Frequently Asked Questions
Following is a list of frequently asked questions with answers linked below.
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What is the products rated life (how many hours will it operate)?
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Isn't it just like a CRT (cathode ray tube) used in older style televisions and computer monitors?
Vu1 Snapshot
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Company has been developing proprietary Electron Stimulated Luminescence™ (ESL™) technology for 4 years.
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Company has a working Technology Demo that demonstrates the energy efficiency, dimmability and light quality of the bulb.
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Company-owned manufacturing plant in EU has capacity to mass-produce ESL bulbs and plans to move into high volume manufacturing in 2009.
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A limited production Product Demo (ability to operate when screwed into a regular US light socket) will be available prior to full product commercialization in Q1, 2009.
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There will be limited distribution of Retail Ready bulbs to support consumer test marketing in Q1, 2009.
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Product launch, and General Availability of the bulbs through various retail channels, is targeted for April 22 - EARTH DAY - 2009.
What is the products rated life (how many hours will it operate)?
Vu1 bulbs are targeting to last 6,000 hours - about the same as CFLs.
What is the light color?
Light color is measured a number of ways. On the Color Rendering Index (CRI), we are measuring 95+. We will be conducting consumer research to determine the most popular color. The ESL™ bulb can be manufactured to match essentially any color that consumer demand dictates. If the warm, yellowish glow of the incandescent bulb is desired by our consumers then we will produce ESL™ bulbs that provide that color.
What kind of dimming is available?
Full-range dimmability. The native design of ESL™ technology allows bulbs to be infinitely dimmed. This means that a bulb can be smoothly dimmed across the entire range from high (fully on) to low (almost off). Additionally, when turned on, the bulbs return instantly to the dimming state they were in when turned off.
How energy efficient is the Vu1 bulb?
Compared to standard incandescent lighting the Vu1 bulb will generate the same light output but use about 75% less energy and produce half the heat. Vu1 bulb energy efficiency performance will be comparable to a CFL.
Is it instant-on (no warm-up time)?
Yes. Vu1 bulbs come on instantly. They do not have a warm up time to reach their full brightness.
Does the product contain any toxic materials?
There are no toxic materials in a Vu1 bulb. While we encourage recycling of all consumer products where practical, the Vu1 bulb is household waste disposable - it can go in your "trash can" and will not impact your local landfill.
What will be the Power Factor of the Vu1 bulb?
The Vu1 bulb will have a favorable High Power Factor – greater than 0.94.
Power Factor of an AC electric power system is defined as the ratio of the real power to the apparent power, and is a number between 0 and 1 (or Unity). Low Power Factor loads increase losses in a power distribution system and result in increased energy costs. The Power Factor for an incandescent bulb is 1, but for CFLs is only 0.52. Although residential CFL users will only be charged for the power used by the CFL, the power company must deliver more power to the grid -- using more fuel and creating more environmental damage -- to supply those CFLs. And at some point, someone has to pay for that lost power...
What will be the cost of the Vu1 bulb?
The Vu1 bulb will be premium-priced at a price comparable to dimmable CFL Reflector bulbs. The Vu1 bulb will provide incandescent light quality (better than CFL's), full dimmability, instant on, be offered in a familiar shape and not contain any trace mercury or other toxic materials.
What shapes will be available?
We are launching in 2009 with Reflector shaped bulbs. These are the bulbs that are used in recessed can lighting. They will look like traditional incandescent bulbs. Reflector bulbs are used for spot and flood lighting. In home these are most often in kitchens, bathrooms, dining and family areas.
When will I be able to purchase a Vu1 bulb?
In Q1 2009 there will be limited distribution as we undertake consumer market testing. Details about region and retailers carrying the products are not yet available. After the test is complete, we are targeting product general availability for Q2, 2009 including a formal product launch on Earth Day 2009.
Where can I buy it?
When it becomes generally available in Q2, 2009, Vu1 bulbs will be available through various retailers.
Isn't it just like a CRT (cathode ray tube) used in older style televisions and computer monitors?
No. CRT’s were big, fragile, energy hogging devices and loaded with toxic materials that used rastering electron guns to light up televisions and computer displays. Vu1’s ESL bulb utilizes a highly energy efficient, environmentally-safe technology that produces high quality light in a state-of-the-art fashion. CRT’s accelerate electrons. ESL™ technology also accelerates electrons and they both have phosphor. That is basically where the similarities end.
How can I learn more about Vu1 technology and products?
We provide Email Updates containing key announcements that include content about our technology and products. Be the first to hear about progress and events as we move toward commercialization for Q1, 2009 by subscribing to receive our Email Updates.
What makes Vu1 technology work?
In short, this is a closely guarded secret. What we can tell you about the Vu1 light and technology (for now) is:
- It is not a derivative or an extension of known lighting technology.
- It is new technology. It makes no noise when it operates. There is no filament or point-source of light inside the bulb. The surface of the glass appears to “glow”.
Underlying components of the technology have been successfully used in other non-lighting related products but it is the combination of various technologies (some created specifically for purposes of this product) that makes Vu1 unique.
Where can I see the patents?
Patents are pending and not in the public domain.
Does a prototype exist to demonstrate the technology?
Yes. We have completed a Technology Demo. At our EU manufacturing plant the engineering team continues to optimize light output, wattage and rated life that will deliver our “retail ready” product for commercialization in Q1, 2009. Prior to that we will be announcing a Product Demo that will show a working Vu1 Bulb able to operate in a regular US household lighting socket.
