New York, U.S.A. –  Philips continues to bring innovative LED technology into the lives of millions by lighting the world-famous Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball. New Year’s 2013 marks the 13th consecutive year Philips has served as the official Lighting Partner to the iconic Times Square Ball. The LED lighting on the Times Square Ball demonstrates the latest in innovative LED technology and  ushers in a new era of lighting that delivers energy savings, greater light quality, longer bulb life, and dimmability to existing lighting fixtures.

The same innovative technology used in the Ball is commercially available to consumers to use in their home, and continues to become the new standard in lighting. This includes the redesigned Philips LED A-19 bulb, the LED replacement for the traditional 60 watt lamp. The A19 LED bulb reduces energy consumption by 85 percent, lasts 25 times longer, and can save consumers an estimated $134 in electricity costs during its lifespan, as compared to the traditional 60-watt incandescent.

According to a recent Philips survey, almost 60% of people agree that light plays an important role in setting the right mood for a special occasion, such as New Year’s Eve*.  In addition, 60 percent of those surveyed report that lighting is important in improving someone’s overall mood. Of those surveyed, 30 percent are very familiar with LED lighting solutions. When asked about the benefits of LED technology, 71 percent of respondents cite energy efficiency, and 61 percent agree that LEDs last longer than traditional incandescent bulbs.

However, there is a significant knowledge gap about other important benefits, such as color quality, customizable hues and brightness, and the ability to integrate with existing fixtures. To help raise awareness of how LED lighting can enhance people’s lives, Philips is hosting the Make Your New Year Sparkle Twitter Sweepstakes running Dec. 28, 2012 – Jan. 3, 2013. Using “#PhilipsNYECountdown,” entrants could win a new lighting entertainment kit for the home by tweeting about how Philips lighting can enhance a New Year’s celebration**. Visit http://www.usa.lighting.philips.com/connect/newyears/index.wpd for more details.

“The Times Square Ball is an icon for the world to see, but more important, it is a real-world example of how innovation can enhance our lives while creating a more sustainable community,” said Ed Crawford, CEO of lamps, lighting electronics and controls, Philips. “Though this is our ‘lucky’ 13th lighting, at Philips, we know it takes more than luck to deliver meaningful innovation. Through our focused and persistent efforts, we continue to expand our product lines and make it possible for more consumers to use energy-efficient, high-quality, cost-friendly and long-lasting LED lights in their homes.”

Like the 32,256 Philips LUXEON LEDs that light the glittering Times Square Ball, the commercially-available Philips LED bulbs consume up to 80 percent less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs, reaping significant savings for consumers who 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. For more information about Philips lighting products for the home, visit http://www.usa.philips.com/c/led-light-bulbs/30033/cat/en/.

Jeff Strauss, president of Countdown Entertainment (left), and Ed Crawford (right) turn on the Philips switch to officially kick off the New Year's celebration.

*About the Survey:

The survey was conducted in partnership with Opinion Research Corporation (ORC) among a national sample of 1,003 adults, 503 men and 500 women 18 years of age and older, living in the continental United States.  Interviewing for this survey was completed on November 15-18, 2012. 

**The Make Your New Year Sparkle Twitter Sweepstakes runs Dec. 28, 2012 – Jan. 3, 2013. See the full Web site for official rules: http://www.usa.lighting.philips.com/connect/newyears/index.wpd