I think the next improvement to led panels needs to be spreading the footprint out. I do not think leds need to be so concentrated.
They need to make panels that are 2x4 and 4x4 that are LIGHT and have the led diode array spread out from end to end so equal coverage is everywhere.
Another great idea would be to do like kessil has done and have it so you can put a ton of lights all over the canopy to spread the lights where and as needed.
As far as the two companies discussed, from everything I have read and seen online both are great to work with. I do however think that ALL led panels need to have changes done to them including the direction of the fans airflow as well as diode placement.
2013 is a great year for LEDs and can't wait to see which panel you end up grabbin up. The amount of led grows seems to go up daily so it really is a blast to see everyones results.
sending positive growers karma your way brother
I don't think all LEDs out there right now have concentrated footprints. A lot of people use special lens' that narrow the beam angle to intensify the amount of light directly under the panel, but I've seen a few that spread out nicely. One of the reasons I picked the Black Dog Platinum for my first LED is that they talk about lens angle and footprint intensity
I think that design is to appeal to the HPS converts who insist they do a 1:1 unit swap.
If the Philips GreenPower's weren't so damn expensive I think they'd be amazing.
I ran the BDplatnium with good results but it failed after a few months Would not recommended either at the moment if you are just starting out. I am testing a few other designs and will let you know what happens. But I can already tell they will all have the same design problems.
Sidd