Texas Instruments introduced the industry's first floating switch architecture that simplifies the offline linear drive of LEDs in lamps, downlights and fixtures. The AC switched matrix technique features TI's TPS92411 floating MOSFET switch and is an innovative approach to producing low-ripple LED drive current without magnetic components. The architecture provides excellent compatibility with legacy wall dimmers and delivers high power factor and low total harmonic distortion (THD). For more information, samples and evaluation modules, visit www.ti.com/tps92411-pr.

Panasonic, a provider of hospitality technology solutions, announced that three models from its new line of hospitality HDTVs - 32” TH-32LRU60, 39” TH-39LRU60 and 42” TH-42LRU60 - were distinguished as the Most Efficient ENERGY STAR qualified products in 2013. Products that are recognized in this way prevent greenhouse gas emissions by meeting rigorous energy efficiency performance levels set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

USHIO America’s Solid State Lighting Group, a leader in the specialty and general lighting marketplaces, today announced the launch of its compact, high output Midori™ ULB35i LED fiber-optic illuminator manufactured by USHIO America Inc.

Dual-LED Flash is hoped to become a trend in smartphone application. Taiwan LED manufacturer Genesis Photonics and Everlight have both recently announced their entry into the Japanese smartphone supply chain.

Taiwanese LED packager Ledtech has been focused on low temperature lighting market for the past few years, having received steady orders from large North American clients such as Ingersoll-Rand, Coca-Cola, and Pepsi-Cola. The company has also been actively developing their South American and European professional refrigerator manufacturer clientele. The company has received orders from one South American client by the end of 2013. The company hopes to add one more client from South American and Europe each before the end of the year.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has published a new report, SSL Pricing and Efficacy Trend Analysis for Utility Program Planning. The report was created in response to requests from utilities and energy efficiency organizations for information to help them forecast the order in which important SSL applications will become cost-effective and estimate when each “tipping point” will be reached. It includes performance trend analysis from DOE's LED Lighting Facts® and CALiPER programs, plus cost analysis from various sources.

For one writer the answer is yes. Switching to LEDs can mean the demise of nuclear power plants in the U.S., according to Michael Kanellos, a contributor for Forbes. Kanellos reasoned nuclear power plants only generate 19 percent of electricity in the U.S. equivalent to the power consumption percentage by lighting. In other words, by simply retrofitting light bulbs with LED, the need for nuclear plants is wiped off the table

A small area right outside the capital city of Finland had new life breathed into it when design team Lighting Design Collective decided to take a seaside oil silo and convert it into a permanent art piece.

Panasonic Corp. announced as an effort to restructure its business it will no longer be manufacturing plasma display panels (PDP) by Dec. 2013. Business operations in three Amagasaki factories will be eventually terminated. Amagasaki P3 Factory has already stopped production, while Amagasaki P5 factory has already suspended operations. The Amgasaki P4, which is still operating will be closed down by end of March 2014.

Universal Display Corporation announced that the Japanese IP High Court delivered a decision reversing the Japanese Patent Office’s (JPO) prior invalidation of the broad claims in the Company’s Japanese Patent No. JP-4511024 (the JP ‘024 patent). The matter was remanded back to the JPO for further consideration consistent with the IP High Court’s ruling.

Researchers of the Technical University Dresden and Fraunhofer COMEDD will present a model of a bioreactor for the cultivation of micro algae using lighting technology based on organic light-emitting diodes (OLED) at the IDW 2013 for the first time.

This fall 2013, GE Lighting released a groundbreaking LED light bulb as part of the GE reveal brand, engineered to have the same familiar size and shape of an incandescent bulb but deliver big energy and cost savings.

In its efforts to constantly improve product performance, Verbatim has introduced the latest optical technology to a new range of high performance LED spotlights to better control beam patterns.

Silica will be showcasing the latest innovative lighting solutions at LuxLive 2013 in London. Technical and market experts will be available on booth D12 to discuss advances in lighting technology and applications.

A couple of interesting LED technologies on the editorial radar this week. A UK team has now managed to increase Li-fi transmission speed to 10 Gbps, can this be the next big trend for industry non-lighting applications? We can only wait and see. Breakthroughs in quantum dot technology and phosphor have also taken place this week manufacturers just might be able to benefit and implement better cost control from these newer technologies. For more info, please see list below:

The LED industry’s development has been anything but a smooth ride. Foreign manufacturers have monopolized the technology market in China. The industry in China also faces challenges of being overtly small, incomplete supply chains, and oversupply in the midstream and downstream markets. Despite being the “star” of the era, the industry is facing a bottleneck. How can companies cope pragmatically during an industry low tide? How should social awareness change to create a better environment for industry development? How can the Chinese government speed up industry standardization and corresponding development policies?

Soraa Chief Technology Officer Mike Krames recently ressponded to LED Magazine article's claims that the company's GanN-on-GaN MR16 emits large quantities of UV rays. Below is Krames blog entry on the company website:

By determining simple guidelines, researchers at UC Santa Barbara's Solid State Lighting & Energy Center (SSLEC) have made it possible to optimize phosphors –– a key component in white LED lighting –– allowing for brighter, more efficient lights.

Accent lighting is an approach used to create an emotional tug in ways general lighting or static integrated lighting systems typically cannot achieve. If you are looking for an accent lighting solution that provides beam flexibility, superior “candlepower punch” and maximum light output at minimum watts per square foot to meet the latest ASHRAE codes, the following lighting solution is your best pick to meet your retail & hospitality project needs. Discover now how PHILIPS LIGHTOLIER Alcyon LED Vertical is taking LED accent lighting to the next level!

A U.S. manufacturer Dog-E-Glow has launched a series of LED dog leashes and collars to keep pets safe during walks at night. The company claims the leashes are visible at a range of 304.8 meters (1,000 feet), which could help prevent road accidents as drivers and motorists will be able to see the glowing animal from afar.In addition, the weather resistant leash uses LEDs with 100,000 hours lifetime, and a battery with 150 hour life. These dogs below party hard after a week of hard work in the office.

Dimplex's acclaimed OptiMyst® Electric Fireplace technology is the most realistic flame effect in the industry today and the first ever 3D fire. Previously launched with only one model, Dimplex plans to release 5 new models and designs for the 2013 holiday season available on ElectricFireplacesDirect.com, the largest online retailer of electric fireplaces.

Lumishore a maker of underwater LED lighting fixtures has announced the company significantly upgraded their highly acclaimed series of surface mounted underwater LED lighting fixtures. The SMX Underwater LED Lights are one of the most popular underwater led lights on the market today and they just got better.

The trend in lowered prices in the LED market has not changed. With LED chip prices expected to drop substantially in the next few years, packaging is also facing pressure to lower costs. According to current LED component costs, package costs make up 60 percent of the overall cost. U.S. DOE estimates that LED package costs will drop 50 percent by 2016. Advantages in Epoxy Molding Compound (EMC) lead frames in galvanizing high electrical currents, having UV resistance, and ability to withstand high temperatures has draw the attention of package manufacturers. Philips Lumileds plans to introduce high volume EMC lead frame LED package components in 2014. 

San’an Optoelectronics revealed their 3Q financial report on October 30th.

LED package manufacturer Ledtech benefited from low temperature lighting orders.

CRS Electronics Inc. ("CRS" or the "Company"), a developer and manufacturer of LED lighting products, today announced they have selected Cree to provide the LEDs for their new QuantumLED commercial lamp (bulb) brand. QuantumLED lamps will feature Cree's latest XP-G2 LED technology.

Financial research institute Zacks Equity Research recently picked Cree as Bear of the Day—a label used to define companies that financially have not been performing too well. In July, Cree had topped the financial company’s list as one of the most promising companies. Below is Zacks analysis of the company’s financial situation:

Pixelstick takes light painting to a whole new level.

ANTENNA REVEAL: As a special surprise and gift to New York City and the world, Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. has installed for the first time lights to the Empire State Building's antenna—the highest structure on the building.  These custom LED lights can be seen for miles in every direction. On Halloween night, the antenna LEDs will be unveiled for the first-time ever, and will become part of the Empire State Building's light shows and iconic tower lightings, further enhancing and redefining the New York City skyline. 

Evolucia Inc., a global LED lighting solutions company, today announced that its Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Executive Vice President (EVP), Charles Rockwood, has resigned from the Company for personal reasons.