Philips, the lighting producer has just introduced an updated version of its highly successful 12.5W LED bulb. As one of the most sought-after A19 LEDs on the market, the 60W-equivalent lamp comes at a cost of $20-25, and is also the standard for the LED lighting for the consumer.
Currently, the A19 LED is replacing the EnduraLED or AmbientLED and it offers the advantage of better specs as well as the lack of a visible remote phosphor.
As the picture above shows, the A19 looks similar to the Hue bulbs by Philips, meaning that the yellow remote phosphor is invisible as the cooling fins have been smoothed out. Thought the bulbs still disperse heat, this is done by using a design like that found in Philip’s AirFlux models, instead of using the metallic fins on the lower half of the bulb.
There isn’t an exact definition on what AirFlux is, though it seems useful mainly for aesthetic purposes, based on their utilization of the smooth outer shell. For now though, only directional models such as BR and PAR lamps will carry the AirFlux branding while the A-shaped bulbs by Philips will only learn from such designs.
The bulb consumes energy at a rate of 75 lumens per watt (lpw) while producing and operating at 830 lumens and consuming 11 W. The 12.5 W type produces 800 lumens which translates into 64 lpw. Doing the math, that implies that this bulb is about 17% more efficient and uses about 12% less power compared to the former model.
There will be two color temperatures available for the A19, that is, daylight (5000K) and soft white (2700K). Still, the Energy Star rating will only be approved for the soft white type as the range for the rating is from 2700K to 4000K presently. It is anticipated that these guidelines will be modified in 2013 to cater for increased Kelvin counts. The two bulbs each are still within Energy Star guidelines with CRI of 80+.
Even though Philips is keeping quiet on the actual modifications of the bulb, what is clear is that they used a new technology which substitutes for the remote phosphor in one of the bulb types. This implies that the differences between the 11W and 12.5 bulbs is based on more than just looks, as there actually is a telling difference between the 2700K and 5000K types.
One confirmed change was the use of a dimming platform which is supposedly “next generation” component in the newer model. This allows it to dim to about 2% compared to the 12.5W’s 10%, and as a result, has improved dimmer compatibility compared to previous models.
Philips also added that they will carry on production of their current 100W- and 75W-equivalent LED bulb to cater for higher lumen levels. These models might be styled like the newer models eventually, though Todd Manegold, a product marketing representative of Philips stated that performance would not be sacrificed to cater for these eventual changes.
Manhattan Home Depot stores will start selling the 5000K A19 LED this week, whereas the 2700K model will start selling at the HomeDepot.com at the beginning of 2013. Both will be sold at $24.97 retail.
