IES TM-30-15 is a new system of several related measures and graphics that can be used together to effectively evaluate and communicate a light source’s color rendering properties. The development of the method involved synthesizing multiple related research efforts and combining ideas into a single, cohesive system of objective information that can be used to aid decision-making processes, such as finding the preferred light source for a given application or evaluating the tradeoffs between efficacy and color rendering.
TM-30 remedies flaws and limitations of the widely used CRI method, while providing complementary and more detailed information. The increased availability of data to characterize color rendering can benefit specifiers, manufacturers, and researchers alike, although transitioning from the familiarity and simplicity of CRI will take considerable effort. To facilitate the transition, DOE has compiled a number of helpful resources and frequently asked questions.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
TM-30 DEVELOPMENT AND LOGISTICS
RESOURCES
IES Technical Memorandum (TM) 30-15 (Includes Excel Calculators): IES Method for Evaluating Light Source Color Rendition
DOE Technology Fact Sheet: Evaluating Color Rendition Using IES TM-30-15
Optics Express journal article that provides an overview of the IES method: Development of the IES method for evaluating the color rendition of light sources
Webinar: What Have We Learned About TM-30 in the Past Two Years?
Application webinar co-sponsored by DOE and IES: Understanding and Applying TM-30-15: IES Method for Evaluating Light Source Color Rendition
Technical webinar co-sponsored by DOE and IES: A Technical Discussion of TM-30-15: Why and How it Advances Color Rendition Metrics
LEUKOS journal article supporting TM-30’s technical foundations: Why Color Space Uniformity and Sample Set Spectral Uniformity Are Essential for Color Rendering Measures
LEUKOS editorial discussing next steps: IES TM-30-15 Is Approved—Now What? Moving Forward with New Color Rendition Measures
Lighting Research and Technology letter: In Support of the IES Method of Evaluating Light Source Colour Rendition
Lighting Research and Technology article: Human Perceptions of Color Rendition Vary with Average Fidelity, Average Gamut, and Gamut Shape