As the incandescent phase out rapidly approaches, light bulb manufacturers are focusing on developing quality alternatives for the familiar incandescent light bulb. Last month, General Electric announced a new “hybrid” light bulb that will combine the efficiency of a compact fluorescent with the instant brightness of a halogen.
Now, a New York based company is joining the alternative light bulb battle. Vu1 Corporation has developed a lamp based on the same technology used in picture tube TVs. Inside the lamp, a stream of electrons is fired at phosphors coating the inside glass. Those phosphors illuminate to create high-quality light that lasts about 10 times longer than a traditional incandescent light bulb.
According to the New York Times, Vu1 Corporation’s potential success lies in the fact that its light bulbs are less expensive than LEDs, yet comparably energy-efficient. However, industry experts claim the price of LED lamps will continue to fall within the next couple of years. Vu1 Corporation’s value proposition may be short-lived.
Currently, the company’s website only offers a 65-watt-equivalent reflector lamp (for ceiling installations). They plan to expand their selection in the future.