Philips MASTER LED shows superior performance in independent study

Amsterdam, The Netherlands – Philips announced today positive results of an independent study into the quality of its LED retrofit lamp, MASTER LED, carried out by the Dutch Metrology Institute (VSL). The results showed that Philips’ MASTER LED lamps easily met and in some cases exceeded the various test criteria laid down by the independent Netherlands-based research and measurement body.

LED is a new and cutting-edge lighting solution that offers countless possibilities and advantages in terms of applicability and energy saving compared to traditional lighting technologies.

In the study, The Dutch Metrology Institute tested Philips’ MASTER LED lamp across various optical and electrical criteria. The results of the tests confirm that the MASTER LED reached specifications of at least 240 lumen in terms of light output and a power factor of 0.68. This is even higher than the average CLFi lamp which have an average power factor of 0.50. During the tests the MASTER LED even achieved a higher lumen output. These results indicate that the Philips LED bulb is of the highest quality and leading LED in the market.

“At Philips we take pride in ensuring that our products are of the highest caliber and as such we are delighted that the research conducted by VSL verifies that Philips LED retrofit lamps offer consumers and professionals not only significant energy savings but also a high quality lighting experience,” according to Frank van der Vloed, General Manager Philips Lighting. “We hope that these results will provide people with the reassurance that LED lamps can provide good quality light. Our MASTER LED is only one of the many options Philips has developed to give our customers a wide range of choice when it comes to energy saving lighting.”

Research on the quality of LED retrofit lamps
Another recent study performed by the Dutch Metrology Institute (VSL) reported that some LED manufacturers overstate the performance indicators of their LED light bulbs and highlighted that there are clear differences in quality when it comes to LED lamps on the market. The report specifically concluded that some manufacturers ‘promised more than they were able to deliver’ on light output and energy efficiency.

While Philips’ range of LED lamps were not tested as part of this original study, Philips quickly volunteered to have its LED lamps independently tested by VSL to demonstrate its market and product leadership.

"There has been an upsurge in the number of vendors specializing in LED retrofit lamps in the market. Unfortunately, as we have shown in earlier research, the information provided by vendors on the packaging did not always match our test results. The results of the tests we conducted on the Philips MASTER LED confirm that the performance of the lamp is equal to Philips claims, currently making this product one of the positive exceptions available in the market" according to Wouter Koek of VSL.

Philips launched its first LED retrofit solution, the MASTER LED, at the Light + Building fair in Frankfurt, Germany, in April 2008. Since its introduction last year, Philips has extended the MASTER LED range to a total of fifteen products, including a fully dimmable version, various low voltage versions as well as different color temperatures. Further LED retrofit introductions will follow later this year.

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 approximately 116,000 employees in more than 60 countries worldwide. With sales of EUR 26 billion in 2008, 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 flat TV, male shaving and grooming, portable entertainment and oral healthcare. News from Philips is located at www.philips.com/newscenter.