The Times Square New Year's Eve ball first used energy-efficient LED lighting in 2008.
The change accompanied the installation of a new ball for the celebration welcoming 2008. The ball, designed by Waterford Crystal and Focus Lighting, used LED technology to create many color combinations and lighting effects while reducing the energy required compared with older lighting systems. It also became larger and heavier than earlier versions, reflecting the event's growing scale.
The ball has changed several times since the first descent in 1907. Early versions used incandescent bulbs, while later designs added improvements in materials, control systems, and crystal panels. The current ball is a geodesic sphere covered with Waterford crystal triangles and is displayed above One Times Square throughout much of the year.
The 2008 date can be confused with the ball's centennial celebration. The first drop was in 1907, but the centennial was marked during the celebration welcoming 2008 because the anniversary was counted across the event's history and calendar transition.