msp Tenant Case Study: J.A.P. Optoelectronic

J.A.P. Optoelectronic provide stunning light displays for concerts, broadcasting and architecture all over the world using a novel system of high brightness, low powered light emitting diodes (LED) light sources. Examples of their work include Oasis at The Glastonbury Festival 2004 and currently their lights can be seen illuminating the shop windows of a prominent Knightsbridge department store.

J.A.P. also work with TV lighting designers to achieve spectacular effects on sets such as Pop Idol and X Factor for ITV. Closer to home J.A.P.also supplied stage lighting for the Manchester Academy 3. The new lighting system provides stunning versatile effects for the venue. The LED units radiate no heat, so Manchester Academy did not need to replace the air conditioning system, but invested in state of the art digital LED colour mixing technology which saved them money. The result has seen a stunning transformation in the gig climate at the Academy 3 and the fantastic new lighting system provided a creative solution for the venue.

J.A.P.is headed up by Dr. James Powell, an Electronics and Software expert and a graduate of The University of Manchester, working in laser technology.

J.A.P.joined msp in September 2004, but James Powell is no stranger to the Park. He used to work for Laser Quantum, a company who were based at msp, whilst he spent his free time developing the technology used by J.A.P.in their range of LED products. When the company was set up, msp was the obvious place to return to. J.A.P.have made use of the Park’s academic connections to source a university photometric lab at Liverpool John Moores University.

‘LED light sources are the future of lighting and will eventually replace all conventional lighting systems, including office and domestic use’ says James.

LEDs are very low energy, typically 85%, and have long life times averaging 100,000 hours depending on application. They are particularly clever colour-mixing lighting fixtures because they do not require mechanical filters which are prone to failure in conventional systems.

It is not just the LED sources they use that give J.A.P.their competitive edge, but the way they utilise this low energy technology with software operating systems that they develop themselves. The quality, precision engineered high intensity LED products, which are used effectively across many sectors, make their products user friendly and commercially successful.