Philips Electronics announces that the 2009-2010 holiday season marks the company’s 10th anniversary as the official Lighting Partner to the world-famous Times Square Ball. And for the first time, Philips has converted the companion Times Square Ball Numerals (2-0-1-0) to all LED technology.

Philips led the historic conversion of the Ball’s light source from incandescent and halogen bulbs to its LUXEONÒ LED technology in 2007-2008 as well as its subsequent upgrade to even more energy-efficient LUXEON LEDs in 2008-2009. Now, in 2009-2010, Philips will complete the final step in its conversion of the entire Times Square Ball application to a powerful and highly sustainable LED platform. The 545 custom-designed Philips scalloped LED flood bulbs lighting the Times Square Ball Numerals use just 9 watts each, compared to the 40 watts consumed by the incandescent and halogen bulbs previously used, representing a 78 percent energy savings. The new LED bulbs are designed for outdoor use and are rated to last for 25,000 hours based on the unique usage factors in the Times Square application.

A commercial version of the LED bulb used to light the Times Square Ball Numerals – the Philips EnduraLEDä PAR 30 Longneck - is now available for purchase through professional channels. And for the first time, a consumer version of this bulb - the Philips AmbientLEDä PAR 30 Longneck - is also available for residential users through The Home Depot stores nationwide. Ideal for recessed lighting applications and consuming just 11 Watts, this energy efficient option uses 78 percent less energy than the 50W halogen bulbs it replaces, delivers over 400 lumens of light output, and has a rated average life of 25,000 hours.