Dimmable Philips Tornado T3 directing energy savings at the movies

Sydney, 1 September 2008 – Reducing light levels whilst maintaining the right ambiance is crucial to the viewer experience at any feature film screening. For cinema operators Greater Union, this meant that when the company decided to upgrade the existing lighting and improve energy efficiency at its Castle Hill venture, there could be no compromise on performance. Following a brief trial in one of the smaller cinemas, it was clear that Philips’ new Tornado T3 dimmable energy savers provided the consistency and performance needed for the ultimate movie experience.

Philips dimmable Tornado offers the best of both worlds: the compact size of a Tornado Energy saver lamp with the ability to operate with most existing consumer dimmers*. The Tornado T3 works by using phase cutting technology with either a turning knob or a slider, but unlike traditional globes, even more energy is saved when the light is dimmed. This also means the light level can be adjusted to suit the situation without compromising on quality.

“After considering a range of options for upgrading our existing lighting at Castle Hill, the Philips Tornado T3s were chosen by for both consistent performance and energy efficiency,” said Paul Henderson, Group Technical Manager, Greater Union. Philips has lived up to expectations, with over 150 Tornados installed since December 2007, and not one of the lamps has failed. “In the past we would be replacing lamps every month, so this simple switch has yielded a significant increase in lamp life on top of the savings already brought by the reduced energy consumption.” Mr Henderson added.

While current requirements at Castle Hill limit the complete removal of all General Lighting Source (GLS) bulbs, the savings in costs and energy are nevertheless substantial. For comparison, in a small cinema, which traditionally employed 12 x 100W GLS lamps, Greater Union now uses 2 x 100W GLS and 4 x 20W Philips T3s. In larger theatres the savings are even more impressive, with previous setups drawing on 64 x 100W GLS lamps, this has been reduced to just 6 x GLS and 26 x T3’s. With the help of Philips’ innovative approach to energy efficient lighting, Greater Union Castle Hill has been able to literally halve the amount of globes it uses and slash its energy consumption – saving the company and the environment.

Philips introduced the first energy saving bulb in 1981 and is now the global leader, selling more Compact Fluorescent Lamps (integrated) CFL-i than any other brand. CFL-i’s are one of the simplest ways to reduce the demand for energy. Philips dimmable Tornado lamps are an ideal replacement for incandescent bulbs and standard energy savers in indoor fixtures, meeting both functional and aesthetic lighting requirements. For Greater Union, the change has meant money in the pocket and a more sustainable future, while being able to maintain complete control over the perfect light level with the scene-setting advantages of dimmable lighting.

*Test performed in Philips laboratories based on dimming capability, flickering, humming and ignite at low dimming level with most consumer dimmers.

About Greater Union

The Greater Union Organisation, Australia's largest and oldest film exhibitor, is owned by Amalgamated Holdings Limited (AHL) - a publicly listed company which is Australia's leading name in the entertainment, leisure and hotel industries.

Founded in 1910 under the name of Spencer's Pictures Limited, Greater Union Organisation's core business has always been film exhibition. Today, we screen local and international movies in multi-auditorium complexes around Australia - independently and in joint ventures with companies such as Village cinemas. Greater Union has a 100% interest in Birch Carroll & Coyle, Queensland's biggest cinema chain. We also have joint ventures with cinema groups in the Middle East and Europe. In total, Greater Union cinemas have 457 screens here in Australia and 429 screens overseas on which to show all the latest blockbuster movies.

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