Possible Change To Lights on Main Street

[lrodk]

A trusted source sends the following information regarding proposed changes to the lights on main street:

They're currently testing different types of LEDs to replace the incandescent bulbs on Main St. LEDs don't burn out, which means that the appearance of the lighted signs on the facades won't be at the mercy of flimsy filaments. I think this is the type of use of technology that Walt would have embraced. Better show + less worry/expense to maintain = everyone wins

I guess there will be one less thing to complain about for guests who are alert to such things as burned-out light bulbs. In any event it does sound like a good idea all the way around.

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

Originally posted by lrodk
I guess there will be one less thing to complain about for guests who are alert to such things as burned-out light bulbs. In any event it does sound like a good idea all the way around.

It's only a good idea if the lights still look like old bulbs from the dawn of the Age of Electricity.

If the high-tech LEDs are reliable, efficient, and they accurately simulate the look of old fashioned lighting then I'll be very impressed. There's something about the warm, yellow-amber flow of those "flimsy filaments" in clear glass bulbs.

But if those high-tech LEDs don't have the right look, then it would be "bad show."

 

[lrodk]

That's precisely what they are testing. There is a large board with several rows of different types of lights at about marquee level on the back of one of the buildings on Main St. They are trying to find the most efficient type of bulb/LED that has the best look. Like when they test paint patterns, floor treatments, etc in off-stage areas.

Luis

 

[toefungus]

Sounds like a great idea to me. Now they need a paints that won't chip and fade and t hey're set.

 

[Minniespal]

Sounds like a good idea.

 

[Cricket2]

This is probably a big stretch but...

this site

...that does custom LED retrofits has a new unavailable product heading called "Hyperion". There is also an incandescent example at bottom of the page if you wanted to see one.

I know, it's a big stretch, but that's what the rumor board is for right?

 

[grinningghost]

This sounds like a great idea, let's hope it pans out. Yes, I can see Walt embracing this wholeheartedly.

 

[Jeff in BigD]

As long as they don't make it look like Tomorrowland I'm all for it.

 

[seashoreCM]

Not sure whether this is needed on Main St at the MK but at Epcot, the lights on poles all around the lagoon need to be dimmed and the last time I checked, they were all incandescent. Incandescant (filament) lamps are the easiest to set up with dimming systems.

The lights on poles on Main St. are supposed to mimic gas lamps. The yellowish white light from a gas lamp is from the mesh around the flame, heated to be white hot. The gas flame all by itself does not give off much light. If you inspect these pole lights you can see mesh wrapped around the electric incandescent lamps inside.

For marquees and for lights along eaves and rooftops, the lamps need to emit light in all directions. Otherwise you will see an uncanny dimming of the sign or parts of building trim as you walk along the street. WDW would have to select LED units that have a wide distribution angle which usually means more LED elements inside each bulb or strip.

More:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/stlight.htm