Superior Lighting HPS Bulbs and Fixtures

Currently media coverage of the lighting industry is focused on the duel between CFLs and traditional incandescent bulbs. However, other useful lighting technologies are on the market, so the debate shouldn’t stop there. Several types of other bulbs are heavily used that business owners should be aware of. Many provide unique features that may get lost in the discussion. Most commonly known for their use in indoor gardening applications, high pressure sodium bulbs and fixtures are worth considering in greater detail.

    The most common type of sodium vapor lamp (gas discharge) is the high pressure sodium bulb and fixture combo. They typically emit a yellow light well suited to commercial applications. Due to its wavelength in the light spectrum this light doesn’t glare, making it particularly useful for parking lot lighting, streetlamps, flood lighting of buildings or garage, or illuminating an entire warehouse with only a few fixtures. Municipalities enjoy the cost savings of HPS lamps for lighting roadways because it is by far the most efficient light source when compared to mercury vapor and metal halide lamps.

    When these lamps are first turned on they emit a red light to warm the sodium metal, which transitions to the familiar bright yellow within a few minutes as the sodium metal vaporizes. High pressure sodium lamps produce light that makes it much easier to distinguish objects in as opposed to low pressure lights. These lamps are extremely useful in areas where a large space must be illuminated but good color rendering is still important. The White SON is a type of HPS lamp which, operating at a higher pressure, produce light closer to that of incandescent bulbs. Primarily used for restaurant applications they are useful for creating a particular atmosphere within a large space. However, White SONs are only good for specialty applications because users lose much of the energy and efficiency savings of regular HPS lamps.

    High pressure sodium lamps and bulbs are a favorite of indoor growers and gardeners because they emit a wide color temperature spectrum which is loved by plants. Another plus is the relatively efficient cost of running the lights. The average high pressure sodium lamp outputs 100 lm/W, an impressive number.

    In summary, high pressure sodium bulbs and fixtures are useful in application where a large amount of light is needed at a low-cost. Generally this includes street, lot, and warehouse lighting. As always, a lighting expert should be consulted with before making any large bulb or fixture purchase. Superior Lighting, Fort Lauderdale’s leader in energy efficient lighting is always happy to talk. They can be reached online at http://www.superiorlighting.com or via telephone at (800) 432-7995.

Avatar 3D: New lighting technologies reach the silver screen

“Avatar,” James Cameron’s latest epic grossed $232 million in global ticket sales this past weekend, with part of this number coming from the over 3,000 screens that are displaying it in 3D. All told the film is expected to break the $400 million mark in theaters. Much of the hype surrounding “Avatar” comes from its heavy use of CGI and screening in 3-D. Those looking for a captivating fantasy-land with eye-catching effects will surely not be disappointed.

3-D technology is rather old, dating back to at least 1890. The technology and results have progressed greatly since then, but many of the principles remain the same. 3-D films use creative lighting to provide the illusion of depth perception on a flat picture. A special motion picture camera, projection hardware, and usually stylish 3-D glasses are used to accomplish this. Anaglyph images were the earliest theatrical 3-D technique. Two images are superimposed in an additive or subtractive setting. While lower quality than stereogram, anaglyphs are very easy to view.

The eclipse method uses a mechanical shutter to block light to each eye when the image is projected on the screen. This was the backbone of the Teleview system, which was used briefly in 1922. A new application to this technique involves LCD shutter glasses. These “smart” glasses are synchronized with the image, using alternative-frame sequencing, to give both depth and motion effects. Yet another new application for energy efficient LEDs. Other systems include lenticular screens, which do not require glasses, use of the Pulfrich effect, and polarization systems.

Interference filter technology is a current method for blockbusters. Dolby 3D uses specific wavelengths of red, green, and blue for each eye, and then the glasses are responsible for filtering, allowing the user to see the image in 3-D without the use of the expensive polarized silver screen. RealD, the most common current method, does require a silver screen, a projector filter, and expensive glasses, but is widely used, and the technology behind “Avatar.”

3-D films are a great example of what a dose of creativity can bring to lighting. Energy efficient CFLs are the most widely used replacement for old incandescent bulbs, but look to creative LED lights such as iCOLOR tubes and LED color tiles to make headway in entertainment applications.
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Superior Lighting’s, Ft. Lauderdale’s (South Florida) energy efficient lighting expert, mission is to help our customers choose the most energy efficient lighting. We lead the lighting industry by providing the best value in products and services to all of our customers, and we differentiate ourselves on the basis of our honesty and expertise. Superior Lighting can be contacted via web at http://www.superiorlighting.com/ or by calling 800-432-7995.

Miami Network Security Experts

"Relying on the government to protect your privacy is like asking a peeping tom to install your window blinds."
— John Perry Barlow

Contact SDSol Technologies, your Miami network security experts, for more information about keeping your business data secure. You can't afford not to.

Your Miami Technology Solutions Provider

The custom software and tech support industries are often somewhat daunting to business owners in need of solutions. The triumvirate of unfamiliar terminology, fear as a motivator, and misinformation circulated by eager salespeople can lead to a negative experience. Projects being abandoned at 80% complete are far too frequent in the field. These pitfalls can be avoided. Our ten years plus delivering custom tailored solutions in Miami have given us a look into the methodology of both vendors and clients, as well as some tips for a positive experience.

Your Miami Custom Software Project:
Our typical custom software client falls into one of three categories; each brings a unique set of needs to the table.

Business owners and managers looking for tweaks to their current system:
Scope of services is very important here. Well defined guidelines are a must to define what the project entails. This ensures clear communication and a deliverable product that fixes the issues which were defined in the technical specifications. Also, a good developer will require (billable) time to fully understand the system and develop an appropriate approach.

Owners and managers looking for a new system:
Effective communication plays a large role here. A qualified software application developer will work with you to define the scope of your project. Technical specifications should be well researched on behalf of the client and signed off on before any development actually takes place. A new system, whether it be for employee scheduling, ERP, CRM, inventory management, or whatever else should enhance clients’ bottom line by increasing productivity and efficiency.


Entrepreneurs and dream-makers:
By far the most fun (and ambitious) of projects, software can represent an entrepreneur’s first big entry into building their brand. Here, it is important for a developer to take on a much more proactive approach. The dream must be drilled down into exact specifications, ensuring that the project meets or exceeds their vision. However, a good developer will often go as far as to suggest reducing the scope of the project to eliminate clutter in the application and focus on the core model. A developer, beyond coding expertise, should have experience in both management and leadership for an effective entrepreneurial solution.


Miami SEO Clients:
Honestly, those in search of a local Miami SEO company should narrow it down to about 5 vendors, one of which is SDSol Technologies. Realistic expectations are a must; SEO firms are responsible for putting eyes in front of your product, the client is responsible for a quality, saleable product. Anyone promising first-page results without an in-depth review of your website and competitive landscape should be immediately disqualified. Once narrowed down to the five or so local players look for a Miami SEO company that fits your needs and budget. Not all SEO clients are the same. Some already have a following, only needing quality keyword rich content and a bit of back linking, while new businesses may require a full-scale six month plan of attack. Rapport, realistic expectations, and a strong track record of success are all important.

Miami Website Design Company:
Websites have become the most powerful branding of the business. Depending on the industry websites can showcase corporate identity, sell a product or service, help attract new customers, or even handle billing, scheduling, file sharing, and project management needs. Vendors should be screened and happy to provide at least six examples of past work that is currently online. Also, it is important to distinguish between a web designer and a web developer. A web designer is an artist with some familiarity of HTML and perhaps Flash. A web developer on the other hand, is comfortable writing custom scripts and modules to enable clients to productively conduct business online. We at SDSol Technologies enjoy the luxury of a team approach. Our designer brings an artistic flair that matches the client’s specs, while our development team has the expertise to dig into the nuts and bolts of the most ambitious of software projects.


Miami Tech Support and Miami Computer Support:
Tech support specialists should be qualified, certified, and readily available to help with any situations that may arise. Many businesses go the low cost route and pay dearly for it. I am reminded of the old adage “if you think tech support companies are expensive, just wait until you go with a cheap one.” Very true. A tech support firm should be certified specialists for your business size, have a wide scope of expertise (troubleshooting, networking, virus…), and be available when they need them. Uptime is a must, and they should provide references to similar businesses which they currently provide support to.

Hope this helps. Feel free to contact SDSol Technologies, your tech solutions provider, with any questions you may have.
-R.P.
Is Your Net Working?

Energy Efficient Light Bulb Deals

Vendor are enabling business and government agencies to flip the switch

Business decision makers should all now be well aware of the energy savings that switching to energy efficient light bulbs provides. Compact fluorescent light bulbs use 75% less energy and last 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs. This saves about $30 over the lifetime of each bulb. Light emitting diode (LED) bulbs last 35 to 50 times longer than incandescent lighting, use 75% less energy, and are much more durable. Clearly, energy efficient light bulbs make fiscal sense.

There is more. Lighting vendors offer large savings for businesses and government agencies to help them make the switch. Zev Herman of Superior Lighting, a Ft. Lauderdale energy efficient bulb supplier, notes, “We are thrilled to see more and more business owners interested in energy efficient lighting solutions. I love working with new customers, showing them that their financial interests and the health of the environment are one and the same. We pride ourselves on understanding their industry, allowing us to offer a cost-effective solution that benefits their business with regards to their office atmosphere, the environment, and their bottom line.”
Incentives that Superior Lighting offers businesses include: a satisfaction guarantee “gets it right or we make it right”, a low price guarantee for volume purchases, fast and free shipping, and no sales tax outside of Florida. Businesses should make the switch to energy efficient light bulbs today and Superior Lighting will help show them the way.

A knowledgeable staff is important, and Superior Lighting is a testament to what a qualified supplier can provide. From simple replacement bulbs to retrofits or full-scale lighting plans for new businesses such as restaurants or nightclubs, they have the qualified team in place with the know-how to offer an effective solution. Expertise, low-prices, and an Earth-friendly product, the only thing missing is your phone call.

Superior Lighting’s, Ft. Lauderdale’s (South Florida) energy efficient lighting expert, mission is to help our customers choose the most energy efficient lighting. We lead the lighting industry by providing the best value in products and services to all of our customers, and we differentiate ourselves on the basis of our honesty and expertise. Superior Lighting can be contacted via web at http://www.superiorlighting.com/ or by calling 800-432-7995.

Tuscany, Italy: A Digital Experience

With Ubisoft’s release of Assassin’s Creed Two many gamers are getting their first look at Tuscany. The game is full of gorgeous scenery complete with sprawling vineyards, classic Italian architecture, medieval castles, and enchanted villas. Visitors to Tuscany marvel at how accurate and lifelike the landscapes of Assassin’s Creed Two are. With that said, the only way to truly experience Tuscany as a native does is to travel their and experience it for oneself. While the adventures of Ezio Auditore da Firenze in Renaissance Italy on the XBOX 360 or PS3 are fun, they are nothing compared to the real thing.

Tuscany, generally considered the birthplace of the Renaissance movement, has a legendary artistic heritage. Visitors can see one of a kind architecture, sculptures, and paintings throughout Florence and the surrounding areas. Perhaps the best known museums in Tuscany include the Uffizi, the Academia, and the Bargello. And yes, you can even visit the very street where Leonardo da Vinci turns Ezio’s codex pages into new weaponry.

While traveling from city to city it is a shame that Ezio doesn’t stop to enjoy a glass, or three, of wine. The sprawling landscapes he traverses are home to some of the finest vineyards on the planet. Guests who opt for a wine tour through Tuscan Way are in for a real treat. A stay at Villa Poggiarello with hosts Romeo and Federica allows guests to become a member of the family, enjoying Tuscan tales late into the evening. Romeo’s focus on “La Cucina Povera Toscana” (Tuscan Country Cooking) ensures travelers leave with full stomachs and smiling faces. On the 100 hectare property guests even sip wine in the very vineyard in which it was grown.

For a taste of village life look no further than Casa Innocenti. Carlo Innocenti has been gracious enough to open his home to Tuscan Way’s guests. Perched on a hill next to the village castle, Casa Innocenti is a four story medieval home complete with 20 rooms, a large wine cellar, and private garden. During their stay, guests are let in on some of the tightest held secrets in Italy. They don’t involve hidden Medici gold, but rather Tuscan culinary recipes passed down from generation to generation. As a Master Chef, Carlo has the ability to not only prepare some of the best food Tuscany has to offer, but also pair dishes with the perfect wine.

Assassin’s Creed Two is a great game, but the beauty and majesty of Tuscany can only be fully enjoyed by traveling there and sampling the wine, food, and culture that your hosts provide. Tuscan Way has the villas, connections, and experience to offer a truly transcendental experience that will be treasured for years to come.

For a meaningful vacation or food and wine tour to Tuscany contact Tuscan Way. They can be reached by calling 800-766-2390 or on the web at www.TuscanWay.com.