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The market for high-brightness LED driver ICs is increasingly diverse and presents significant growth opportunities. The dollar market is projected to grow significantly faster than unit sales. The higher dollar growth rate is a reflection of high growth rates for higher-cost LED driver ICs such as those used in LCD backlighting, signs, and automotive applications, compared with lower growth rates for lower-cost driver ICs used in mobile phone handsets and other portable applications. Among other important and surprising results, the report finds that 2008 will be the first year that the use of LED lighting exceeds the use of neon in general-purpose channel letter signs in North America.

These forecasts are based on a detailed analysis of 53 application sub-segments in the following areas: small LED backlight units (BLUs), (15″); automobiles; light trucks; commercial trucks and buses; signs, signals and billboards; illumination; projection displays; and photographic lighting. In addition to developing the detailed unit sales forecasts, this analysis provides a detailed projection of average selling prices for LED driver ICs in each of the 53 application sub-segments. Those pricing forecasts, combined with the unit sales analysis, produce a detailed forecast of dollar sales trends in each of these application sub-segments.

This detailed analysis provides important insights into this growing market. The single largest opportunity for growth in the next five years will be in the various applications within the Signals, Signs and Billboards segment. That segment is already the second-largest unit segment. It is projected to have an above-average growth rate (31.9% versus the worldwide average of 24.5%). As a result, by 2013, the Signals, Signs and Billboards segment will be by far the largest opportunity for LED driver Ics, such as Led display,Led manufacturer,Electronic signs etc. Because of the higher power levels of the drivers in that segment, it is already the largest dollar market in 2008. The Small LCD BLUs segment is the second-largest segment.

In 2008, the Signals, Signs and Billboards segment is less than twice as large as the Small LCD BLUs segment in terms of dollar sales. By the end of the period, dollar sales in the Signals, Signs and Billboards segment will be well over twice as large as the Small LCD BLUs segment. Much of the growth in this segment is driven by two developments: LEDs surpassed neon as the dominant lighting technology for so-called channel letter signs in 2007, and the rapid growth of LED video signs and billboards starting in 2008.

Automotive applications are also projected to grow rapidly during the forecast period. While applications such as headlights will present fairly modest potential, brake lights and other applications will drive high volumes of LED driver IC sales. This analysis reviews trends in 21 automotive application sub-segments across the major application categories of Automobiles, Light Trucks and Commercial Trucks and Buses.

Following the analysis of trends in specific application sub-segments, the report details trends in battery-powered applications versus ac-line powered applications. Today, battery-powered applications such as cell phone handsets, digital still cameras, and so on dominate unit sales. Their lower average selling prices puts battery-powered applications in second-place behind higher-priced ac-powered applications in terms of dollar sales. While ac-line powered applications are currently the largest segment in terms of dollar sales, they are also the fastest-growing. By the end of the forecast period, unit sales of ac-powered applications will rival unit sales of battery-powered applications for LED driver ICs. As a result, ac-powered applications such as signals, signs and billboards, illumination, and so on will increase their already dominant dollar market share between 2008 and 2013.

Why take family portraits outdoors? Besides having a beautiful and fun background, photographing outside provides the chance to use natural lighting. If you are a professional photographer or serious enthusiast then you know that the external flash, studio lights and reflectors work to mimic the beauty of natural light.

If you are new to photography and have a digital compact and built in flash, then taking your family portraits outdoors is the best way to get professional quality portraits that you’ll want to proudly frame in your home.

The Best Natural Lighting for Outdoor Family Portraits

Not all outdoors lighting is ideal. The worst time of day to take outdoor family portraits is mid day. The best times of day to take outdoor photographs is the hour before sunset and after dawn when the shadows are least harsh and the light is the softest. The closer to these times you can gather the family for their portrait, the better.

Another good option is to wait for an overcast day when there’s a high overcast, also called bright overcast. This provides enough brightness but with the kind of softness the pros spend money on soft boxes to get. If the timing doesn’t work out for any of the above, find shade that isn’t too dark.

Settings for Outdoor Portraits

The obvious choice and perhaps the perfect choice is the family’s backyard. Or you could take a cue from high school senior photography and take your outdoors family portrait at a place the family enjoys such as a park. If you go away from home, look for times of the day that the location you choose is the least crowded.

You should also consider using a family hobby as a potential setting. If the entire family is into horses, a pretty pasture with horses nibbling on the grass with the family posed on and in front of a nice white fence could work quite well. If the family sails think about using the boat’s deck as a setting.

Speaking of boats, a word of caution: if you decide to take any family portraits outdoors at places such as the sea, beach or snow, here are some things that can help: Select the beach mode on a digital compact, or if you use a DSLR or SLR, use a polarizing filter. This will help with the glare. Set the flash to “On” instead of “Automatic” to help reduce shadows on the family. Don’t face the family towards the sun or they’ll be squinting.

As with any photo, be sure to remove or hide clutter. Do you want to use the natural outdoor lighting but want a plain background? Take a piece of material and tack it to something like a fence. Check the lawn for sprinklers and behind the family for things that might be distracting, like a lamp post.

If you want to minimize the overall background, use the Portrait mode or set your Aperture Priority for a smaller depth of field.

On the other hand, you may want to pose the family so that yard features such as a beautiful tree or garden cottage are part of the picture. Just be sure to take the picture with the focus on the family.

Whether you are taking family portraits outdoors for others or your own family, use these portrait tips and you’ll be sure to take a portrait that will be proudly framed on the family wall.

In an ever-changing “Green” world, we are still concerned about dangerous chemical materials in skin and beauty products. However, Arbonne International is actually changing the face of the industry with their all-natural botanical and herbal skin care products. Now you can become one of their highly respected Consultants and begin selling Arbonne products as a full-time or part-time business.

History

Arbonne International started in 1975 in Switzerland by Petter Mørck. He and other top bio-chemists, biologists, and herbalists began making skin products rigorously formed on botanical principals. They wanted to make natural products that were high in quality, effectiveness, safety, and value.

The company expanded internationally reaching the United States about 1980. American headquarters are located in Irvine, California, where the main warehouse for independent distribution is located as well. Annual sales are approximately $35 million, rivaling even Mary Kay and Avon.

Products

The Arbonne health and beauty products include safe interior and exterior. They deliver premium quality skin care, nutritional, cosmetic, and aromatherapy products.

All Arbonne products are vegan certified. Formulas consist of all-natural botanical and herbal ingredients and are by no means tested on animals. Since Arbonne firmly believes in full disclosure, they continue to supply full ingredient lists on each product.

Arbonne’s primary line of products is:

Color cosmetics
Acne care products
Skin and anti-aging creams
Baby care products (creams, oils, washes and lotions)
Weight control products
Nutritional vitamins and supplements

Each product line is continually tested for safety and ongoing improvement standards.

Structure and Distribution

Arbonne products are sold by means of a network of Independent Consultants. Each Consultant is based and trained in the superior level of Arbonne principals. Consultants are provided with cash and product rewards, sales incentives, travel opportunity and a SuccessPlan to help them reach their income goals.

When a Consultant signs up, they receive training and support immediately. They must also adhere to a stringent Independent Consultant code of ethics. There are two levels to start as an Independent Consultant: a Preferred Client and a Consultant.

The Preferred Client starter kit must be purchased for $29; it contains a catalog, brochure, manual and product samples. They also receive 20% discount on products. Preferred Clients have access to monthly promotions and product specials.

For a new consultant, they have got to purchase a starter kit ($109) containing basic items including marketing aids; action plans, presentation charts, and prospecting packs. The starter pack also includes a carry bag, product samples. Those who want to start at the Consultant level receive 35% discount off purchased products.

From these two starting Independent Consulting positions, individuals can advance to area manager and regional vice president positions.

The Arbonne compensation plan includes commissions on sales of products and through downline commissions and bonuses from mlm team sales efforts.

Becoming an Arbonne Independent Consultant may be for you if you have an interest in health and beauty products that are also safe for individuals and their families. Previous Independent Consultants say that it is the support and encouragement of Arbonne people who make it enjoyable and lucrative entrepreneurial effort. Maybe today is the day you want to join them!