Energy-Efficient Philips LEDs Light the Times Square New Year's Eve Ball

NEW YORK, Dec. 20, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --  When the glittering Times Square New Year's Eve Ball descends to mark the beginning of 2012, it will also usher in one of the most important eras in lighting since Thomas Edison unveiled his incandescent electric light.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20111220/CL25518)

On January 1, 2012, new U.S. energy and lighting standards under the Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) go into effect, and Philips Lighting – whose light-emitting diode bulbs (LEDs) light the Times Square Ball – is ready. Consumers may purchase a wide range of Philips LED bulbs for home use, online and at thousands of retail outlets.

New Year's 2012 marks the 12th consecutive year that Philips Lighting has served as the official Lighting Partner to the world-famous Times Square New Year's Eve Ball. The same technology used in the Ball is also used in the Philips AmbientLED line of consumer light bulbs, which includes such innovations as the Philips 12.5-watt AmbientLED A19, the world's first commercially available LED to replace the 60-watt incandescent bulb and the only to be Energy Star qualified.

"We are proud that our award-winning Philips LEDs will again light the spectacular Times Square Ball," said Ed Crawford, CEO of Lamps, Lighting Systems and Controls for Philips Lighting. "But we are equally proud that our line of Philips AmbientLED bulbs continues to expand, enabling consumers to use energy-efficient, cost-friendly, long-lasting and aesthetically-pleasing lighting throughout their homes."

Like the 32,256 Philips LUXEON LEDs that light the glittering Times Square Ball, the commercially-available Philips AmbientLEDs bulbs consume up to 80 percent less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. That's why the Times Square Ball stays lit year round, and why consumers can reap significant electricity savings by making the switch to Philips LEDs. For example, if everyone in the U.S. transitioned to energy-efficient lighting in their homes, consumers would eliminate 87.5 million metric tons of carbon dioxide and generate energy savings of $15.8 billion.

With recent price reductions and the availability in many markets of instant utility company rebates, the price of Philips AmbientLEDs is lower than ever – further adding to its already significant economic impact.

Ask the Expert: Live Video Chat with Ed Crawford

Ed Crawford CEO of Lamps, Lighting Systems and Controls for Philips Lighting will be available online via video webcast to answer your questions about the new energy efficiency standards and the the latest developments in new lighting technology. Ed will be conducting the Q&A session from the viewing platform of 1 Times Square—home of the Times Square Ball.

Key topics include:

• How will EISA impact energy consumption in the individual home?
• What is the future and benefits of LED technology?
• What are the consumer benefits of switching to more energy efficient lighting solutions?
• What are the uses and benefits of LED technology on the Times Square Ball?
• What is the differences between traditional light bulbs, halogens, CFLs and LEDs?

To register for the event and participate in the online Q&A session, please register here:

http://event.xfactorcom.com/philips

Guidelines for submitting questions:

1. Pre-registration is required in order to submit a question.
2. Questions can be submitted in advance or during the live program.
3. To submit a question,  enter it into the Q&A box on the event page – and click enter.
4. Questions should be brief, no more than 500 characters.
5. Questions will be answered in the order they are received.
6. Questions that are inappropriate or not relevant to the topic will be discarded.

For further information, please contact:

Silvie Casanova
Senior Manager, Lighting Communications,
Philips Lighting North America
Tel: + 1 781.418.7928
Email: [email protected]

About Royal Philips Electronics

Royal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) is a diversified health and well-being company, focused on improving people's lives through timely innovations. As a world leader in healthcare, lifestyle and lighting, Philips integrates technologies and design into people-centric solutions, based on fundamental customer insights and the brand promise of "sense and simplicity." Headquartered in the Netherlands, Philips employs over 120,000 employees with sales and services in more than 100 countries worldwide. With sales of EUR 22.3 billion in 2010, the company is a market leader in cardiac care, acute care and home healthcare, energy efficient lighting solutions and new lighting applications, as well as lifestyle products for personal well-being and pleasure with strong leadership positions in male shaving and grooming, portable entertainment and oral healthcare. News from Philips is located at www.philips.com/newscenter.

SOURCE Royal Philips Electronics