Difference between revisions of "Philips Master SOX-E and SOX"

These high pressure sodium vapour lamps are compact light sources that are viable for indoor lighting. Their very good colour reproduction and warm light appearance made them very well suited for shopping areas. Even if home applications could have been viable, the high cost of lamps, associated gear and a lack of attractive fixtures meant that this market was never represented. Creating an even warmer atmosphere than even typical incandescent lamps, with a better showcase of reds and oranges, this light source fared very well in terms of visual comfort. The only downside of SDW-T lamps was the lack of an instant restrike design, which meant that this lamp should not be switched on or off too frequently, as this would also affect light. On the few commercial applications were they were most likely applied, they fared very well. Groceries such as vegetables, bread and other food products were very well and appealingly presented. The lamps themselves and gears were quite long lived. There was also a more compact SDW-T lamp design that had similar dimensions to low-wattage ceramic metal hallide lamps that was especially attractive in the early 2000s as the entire fixture was very compact and light control was very good. Of course, the advent of LED lamps that could create any light appearance with lower maintenance, heat and better energy control meant that SDW-T lamps were not required.

Fixtures are generally compact, considering the light output made available, but are generally heavy due to the bulky electromagnetic gear being used. There are directional and omni-directional fixtures that are suited to various purposes. Fixtures were compact, having a boxy design, with a symmetrical or asymmetrical lamp placement that was suited for flood or spot lighting. Generally, due to the cost of the lamp and application, the few fixtures that were designed or adapted from other compact metal hallide ones, had very good optical systems, with high quality mirrors and lenses.

This type of lamps, due to their technology and way of operation could be successfully used both with cheaper conventional magnetic gears as well as high performance electronic ones. Light is mostly created as a result of thermal emission of hot sodium vapours, which translates into a high inertia that hides most flickering and light variations that are unavoidable in high pressure discharge lamps. This meant that SDW-T lamps were excellent for indoor uses even on inexpensive lamp gear. Despite an overall excellent lamp, the only drawbacks were high lamp cost and lack of highly marketable fixtures that detracted even from some residential luxury lighting applications as well as general perception that was mostly shaped by the typical street lighting application of cheaper lamps, setting lower expectations about the technology. Of course, manufacturers were also to blame as there was no advertising on this lamp and its benefits except occasional installation showcases.