6 November 2012

Best Buy debuts Insignia light bulb using Cree LEDs

Consumer electronics retailer Best Buy Co Inc has announced a new light bulb powered by LEDs made by Cree Inc of Durham, NC, USA.

The new bulb is designed with improved features to make the adoption of LED lighting easier for consumers. Available exclusively at Best Buy, the Insignia LED bulb was developed in partnership with local Twin Cities inventor Dave Carroll.

Unlike other LED bulbs on the market, it is claimed, the Insignia looks like a traditional incandescent bulb and provides a more ambient, omnidirectional light. Also, the bulb provides immediate full brightness when turned on, unlike compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) bulbs on the market, which require a ‘warm-up’ period. Mercury- and gas-free, the Insignia avoids CFL toxic hazards and disposal hassles.

“It was important to me to create a LED bulb that would solve some of the current pain points for consumers,” says Carroll. “Consumers have traditionally resisted other high-efficiency light bulbs due to their unattractive shapes, strange lighting and high costs. Teaming with my Insignia partners at Best Buy and the lighting experts at Cree enabled me to bring a better-quality bulb to market at a more affordable price,” he adds. 

“Customers will appreciate its quality and features, while earning back in energy savings the cost of the bulb within one to two years, depending on usage,” reckons Richard Rommel, senior VP of exclusive brands for Best Buy. 

The bulb has completed comprehensive Cree TEMPO (Thermal, Electrical, Mechanical, Photometric and Optical) analysis, a rigorous eligibility requirement for all products carrying the Cree ingredient brand. In addition, it was designed in accordance with ENERGY STAR requirements and is currently undergoing testing to obtain certification. The bulb comes with a 10-year warranty.

The Insignia LED bulbs are priced at: $13.99 (450 lumens, 40W-equivalent) and $16.99 (800 lumens, 60W-equivalent).

The bulb uses 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs. Based on the 800 lumen (60W-equivalent) bulb: the energy used is 13W; the light appearance measures 3000K on a warm-to-cool light spectrum; and the estimated annual energy cost is $1.57 (based on 3 hours use per day, 11 cents/kWh, and cost depending on rates and use). The bulb is designed for a product life of 22.8 years (based on 3 hours use per day).

Tags: Cree LEDs LED light bulb

Visit: www.cree.com

Visit: www.bestbuy.com