';
}
function isValidUrl(url) {
if (!url) {
return false;
}
var encodedUrl = encodeURI(url);
return encodedUrl.match(
/^(https?:\/\/)?(([a-z0-9-]|%[A-F0-9]{2})+\.)+(([a-z]|%[A-F0-9]{2})([a-z0-9]|%[A-F0-9]{2})*)(:[0-9]+)?(\/[a-z0-9;:,~!+#@&=%\/$\.?_-]+)?$/
);
}
function isNumericPrice(price) {
if (!price) {
return false;
}
return price.match(/^([0-9]+\.?[0-9]*)$|^([0-9]*\.[0-9]+)$/);
}
function isEmptyValue(input) {
return !input || input.length === 0 || input.match(/^\s*$/);
}
function truncate(input, length) {
if (!input) {
return '';
} else {
return input.substr(0, length);
}
}
function formatDate(year, date, month) {
return year + '-' + month + '-' + date;
}
function trim(input) {
if (!input) {
return '';
} else {
return input.trim();
}
}
function resetModalToInitialState(currentMonth, currentDate, currentYear) {
var enableOnlineStoreRadio = document.querySelector('#pricingFeedback_onlineRadio');
var enableOfflineStoreRadio = document.querySelector('#pricingFeedback_offlineRadio');
var onlineStoreInputForm = document.querySelector('#pricingFeedback_onlineInput');
var offlineStoreInputForm = document.querySelector('#pricingFeedback_offlineInput');
var onlineUrl = document.querySelector('#onlineUrl');
var onlinePriceRaw = document.querySelector('#onlinePriceRaw');
var onlineShippingRaw = document.querySelector('#onlineShippingRaw');
var onlineDay = document.querySelector('#onlineDay');
var onlineMonth = document.querySelector('#onlineMonth');
var onlineYear = document.querySelector('#onlineYear');
var onlineCalendar = document.querySelector('#onlineCalendar');
var note1 = document.querySelector('#note1');
var offlineStoreName = document.querySelector('#offlineStoreName');
var offlineCity = document.querySelector('#offlineCity');
var offlineState = document.querySelector('#offlineState');
var offlinePriceRaw = document.querySelector('#offlinePriceRaw');
var offlineDay = document.querySelector('#offlineDay');
var offlineMonth = document.querySelector('#offlineMonth');
var offlineYear = document.querySelector('#offlineYear');
var offlineCalendar = document.querySelector('#offlineCalendar');
var thankYouDiv = document.querySelector('#pricingFeedback_thank');
var errorDiv = document.querySelector('#pricingFeedback_error');
var submitButton = document.querySelector('#pricingFeedback_submit');
var loadingGifDiv = document.querySelector('#loading');
var stateDefaultOption = document.querySelector('#stateDefaultOption');
var stateDefaultPrompt = document.querySelector('#stateDefaultPrompt');
var offlineStateMain = document.querySelector('#offlineStateMain');
var storeDefaultOption = document.querySelector('#storeDefaultOption');
var storeDefaultPrompt = document.querySelector('#storeDefaultPrompt');
if (thankYouDiv) {
thankYouDiv.innerHTML = '';
}
if (errorDiv) {
errorDiv.innerHTML = '';
}
if (loadingGifDiv) {
loadingGifDiv.innerHTML = '';
}
if (submitButton) {
submitButton.style.display = 'block';
}
onlineUrl.value = '';
onlinePriceRaw.value = '';
onlineShippingRaw.value = '';
offlineStoreName.value = '';
offlineCity.value = '';
offlineState.value = '';
offlinePriceRaw.value = '';
stateDefaultOption.innerHTML = $("#selectProvince").val();
stateDefaultPrompt.innerHTML = $("#selectProvince").val();
storeDefaultOption.innerHTML = "Enter the store name where you found this product";
storeDefaultPrompt.innerHTML = "Enter the store name where you found this product";
setInitialStates(
onlineMonth,
currentMonth,
offlineMonth,
onlineDay,
currentDate,
offlineDay,
onlineYear,
currentYear,
offlineYear,
onlineStoreInputForm,
offlineStoreInputForm,
enableOfflineStoreRadio,
enableOnlineStoreRadio,
onlineCalendar,
offlineCalendar,
offlineStateMain,
offlineState,
note1
);
}
});
I recently decided to install ‘smart home’ lighting and other devices in my home, and after some research I decided to give the Philips Hue system a try. I also have quite a few basic non-smart LED bulbs in my home.
I’m very happy with the Hue system so far although it is going to take some time to fully understand all of the ways it can be varied and used. I use mine together with the Apple HomeKit system, and the integration with HomeKit has been automatic and without difficulty.
There is a huge difference in the price of individual bulbs depending on what they are capable of, beginning with basic LED bulbs that don’t offer the integration with the Hue system (remote operation and programming), and continuing to bulbs that are a part of the Hue system and have features including full color control (most expensive).
The Philips Hue system requires the use of a Hue hub connected to your home Wi-Fi system to connect and control Hue specific bulbs and accessories, and there are starter kits to obtain the hub together with two or four bulbs.
Initially it took some time to understand the differences between the various Philips Hue bulbs, so here is a quick intro. There are five basic Philips LED bulb types (both Hue and non-Hue bulbs). ALL ARE 60W equivalent, Dimmable, E26 type (standard light bulb):
- 1. (NOT Hue) 800 lumen Warm 2700K
- 2. (NOT Hue) 800 lumen Daylight 5000K
- 3. Hue 840 lumen Warm 2700K
- 4. Hue 800 lumen White ambiance 2200-6500K
- 5. Hue 800 lumen White and color ambiance 2000-6500K plus ’16 million’ colors
All of the bulbs above use approximately 9-10 watts at maximum brightness
There is a huge difference in prices for the 5 types listed above, from about 2-3 dollars per bulb (1 & 2 above), to 10 per bulb (3 above), 20 per bulb (4 above), and finally 40 per bulb for all the bells and whistles (5 above).
I quickly learned that if I don’t need to vary the ‘warmness’ of the light in a certain room or area, then all I need is the basic LED bulb, either warm or daylight, and it doesn’t necessarily need to be a Hue bulb if I don’t need to control the bulbs from an App. The brightness can always be controlled from a LED compatible wall mounted dimmer switch or other smart home dimmer that can integrate into the smart home system.
If I want lighting in a certain area or room to have the flexibility to change from warm white to bright daylight, in addition to dimming, then the White ambiance style Hue bulb works great.
Finally, if I want to add special effects, varying colors and everything imaginable about the lighting, then the White and color ambiance bulbs give that capability.
Starter Kits
I started with this basic kit, which includes four of the White ambience bulbs plus the hub:
Hue Starter Kit 4 x 800 lumen White ambiance 2200-6500K plus hub
Other starter kits are available, either with two or four basic white Hue bulbs, or with two of the White and color ambiance bulbs.
Lightstrips
I’ve installed the Hue lightstrips under the counters in our kitchen, and they are terrific. I've also installed them under the sides of the bed in our bedroom, to provide night and ambience lighting:
Hue LightStrip 1600 lumen White and color ambiance 2000-6500K plus ’16 million’ colors
The lightstrips have turned out to be one of the more enjoyable parts of the system and are very easy to install.
Accessories and Control Options
All of the Hue products can be controlled using the App, and there is a huge amount of flexibility available in how the lights are programmed. They can be organized by room or in other ways, and controlled in groups or separately.
Hue bulbs are not intended to be used with a wall mounted dimmer switch unless the dimmer is specifically intended to be used with the Hue system. Once a light is turned off using the wall switch, then it can’t be turned back on using the Hue controls (power needs to be supplied to the bulb at all times in order for the bulb to be controllable by the Hue system, even if the bulb is turned off. This is not intuitive at first and is a part of why installing these kinds of bulbs in a home requires considerable thought about how you will use them and what is most convenient for any particular situation).
The Hue dimmer switch / remote is a handy accessory to have, if you want to be able to control lights without using the App:
Hue Smart Dimmer Switch
Hue Smart Dimmer Switch plus 1 800 lumen White ambience 220-6500K
I have two of these dimmer switches and use one to control the undercounter lights in our kitchen. For those particular lights it is the only way they can be controlled all at the same time since they plug into different outlets and the outlets are not controlled by any wall switches.
There is also a ‘tap switch’ available, and a motion sensor. I have not tried either of those products yet.
There is a lot more that could be said about this Hue system but my intention here is only to give a quick introduction to the types of lighting available and some of the ways in which they can be used.
| Brand | PHILIPS |
|---|---|
| Light Type | LED |
| Special Feature | Instant On, Needs recycling, Dimmable (with Hub or Echo Plus) |
| Wattage | 9.5 watts |
| Bulb Shape Size | A19 |
| Bulb Base | E26 Medium |
| Incandescent Equivalent Wattage | 60 Watts |
| Specific Uses For Product | General purpose |
| Light Color | Soft White |
| Voltage | 120 Volts |
| Unit Count | 4.0 Count |
| Color Temperature | 2700 Kelvin |
| Number of Items | 4 |
| Brightness | 840 Lumen |
| Shape | a19 |
| Material | Glass |
| Model Name | Hue White A19 |
| Connectivity Technology | Wi-Fi, Infrared |
| Indoor/Outdoor Usage | Indoor |
| Controller Type | Amazon Echo, SmartThings, Nest |
| Included Components | 4 (A19) White Bulbs |
| Power Source | Corded Electric |
| Connectivity Protocol | Wi-Fi, Zigbee |
| Color Rendering Index | 80 |
| Power Consumption | 60 Watts |
| Item Package Quantity | 1 |
| Light Source Type | LED |
| Specification Met | Energy Star Qualified, Lighting Facts, UL Listed, FCC Part 15 |
| Item Weight | 0.45 Pounds |
| Light Source Wattage | 60 Watts |
| Accepted voltage frequency | 100 to 120 Volts and 60 Hertz |
| Control Method | Voice |
| White Brightness | 840 Lumens |
| Efficiency | Efficient |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00046677472023 |
| Manufacturer | Philips |
| UPC | 046677472023 |
| Part Number | 472027 |
| Item Weight | 7.2 ounces |
| Product Dimensions | 2.25 x 2.25 x 4.25 inches |
| Item model number | 472027 |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Assembled Height | 4.25 inches |
| Assembled Length | 2.25 inches |
| Assembled Width | 2.25 inches |
| Style | Standard |
| Color | Soft White |
| Finish types | Soft White |
| Maximum Compatible Wattage | 120 Watts |
| Special Features | Instant On, Needs recycling, Dimmable (with Hub or Echo Plus) |
| Batteries Included? | No |
| Batteries Required? | No |
| Wattage | 60 Watts |
| Bulb Features | Dimmable |
| Bulb Length | 4.25 Inches |
<# } #> <# if(item.text) { #> 
