 In 2008, the Ball has been doubled in size to 12 feet in diameter and contains 32,256 Philips LUXEON LEDs – more than three times as many as last year. This increased volume of LEDs will deliver a significantly brighter but also greener experience on New Year’s Eve, as the LEDs used in this year’s Ball are as much as 20 percent more energy-efficient than in 2007. This year’s LEDs consume about the same amount of energy per hour as it takes to operate just two conventional home ovens.
"The Times Square Ball allows Philips to showcase the power, beauty and energy-efficiency of LUXEON LEDs as well as the range of benefits LED technology can deliver not only to iconic installations like this but to a broad range of consumer and professional applications,” said Kaj den Daas, Chairman of Philips Lighting North America. “While New Year’s Eve occurs only once a year, the LED technology on display in the Times Square Ball will soon evolve into a very real energy-efficient lighting alternative for consumers around the world, and will help drive a more bright and sustainable future for generations to come."
In addition to lighting the Ball, Philips also is lighting the Times Square Numerals (2-0-0-9) using Philips Halogena® Energy Savers – a family of bright and long-lasting halogen bulbs which are 30-47 percent more energy-efficient than equivalent incandescent lamps. These are readily available to consumers through national retail outlets.
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