Lights, camera, savings! Thanks to US LED, KTRK-TV ABC13 studios have undergone a remarkable transformation with energy-efficient LED lighting, resulting in significant cost savings.
The Opportunity
KTRK-TV is an ABC-owned and operated television station (a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company) proudly broadcasting in Houston, Texas, since November 1954. It heavily emphasizes reporting on local stories and has a highly respected reputation in the community, thanks to popular personalities and experienced news teams.
As of 2020, KTRK-TV is the only primary network affiliate in Houston that continues to operate from its original studios dating back to the 20th century. However, the studio, newsroom, offices, and common areas have been plagued by issues with deteriorating fluorescent lighting, posing a safety hazard in the dark newsroom when the studio is not on the air. To address this, KTRK-TV set its sights on upgrading to energy-efficient LED technology, with the primary goals of enhancing light levels, eliminating maintenance, and substantially reducing annual energy consumption.
The Solution
The US LED team collaborated with KTRK-TV to develop a lighting retrofit plan for the 70-year-old station that would have minimal impact on operations. They selected energy-efficient LED solutions that would best complement the environment, including the TDK LED troffer retrofit kit for offices and the server room, the PJF1 LED linear strip for common areas, LED linear tubes for the newsroom, and the DG2 LED linear strip for the studios.
Replacing over 840 fluorescent fixtures with half as many LED luminaires increased illumination and reduced energy consumption. This upgrade improves visibility for employees, ensures long-lasting performance, and eliminates lighting maintenance and fluorescent tube disposal services.
The Benefits
With their new lighting installed, KTRK-TV’s vision of being the best at delivering local news has never been brighter. Whether on or off the air, the news studio now boasts adequate lighting, providing over 35 footcandles of illumination. This improvement has been met with great enthusiasm from visitors and has notably boosted employee engagement and morale. Before the LED upgrade, staff members in the newsroom and common areas struggled to concentrate on their tasks. With the improved lighting, KTRK-TV has observed a marked increase in employee productivity.
With its new LED lighting, KTRK-TV ABC13 will experience a phenomenal 70% reduction in annual energy consumption. Thanks to US LED’s cutting-edge technology, the lighting will deliver superior performance and illumination for decades, freeing up staff to focus on other crucial tasks. As KTRK-TV continues its growth, the lighting will enhance its foundation as a facility with advanced technology and a commitment to excellence in the news industry.