January 29, 31: Ranked among the leaders in the lighting industry, Philips needs no introduction. The company is a also a veteran as far as LED lighting is concerned. Philips Lighting offers complete LED lighting solutions for homes, shops, hotels and hospitals. Speaking to Shweta Sengar of LED Bazaar, Nilesh Naik, general manager, marketing and business development, Philips Color Kinetics- India, discussed the company’s latest façade lighting and media façade products and initiatives as well as the growth witnessed by the LED lighting industry in India.
LB: Since LEDs are the latest buzzword, what is the most recent LED display that Philips has launched?
Philips is aiming to strategically move towards high end systems and solutions. Therefore, we are now paying more attention to big media façades. So, we have products that can convert an entire building façade into a screen, irrespective of the size and shape of the structure. In spite of having a slightly low resolution, such screens are capable of playing videos and creating some colour changing effects and graphics.
LB: When did you enter the media façade lighting segment?
We were already in this segment with our Color Kinetics as well as the Vidiwall product range. We are now focusing more on the media façade segment. These products have been available in the US and Europe for a long time. Their adoption is slow in India as these are still the initial stages of this market. Our major media façade lighting project are currently being installed in Gurgaon and Chandigarh.
LB: What is the USP of Philips’ products?
Our products for media façade lighting are very advanced. The products act as pixels, wherein each pixel is controllable. Each pixel gives a high lumen output, which is unique in itself.
LB: What are the key features of LED façade displays from Philips?
These pixels in facade lighting can be controlled individually. The product comes as a string, and each and every pixel or node, as we call it, in that string can be controlled remotely. Second, talking of media façades, we have controllers which can control up to 25,000 individual nodes. So, we also offer these controllers from our portfolio.
LB: What are the key distinguishing factors of products from Philips when compared to others in the market?
To start with, I would say it is the brand name, Philips, which is the biggest distinguishing factor. In India, this brand has been around for over 80 years, and is a very trusted brand. The products we offer are long lasting. Second, we have been in the LED segment since 1997. We have about 15 years of experience in LED technology, which is seen in all of our products, including the latest addition of colour changing products from Philips. We have installations running on this technology for the last 12 years, including in India. These are the very strong points in favour of Philips.
LB: Why should a buyer choose Philips when it comes to LED products?
Philips carries a legacy and reputation for reliable products, so the trust factor associated with the brand is what gives us an edge. We, as Philips, also offer turnkey solutions. So, it is like a one stop shop for customers. Philips goes from concept to commissioning. Buyers should look at a company that can advise them on the solutions and the sellers who can get products installed and set it up in a working condition and maintain too.
LB: What are the latest additions from Philips, in terms of technology, in the LED lighting segment?
As LED technology evolves, the lumens per watt or efficacy is a key parameter that we are focusing on. This efficacy is increasing each day. So we are continuously improving our products using the latest technology. The product life cycle now stands at six months, and after every six months we introduce an upgraded version of a product.
LB: How do you see India as a growing LED market?
We anticipate rapid growth in LED lighting segment in the coming years. There are a lot of opportunities, especially in street lighting, where there’s a lot of promotion being done by the government, encouraging the utilities to switch to LED lighting. Newly constructed building are coming up with LEDs by default, and the old buildings are opting for LED retrofit bulbs/lamps. Definitely, this market is going to evolve further, at least for the next five years.
