As many of you know, I have been on an energy efficient kick recently, and have blogged before about the environmental and economic benefits of using energy efficient lighting. As part of my ongoing blogging on this particular topic, I had reached out to Cyron to discuss trying out some of their energy efficient home lighting options to review and share with you all.
I have had the great pleasure of trying out the Energy Efficient Cyron Multicolored LED Lighting System with a Remote Controller that I added to my wall mounted TV in the hopes of reducing eyestrain and adding ambience lighting to the living room. While I had originally planned to focus on the energy efficient aspect of the lighting system, or even the wicked cool ambient lighting for gaming aspect, I realized the aspect I am just IN LOVE with is the reduced eyestrain!!
But before I go off on eyestrain, I simply MUST point out the benefits of using energy efficient LEDs:
– LEDs are five times more energy efficient than incandescent light bulbs.
– Their long life practically eliminates the need for ever replacing them. A typical LED fixture will last 10,000 to 50,000 hours. An incandescent bulb normally lasts 2,000 hours.
– LED bulbs contain far less pollutants than traditional bulbs. LED bulbs do not contain mercury. Meanwhile, mercury contained in a single Compact Florescent Light (CFL) can contaminate up to 7,500 gallons of water!
– LEDs are safe low-voltage devices and produce very little heat. Most conventional bulbs operate at 400 degrees, while most LEDs run at slightly above room temperature. The results are eliminating electrical shocks, minimizing fire hazards, lowered air conditioning usage and further reduction of energy consumption.
– Unlike bulbs, florescent, or neon lights, LEDs are shock and vibration resistant. These durable light sources see little breakage and maximize your money spent.
– LEDs do not radiate UV rays. They can safely illuminate delicate artwork, paintings, textile and various other artifacts.
The Problem With Watching TV in the Dark / Why Install TV Backlighting
Many don’t realize it, but your TV on regular settings in a pitch black room is actually way too bright for your eyes. Your eyes adjust to the dark room around the TV, and not the TV itself. So when you are watching television in a dark room, your eyes have to constantly adjust to the different lighting. Every time the scenery on the screen changes or if the television show switches to a commercial, then there can be a BIG change in the light emitted from the screen quickly.
This constant changing level of light makes your eyes work extra hard, which results in eyestrain.
Eyestrain typically results in dry, tired eyes and occasionally headaches, but it can also be a contributing factor to the development of glaucoma.
Researchers from the Lighting Research Center, part of the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, asked some volunteers to watch an hour of an action movie on a flat-screen TV. After testing and observation, the researchers discovered that there was less eyestrain, discomfort and visual fatigue when the volunteers watched the movie against a lighted wall versus in a darkened room. Those who watched TV in a darkened room had trouble focusing, experienced an increase in sleepiness, and a delayed response in brain waves when receiving visual cues.
Some symptoms that you are straining your eyes include:
– Watery and/or irritated eyes
– Burning eyes
– Headaches
– Blurred vision
– Sensitivity to light
– Sometimes your eyes can even feel tired and overworked
About the Cyron Multicolored LED Lighting System
So! Let me tell you a little more about the system I’m currently using on my TV!
The energy efficient multicolor accent lighting system by Cyron can be used in multiple ways in multiple locations. These lights are most commonly used as:
– Under cabinet lighting
– Children’s room night lights and décor light
– TV, computer and entertainment center backlighting
– Party and gaming light for music interaction of lights to the sounds.
The multicolor LED lighting system features four 9″ light bars with smart controller to creating thousands of colors. The system comes with 14 pre-programmed modes and offers 120° of light dispersion on adjustable mounting brackets for proper light dispersion. The system is easily expandable by adding more lights, and is fully compatible with all Cyron Media Highlighter PRO light bars (which come in 9, 15 and 24 inch sizes).
The Cyron Multicolored LED Lighting System is available at all Lowes locations nationwide (Click here to see Lowes supply of Cyron products) and on Amazon.com. System upgrades and accessories, such as the Cyron Lighting System Wireless Remote Controller, are all available at Cyron.com under Products. (Click here to see the full product list at Cyron.com!)
My Thoughts on the Cyron Multicolored LED Lighting System
First off, my initial desire for TV backlighting was mostly to set some living room ambiance with multi-colored “TV bling”. I love, love, LOVE lighting and ambience. Lighting is one of the PRIMARY factors of setting mood and tone in interior decorating. It’s a simple solution to interior décor that is often overlooked.
These lights are high quality, durable, easy to install and provide a great visual effect. They add a flair and sense of professionalism to my simple “TV hanging above the entertainment center bench” set up, and subtly draw the eye to the entertainment center upon entering the room.
With all of the options available in this system, I have been daydreaming of playing video games in the dark with the lights fading in and out between colors (especially rhythm action games! DDR, anyone??), or of hosting parties with the system set to music / dance mode, flashing along in multicolored hues to the beat of the music. But since we installed these lights, I have been pleased with a solid, constant white or blue gently illuminating the TV – on and off!
While I am enamored of the solid, static color for ambiance and casual evening TV watching, I am looking forward to setting it onto red for video gaming / intense mood lighting.. or, ya know, for all night Walking Dead marathons. And I’m antsy for my first party so I can try out the party lighting. We set the lights to music mode, and the system was so sensitive to beats / noise that it was picking up our talking in the living room! I’m curious to see how it will operate in a loud, crowded, music filled living room.
But as for entertainment center lighting, these lights are bright enough to leave on all day long. They look great in daylight hours, and aren’t too bright or blinding for evening TV watching. Just ONE evening of watching TV with the family, and I already notice the lack of strain on my eyes!
If you are interested in backlighting your TV, I’d encourage you to check out this lighting system by Cyron! The product is energy efficient, the company offers sexy chic lighting options, and the health benefits in backlighting your TV all combine to make this a smart, efficient and visually stunning home upgrade!
I have to check it now & after checking I’ll decide.
Gingi, it blows my mind, you just had a baby and managed to get a post out, how do you do it? We’re trying to get into the LED scene as well, definitely more efficient, I confess I know nothing about the T.V. spin on it (we don’t have cable t.v. or a flatscreen, we’re in the dark ages) but will look into it!
Haha, I got stir crazy after having my first daughter, and it’s no different with Thyme I’ve discovered.. at least I’m letting blogging be my outlet, and not hiking and museum trekking like the first time, haha! And again.. I made my hubby set up the TV lights and prep the photos for me.
“Babe!! Go find me a cool Walking Dead scene to use as the TV light example photo!!!” <---- (me, while holding a four day old) hehehehe..
That looks pretty cool! I replaced all the light bulbs in my place with LED’s.
I’m in the process of doing that myself! (Obviously, haha..)
Great tips.
Thanks for sharing.
XO
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I really like this idea – I have never heard about this before so I found it as very interesting 🙂
http://crafty-zone.blogspot.com/
This looks so cool! I had never heard of this before!
Melanie @ meandmr.com
Glad I could share some useful info!! <3
After reading your post I realized that I’ve never even thought about any other source of lighting than normal light bulbs. Thank you so much for writing this up, you gave me something to think about and maybe improve my home 🙂
Fashionably,
Patricia
http://www.wingsforliberty.com/
Let me know if you make the switch to LED’s! I’d like to get your feedback on how you like them!! <3
I didn’t even knew about this, nice to know that! But the Walking dead on TV omg I just can’t watch that!!! 😉 😉 xo
Hahaha, WIMP!!! LOL, I kid! We are in the middle of a Walking Dead marathon, so it seemed like the proper thing to show in the example photos! hehe…
These are so cool Gingi! I’m going to show my husband this post tonight. He insists on turning off the lights when we watch movies, and you’ve convinced me that that’s a bad idea.
My husband is an eyestrain denier, haha! He says he thinks it’s all hogwash.. but I have sensitive eyes, and I most certainly notice the difference! And, ya know, science backs MY stance up. So neener neener husband!! hehe…
amazing!!! thanks for sharing! xoxo
http://midoriline.com/blog/
You’re like I was after my second baby was born – totally still blogging! I love it. Cassidy would love this. He’s all about lighting around the TV. I love the idea of reducing eyestrain.
Hahaha, I can’t help myself! 😉
Anyhoo, do check these lights out if you get the chance! I have used cheap Ikea lights in my entertainment center before but these are FAR NICER!
This is so cool! I had no idea! Love your posts because they always teach me something new. Have a great day
http://www.girlandthepolkadot.com/
You are a blogging Queen! New baby and still bringing the good! I had no idea about the benefits of back lighting, but now I think I need to make sure this is on every TV!
LOL, I am a stir crazy blogger. 😉 It helps that blogging is my stress outlet and “unwind after a long day” outlet.. hehe! <3
Great tips Gingi! Thanks for sharing!
♥♥♥
Jeanne
http://fashionmusingsdiary.com
Such an informative post! Great blog:) xo, Hayley http://www.dailydoseofdarling.com
This is so smart! I’m staring at a screen from morning til late night and the only break my eyes get is when I’m reading my Kindle or out drinking! Hahaha.
Danika Maia
http://www.danikamaia.com
Hahaha, yeah, sounds like you need a backlight for sure!! <3
this is such a great idea! I’m sure it does wonders for eyes. I often felt that watching TV in the dark straines my eyes.
Great idea, this looks absolutely cool!!!!
xo Paola
Expressyourself
My Facebook
This is very interesting. My father always told me to put on a small light just over the TV, even if the rest of the room was dark. Maybe he knew something! I always assumed it was for ambiance, as you said you wanted, but maybe not. Anyway, I really shouldn’t watch TV in the dark. This is a good idea:)
Yeah, I’m loving these lights! <3
What a great Idea ! Xx
http://littlemissblogery.blogspot.co.uk/?m=1
that definitely seems like an awesome idea!!
I had no idea this even existed! What a great idea. It looks great in your room.
Thanks!!
Hi
Have a nice day
XO
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A great idea, Gingi! Are all the cables behind the TV set?
Yeah, they’re in the drywall, running along the wall to the floor. 😉
This is a smart idea! I never heard of back lighting.
Jill
Doused In Pink
I wouldn’t use a tv backlinghting system as we don’t have a wall mounted tv but led lights are definitely the lighting of the future
This is brilliant! I definitely want to try this. It adds a nice ambiance to the room with the benefits of reducing eyestrain. Love it.
The ambiance IS quite awesome!! ^_^
We do not watch much television but this sounds great for those who do.
This is interesting- I didn’t realize it was bad for your eyes to watch TV in the dark!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
We also use this kind of lights when watching tv, I couldn’t live without anymore when I’m watching in the dark! 🙂
Sarah x
http://www.palmtreesandheels.blogspot.com
That’s awesome!! They’re great, right?!
I have read about backlighting and now I am seeing it in your photos! I don’t have it but do use LEDs to help save power (and lower energy bills!)
Oh, I had never heart of this, what a curious invention! I don’t know if I would ever use it or not, might give it a try! Thanks for sharing! Have a nice day,
Vera
http://theflashwindow.weebly.com
What a great idea! I never thought about adding backlighting to my TV, but now, I really want to 🙂
You should!! They’re great!! <3
This looks really great. I always ate it when I’m watching a movie with friends and one wants to turn the light out!
Corinne x
Hello, I’m stopping by to have a look at your lovely blog. You visited me at mine and had some very nice words. Your blog is very informative and welcoming. Thank you for inviting me to come visit.
I never thought about back lighting my tv, I will have to look into this. Great info! I am also a Walking Dead fan, although I did not like that episode.
Kimberly http://semi-urbancountrygirl.blogspot.com/
Thank you for stopping by!! I hope we can keep in touch and network! I love your blog! <3 And yeah, I'm not a huge fan of that episode either!! Too claustrophobic feeling for me, I hate when the characters are cornered! 😉
Wow! You write the best posts. That’s completely fascinating. I definitely want to look into it. My boyfriend loves to see shows in the dark, but we’re both artists, so taking care of our eyesight is especially important to us…
Gingi, I’ve definitely sketched kitties, I have a fairy kitten print & LE ACEO print here: http://www.ebay.com/sch/studiolr/m.html?item this week as well as various other cats in my assorted art section at http://www.lisarusso.com (I think they’re all prints though, I think I’ve sold all of my kitty originals). My next animal that I sketch will probably be a dog, I want to paint a red chow, but I’m sure I will draw cats again in the future
You need to do a golden retriever next!!!! That’s the kind of dog I have, hehe! <3
You always share the coolest products! I’ll have to check this out. I didn’t even know of such a thing. My aging eyes are struggling. This may be just what I need :).
This is amazing, thanks so much for sharing! I do find that watching TV in a dark room really hurts my head after a while, so I would love to try backlighting. It seems like the perfect solution, and I never would have even thought of it 🙂
xo, Dolce // http://www.mydailysweet.com/
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I need this! I often watch TV on my room before I sleep and yes, I close the lights.
STYLE VANITY
Yeah, I generally ONLY watch TV at night.. so this is a must for me!!
Was not aware of that, thanks for sharing Gingi! It’s impressive how active you are blogging, knowing that you are busy with the baby! Great job!
Interesting…I don’t really watch tv in the dark but my husband loves to..so I guess I can give this a try..thanks for sharing 🙂
I’m an architect and I often design interiors, I always recommend leds to my clients. It’s the cheapest and best solution.
xxx
mari
http://www.ilovegreeninspiration.com
That’s awesome to hear!! The more I learn about you, the cooler you get!! <3
Have tried a LED from a local brand. Not too bad. This one you have shared sounds too good to say no.
Great post and tips, Gingi. Thx for sharing.
hugs
Lenya
FashionDreams&Lifestyle
That looks so darn cool and definitely something that I’ll be checking out after this. And gurrrllll, you should be resting and not posting! LOL! You’re a real super mum, hugs! xx
Shireen | Reflection of Sanity
LOL, I agree! I have been making myself NOT run to my blog this past week, haha.. 😉
I need to show it to my husband, he will love it!
We’ve been searching so something similar for a long time now!
http://www.stripesnvibes.com
I’m a huge fan of led lights! We often prefer to buy led these days. This looks pretty promising, Gingi! I really would love to try!
I didn’t know there are so many benefits to LED lighting until now! Thanks for sharing and I think the red lighting around the TV is pretty cool!
Prudence
http://www.prudencepetitestyle.com
Yeah, I didn’t know till recently either!! I’m a big fan of them now!
SUPER COOL!
XOX
BORKA
Waaw such a great tip ! I love it 🙂
http://www.thefashionpanda.be
http://www.thefashionpanda.be
this is so great! 🙂 i hope you’re having an amazing day!
mfashionfreak♥blog
Thanks!! You too! <3
Great post!
Have a nice evening!
Photographer Gil Zetbase
http://www.gilzetbase.com/
Perfect look! http://www.storehobbsbop.com
Hi Gingi,
This is such a good idea. I do indeed like to watch my movies on a dark room creating that cinema effect. With this led lighting on the back of the tv would indeed help with the contract between dark and light. Thanks for sharing this Gingi.
Jo | Say Cheesy Cake
Say Cheesy Cake on Bloglovin
Of course! Thanks for reading! <3
Very interesting post!
Have a nice day,
Sonia Verardo
http://www.trenchcollection.com/
Love the idea of this 😀 Would be really useful in my house hehe!
Serene xoxo
<3
http://www.imserenel.wordpress.com
These lights are a GAME CHANGER. Love them for enhancing the atmosphere of my movies. Combined with a great sound system, there’s nothing better.