Category: News

News
enLIGHTenment Chats with DMF's Marketing Director
The Lighting Trade Publication sits down with industry leaders to discuss current trends and the future of downlighting
August 14, 2019

enLIGHTenment Magazine is the content leader for news, trends, and important information affecting the residential lighting community. Their award-winning editorial team works diligently to curate content with a product-driven approach.

At LFI2019, they interviewed a select group of industry leaders and manufacturers to discuss how options and controls are revolutionizing downlights.

Recessed downlight are going through some dramatic changes.

BY DAVID SHILLER

Before we jump into all the latest trends in recessed lighting, let’s remember why downlights are so important. In short, they’re the best-selling luminaire type by units sold. According to market research by IMARC, the global LED downlight market reached $17.3 billion in 2018, and is projected to reach $29 billion by 2024. That’s a healthy compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.4 percent. Downlights have helped lead LED adoption due to being directional and their very high volume. Downlights have become increasingly popular in both new construction and retrofit applications, both for general and accent lighting and in all market categories: residential, hospitality, retail, corporate, municipal, and healthcare.

All the various trends in downlight can be summed up in two words, “options” and “control”. Here are some of the trends occurring lately in downlights.

Mechanical Trends

  • Greater range of aperture sizes. While downlight used to be primarily 5 and 6 inches, they are now also offered in 1, 2, 3, 4, and 8 inches.
  • Easier installation methods
  • Slim profiles are now offered by many manufacturers, some as thin as 0.5″-thick flush mounts that don’t require any recessed housing. This can significantly reduce labor without a recessed can to install.
  • Mudded-in/trimless installation for the ultimate clean ceiling look
  • New linear format downlights
  • More and more trim options

Photometric Trends

  • Increased lumen outputs. You can now find 4-inch downlights up to 8,000 lumens and 8-inch downlights up to 20,000 lumens
  • More adjustable beam pattern options
  • Lower glare / more diffuse reflectors
  • Higher CRI LEDs (90+) due to CA Title 24 requirements, and to better compete with halogen sources
  • Increased use of chip on board (COB) sources, as a single point source with greater optical control

Control Trends

  • More wireless beam shaping, whether using motors (i.e. Forma Lighting) or LCD lenses (i.e. LensVector)
  • Increased aiming through gimbals and motors
  • 0-10V, phase control, and wireless mobile app dimming
  • CCT switchable, dim-to-warm, color tuning, and color changing
  • Connected capabilities are now going beyond IoT wireless app control to Juno’s integration of Alexa into the Juno AI, as well as downlights streaming LiFi (i.e.Lucibel)
  • Integration of other devices & functionalities, such as music speakers, security features, etc.

At Lightfair, DMF Lighting was a great example of a downlight manufacturer offering a wide variety of options along with very high performance. When asked about the most important trends, Susie Minton, Director/Marketing & Business Development for DMF Lighting said “A smaller footprint and modular systems
such an approach adds significant flexibility in the design, installation, and maintenance of the fixtures. The installation and updating of downlights used to be a construction project. Today’s compact and modular designs ensure the downlight meets the needs of the space today and into the future.”

Jeff Spencer, Acuity Brands Lighting VP & General Manager/Residential shared, “The use of downlights in a space is growing in popularity, particularly for new homes as they make spaces look larger and more modern, and designers believe they can decrease the time it takes to sell a home while increasing its perceived value. Current downlighting product trends take advantage of the new properties of LED technology relative to traditional sources with features such as switchable lumens, switchable color temperatures, can-less downlights, and shallow plenum
while maintaining the desired performance of the traditional sources with features like warm dim and 90 CRI.”

Looking to the future, Acuity’s Spencer added, “Much like smart phones are used for so much more than making phone calls, downlights will be used for so much more than lighting a room. In addition to coming with sophisticated lighting controls built in, they will stream music, provide home security, provide health and wellness benefits, control all of the other connected devices in the space
.and light the room.”

“For the future, I think we will continue to see smaller-scale fixtures that can still emit light in a similar way as today’s downlights.”

–  Susie Minton
DMF Lighting Director of Marketing & Business Development 

DMF’s Minton remarked, “For the future, I think we will continue to see smaller-scale fixtures that can still emit light in a similar way as today’s downlights. This will require continued mechanical and optical technology advances to achieve. Color will also continue to be a trend, not just light color, but the color of the trims as well. With modular systems, it will be easy to change trims to accent a space’s decor and not just blend into the ceiling.”

Advice for showrooms

Both executives had advice for showrooms trying to display and sell recessed downlights. DMF’s Minton commented, “It is important to give customers choices — not just budget options, but high-quality options. It is difficult to assess downlighting in a ‘display format and is much easier to experience in a realistic application space.’ This means using areas of the showroom to exemplify different lighting options or using a dimming system to turn on/off groups of lights for a more realistic experience. Not all downlights are created equal. Depending on optics, lighting can feel really different. Color temperature and color quality can vary as well. In general, I have noticed a decrease in downlighting quality, as carried and shown by lighting showrooms. At the same time — especially in the higher-end residential market — we are seeing increased demand by customers for higher-quality downlighting, even when they are more expensive. Downlighting often costs as much to install as the product itself. Thus, unlike a sconce or chandelier, designers and consumers want to choose quality product that will last.”

Acuity’s Spencer advised showrooms to “display lighting with unique features in a way to maximize the impact of the demo, and therefore your success. For example, if you’re displaying downlights with a sound system or built-in voice assistant, be sure to find a space that stimulates the final application. This will give the customer a better feel for the quality of the sound system, changing color temperatures, the microphones, etc..,” he said. “Basically, it’s the same as retailers have been doing for years when selling speakers. I’d also recommend making sure the customer fully understands the entire value proposition. Because there’s so much more to downlights now than before, telling only half the story will not justify the adoption. People pay $1000 for a smart phone, because they understand why it’s worth so much more than a telephone.”

View the entire article at enLIGHTenment.

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News
Sharefest Youth Development Center
DMF Lighting supports local youth charity
June 20, 2019

Sharefest aims to build strong communities by fostering volunteerism and preparing youth to lead positive change. The non-profit organization recently celebrated the grand opening of an all-new youth center.

Youth Development Center

Built in an abandoned jail in the San Pedro Municipal Building, the space has been completely transformed into a safe place for youth. There, they can meet with mentors, gain leadership skills, find their voice, and prepare for college and careers. Thousands of youth will enter the doors in the coming years.

“With the grand opening, we can fulfill our mission of helping youth break the cycle of poverty.”

DMF Lighting is proud to work with PLP SoCal to help contribute to this worthy cause with a donation of LED lighting products for the Center. We hope that this small contribution can help create a warm, inviting place for Los Angeles youth.

Learn more about Sharefest here.

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News Products
Products Magazine Highlights DRD5S
The Surface Mount's amazingly simple install process earns it a spot on Products's list of items that maximize installation efficiency
June 20, 2019

PRODUCTS is a news site and quarterly magazine that brings the latest in building product and material news to residential builders, architects, and remodelers.

Recently, the site featured a two-part series on the industry labor shortage. The second part of the series features 19 products, including the DRD5S, that can reduce installation times. Below is an excerpt from the article:

19 EFFICIENT PRODUCTS TO EASE THE SKILLED LABOR SHORTAGE

By Amanda Hermans

The U.S. construction industry is undeniably experiencing an acute shortage of skilled labor, but manufacturers are developing products to help professionals maximize the time and workers they have.

Home Innovations Research Labs recently outlined ways in which building product manufacturers can help ease the labor stress on residential construction professionals through smart product design. The suggestions include reducing the skill needed to install products, combining complementary products into a single unit, and creating products that can be installed by less people.

From factory-produced prefab building components to tools that work faster for longer, there are already solutions in a number of product categories that can help builders and contractors cut down on the hours needed to complete a project. Many product manufacturers are looking for ways to make processes more efficient, by packaging products in ready-to-install kits or rethinking product design specifically for retrofits.

One thing is certain, manufacturers will have to find ways to solve the labor shortage on their own. Whether by proactive choice or as a survival necessity, residential construction professionals across the country will have to adapt to do more with less. Incorporating a few of the efficient products below (or the countless time-saving solutions that are not listed) just might be the place to start.

18. DRD5S

The DRD5S is a new take on recessed lighting, installing with just two inches of plenum space when paired with the company’s SurfaceFrame junction box. It is also compatible with most metallic octagonal and non-metallic round junction boxes. The light requires a mounting bracket and two screws, and then easily snaps into place, the company says. The 90+ CRI LED comes in round or square units and extends just 0.6 inches beyond the ceiling.

Learn more about the DRD5S.

View the entire article at Products.

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News
Tariffs: DMF Stands Firm
A continued commitment to not raise our prices due to expanded tariffs
June 7, 2019

In July of 2018, the Office of the United States Trade Representative imposed a 25% Section 301 tariff on certain goods imported into the U.S. from China.

Now, the White House has announced a tariff will be imposed on goods from Mexico. Effective June 10, 2019, the tariff will start at 5% and can increase to as much as 25% in the coming months. While it is common for companies in our industry to use these tariffs as a justification to raise prices, DMF is committed to delivering the same excellent products and value that you have come to expect.

“ Our intention is to keep our prices at the same levels despite tariffs. We understand how important it is for our customers to move forward without interrupting ongoing projects or disrupting future plans.”

Ian Ibbitson, CTO/CFO

By making this promise to you, we seek to give you the confidence to continue working with our company. DMF’s greatest asset is the trust our customers place in us, and we hope to continue our successful relationships far into the future.

If you have any questions regarding this or any other DMF policies, please contact us at info@dmflighting.com.

 

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News
30 Years of LFI in the Books
A big thank you to our reps, colleagues and customers for another great experience at LFI
May 30, 2019

That’s all folks! The 30th Annual LIGHTFAIR International officially wrapped up last week. We’d like to thank everyone who made it possible, from our helpful vendors to our dedicated sales team. Additionally, thank you to everyone who visited our booth, we hope you had a great time exploring our latest lighting innovations.

Check out some of our favorite moments from the show below.

LIGHTFAIR International 2019 – Philadelphia, PA

We’ll see you next year in Las Vegas!

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News
OneFrame Featured in Technology Designer
Architectural design and build magazine praises OneFrameÂź as a lighting fixture you need to know about
April 4, 2019

Technology Designer Magazine explores the world where technology meets design. Written by and for the design-build community, the magazine features unique team profiles and in-depth project case studies.

DMF Lighting is proud to be featured in the publication:

OneFrame
Sexy and sleek. A lighting fixture you need to know about.

BY STEPHANIE CASIMIRO

Once upon a time
 you only had a few options when it came to lighting your living room. There were several sizes of incandescent lights/fixtures (size of the projected beam/flood), several wattages to pick from (level of overall brightness), and if you really wanted to go custom, you could put in a dimmer switch.

Well, today that’s all changed. Just for downlighting purposes your options include a wide range of lighting components and in-ceiling frames that run the gamut from flood to narrow flood, wall wash to accent lighting.

And that’s not all! With tunable lighting and lighting control systems that allow the homeowner to make on-the-fly changes to their lighting schemes, the complexity of hardware on the market poses a real challenge for lighting and interior designers. Which is why we’ve fallen head-over-heels with DMF’s OneFrame.

The OneFrame is an LED housing that was created with multiple disciplines encoded into its DNA. From residential to multi-family (MDU) to commercial, it’s a cost-effective solution that requires less than 4″ of ceiling space. What sets it apart is the versatility and functionality that adds up to a value-add that’s hard to beat.

Let’s first consider DMF’s primary led downlights

The DRD2 is a powerful chip-on-board LED that delivers up to 1,000 lumens of general lighting true color representation. The DRD2X incorporates advanced optics for a precise, targeted beam of low glare illumination. The DRD4 incorporates an integral driver and 20°, 30°, and 40° beam options with full 360° directional aiming.

What’s cool about the OneFrame is that their downlights are completely interchangeable. Let’s say you’re a builder and you spec lighting into each of the units in an MDU. Who knows what each resident will opt for when it comes to lighting their space? Now you have the option of installing DMF’s in-ceiling housing and giving the new tenants options when it comes to customizing their environment.

Homeowners also benefit from this modular concept. Who knows when you might choose to switch up any given room dĂ©cor. With a modular approach to the lighting infrastructure – the actual housing unit – you can change from wall wash to accent lighting in minutes. As customers redecorate their home, the lighting can now seamlessly change as well.

But wait! There’s more! Besides the versatility of offering a modular housing approach to downlighting, DMF has been smart to engineer in some well thought out features that add to the OneFrame’s versatility.

Learn more about the OneFrame.

View original article on Technology Designer.

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News
DMF Lighting Brilliance Awards
Recognizing superior dedication and outstanding performances amongst our partners
March 26, 2019

 

Each year, DMF honors a special selection from our network of representatives for all the great work they do. The Brilliance Awards celebrate not just great performance, but a partner’s outstanding dedication to reflecting all that DMF stands for, from knowledge and partnership to loyalty and professionalism.

Diamond Award

The Diamond Award celebrates representatives without equal. Diamond Award winners excel at communicating with the whole DMF organization and are constantly learning more about our products and policies. Their excellence reflects amazing sales performances, especially across different business segments. Their passion and dedication makes them more than just partners, it makes them key members of the DMF Family.

Prism Award

The Prism Award goes to the Representative that achieved great success in their first year with DMF. These remarkable reps go beyond the day to day to successfully integrate themselves into the DMF ecosystem, quickly and effectively building relationships and knowledge. Prism Award winners demonstrate their hard work and potential for growth. They have a bright future together with DMF.

Crystal Award

The Crystal Award recognizes Representatives, who achieve their agreed sales quota goals. Such commitment and achievement are essential to our DMF business success. Crystal Award winners help us invest consistently in our business, growing our products, people, and impact to the market. Their partnership excellence is recognized and greatly appreciated.

Vision Award

The Vision Award is given to individuals who demonstrate an unparalleled bond with DMF in ways both large and small. They champion our products, our brand, and our spirit in everything that they do. Vision Award winners help DMF and our customers achieve great things because their insight solves problems and illuminates new approaches. Their excellence is a beacon that inspires our team and beyond.

 

Congratulations to the 2018 recipients

Our manufacturer’s representatives are the cornerstone of our business and we are proud to bestow the very best of them these Brilliance Awards. Congratulations to the winners and thank you everyone for your effort and dedication.

 

We look forward to another year of continued success and creativity from next year’s award winners!

Connect on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter to stay up to date with everything that’s happening at DMF Lighting.

News
DMF Wins Preliminary Injunction Against ELCO in Patent Infringement Lawsuit
Federal Court Bans ELCO Lighting and Those Acting in Concert with ELCO from Selling ELL LED Modules that ELCO Copied from DMF
March 12, 2019

LOS ANGELES, CA – March 12, 2019 – DMF Lighting¼ (DMF), a leader in LED downlighting innovation, announced today the United States District Court for the Central District of California granted DMF’s motion for a preliminary injunction against AMP Plus, Inc. d/b/a ELCO Lighting and ELCO Lighting, Inc. (ELCO), based on recessed lighting products that DMF alleged infringed DMF’s U.S. Patent No. 9,964,266 (“the ‘266 Patent”). The Court ruled that ELCO and “all those acting in concert with them” shall “immediately cease all manufacture, use, sales, offers for sale or importation of all three versions of the ELL LED Module or any other products that infringe the Patent.” This ruling not only impacts ELCO, but sales representatives, distributors, online retailers, and others who are acting in concert with ELCO to offer for sale or sell the infringing products.

As the Court noted, the ‘266 Patent protects DMF’s invention of a modular LED recessed lighting system that includes a compact LED module with a low-profile heat conducting casting. The LED module fits into traditional “cans” or other lighting fixtures but is also small enough to fit into standard junction boxes. The LED lighting system also includes a twist-and-lock connection so that trims of different sizes and designs can be attached to the LED module by hand without tools.

Observing that a preliminary injunction is an “extraordinary remedy,” the Court found that, among other things, a preliminary injunction is warranted because DMF “has shown that it is more likely than not that it will prevail on infringement” and ELCO had not raised a substantial question about the patent’s validity. Further, DMF “demonstrated a likelihood of irreparable harm” to DMF by ELCO’s infringement. The Court also found that the public interest weighed in favor of enforcing DMF’s patent rights.

The evidence showed that DMF has a reputation as a “specification grade manufacturer” whose products have garnered many awards for innovation. ELCO, by contrast, is a “light commercial grade” vendor that sells commodity products. Evidence showed that ELCO “developed a scheme to increase its LED market presence by directly copying DMF’s DRD2 LED Module lighting system and started selling its infringing products – ELCO’s ELL LED Modules – two years after DMF publicly introduced its LED lighting system.” As the Court noted, rather than stop infringing sales in response to DMF’s cease and desist letters, evidence showed that ELCO’s President urged ELCO sales representatives to increase their sales efforts and “dominate the market.”

Although ELCO argued that a preliminary injunction would be a “harsh consequence” for ELCO, the Court found that the record indicates “ELCO intentionally copied DMF’s product” and “[o]ne who elects to build a business on a product found to infringe cannot be heard to complain if an injunction against continuing infringement destroys the business so elected.”

“This ruling affirms the strength of DMF’s patent protection for its DRD2 Module, offered under DMF’s OneFrame and OneLED brands,” said Michael Danesh, Vice President and inventor of the ‘266 Patent. “DMF invests heavily in research and development and is proud of the training and skill of its employees who are dedicated to delivering premium, innovative products to the industry. We will enforce our patent rights to protect our investments and our employees.”

DMF filed this patent infringement action against ELCO on August 15, 2018 in the federal court for the Central District of California. In addition to an injunction, DMF is seeking monetary damages, enhanced damages due to ELCO’s willful infringement, and attorneys’ fees.

Link to DMF Order Granting Preliminary Injunction

 

About DMF

DMF Lighting designs and builds LED downlighting that sets the bar for simplicity, flexibility and quality. At our in-house R&D lab, our engineers and designers are at work constantly pushing boundaries and refining products to ensure that your light and lighting consistently exceeds expectations. Every DMF product delivers outstanding performance and aesthetics while saving you time and money year after year.

Official Press Release

Please report imitation DMF products to legal@dmflighting.com.

News
A Brilliant Year for DMF
2018 was an exciting year for DMF Lighting as we continue to push the boundaries of the lighting industry with bold new products and innovations.
January 10, 2019

 

Brilliant New Products

We launched multiple new products, each with its own unique capabilities.





Another Year of Awards

What an honor to receive continued praise by others within the industry. A true testament to our brilliant engineers.

OneFrame System
Architectural SSL Product Innovation Award

 

DRD5S Surface Mount
Architectural SSL Product Innovation Award

 

DRD4 Adjustable
IES Progress Report Selection

DRD5S Surface Mount
IES Progress Report Selection

 

 

Our Team Continues to Grow

 

With further additions to our DMF family in 2018, we continue to invest in our most important asset.

 

Looking Forward

Though 2018 was a year for the books, much of our time and effort has been focused on the future. As we enter the first quarter of 2019, our attention is turned to new products, new projects and a broader distribution of our full catalog.

“If you want to see the latest in LED downlight innovation, keep an eye out for our new products rolling out in the next few months”

Ian Ibbitson Chief Operating Officer

 

To experience these upcoming products first hand, join us at:
LEDucation New York, Mar 12-13
LIGHTFAIR Philadelphia, May 21-23

 

Thank You.

It was a big year for DMF Lighting, but we couldn’t have done it without the support of our reps and customers. Thank you for making all of our accomplishments possible and for being a part of the DMF community.

It truly was a brilliant year, we couldn’t have done it without you!

 

 

News
No Price Increase Due to Tariffs -- DMF Lighting Stands Firm, Will Not Raise Customer Pricing Despite Mounting Tariff Pressure
November 1, 2018

LOS ANGELES, CA – DMF Lighting¼ (DMF), a leader in LED downlighting innovation, announced today that it would not increase pricing due to tariffs.

As has been widely reported, the Office of the United States Trade Representative continues to increase the Section 301 tariff on goods coming into the U.S. from China. This includes many lighting components and finished products. While numerous lighting companies have used these tariffs as a justification to raise prices not just once but twice, DMF remains committed to delivering the same excellent products and excellent value that customers have come to expect.

“Our intention is to keep our prices at the same levels despite the Section 301 tariffs”, said DMF COO Ian Ibbitson. “We understand how important it is for our customers to move forward without interrupting ongoing projects or disrupting future plans.”

DMF Lighting manufactures the majority of its products outside of China. Its products will be largely unaffected by the tariffs, and the supply chain will remain uninterrupted. By making this promise of holding prices steady, DMF gives customers the confidence to continue working with the company today and into the future.

Michael Danesh, DMF’s Director of Business Development, believes “One of our greatest assets is the trust our customers place in us. By holding prices steady, our successful partnerships will continue for years to come. This is far more important than a few added dollars to the bottom line today.”

About DMF

DMF Lighting designs and builds LED downlighting that sets the bar for simplicity, flexibility and quality. At our in-house R&D lab, our engineers and designers are at work constantly pushing boundaries and refining products to ensure that your light and lighting consistently exceeds expectations. Every DMF product delivers outstanding performance and aesthetics while saving you time and money year after year.

Official Press Release