quarterly results, but recently its results have disappointed Wall Street.

Cree makes its own LED light fixtures as well as LED components that other companies use in lighting products. Cree's LEDs also are used for illuminating car dashboards, cell phones, televisions and signs.

Cree has nearly 2,000 workers in Durham and 5,000 workers worldwide.

LED lights account for a small slice of the overall lighting market, but demand has been growing fast despite their higher price tag because they last longer and are more energy-efficient

The race to create LED bulbs at an attractive price point is intensifying, with 60-watt bulbs getting a lot of attention because they're the most common.

According to an Associated Press report, Phillips has the equivalent of a 60-watt bulb sold at Home Depot for $40. Sylvania's version, available at Lowe's, also is $40.

But prices are expected to fall quickly. The Department of Energy projects that a 60-watt equivalent LED bulb will cost $10 by 2015, according to AP.

Read more: http://www.newsobserver.com/2011/05/25/1223081/report-of-cree-ge-pact-denied.html#ixzz1NPp1U8GW

大手フィクスチャメーカーは迅速に新しいデザインにモジュールを組み込む

大手フィクスチャメーカーは迅速に新しいデザインにモジュールを組み込むイーストクリーブランド、オハイオ州、2011年5月17日（グローブのニュースワイヤー） - GEの照明の新しい注入？ LEDモジュールシリーズは、社（NYSE：GE）のデザインの可能性を開いて、道光重要な顧客のスペースが発揮させることができる革命をもたらしました。高 いルーメンパッケージとCRIのオプションを加えて、インストールの容易さと、これらのモジュールは、ここで光質は、ユーザの経験に重要である小売店、美 術館、オフィス、他の環境ではLED照明ソリューションの潜在的な用途を拡大し、商業的な照明技術での画期的な成果を表す。
理 想はダウンスポットライト、照明、追跡、およびアクセント照明用、輸液は、モジュールは、デザイナーやマーチャンダイザー長期的な、制御可能な、低メンテ ナンスが注目-、まだグラブ機能、ディスプレイおよびアプリケーションを作成するためのソリューションをLEDを点灯提供のLED。注入は、効率的な照明器具のデザインに含まれる場合のモジュールは、さらに多くのハロゲン、セラミック、金属ハロゲン化物、とCFLのソリューションよりも効率的にすることができるLEDが。光出力と色温度の選択の広い範囲は、追加の設計の機会を作成します。
GEの照明は、一般的なサイズに完全に交換可能なモジュール内腔のパッケージと色温度のこの範囲を提供する最初のメーカーです。注入は、モジュールが80と90のCRIオプションと、2700K、撮り下ろしと4000Kの色温度では、1000、1500、2000、3000ルーメンで使用れております。また、調光され、即座に電源をオンにします。
いくつかの設計者がサービスを提供し、照明器具をアップグレードする多くの課題であるため、そのスキームではどこのLEDの指定についての寡黙残るもののLED技術は、多くのプロの照明アプリケーションに採用されています。新しい輸液は、照明器具を容易に維持することができるように、アップグレードモジュールは、これらの問題を解決するためのLED。追加のツールが必要です - モジュールは、通常の電球を交換するのと同じくらい簡単ですツイストロックフィット感を提供しています。この単純なツイストフィットの仲間は、住宅とモジュールおよびすべての必要に応じて、電気的、熱的、機械的接続を提供します。
簡単な互換性だけでなく、他の利点を持っています。 "照明器具がインストールされている後でさえも、輸液モジュールは、簡単に紹介さまざまなオプションに出変更することができ、"ジョシュアギルデアは、LED室内照明、GEは照明用のプロダクトマネージャーと言います。 "これは量販店に、単にモジュールを交換することで色温度とビームの角度を変化させる能力を与えて、統合された照明器具の硬直性を克服しています。"
OEMメーカーやサプライヤー
輸液は、デザイナーやメーカーAmerlux、バービカン、エリート、ユダヤ系、ルーセント、モジュラインターナショナル、プレミア、ソレラ、特殊、スペクトラムなどの広い範囲から照明器具に組み込まれています。 GEは照明も、LEDドライバの広い範囲で動作している冷却システム、および制御サプライヤーが照明器具メーカーへの完全なLEDソリューションをもたらす。これらのサプライヤーはNuventix、AVCの、Sunonに、AEG、ハーバード大学工学、静岡構造線、LighTech、Roalエレクトロニクス、TCIに含まれています。

Targeted this year to promote energy-saving lamps 150 000 000 - energy saving lamps, lamps, lighting

Targeted this year to promote energy-saving lamps 150 000 000 - energy saving lamps, lamps, lighting

Although the original nationwide promotion 150 000 000 3 years Energy Saving Lamp The task has already exceeded at the end of 2009, but the new round of high Illumination Product Promotion Tender Work still has launched, this is my mode of subsidies through government procurement to promote efficient lighting products in the third year. Learned from relevant departments, completed in 2008 to promote energy-saving lamps over 60 million in 2009 to promote capacity more than 120 million. To further promote energy conservation and emission reduction, promotion of energy-saving lamps this year, the number will hit a record high, aiming for 150 million. Then work with the deepening of energy saving, high efficiency lighting to promote a new round of tendering in turn showing what features? Tendering supplier agreement Person in charge, according to the relevant departments, to promote efficient lighting tender has been strictly followed government procurement model. Energy-saving products list Government Procurement (hereinafter referred to as energy saving list) is an important reference for government procurement and the basis for energy-efficient products also participate in government procurement threshold. The tender requires that all bidders must be cast by the Ministry of Finance Product Development and Reform Commission issued treasury 2010 17 energy conservation requirements document list (seventh), the and of the product by China Energy Conservation Product Certification certificate shall be provided in the tender documents the tender period remain in effect. The same time, taken to promote efficient lighting in government procurement agreement is the supply mode. I understand that this tender is to promote efficient lighting to determine the financial subsidies to promote energy efficient lighting products businesses, products and supply agreement price (the price of installation of the home). Then winning business by winning price minus supply agreement after the price of financial subsidies Sell To end users, end users and beneficiaries of large urban and rural residents. Turning to the Government Procurement Agreement supply, the relevant department head said that the Government Procurement Agreement supply pattern of the promotion and implementation to make even more open and transparent, but also improve efficiency. Raise the standard mercury Itself is energy efficient lighting products Environmental protection Products. However, two rounds of this year compared with the previous tender, the tender in addition to required energy-saving products to be the seventh addition to the list of products, also has further requirements for environmental protection. This is mainly reflected in the mercury and clean production requirements. Person in charge, according to the relevant departments, compared with the previous two rounds of bidding, the tender of this efficient lighting to promote greater emphasis on environmental protection, technical standards before the product is not listed in the mercury content requirements, which are made in this tender a clearly defined and directly affect the ratings results. Product specific requirements for the bid must be solid mercury or mercury package, and the content is not more than 5mg minimum requirement. The tender to encourage low-mercury, for 5W-24W, to varying degrees less than 3.5mg a plus. In addition, bidders in this tender in the ability of extension services with particular emphasis on cleaner production capacity, which has never occurred before bidding. Waste Recycling attention Depth with the work of energy saving, waste recycling more seriously. This tender document in this "Service capacity of bidders," an evaluation of the factors reflected. Previous tender for the recycling of waste lamps only factors in the evaluation of "other commitments and conditions (such as promises or commitments lamp recycling and have recovered conditions, etc.)" A list, and in this year's tender is more refined. Specifically made two demands: First, commitment to recycling waste indicator lamp (with promises that the program can be assessment. Performance targets under the following three categories: Promotion of the amount of more than 30%, 20%, 10%.); Second, tube processing equipment should be worn. This, a promotion of the responsible persons told reporters, lamp recycling requirements of waste is very necessary for enterprises, not only the specific requirements of energy conservation, but also the social responsibility of enterprises should fulfill.

Lightning jump out on Bruins

Doing it dramatically is the order of the days as use of special effects in wedding is catching the fancy of the people. Right from setting up LED walls ,laser lights to the use of hydraulics  people are going for all possible means to play up the  weddings.

"Doing it differently being the mantra of today so it reflects everywhere including the weddings where the use of technology is helping to get the right effect .Earlier it was merely through the materials like the fabrics, flowers we played up the decor but now it has been replaced by use of lights. Now different kinds of lights are being used to create a dramatic effect. Special occasions during the weddings is being given a special treatment through the use of technology. For instance the entry of the bride at the venue of the wedding is given a special feel where a head light traces her movement making her the cynosure of all eyes. Similarly at the time of jaimala a stream of light descends from above , created through an effect called the Niagara Falls in a bid to bless the couple which makes it a very dramatic moment," says Manish Srivastava, who runs an event management company.

While others in order to make it a memorable moment are making use of hydraulic machines. "Through these machines the couple were lifted twenty feet above the stage where they garlanded each other that won great appreciation from the guests at the wedding. In another wedding the groom stood on the stage while the bride emerged from under the ground in a very dramatic manner for the jaimala," says Sumit Srivastava who is technical adviser working for a event management company.

Even the most natural of rituals like showering of flowers or display of fireworks is now mechanically driven. Shekhar Agarwal had wanted that flowers should rain at the time of the jaimala during his son's wedding. "Since it was not possible by hands so nearly twenty four machines were installed that showered petals on everyone  , says the young businessman.

Similarly Rakesh Agarwal wanted to say is through the fire crackers during his son's wedding. "I wanted that special ceremonies during the wedding should be made into a statement with the dazzle of the fireworks when I told this to the event management company, managing the wedding they suggested computer programmed fireworks that ensure that the crackers bursted at the right time," he says.

Albeo Introduces LED High Bay Replacement for 1000 Watt HID Lightin

Albeo Introduces LED High Bay Replacement for 1000 Watt HID Lighting

Albeo Technologies Inc., a leading manufacturer of industrial and commercial solid-state lighting systems, introduces the H-Series LED high bay for general illumination. A modular LED lighting system, the H-Series to replaces 400W to 1000W HID (high intensity discharge) and 4 to 8 lamp T5/T8 HIF (high intensity fluorescent) high bay lighting. The ability to deliever over 50,000 lumens at 100 lm/W is a new benchmark in the lighting industry.

The H-Series LED fixtures can be configured with two to twelve field-replaceable modules delivering 11,000 to over 70,000 "hot" lumens. Top tier, LM-80 certified LEDs driven at conservative currents enable efficacies up to 100 lumens per Watt. Each module is constructed of cast aluminum and highly engineered for maximum heat dissipation. Combined with Albeo's high performance TEMPR technology the entire system's thermal resistance is less than 6.5 degrees C/W junction to ambient. Lifetimes over 70,000 hours are guaranteed based on in-situ temperature and LM-79 testing. Each module can support more than 70 Watts thermal dissipation. H-Series modules include an intelligent temperature sensor to modulate drive current at high ambient temperatures. The H-series is rated for up to 55 degrees C operation. Replaceable lenses of 20 degrees, 40 degrees, and 120 degree allow quick in field configuration. Other options including CCT, CRI, mounting and input voltages are explained on specification sheets at www.albeotech.com/products.html

"Our new H-Series is Albeo's brightest, most efficient high bay light fixture. The H-Series offers the best value in solid-state lighting for industrial or commercial spaces," said Jeff Bisberg, Albeo CEO. "The 1000 Watt HID market has been waiting for a viable LED alternative and Albeo has delivered the product that will set a new benchmark."       

The H-Series LED high bay is fully compatible with Albeo's intelligent Zigbee-based open-source wireless mesh control network. This wireless system provides granular control and monitoring of your lighting system. The system accommodates a wide range of sensors, scheduling, and dimming protocols to maximize energy conservation and provide real-time energy measurement and control. Details available at www.albeotech.com/products/wirelesscontrol.html

To learn more about Albeo and the H-Series product line, visit the web site at www.albeotech.com, or speak with a sales representative at 1-866-825-5420.

Albeo Technologies, Inc. manufactures high quality, long-lasting LED lighting products for commercial and industrial facilities. Albeo has won 10 independently-judged product and company awards including 5 from the US Department of Energy (DOE). Albeo's C-Series, Surface Mount, and S-Series sealed fixtures are designed for general lighting applications. Other products include T8LED Conversion Kits and T8LED Troffers for retail, office and school lighting.

the ongoing discovery of new methods for producing electricity.

One do-it-yourself benchmark for this era is the ongoing discovery of new methods for producing electricity.

One such invention is not only affordable it provides a great way to spend idle time while producing clean and portable electricity that can be used. Called the Pedal-a-Watt, this stationary bicycle stand that generates electricity while functioning as a sound fitness device.

The bicycle power-generation stand has been created by Convergence Technologies, based in Pleasantville, NY. The power the stand generates can be used for lights or other small appliances, such as laptops, cell phones, fluorescent or LED lights.

On its website, Convergence Technologies states that any bicycle in decent shape can be used with the Pedal-A-Watt Stand because the stand will adjust to fit any wheel size including children’s bikes.

The average rider can produce between 125 and 300 watts using the Pedal-A-Watt.  While this amount of power isn’t huge, many pieces of equipment draw very little power and can be powered for long spans of time with small amounts of electricity.  A laptop, for example, draws 70 watts, meaning one 20-minute workout could run the laptop for over an hour.

According to Convergence Technologies, the Pedal-A-Watt comes with the bicycle stand, generator, a 20-amp blocking diode, an adjustment knob and instructions for use. The company says its Pedal-A-Watt is built with off-the-shelf components to reduce waste and weighs 23 pounds.

The assembled Pedal-A-Watt sells for $399. The company also sells other products of interest, such as a bright LED light strip that is a great visual demonstration for the classroom or a corporate event.

This information from Convergence Technologies will help in understanding the device’s capacity:

First, the difference between watts and watt-hours: If a person is pedaling and creating 200 watts of power and he or she keeps pedaling for 2 hours, that person will create 400 Watt-Hours, or 200 watts x 2 hours = 400 watt-hours. This means a person can power:

As technology increases, new bulbs shine way to saving energy, money

As technology increases, new bulbs shine way to saving energy, money
(Aiken Standard (SC) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) May 09--1"CFLs are growing in popularity because of energy efficiency. They use less energy, less wattage but have the same light quality," said Lowe's spokesperson Jackie Pardini. "And technology advances over the years will make LEDs more popular in the home." But what's the difference between the three? The Aiken Standard breaks it down for you.

Incandescent bulb phase-out Next year, incandescent light bulbs will begin to phase out under federal legislation passed in 2007. Under the measure, all light bulbs must use 25 percent to 30 percent less energy than today's products by 2012 to 2014. The phase-in will start with 100-watt bulbs in January 2012 and end with 40-watt bulbs in January 2014. By 2020, bulbs must be 70 percent more efficient.

According to EnergyStar, if every American home replaced just one light with an EnergyStar CFL, enough energy would be saved to light 3 million homes for one year, to save about $600 million in annual energy costs and to prevent 9 billion pounds of greenhouse gas emissions per year, equivalent to those from about 800,000 cars.

Incandescents Creates light by passing electricity through a metal filament until it becomes so hot that it glows Pros -- Familiar to most people -- Typically the most inexpensive option. A pack of four 60-watt bulbs is $1.27 at Home Depot.

-- Produces a warm and steady light -- Comes in a wide variety of colors, shapes and sizes -- Produces light immediately when provided with electricity Cons -- Not as energy efficient, lasting only 700 to 1,000 hours -- Emits 90 percent of its energy as heat -- Will be phased out starting in 2012 CFLs An electric current is driven through a tube containing gases. This reaction produces ultraviolet light that gets transformed into visible light by the fluorescent coating on the inside of the tube.

Pros -- Can last up to 10 times longer than incandescents -- Uses up to 75 percent less energy than incandescents -- Can save more than $40 in energy costs over its lifetime -- Comes in a variety of shapes Cons -- Contains a small amount of mercury, an average of four milligrams -- More expensive than incandescents. A pack of two 14-watt (equivalent to 60 watts) CFLs is $15.97 at Home Depot -- The bulb can take a few seconds to produce light as the gas warms up "The Aiken Electric Co-op feels the amount of mercury in the bulbs is far outweighed the cost savings," said spokesperson Muriel Carter. "The amount of mercury is the size of the tip of a pencil." Both Lowe's and Home Depot accepts unbroken, spent CFL light bulbs for recycling.

LEDs Use light-emitting diodes to produce light. The movement of electrons through a semiconductor material illuminates the diodes.

Pros -- Uses at least 75 percent less energy -- Lasts at least 15 times longer than an incandescent bulb -- Allows for precise placement of light due to the directional nature of LEDs -- Produces light immediately Cons -- More expensive than incandescents and CFLs. A 8.6-watt LED bulb (equivalent to 40 watts) is $17.97 at Home Depot South Carolina Incandescent Light Bulb Freedom Act The bill would ensure that incandescents burn on in South Carolina if the bulbs are manufactured and sold only in this state. That would keep them in the stream of intrastate commerce and not subject to federal regulation.

Sponsors Rep. Bill Sandifer, Rep. Dwight Loftis and others have said their motivation in introducing the bill was not just light bulb preference but protection of the 10th Amendment. The 10th Amendment states the federal government has power only over areas specifically given to it by the Constitution; all other rights belong to the states.

The bill passed the House on April 7 and a Senate panel unanimously approved it with a voice vote Wednesday. The act now moves to the Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee.

Henry Youth Perform in Cultural Celebration

Henry Youth Perform in Cultural Celebration
“I have never been a part of something like this before. It was amazing,” related 16-year-old Elsie Mobley of McDonough. She had just performed before an audience of several thousand at the Atlanta Civic Center with a group of thirty of her fellow teens, all members of the Stockbridge congregation of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also known as the "Mormon Church."

Their weekend performance was part of the cultural celebration and musical extravaganza entitled “Southern Lights,” staged in honor of the re-opening of the Atlanta Temple. The theme for the celebration was taken from 1 Thessalonians 5:5, which reads in part, “Ye are all the children of light.”

Originally completed and dedicated in 1983, the Atlanta Temple has been closed for extensive renovations since July 2009. It was rededicated on Sunday, May 1, by Church President Thomas S. Monson.

In front of a packed house, including Monson, over 2,700 young people ages 12 – 18 performed a variety of dance and musical numbers honoring the South’s rich cultural heritage. Thousands of other Church members and friends, unable to crowd into the Civic Center, nevertheless enjoyed the festivities via satellite in dozens of church meetinghouses located throughout Georgia.

Said Mobley, “At first, I thought ‘I don’t know if I really want to do this,’ but when I realized that I would be performing for President Monson, I knew it would be a once-in-a-lifetime chance, and so I went ahead with it.”

The Henry County youths were assigned to learn the Virginia Reel, a folk dance popular in the South in the mid-1800s. According to Mobley, “It was kind of scary, because we weren’t sure if we’d have enough time to learn the dance very well, but then it just came together really good after all. At the performance, the spirit was so strong.”

To open the event, Monson congratulated the youth involved in the celebration, along with the hundreds of adult volunteers, for their many talents and hard work. By participating in the program, he said, they were “eliminating the weakness of one standing alone and substituting the strength of many working together.”

“As you celebrate Southern Lights,” Monson concluded, “you will feel the light that emanates from each one of you. Truly, ‘ye are the children of light.’”

The two-hour program that followed included over 20 musical selections and 12 different dance numbers—everything from the waltz to beach music, from country line dancing to salsa, from ballet to swing, all performed by young people of the Atlanta Temple district, which includes all of Georgia and small portions of some surrounding states.

The 112-member youth choir included Emily and Jacob Beach, 18-year-old twins from McDonough, who were selected by application from among the 100-plus congregations participating. The choir led off with an inspiring interpretation of the Negro spiritual, “Waitin’ for the Light to Shine,” while the rest of the 2,754 performers lined the aisles of the Civic Center and sang along.

Then it was time for the dancing, as brightly-clothed waltzers filled the stage, followed closely by the Virginia Reel dancers, 1920’s-style “flappers” doing the Charleston, swing dancers from the Big Band era, and Motown hipsters “getting down” to the Jackson Five. A group of young men nearly brought down the house as they performed a hip-hop flavored “stomp” routine featuring expert tumbling and break-dancing.

Another group acted out a scene from a high school football game under the “Friday night lights,” complete with uniformed players, cheerleaders, flag corps, and marching band. Yet another, continuing the band motif, displayed military precision while swinging their gold-painted PVC “instruments” in time to “Seventy-Six Trombones.”

Fittingly, the evening also included a tribute to the Civil Rights movement, with a quartet of young people from the metro area reciting passages from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech.”

Petrol-electric A3 E-Tron concept leads the charge for Audi in Shanghai

Petrol-electric A3 E-Tron concept leads the charge for Audi in Shanghai
Audi is set to unveil a stunning technical study – the A3 e-tron concept – in Shanghai. The four-seat notchback saloon integrates the full breadth of the brand’s technological expertise – from the enhanced MMI operating system, to the high-end infotainment system, to the drivetrain. And with its two powerplants and lithium-ion batteries that store enough energy to propel the car on electric power alone for up to 54 km (34 miles), the plug-in hybrid also delivers high fuel efficiency.

Design and body
The Audi A3 e-tron concept is a four-seat notchback saloon. It measures 4.44 metres long and 1.84 metres wide, but just 1.39 metres high – proportions that underscore its dynamic character.

The styling has all the features of the typical Audi design language. The single-frame grille is integrated into the front end, giving it a sculptured look. Its frame is made of carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP), and the transversely mounted, three-dimensional aluminium louvres emphasise the showcar’s width. The headlights merge with the bevelled upper corners of the single-frame, forming a transition that marks the starting point of the prominent lines of the bonnet.

The headlights represent a new stage of evolution in LED technology, a groundbreaking innovation from Audi. They become broader as they extend outward, and a line underneath makes them seem to float. Above the front spoiler is a full-length air intake, also made of CFRP, framed by a metal clasp. The spoiler features a splitter that increases the downforce on the front wheels.

When viewed from the side, too, the A3 e-tron concept is instantly recognisable as an Audi – with its harmonious proportions, taut, muscular surfaces and a low roof dome with fluid lines flowing into a flat, coupe-like C-pillar. The shoulder area transitions elegantly into the tailgate. Characteristic of Audi design, the greenhouse accounts for one-third of the height, while the sheet metal makes up the remaining two-thirds.

Powerfully flared wings hint at the power of the engine. Two striking lines accentuate the flank: the undercut tornado line beneath the window edge and the dynamic line above the sills. The exterior mirrors, made of aluminium and CFRP, are perched on top of the window-channel strips. The door handles with their brushed-aluminium clasps are recessed flush with the door. When the driver touches them, they power-extend.

The intelligent interplay between surfaces and lines also defines the tail end of the A3 e-tron concept. The broad, flat tail lights are sculptured and culminate in a point on the inside, and the tailgate bears an elegant spoiler edge. The rear apron includes a diffuser insert of CFRP and metal, which in turn surrounds the two large tailpipes for the exhaust system.

Ultra-modern components, design methods and joining techniques keep the body weight low. One example of this are the custom-tailored blanks (panels of various thicknesses) in the floor area. The doors, bonnet and tailgate are made of aluminium. With its high levels of rigidity, the body provides the basis for the saloon’s precise handling, excellent vibrational comfort and low weight – the Audi A3 e-tron concept tips the scales at just 1,720 kg.