Current topic: where and why acceptance of LED lighting is growing

Intelligent fixtures and advanced color changing systems are more than ever populating the wide world of lighting applications. Even in such as areas stage & studio, general white lighting for residential and commercial architecture, industrial and other uses. And here are some of the reasons why.

LED lighting, with 100% solid state components and the attributes of the LEDs themselves, allows color mixing without moving parts, cooling fans or colored media. The US DOE (Department of Energy) predicts that LED technology will continue on a steep development curve of greater efficiency and lower costs. The DOE estimates that by within 4 years, LED efficacy will be over 100 lm/w. Better CRI performance and efficacy approaching florescent and HID also contribute to the desirability of LED lighting systems.

In addition, LED systems lend themselves to multiple and compact sizes and application formats. They operate with low heat output (especially pertinent for coves and small areas), and are low voltage with small gauge wiring for simplified installation and code compliance. They are UV-free illumination. And they offer low to zero maintenance.

Commercial architecture
Wide acceptance and use of color changing LED lighting for interior and exterior decorative applications. (Particularly as intelligent fixtures and systems appear on the market with advanced color generation.) Continued use of monochromatic colored LED lighting for specific applications.

Greater adoption of white LED lighting (static, dimmable and color temperature), as a range of fixtures become available for residential and commercial applications. Greater interest in fixtures designed for user controllable color temperature.

Additional driving factors include: better CRI, multiple optics options in conjunction with homogenized LED and fixture output, WWA and other combinations for user selectable color temperature change, LEED / ASHRAE compliance, IP fixture ratings.

Entertainment
Growing acceptance and use of color changing LED lighting for interior and exterior decorative applications. Already strong usage in effects lighting for clubs and casinos, as well as other non-stage and studio applications.

Continued use of monochromatic colored LED lighting in new designs and for typical specific applications.

A greater adoption of white LED lighting (particularly dimmable and color temperature controllable).

Stage and studio lighting exceptions include: growing awareness of the potential for white light applications typically handled by conventional stage lighting products and systems solutions.

Signage
Monochromatic LED lighting has now reached widespread acceptance for channel letters & other back lit signage. (Note: manufacturer product offerings, especially in LED array modules, vary particularly in performance and ease of installation of the total system.)

Color changing LED lighting is being designed into more applications. Increased design in of LEDs instead of neon and retrofit neon replacement (especially due to building code and efficiency compliance).

Industrial & Specialty
Wide acceptance in automotive, transportation and safety applications. Increased preference for applications (such as medical, inspections, marine etc.) that have specialized performance and/or environmental demands. Growing acceptance for applications based on minimum maintenance.