(Image credit: Hisense) Although it might be known as delivering some of the best Mini-LED TVs in the market, Hisense is seemingly taking a new approach with an upcoming OLED TV slated to hit Europe this September. The new display, known as the Hisense A85N, is equipped with HDR10+, Dolby Vision support, and a purported 1,000 nits of peak brightness. It uses LG Display’s WOLED panel, which should give it quite the edge against major competitors Sony and Samsung. OLED tech isn’t exactly new for Hisense, as the display manufactur...

Lumileds’ R&D team realizes Lambertian distribution from microLEDs Lumileds has realized significant External Quantum Efficiency (EQE) performance for MicroLEDs in the past years. EQE, is the ratio between the energy contained in the light emitted from the LED and the energy in electrons injected into the semiconductor material. However, for microLEDs, and display applications in particular, EQE on its own is not a sufficient measure of performance. To properly assess the efficiency of a microLED, one must also be able to measure the direction...

Researchers based in China have been exploring the benefits of using freestanding (FS) gallium nitride (GaN) as a substrate for micro light-emitting diodes (LEDs) [Guobin Wang et al, Optics Express, v32, p31463, 2024]. In particular, the team developed an optimized indium gallium nitride (InGaN) multiple quantum well (MQW) structure with improved performance at lower current injection (~10A/cm2) and lower driving voltages as suitable for the advanced micro-displays used in augmented (AR) and virtual reality (VR) setups where the higher cost of FS-GaN can be compe...

Since January 2024, Nichia has introduced three blog posts on “History of Light Sources - Color Rendering Index (CRI)” and this blog will conclude its series with this fourth post. In the world of lighting sources, where there is often a tendency to prioritize luminous flux and efficiency, Nichia has strived to convey that CRI is just as important as luminous flux and luminous efficiency. Nichia, which has been involved with “light” for more than half a century since the fluorescent lamp era, hopes that this part of its philosophy has been understood...

   

More than 4812 streetlights in the City of Port Adelaide Enfield (City of PAE) area have been switched over to LED light bulbs, with stage one of the council’s bulk LED rollout project now complete. In 2023, SA Power Networks partnered with the City of Port Adelaide Enfield to roll out the project, focussing on Stobie pole-mounted lights on residential streets. The $2.46 million project began in December 2023 and finished by its target of the end of the 2023–24 financial year. SA Power Networks said that currently, around half of South Au...

Electronics tech giant Xiaomi has announced its latest X Pro QLED series TVs, aiming to deliver a high-quality viewing experience with stunning colors, enhanced brightness, and crystal clear visuals. Alongside the new X Pro QLED series TVs, Xiaomi also updated the 2024 Edition X Series smart TV, bringing significant improvements over last year’s models. Here’s everything you need to know about Xiaomi’s latest X Pro QLED series smart TVs. Xiaomi offers three screen size options for the X Pro QLED Series – 43, 55, and 65-...

The TCL T5K has been launched in China. (Image source: TCL) TCL has launched the T5K, a 50-inch QLED TV, in China. With Quantum Dot technology, the direct-lit LED TV covers 96% of the DCI-P3 color gamut, and according to TCL, the color will not fade for 100,000 hours. The T5K’s brightness level of 300-400 nits is said to be 25% higher than other models, though these are not named. The TCL TV also has MEMC motion smoothing technology and supports Dolby Vision. On top of this, there are two built-in 20W speakers from Onkyo th...

Apple is gearing up to introduce a new addition to its desktop lineup: the 32-inch iMac Pro. This highly anticipated model is set to replace the older Intel-based iMacs, bringing forth a range of significant upgrades and enhanced specifications. With an expected launch date in late 2025, the 32-inch iMac Pro promises to deliver innovative display technology, improved processing power, and expanded connectivity options, catering to the needs of professional users. Development and Transition The larger iMac Pro is currently in the development phase, signifying a notable shi...

Today most fluorescent lamps are regulated by the RoHS Directive. However, despite containing mercury, there are still exemptions. In the field of general illumination, High Pressure Sodium lamps (hereinafter abbreviated as HPS) remain the highest runner of mercury-containing lamps. HPS is typically used in street lighting luminaires, classified under item 4(c) and for horticulture classified under item 4(f). They are exempt until at least February 24, 2027, due to the lack of alternative technologies. However, Nichia considers that the hurdles for alternative technolo...

The first post discussed general lighting and the second one addressed specialty lighting applications requiring a higher CRI. This post will explore outdoor lighting. While it is widely understood why CRI is important for indoor lighting, is it important for outdoor lighting as well? Many people have had the experience of driving into a tunnel and not being able to see clearly, not being able to distinguish car colors directly in front or not even being able to tell the color of fellow passenger’s clothing! This is due to the extremely low CRI of sodium lamps commonly us...

LED lights at LPS Industries. - LPS Industries LPS Industries, a vertically integrated flexible packaging manufacturer, has replaced 1,100 fluorescent and incandescent light fixtures with LED lights at its facility in Moonachie. The project took two months and required the contractor to work 16-hour days. During that time, day-to-day operations at the manufacturing plant and corporate offices continued as normal. Employees now work with better and more diffuse light. Studies have shown LED lights can improve employee moods, boost work efficiency and enhanc...

Taiwan launches LED light swap event (Courtesy of MOE) TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Ministry of Environment (MOE, 環境部) will launch a lighting replacement promotion from Sept. 1 to Oct. 31, encouraging citizens to recycle old light tubes and bulbs at designated stores and purchase LED alternatives. Participants can register on the event website to enter a prize draw. Wong Wen-ying (翁文穎), a division chief at the MOE's Resource Circulation Administration (資源循環署) fund management committee, noted that traditional light tubes and bulbs...

(Image credit: Samsung) Samsung has announced two new ultra-short throw projectors which are set to challenge your TV for a spot in your living room. The Premiere 7 (LPU7D) and Premiere 9 (LPU9D) are the latest models in Samsung's growing projector portfolio, with the latter serving as a successor to the five-star Premiere LSP9T from 2022. Both models can reportedly "transform any living space into a premium home cinema" according to Samsung due to their premium picture and audio credentials. These 4K projectors support HDR in both the HDR...

As explained in the February 24, 2023 blog post, there remain lamps and light sources which contain mercury but are still exempt from the RoHS Directive. With its decades of experience and innovation, Nichia wants to contribute to the realization of a mercury-free society by promoting alternative light sources, specifically LEDs and Laser Diodes which do not contain mercury. The table below summarizes light sources which are exempt from the RoHS Directive and whose manufacture and sale are permitted even though they contain mercury. In fact, some items are classified mo...

The first post was about general lighting. In this post, Nichia will discuss specialty lighting which requires a higher CRI. Applications requiring high color rendering include lighting for printing, painting, dyeing, photography, color inspection, cosmetic mirror lighting, galleries, museums, clothing, decorations, hospitals, and schools. Depending on the application, various types of high CRI lamps are used. Incandescent bulbs and halogen lamps have an Ra of 100, but their color temperature is as low as 2700K, limiting their use in applications. For applications requir...

As of today, 24 February 2023, most types of fluorescent lamps will be banned from manufacturing and sales in Europe. Despite containing mercury, these lamps have been allowed to be manufactured and sold as exemptions from the RoHS Directive. However, these exemptions end today and will no longer be extended. Lamps not covered this time will be subject to regulation in a phased manner, and general fluorescent lamps, except for some special applications, will disappear from the market in the near future. Under the Minamata Convention, which along with the RoHS Directive, i...

In the lighting industry, the characteristics and advantages of light sources are typically discussed in terms of luminous flux and/or efficacy; however, CRI, chromaticity, and spectral distributions are also important factors of light. Among these, CRI is a very important characteristic that determines how close an illuminated object looks to what it would like under natural light. In this blog, Nichia has chosen to focus on CRI and its history as the main theme and this first blog post will discuss the importance of general lighting, which is indispensable in our daily lives. ...

A lightweight sensor system with infrared imaging capabilities, developed by an international team, can be fitted to drones for remote crop monitoring, potentially leading to more precise agriculture and cheaper groceries. This flat-optics technology, which dynamically switches between edge detection and detailed infrared imaging, could replace traditional lenses in various industries and is ready for mass production. Engineers created a compact sensor with infrared imaging for drones, enhancing crop management by allowing for precise irrigation and pest control, which could lower gro...

A longtime smart technology incubator, the city of Peachtree Corners in Georgia is getting a new smart lighting deployment from Israel-based company Juganu, which promises to provide energy-efficient lighting, environmental sensors, edge computing and free public Wi-Fi. This is Juganu’s first full smart city lighting deployment in the United States, according to the company. Juganu says that its smart light poles combine multiple systems in one pole: LED lighting, air quality sensors and an “IoT framework for additional smart city applications,” plus a ...

Recognizing the significant potential for energy savings, CIME embarked on a comprehensive project to replace all fluorescent lights with energy-efficient LED lights throughout their building in Karachi. A fluorescent light typically uses around 80 watts, while an LED light uses only about 20 watts, offering significant energy savings. Over 6-8 months, around one thousand lights were systematically replaced from the ground floor to the top floor, carefully planned to avoid disrupting daily activities. Switching to LED lighting has greatly reduced the building's...

Apple has supposedly hit a major setback and significantly delayed the mass production of its MacBook with a super-size, folding screen. The company has run into technical issues with the display and other mechanicals. Apparently, these problems will force Apple to delay mass production until as late as the end of 2027 or 2028. Apple runs into delays with foldable MacBook display According to rumors earlier this year, Apple is developing a 20-inch MacBook with a folding screen. The rumor mill initially suggested mass production would begin in 2027, but a report from ea...

(Image credit: Epson) Epson has unveiled its new range of high-end laser projectors, and it's making some bold claims about the performance of these new beamers. These pricey projectors are set to take on high-end competitors such as the Award-winning Sony VPL-XW7000ES and the recently reviewed JVC DLA-NZ800. The three-strong new lineup, consisting of the QB1000, QL3000 and QL7000, leverages Epson's 4K 3LCD chipset with support for HDR10 and HLG – interestingly the cheapest model of the range (the QB1000) is the only model of the ...

Louisiana State University has turned to Daktronics to bring new light to Tiger Stadium, with 16 LED displays totaling 19 million pixels and nearly 21,000 sq. ft. The main end-zone video display will measure more than 5,600 sq. ft. with 5.1 million pixels of its own. An additional video display will be added to LSU Soccer Stadium as part of this project in Baton Rouge, LA. “These upgrades will be a welcome addition to Tiger Stadium and LSU’s Soccer Stadium,” says Scott Woodward, LSU’s Athletic Director. “Providing a first...

Greenhouse growers face the problem of extending the rising season to satisfy the rising demand for recent produce year-round. One efficient resolution is using Greenhouse Develop Lights, significantly Greenhouse LED Develop Lights. These superior lighting methods present the required gentle spectrum to reinforce plant development, making it doable to domesticate crops even throughout much less sunny intervals. Significance of Greenhouse Develop Lights Greenhouse Develop Lights are essential in managed setting agriculture. In contrast to conventional lighting method...

Farmington Hills Gets $140,000 Grant for LED Lighting at Fire Station (City of Farmington Hills, Aug. 22, 2024) Farmington Hills, MI- The City of Farmington Hills has been awarded an Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) of over $140,000 from the U.S. Department of Energy. This grant will support the City’s ongoing efforts to enhance energy efficiency and conservation by funding the installation of light emitting diode (LED) lighting at Fire Station #4, located at 28711 Drake Road. The implementation of LED lighting...

Atlanta Aglow: New LED Lights Illuminate DowntownAtlanta Aglow: New LED Lights Illuminate Downtown The city of Atlanta has undergone a dazzling transformation with the installation of state-of-the-art LED lights in the heart of its downtown core. As dusk descends, the city center bursts into a vibrant tapestry of colors, illuminating iconic landmarks and revitalizing public spaces. The project, spearheaded by the City of Atlanta’s Department of Transportation and the Downtown Atlanta Alliance, involves the replacement of over 6,000 aging high-pressure...

ASUS has revealed a new gaming monitor under the ROG Swift lineup. The ROG Swift OLED PG27AQDP has a 1440p OLED panel and a 480Hz display refresh rate. The model omits a glossy display and was part of the highlights at Gamescom 2024 in Cologne, Germany. The ROG Swift OLED PG27AQDP was first showcased during CES 2024 last January. Asus recently started selling The ROG Swift OLED PG32UCDP and PG39WCDM in the UK and US. It is part of a growing list of Asus gaming monitors with improved refresh rates and brightne...

It has been a while since GoRetroid has launched a product (if you ignore the dock), their latest being the Retroid Pocket 4 Pro that went down a treat earlier in the year, but now with the onslaught of mini retro handhelds, GoRetroid wants a piece of the pie and have revealed the GoRetroid Pocket Mini. This is 4:3 device featuring what looks like a 3.7″ border-less display similar to that of the AYANEO Pocket Micro with glass surrounding the whole face, new LED joysticks which is the first in a GoRetroid pocket, and is a common trend in the affordable ...

MSI recently unveiled its new 32-inch curved gaming monitor, the MPG 321CURX, featuring QD-OLED technology. Aimed at demanding gamers, this model offers 4K resolution (3840 x 2160) and a 240 Hz refresh rate, designed to ensure a smooth, immersive gaming experience. The MPG 321CURX’s QD-OLED technology, supplied by Samsung, promises accurate colors, deep blacks and high brightness. The good thing about OLED panels is that the pixels on the black color are turned off, enabling blacks that couldn’t be deeper. This monitor also boasts an ult...