“Unlike a conventional bulb, LEDs convert 80% of electrical energy into light and only 10% into heat.”

As of March 2010, the most efficient blue leds are around 50-55% efficient in terms of the ratio of watts in to radiometric output.

Based on the stated lumen output for the reviewed LED bulb - I would estimate its efficiency at 25% or less. The majority of led based bulbs currently on the market are less than 30% efficient.

I am hopeful that by the end of this summer consumers will be able to purchase led bulbs with significantly higher efficiencies.

Just my $.02.

Stephen Lebans

Ok, to keep this short, because I could write and article on each of these points:

I can live with the shadows (I think) Is it comfy to work on the PC or read by them? (in opposite direction/facing them?)

LEED lighting is quite differenet from conventional lighting (filament) because it does not have the full colour spectrum that gives warmth to the light. However, the light is more like daylight white and therefore is very easy to work with. If you buy one, go for a “warm white” that produces a less harsh light on youre work

Also the million-dollar question is: are they recyclable? (And how?)

A good question: LEDs are much easier to recycle that CFL or incandescent lights. Reason: They contain NO hazardous chemicals like mercury, or lead and require no special disposal methods. LEDs are very small electronic componants. That means they contain inert materials such as silicon, gallium and other trace metals. These are valuable and recoverable from the LED unit. However, to date I don’t know of any collection services for the LED waste market. Having said that, an average LED should last at least 10 years so they don’t need recycling that often. My guess is that by the time they are in full use (+ 10 yrs.) we should see plenty of ways to recover these valuable materials.

Have you tested 9W version too? (Or any other good LEDs?)

Yes, Have tested the 9 watt versions. They are the equivelent to the 60 watt incandescent bulbs. They are every way as good as the 100 watt one on test, except less powerful

I soo hate CFLs and was really wondering whether to consider buying these new floodlights! (slightly different brands on Slovenian market though, methinks)

If you can buy for a good price, I would go ahead and get one… to see how you like it. As a rule of thumb, 1 watt LED = 10 watt incandescent. So, get at least 5 watt warm white to see a good light, similar to your 60-60 watt old sttyke bulb

They take a bit of getting used to in a room, but for directional light, such as PC work or reading, they are fabulous

I can live with the shadows (I think) Is it comfy to work on the PC or read by them? (in opposite direction/facing them?)
Also the million-dollar question is: are they recyclable? (And how?)

Have you tested 9W version too? (Or any other good LEDs?)
I soo hate CFLs and was really wondering whether to consider buying these new floodlights! (slightly different brands on Slovenian market though, methinks)

I use a sony HD camera for stills and video and it’s fairly accurate, at least on my screen! So many factors affect how a film will look.

Ok, You will note that the room I tested the Quanta 18 has some full length dark blue curtains over one wall. In fairness, these are very dense material and reflect absolutely no light at all. In another room where I tested this light, the decor was all white and the LED light was much better reflected off the surrounding surfaces. When you start looking into all the factors closely, you see that there are many influences in the way light and colour work. You might say, show us a CFL or incandescent as a comaparrison. Probelm is, the camera starts compensating for the ‘warm’colour balance, so it is not fair representation.

If you use multiple ceiling downlighters, you do get better illumination and a more even light dispersion. This can be seen quite clearly in the accompanying images taken from Eternaleds website.

Even with this surcharge, buying from Eternaleds still represents excellent value for money, given the exchange rate. I have not seen anything like this available in the UK high street and online vendors are mainly imports anyway.

If you use MR16 3 watt or 5 watt in a cluster of 4 or 6 lights, you can direct them and avoid some of the dispersion problems and still get a decent amount of light.

I have to say that by itself the Quanta 18 is an excellent LED light unit and we are happy to leave it in place after the test and review. Believe me, there are some products that we have reviewed that we can’t wait to get out of the door afterwards.

@maryingreen: Hello maryingreen and thanks for stopping by with your comment.

I guess like all new technology, it starts high and gradually becomes more reachable as consumer confidence grows. REmember the CFL a few years back? Now people and energy groups here in the UK are giving them away. It won’t be too long before the LED drops significantly in price as better manufacturing methods are adopted in the industry.

The thing is you can still start saving money now by buying a good LED such as the Quanta 18, because the pay back period of 2 years is quite reasonable. Replace any light that is on for many hours per day and see a big difference in electricity usage and maintenance costs.

The price is definitely coming down - it’s just a a matter of time and simple supply and demand.