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Ushio's Synergie LED MR16s: Sometimes It's Easy Being Green

By BulbAmerica Editor

When it comes to quality LED light bulbs, few manufacturers can beat Ushio. Ushio’s Synergie LED MR16 series represents the culmination technological innovation and a commitment to environmentally friendly retrofits for incandescent and halogen bulbs. The 4w Synergie series LED MR16s are a low wattage replacement for 20w-25w halogen MR16s. The Synergie MR16s feature three powerful LEDs, each of which is rated at 50,000hrs for long lasting lighting. Unlike some LED MR16s, the Synergie bulbs are available in a wide range of color temperatures from warm (3,100K) to cool (6,500K), giving you a degree of flexibility that is not often found among LED retrofits. The Synergie series LED MR16s also feature good CRI, ranging from 70 CRI to 80 CRI, making them a viable choice for display lighting applications. In order to give you as much versatility as possible, Ushio’s Synergie MR16s are available in every beam type from spot to wide flood, making these bulbs that much more useful.

Of course, the Synergie bulbs have a hefty price tag at nearly $62.00. Though this price seems steep, don’t forget that the amount you save on energy costs and replacement bulbs will repay the upfront cost of the bulb itself. Also, remember, that with a new technology, often purchasing the product of the high end and high cost brand is the only way to assure a quality product. Ushio's Synergie products confirm this argument. Their excellent construction and satisfaction of rigorous industry standards like California’s Title 24 regulations means that these products carry with them all of the advantages that come with LEDs, rather than cheap technology and construction that compromises LEDs’ benefits.

BulbAmerica carries the entire Synergie line as well as many of Ushio’s other products. In addition to Ushio’s products, we stock only the highest quality LED products. As usual, leave a comment or question on our blog or Facebook or give us a ring with any further questions at 1-877-622-0897.
By Victor Lopez | 21 November, 2014 | led, lights, mr16, synergie, synergy, ushio | 0 comments | Read more

LED MR16s: A Green Light for Display Lighting

By BulbAmerica Editor

MR16s are among the most popular bulbs for medium to low intensity directional lighting. From retail lighting applications, to art galleries, and to your very own kitchen, MR16s are a popular choice for giving whatever you are displaying the attention it deserves. Like nearly every other type of light bulb, LEDs are being integrated into traditional incandescent bulbs, in this case MR16s, in order to give you a more environmentally friendly lighting option. Today, LED MR16s are available in every color temperature from extremely warm to extremely cool to give you the flexibility that comes with traditional halogen MR16s. There is no doubt that by using LED MR16s you are saving considerably with regard to energy draw. Halogen MR16s draw anywhere from under 10w to more than 300w, compared to the 1.7w to 6w range of LED MR16s. But one seriously considering LED MR16s should understand that though LEDs are powerful, they do not typically match the output of halogen MR16s. This is not to say that you should not use LED MR16s, but rather you should be strategic in your use of them. This is also not to say that all LED MR16s are incapable of matching halogen MR16 output, rather one should be mindful that sometimes light output is not equivalent across bulb types. LED MR16s offered in the bases typical of incandescent MR16s including G9.5, GU10, GU5.3 2-pin, GX5.3 2-pin, and screw in bases for LED JDR MR16s. LED MR16s therefore offer the same fixture flexibility that you currently have with halogen MR16s.

There are two unique advantages of LED MR16s over traditional halogens. Some LED MR16s come in colored versions, allowing you add a colorful dimension to your displaying. Colored MR16s, such as Platinum's RGB color changing MR16s, are ideal in retail applications where you want to draw special attention to certain products. Furthermore, LED MR16s produce close to no heat unlike halogen MRs which get extremely hot. This means that your LED MR16s can be placed closer to whatever it is you are illuminating in order to get the most out of your light source and a more concentrated, focused beam.

Make BulbAmerica your one stop shop for MR16s. Not only do we have LED MR16s and halogen MR16s, but we also have MR11s, MR13s, MR14s, JDR MR16s, and more. As usual, write us on our blog or our Facebook page, or call us at 1-877-622-0897 with any questions or comments you have.
By Victor Lopez | 21 November, 2014 | bulb, halogen, jdr, led, lights, mr16 | 0 comments | Read more

The MR16 BAB: A Lighting Industry Favorite

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) codes stipulate and coordinate standards for products across manufacturers in both the United States and abroad. ANSI codes are particularly prevalent in the lighting industry. Lamps that have a certain ANSI code will usually have identical specifications and construction. Some of the most popular types of bulbs are ANSI coded bulbs. The MR16 light bulb family has numerous ANSI coded bulbs including the ESX, BAB, EXT , and many others. These ANSI coded MR16s will have a specified wattage and beam angle depending on the ANSI code. The MR16 BAB is a particularly popular MR16. It has a 20w energy and a 36˚ beam angle. MR16s light beam is distinguished by a highly directional, sharp beamed spot, making it ideal for display. MR16 BABs come with different bases, including GU5.3 bi-pin, GU10, and GY8.

The MR16 BAB is produced by many light bulb manufacturers including Osram, GE, Philips, Platinum, Silver, Sunlite, and Ushio. The MR16 BAB is typically glass covered to help keep the light beam cool in addition to protecting people from burning themselves on the bulb which can get extremely hot due to the single-ended halogen filament capsule providing the light to the reflector. Though the MR16 BAB is standardized the type of reflector, meaning how many facets and what shape they are, varies. Ushio’s ‘Reflekto’ reflector, for example, features a number of hexagonal facets while other bulbs use rectangular facets.

The ANSI codes are an assurance for the lighting industry and its customers that products are constant. The MR16 BAB is an example of this system at work. Still interested in the MR16 BAB and other MR16 products? Check us out!
By Victor Lopez | 20 November, 2014 | bulb, cfl, fluorescent, halogen, lamps, led, lights, mr16 | 0 comments | Read more

The MR16: An Unbeatable Bulb

Look up in any kitchen, hallway, or above any museum display case and the track lighting or recessed lighting above you will likely house multifaceted reflector (MR) 16 bulbs. MR16 bulbs have been around for a long time, originally intended for use in slide projectors. Though MR16s do not have the best luminous efficacy, the largest proportion of lumens over wattage, their infrared coated faceted-reflector sustains light without it being absorbed and directs it in a concentrated beam. This makes the MR16 ideal for illuminating a painting or lighting a specific work space.

Like most other types of lighting, green bulb technologies have been adapted to the MR16. CFL and LED technologies have been developed for the MR16, making the MR16 more environmentally friendly. Feit Electric’s CFL MR 16 uses only 5 watts and has a lifespan of 10,000 hours. A standard incandescent MR16 uses about 20 watts and has a lifespan between 2,000 and 10,000 hours. The MR16 LED, however, is the most environmentally friendly and efficient MR16.Platinum’s LED MR16 uses 5 watts of electricity and has a lifespan of 35,000 hours, that’s 1,458 days! The MR16 LED bulb is a particularly good choice for an MR16 because it does not generate the significant amounts of heat that traditional MR16 bulbs do. Incandescent MR16s can reach temperatures as high as 500°F (260°C), and could easily burn someone if handled while hot. In addition to the bulbs being hot, the light created by MR16 incandescent bulbs with aluminum reflector is often warm and can potentially damage a piece of art or something else delicate that the light may be illuminating. Dichroic, “cool beam” bulbs, however, have been created produce a heatless light.

Though MR16s are used often because of their ability to produce concentrated light, MR16 bulbs come in all standard beam types. MR16s are also available in numerous lamp base types including bi-pin, medium screwbase, intermediate screwbase, turn-and-lock, and bayonet. Though the MR16 does have certain limitation, CFL and LED versions of the MR16 bulb are compensating for these. Furthermore, for accent/display lighting, art galleries, retail lighting, and other applications, the MR16 cannot be beat. The MR16’s ability to be dimmed and its concentrated beam will make everything you put on display appear in a brand new light.

By Victor Lopez | 20 November, 2014 | bulb, cfl, led, lights, mr16 | 0 comments | Read more

LED Headlights Get the Green Light for Electric Cars at the Paris Auto Show

The Paris Auto Show is one the world’s largest venues for major automobile manufacturers to display their latest and most radical car designs. As one might imagine, one of the dominant themes for this year’s auto show was high performance, environmentally friendly automobiles. An integral part of many the energy efficient automobiles on display were their innovative and efficient lighting systems. European manufacturers Renault and SEAT demonstrated the potential of LED headlights with their ZB10 and IBE electric cars. LEDs are the ideal light source for all cars, but especially electric cars because LED headlamps require little electricity to be lit, therefore leaving as much electricity as possible for the prolonged performance of the car. Furthermore, because LEDs are so compact little room needs to be made for them at the front or rear of the car, thus reducing the car’s profile and weight, and thus increasing the distances these cars can travel between charges. As LED optics are further perfected, headlamps are able to render light closer to daylight color temperatures, rather than those icy color temperature that we associate with LED headlights. This means that the light produced will be more effective at illuminating the road and will make the driving experience all the more safe.

LED automobile headlamps have been around for a while and are a familiar sight in higher end makes such as certain models by Audi and Mercedes Benz. The difference is that now LEDs are being integrated into radically efficient electric and hybrid cars by many more manufacturers, thus better balancing the lights with the rest of the cars’ technology and giving consumers more options, and increasingly efficient options for automobiles.

In addition to our wide variety of LED light bulbs and products, we have recently launched our automotive light bulb website so you can find the light bulb for your car at an unbeatable price. We are updating our catalog on our automotive website everyday, so be sure to check it daily for the light bulbs you need for your car. As usual, leave a comment on our blog or Facebook or give us a call at 1-877-622-0897 with any remaining questions you have.

By Victor Lopez | 20 November, 2014 | automotive, bulbs, cars, lamps, led, lights | 0 comments | Read more

McDonalds' Golden Arches Go Green with Low-Voltage Halogen and LED Lighting

By BulbAmerica Editor

Today there are roughly 13,000 McDonalds fast food restaurants in the United States, all of which have signs, lighting, stoves, and other appliances that consume energy. Like many businesses throughout the United States, McDonalds has begun drawing up plans for becoming more environmentally friendly. A large part of these plans has involved developing environmentally friendly lighting solutions to reduce energy consumption and operating costs.McDonalds has already taken steps to reduce energy consumption but maintain excellent lighting by using Philips’ excellent low-voltage dichroic MR16s to ensure that McDonalds’ restaurants have great looking, long lasting lighting.

McDonalds has also been attempting to improve on the efficiency of high performance halogens and has been experimenting with LED lighting systems coupled with natural lighting. In a prototype restaurant in North Carolina, the lighting is nearly totally comprised of LED bulbs and fixtures and is supplemented by skylights and natural light. The restaurant’s LED Lighting and natural lighting is projected to save this McDonalds roughly 78% in energy consumption. Though it may be a long time until all 13,000 McDonalds restaurants are LED lit, it is promising to see that corporations as large as McDonalds are joining in the green revolution.

BulbAmerica has a wide selection of low voltage halogen lighting products and LED products to save you energy and money while giving you great quality lighting. Retrofit your incandescent bulbs with energy efficient halogen, CFLs, and LEDs and join the green revolution today! As usual leave questions or comments on our blog or Facebook or call us at (888)505-2111 with any further questions you have.
By Victor Lopez | 20 November, 2014 | bulbs, incandescent, lamps, led, lights | 0 comments | Read more

The People vs. LEDs: A Technology on Trial

By BulbAmerica Editor

On September 8, the New York Times ran an article on the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) lawsuit against the California LED bulb manufacturer, Lights of America. The FTC filed suit against Lights of America over the manufacturer’s alleged overstatement of their LED products’ performance. This article signaled to me that it was time to write my own piece on LEDs and where I think they stand as of now. Consumers are probably used to hearing pretty mixed messages regarding LEDs: some people sing the praises of LED technology while others complain the market is being inundated by poor quality products that are not actually efficient and are sullying the LED’s good name. Before I attack this issue, however, I would like to briefly explain how an LED works and why it is supposed to be so efficient and such a good technology.

What makes LEDs so efficient and so novel is that they convert electrical current directly into light as the current passes through a semi-conducting material. For this reason there are no external materials like mercury or metals needed to produce light. Furthermore, most of the light created by LEDs lies along the visible spectrum unlike incandescent bulbs which create infrared light (heat) and fluorescent lights which create UV rays. LEDs are even more efficient if the bulb or fixtures have adequate heat sinks or ventilation and effectively dissipate the little heat generated. It is for this reason that LEDs are, and can be, so efficient. Among the major and most respected manufacturers in the lighting business, LEDs usually have a life hour rating of between 25,000hrs and 100,000hrs depending on their application and the type of LED. Obviously LED bulbs and fixtures with poor construction and poor quality will have shorter lives. CFL and incandescent life hour ratings usually fall somewhere in the 6,000hrs to 15,000hrs range and 1,000hrs to 2,000hrs range respectively. The luminous efficacy (lm/w) follows suit, LEDs have better luminous efficacy than CFLs and incandescent bulbs and produce more light per watt.

So what are these dissenters talking about? Well, they make an important point. No matter how promising LEDtechnology is, if the LED product is of poor quality, all of the benefits of the technology disappear. In the NY Times article referenced, the FTC found in an independent study of Lights of America’s LED products that their alleged 30,000hr recessed LED bulbs lost 80% of their output after only 1,000hrs—making them as efficient as a low-end incandescent bulb! People rightfully complain that top of the line LED bulbs are too expensive. Indeed, many LED bulbs from the major manufacturers are on the more expensive side and there may be cheaper ones out there from lesser known manufacturers which may not be terrible. But, the bottom line is this: if it seems to good to be true, it probably is. Consumers should be aware that top quality products often cost more than lower quality products and this even more exaggerated when we are speaking of newer technologies like LEDs.

At BulbAmerica we do our best to sell the highest quality LED bulbs and stage lighting products at the lowest prices possible. Check out our high quality LED bulbs and other products and start saving on energy today! If you have questions or comments on this article, leave them on our blog or our Facebook. Also, don’t forget to give us a call at 1-877-622-0897 for an answer on further questions you may have.
By Victor Lopez | 20 November, 2014 | bulbs, lamps, led, lights | 0 comments | Read more

LED Technology Provides Lighting Solutions on the Street and in the Home

It is widely known in the lighting world that the LED revolution is taking place and incandescent bulbs in the home, office, and theater are quickly falling by the wayside. LEDs are also beginning to emerge as potential replacements for high intensity discharge lamps (HID) as well in industrial, commercial, and outdoor applications. According to Newstreelights.com, the city of Naperville, IL, a western suburb of Chicago, has initiated a pilot LED streetlight program. The Naperville program has replaced one of the town’s blocks with LED street lights that feature a 50,000hr life hour rating compared to the 20,000hr life hour rating of traditional high pressure sodium streetlights. The project’s leaders believe LEDs to be ideal for streetlights because they offer a bright and sharp white light that will give drivers and pedestrians alike good visibility. The street lights are 120w and they replaced 310w HPS streetlights. After initial tests, it was shown that the LED street lights used only 57.6% of the energy the HPS streetlights did. Naperville has almost 11,000 streetlights, if this pilot program proves successful; All of the streetlights may be eventually replaced, thus providing the city with potentially huge energy savings.
This is the second article I have written on LEDs replacing HIDs and other light sources in outdoor and commercial applications. There is a fair amount of nay saying and skepticism, albeit much of it healthy skepticism, surround LEDs. Hopefully the pushes for large scale LED retrofits will encourage individual and homeowners as well to invest in LED bulbs and display products. BulbAmerica offers numerous LED retrofits from LED A-shape bulbs, to PAR38s, and many others. Admittedly the price point of many LED retrofit bulbs are high, but one should factor in the long term energy savings that come with LED lighting’s efficient performance. Furthermore, LED technology remains still in its infancy, so expect to prices to come further and further down in the future.

BulbAmerica has an amazing range of LED products to choose from at the best prices around. If you have any questions do not hesitate to leave a it or a comment on our blog or Facebook. Also, don’t be afraid to call (888)505-2111.
By Victor Lopez | 20 November, 2014 | hid, lamps, led, lights | 0 comments | Read more

LEDs Proves a Viable Lighting Option for Industrial Applications

LED lighting technology is revolutionizing nearly all facets of lighting. There are some who believe LED technology to be overblown and not useful in some applications. One of these applications is in the industrial lighting arena where HIDs and halogens have long reigned. Some people do not believe LEDs can produce substantial diffuse light to adequately illuminate huge spaces like warehouses and that coverage in those areas would likely be spotty. Kompak, a Dutch industrial firm, has recently proved these naysayers wrong by outfitting their entire industrial plant, warehouse, and offices with LED fixtures exclusively. Kompak's warehouse alone spanned approximately 11,500ft and featured nearly 46ft tall ceilings. Their entire warehosue was thoroughly lit by 
LEDs in large fixtures and cleverly along the pre-existing sprinkler pipes in the ceiling.
Kompak’s energy savings were truly remarkable. Their LED lighting, coupled with motion detectors, allowed the company to save 20,000KWh in electricity. Admittedly Kompak’s LED lighting system was very advanced and featured many custom LED installations not available to the casual consumer. Kompak’s adoption of LEDs however should signal to everyone, however, that lighting virtually any space is possible with LEDs, and that LEDs save astounding amounts of electricity in the short run, and even more astounding amounts of energy and money in the long run. Today LEDs are available in nearly every style that an incandescent bulb is. From candelabra, to globe, to A-shape, and many others, LEDs are becoming an increasingly viable option for light bulbs retrofits for not only incandescent bulbs and halogens, and potentially even CFLs. It is true that LEDs must be made less expensive and technologically refined before they can be widely embraced, however one can clearly see the beginnings of the LED revolution.

Stay on the cutting edge with BulbAmerica’s wide selection of LED bulbs. LEDs are an inexhaustibly bright idea, so check out the LEDs we have to offer for nearly every light application conceivable, you won’t be disappointed!
By Victor Lopez | 20 November, 2014 | bulbs, lamps, led, lights | 0 comments | Read more

New Labeling for Light Bulb Packaging in 2011

By mid-year 2011, the Federal Trade Commission will institute new packaging for light bulbs. The new packaging is modeled after the nutritional information tables found today on the back of food packaging. Light bulb packaging information will be divided among two panels. The front panel will feature information regarding energy cost and brightness while the back panel features the same information plus more technical information on color and toxic elements. The new light bulb packaging will clearly indicate light bulb brightness, energy cost, life hours, color temperature, wattage, and whether the bulb contains mercury or not. The Federal Trade commission is putting the new packaging in place to make light bulb purchasing a less confusing process, and to make the industry overall more consumer friendly. Traditional light bulb packaging has emphasized wattage. Wattage does not, however tell you anything about the color of the bulb, whether it contains toxic elements, or how many life hours the bulb has.
More importantly, the FTC’s revision of light bulb packaging will highlight the information most relevant to energy expenditure and factors concerning environmentally friendly light sources. The new packaging has producers of energy efficient light bulbs particularly excited because the new packaging will openly display the benefits of energy efficient bulbs. The long life and small energy draw of LEDs, for example, will be made clear to all consumers. The lighting costs feature will allow consumers to calculate how much money they will spend illuminating their homes. In general, the push to include more information on light bulb packaging is advantageous because it encourages consumers to further educate themselves about how light bulbs work, how they can work better, and what their options are.

Keep your eyes peeled for the new labels in the coming year and we’ll keep you posted!
By Victor Lopez | 20 November, 2014 | bulbs, fluorescent, halogen, incandescent, lamps, led, lights, outdoor | 0 comments | Read more
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