The Best Smart Outdoor Lighting for Backyards, Pathways, and More  Wirecutter, A New York Times Company

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The Best Smart Outdoor Lighting for Backyards, Pathways, and More - Wirecutter, A New York Times Company

What's the Best Way to Brighten Up a Room? Easy, Smart Lights  CNET

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What's the Best Way to Brighten Up a Room? Easy, Smart Lights - CNET

Can AI help indoor agriculture escape the crush of huge energy loads?  Anthropocene Magazine

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Can AI help indoor agriculture escape the crush of huge energy loads? - Anthropocene Magazine

Samsung Introduces High-performance LED Linear Modules for Indoor Lighting Applications the H-Series  samsung.com

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Samsung Introduces High-performance LED Linear Modules for Indoor Lighting Applications the H-Series - samsung.com

The 3 Best Light Therapy Lamps of 2024 | Reviews by Wirecutter  The New York Times

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The 3 Best Light Therapy Lamps of 2024 | Reviews by Wirecutter - The New York Times

The Netherlands With the 2022 version of Soenda Indoor Werkspoorkathedraal in Utrecht being an unbridled success, repeating the trick for the 2023 edition in the same location would be no small feat. Fortunately, T.Y.S was once again on hand to create a design that surpassed expectations.

The biggest challenge for the design team was coming up with a solution that could turn the cavernous Werkspoorkathedraal into a venue with a cosy club atmosphere. With a floor surface of 5,800 m2 to cover and a ceiling height of 20 metres, there was plenty of scope for creativity.

Together with the events producer, Elevation Events, the design team decided that doing something with motion could add a surprising new dimension to the lighting set-up for the 2023 edition. This culminated in the construction of four large square frames that were suspended from the venues two crane tracks. With each frame loaded with visual and lighting equipment, double the number of trusses and motion hoists were needed to support the frames and make them tiltable.

DEFRAME provided the stunning visuals that covered the square frames. Ampco Flashlight supplied the motion equipment, while Stagelight was responsible for supplying the sound and lighting equipment. They equipped each square frame with 32 Showtec Helix S5000 Q4 LED washers. With eight washers attached to each side of the frames and each washer having the capability to be split into five separate sections, it was possible to create virtually unlimited wash effects. The DJ booth also benefitted from two Helix S5000 washers, which were used as side and front lights.

A total of 60 Infinity iB-2R moving light beams were added on either side of the square frames to create a dynamic light curtain for the frames to dance through. With their razor-sharp beams, vivid colours, fast movements, rotating prisms, ultra-fast gobos and colour wheels, the iB-2R fixtures added plenty of energy. There were also 20 Infinity Furion S601 Profiles that were used to project a wide variety of breathtaking gobo effects onto the walls and ceiling of the Werkspoorkathedraal.

Soenda is an event that continues to go from strength to strength, which is not surprising given how much time and thought goes into its planning and organisation. The design team behind Soenda Indoor Werkspoorkathedraal 2023 in the Werkspoorkathedraal are currently preparing for the eagerly anticipated Soenda Outdoor Festival 2024. As soon as theyre done with that, theyll start planning for Soenda Indoor Werkspoorkathedraal 2024. Who knows what theyll come up with for that, but its probably best to expect something spectacular and unexpected.

photos: Sander van de Ven, Stef van Oosterhout and Sanne Hamacher

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Stunning Showtec and Infinity lighting set-up at Soenda Indoor Werkspoorkathedraal 2023 - EtNow.com

Good question!

First, a little about me: I'm not a lighting engineer, but I've tested and reviewed light bulbs for CNET for over five years now. That includes hundreds of hours in our homemade lighting lab -- a climate-controlled room equipped with aspectrometer and an integrating sphere that lets us run the most scientific and accurate light bulb tests we can possibly run. I've also visited and written features about major North American lighting manufacturers such as Cree and GE to get a better understanding of their methods and standards. This is one of numerous LED buying guides and roundups that I try to update as often as possible.

A peek inside our integrating sphere.

We load each bulb we test into the center of our integrating sphere -- a big, hollow ball with special, reflective paint coating the inside. Our spectrometer peeks in through a tiny hole in the side of the sphere, with a "baffle" that blocks it from looking directly at the light bulb. Instead, the bulb's light bounces around inside, which lets our spectrometer take reliable, calibrated measurements for things like brightness and color temperature.

We log those brightness measurements every 10 minutes for 90 minutes, then take a final reading at the end. At that point, I plug the sphere's power cord into a variety of dimmer switches, then measure for the average maximum and minimum settings across all of them while also keeping a close lookout for flicker or buzz.

Once a bulb we're testing is done in the lab, we take a close look at things like light spread, tone and color quality. Our photo and video team (Tyler Lizenby, Chris Monroe and Vanessa Salas here in Louisville) are a huge help at this point, with standardized photography that lets us take a really close look at those metrics. They're also just really damned good at taking pictures of light bulbs.

All of that said, the most important thing isn't what I think when I'm taking readings in our lighting lab -- it's what you and your family think after screwing the bulbs in and turning them on in your living room or other area. Like I said, LEDs like these are designed to be durable and waterproof and last years, so it's well worth buying ones that you'll actually like living with. You've got a lot of good options these days, so there's really no need to compromise. I'm just here to help you find those "just right" bulbs a bit faster -- or more efficiently, you might say.

This new floodlight LED from Sylvania isn't available outside of California yet, but it's efficient, putting out 93.7 lumens per watt. It'll be one of the next bulbs I review.

See the article here:
Best LED Floodlight Bulbs of 2024 - CNET

WASHNGTON TOWNSHIP, New Jersey -- What started as just casually decorating his home for Christmas, Dan Uszaki's light display at his Washington Township home quickly became a holiday tradition for his neighbors!

His mantra has always been "Glow Big, or Glow home!"

"I was getting to a point where I was transitioning away from my home, my kids were getting older," said Uszaki.

So, after 12 years he pulled the plug, but the blackout didn't last long.

"I just felt like a sense of responsibility. I had no idea that I stretched into that many people's homes," he said.

This year, he started GLOW, a brand new ultimate synchronized light experience.

What was once 350,000 lights at his home is now two million lights and counting!

Set up is happening courtesy of what he calls his team of "Silent Santas."

"I really think our display is really unique. We have various displays, pop culture things.

All of the lights are individually addressed and synced to music and all our props are not seen at any other light show because we personally design them," said Uszaki.

His family's home lighting display was featured on ABC's the Great Christmas Light Fight on December 12 where they took home a trophy.

For more information or tickets to GLOW, visit: VisitGlow.com.

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'Glow big or glow home!': New synchronized holiday light show comes to South Jersey - WLS-TV

Lighting has the power to transform any space, particularly in today's modern interior landscape. It's the art of blending style with functionality, the secret ingredient to creating the perfect ambience in your home. We've sifted through a plethora of lighting solutions to bring you some brilliant options that will not only illuminate but also enhance your living space, that too at irresistible discounts. Join us as we delve into the details of each product, exploring what makes them stand out.

Discount: -59% | Price: 1,213 | M.R.P.: 2,990 | Rating: 3.7 out of 5 stars

Elevate your space with the VRCT Modern Uva 3 Light Gold Pendant. Its adjustable cord and modern design make it a perfect fit for any room, adding a touch of sophistication, whether in the kitchen, dining room, or bedroom.

Key Features:

Discount: -71% | Price: 1,755 (Pack of 2) | M.R.P.: 5,998 | Rating: 3.9 out of 5 stars

The Desidiya Golden Yellow Hanging Pendant Lights bring a touch of modernity to your living areas with their unique capsule design, serving as both lights and eye-catching decorative pieces.

Key Features:

Discount: -40% | Price: 2,998 | M.R.P.: 4,999 | Rating: 4.2 out of 5 stars

The GANE-SHART Crystal Ceiling Light adds a touch of luxury to your space with its stainless steel rectangular design and six lights, striking a balance between modernity and glamour.

Key Features:

Discount: -43% | Price: 2,849 | M.R.P.: 4,999 | Rating: 3.9 out of 5 stars

The ART N CRAFT Fan Light seamlessly blends vintage charm with modern design. It's not just a light; it's a versatile decorative item with an adjustable height tripod stand and an energy-efficient LED bulb.

Key Features:

Discount: -50% | Price: 4,999 | M.R.P.: 9,999 | Rating: 3.7 out of 5 stars

The Harold Electricals Chirpy Wall Light draws inspiration from nature, offering a unique and aesthetically pleasing design. Crafted with mild steel and a PVD coating, it's not only durable but also a fancy addition to various rooms.

Key Features:

Discount: -60% | Price: 799 | M.R.P.: 1,999 | Rating: 4.2 out of 5 stars

The PXB Glowtronix Tabletop Bonsai Tree Light introduces a DIY vibe to your space with its flexible branches and warm white LED lights. It's not just a light; it's a festive decoration, adding warmth and charm to any occasion.

Key Features:

Discount: -52% | Price: 11,999 | M.R.P.: 24,999 | Rating: 3.9 out of 5 stars

The Smartway Metal Amoeba Smart Led Wall Light seamlessly integrates technology with aesthetics. Featuring voice assist compatibility and tunable light colours, it provides a modern and energy-efficient solution for illuminating your home.

Key Features:

Discount: -37% | Price: 3,799 | M.R.P.: 5,999 | Rating: 3.9

Elevate your living space with the DRV Wall Mounted Deer Head Lamp. Crafted from high-quality resin and acrylic crystal, this lamp exudes timeless charm, providing a soft, warm glow for a welcoming atmosphere.

Key Features:

Discount: -76% | Price: 950 | M.R.P.: 3,999 | Rating: 3.6

Illuminate your outdoor spaces with the SPARC LIGHTS 12W Round LED Fixture. Fully waterproof with easy installation, this light adds both functionality and style, making it perfect for various occasions, indoors and outdoors.

Key Features:

Discount: -51% | Price: 4,949 | M.R.P.: 9,999 | Rating: 5.0

Transform your dining room or bedroom with the Solo Decor Deer Head Wall Mounted Lamp. Made of high-quality resin and acrylic crystal, it adds a touch of sophistication, featuring a general easy-to-replace E27 light source for energy efficiency and eye protection.

Key Features:

Price: 15,406 | Rating: 4.4

Experience the magic of levitation with the Levitating Moon Lamp by DTOETKD. This 3D moonlight, equipped with a remote control and rechargeable features, serves as an exquisite room decor and a unique gift for special occasions.

Key Features:

Discount: -18% | Price: 9,789 | M.R.P.: 11,999 | Rating: 4.2

Elevate your space with the GANE-SHART Crystal Glass Chandelier. Featuring a modern design and LED lights, it adds a luxurious touch to your living room, hall, or hotel, providing long-lasting LED effects.

Key Features:

Price: 19,890 | Rating: 4.4

Embrace smart lighting with Nanoleaf Shapes. These customisable LED panels sync with music and screen mirrors, offering endless design possibilities. Ideal for gaming or home decor, they come with a simple setup using double-sided mounting tape.

Key Features:

Elevate the vibes in your home with these carefully selected modern lighting options. Add a dash of elegance and a splash of personality to your living spaces, whether it's through elegant chandeliers or innovative wall lights. Each product brings a unique blend of style and functionality, that too at incredible discounts for a limited time only. Light up your space and make a statement with these contemporary lighting solutions. Choose the one that resonates with your style, and let your home shine bright in this modern era of illumination.

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Light Up Your Home with Stylish Finds from Amazon: Indoor Lighting At Up To 75% Off - NDTV

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Best dimmable smart bulb

Philips Hue White Starter Kit

Light bulbs have an enormous, everyday impact on the way our homes look and feel, and witha flood of new energy efficient LED bulbs filling the lighting aisle, you've got more LED lighting options than ever. Plus, an LED light bulb can help you save on your energy bills and electricity. But how do you pick the best LED lights for the job? The trick is to think for a long time about how you typically put light to use in the different rooms in your home. That, more than anything, will dictate your lighting needs.

For instance, you might benefit from a super bright bulb in your favorite reading lamp, but prefer a gentler, more candle-like warm glow from the lamp at your bedside.

To that end, here are some room-specific tips to help you zero in on the right LED light for your lamps and living space. Where appropriate, I've also included links to buy light bulbs from our tests. I'll keep this updated as I test new products.

If you have high ceilings, you'll want floodlights that shine nice and bright in a single direction.

If you have rooms with high ceilings or recessed lighting -- an entryway, for instance, or maybe a staircase with overhead lights or a candelabra up above -- you'll want to prioritize brightness over softness in your light bulbs. After all, the higher up your light bulbs are, the brighter they'll need to be in order to light up the room.

The most common products for overhead lighting are BR30-shaped floodlights. The "BR" stands for "bulging reflector," and it means that the light inside the bulb sits above a reflective bowl, sort of like a little satellite dish. Screw a bulb like that up into your ceiling, and that bowl will catch all of the upward cast light, then reflect it back down and out the bottom, which bulges outward to produce the widest possible pool of bright light across the room. It's the same trick your car's headlights use to produce as much light output as possible out in front of you as you drive.

You've got plenty of energy saving BR30-shaped LED options in the lighting aisle. The most common choice among them are 65-watt replacement bulbs that typically put out about 650 lumens of light each. That's a good, average number, and fine for average-height ceilings with at least a few bulbs shining overhead. Among the ones I've tested, 65-watt replacement floodlights from Cree and Philips are the two I'd recommend. They're good values and they're highly energy efficient for the money (each draws less than 10 watts). These dimmable bulbs also work well with dimmer switches and -- most important for overhead lighting -- they're both nice and bright, each putting out comfortably more than 700 lumens. As of writing this, Home Depot has those Cree bulbs on salein a two-pack for less than $6 -- they're the ones I'd go with in my own home if it were me buying.

If your ceilings are higher than average, or if you've got fewer bulbs shining overhead than you'd like, then look for 100-watt bulb replacement BR30 LEDs that bump the brightness up even further. Cree makes them, and Home Depot is selling them fora little over $10 each, which is a pretty good deal.

Watch this: Coolest alternative smart light fixtures

Some rooms serve just one or two basic functions, but other rooms get used in all sorts of ways. For instance, you might use your living room for watching TV, reading books, playing board games with the kids, or any other number of activities. Rooms like that can really benefit from quality lights that can adapt to whatever's going on.

The old-fashioned way to do it is to use a mix of different lamps and fixtures that serve different purposes -- a reading lamp beside your favorite armchair, overhead lights for board game night, everything off when you're watching a movie, and so on. That's all well and good, but it limits you to a binary, "on/off" lighting mentality.

The better approach? Give yourself a full spectrum of lighting possibilities by making sure all of those lights are dimmable.

Upgrading your light switches to dimmer switches is one way to do it (and not nearly as intimidating as you might be thinking if you've never switched one out before). There are also smart plugs from brands like Lutron that'll let you dim your fixtures and lamps up and down. The easiest way, however, is simply to replace your bulbs with dimmablesmart bulbs. It'sa great time to do it -- costs have come way down in recent years, and the advent of voice controls has given people a quick, easy way to jump to whatever dimmer setting they like, whenever they like.

Best of all, just about every smart bulb on the market is dimmable without flickering or buzzing, eliminating a common headache that comes with an in-wall dimmer switch. That also makes smart bulbs quality picks for bedrooms, where strong dimming performance and things likeprescheduled wake-up fadescan do wonders for your mood in the morning.

Philips Hue has an expensive reputation, but its dimmable white light LED smart bulbs only cost $15 each, and you can get a starter kit with three bulbs and the Philips Hue Bridge that acts as the brain of the system for just $60. From there, you can pick up an additional bulb whenever they go on sale, gradually building out your network of connected bulbs.

We like the Philips Hue smart light bulb because of the well-developed app, the strong variety of bulbs, fixtures and accessories you can add to your setup, and the good track record of support. With the Hue Bridge calling the shots, your bulbs will work with Siri, Alexa and the Google Assistant for quick, voice-activated lighting changes. Next time you're watching a movie and want the lights dimmed down low, but not totally off, you can just tell your assistant of choice to "dim the living room lights to 5%."

On the left, a bowl of M&Ms lit by a standard GE LED. On the right, the same bowl lit by a GE Reveal LED, which does a much better job at making colors look vivid and true.

I'm not talking about color-changing smart lights (though if you want to jazz your home up with them, don't let me stop you). No, I'm talking about the colors that are already in your home -- artwork, furniture, the clothes in your closet, the fruits and veggies in your kitchen, you name it.

Whatever it is, if it's colorful, then it'll benefit from light bulbs with high color rendering scores -- bulbs that boost the color temperature and help colors look their best. This isn't always the easiest thing to shop for, as manufacturers aren't required to list their color rendering scores on the packaging, like they are with brightness and efficiency specs. Some bulbs that do claim to emit great colors are actually just so-so.

My LED lighting tip: Just stick with GE Reveal bulbs, because after about six years of reviewing light bulbs for CNET, I've yet to test one that hasn't delivered on its promise of better-looking colors. That includes standard 60-watt replacement LEDs, floodlights, weird-looking stick-shaped LEDs, dimmable LED bulbs and more. A 4-pack of regular, A-shaped Reveal bulbs (linked below) currently goes for $17 at Lowe's.

They tend to cost slightly more per bulb, and most are a little less bright than the average LED light because they filter out some of excess yellow light for a better color temperature -- but those compromises are worth it if you're using them for accent lighting or to light up the spots in your home where you'll appreciate accurate, better-looking colors day in and day out.

And that's really the point -- despite regularly taking them for granted, we use light bulbs more than just about anything else in our homes. They're often the first things we turn on in the morning and the last things we turn off before going to bed. So don't let the lighting aisle overwhelm you -- whether you choose an energy saving light bulb, a CFL bulb, asmart LED bulbor even a regular incandescent light bulb, finding the right light for each room in your house is well worth it, and much easier than you might think.

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Best LED Light Bulb for Every Room in Your House in 2024 - CNET