To properly focus the light. I couldn't tell you the specific physics of how the HID bulb differs from a halogen, but if you google pictures of each you'll see a clear difference in design.

 

The HID uses more power and uses electricity to generate light I think. Projector housings were first made for regular bulbs to better focus the light. I don't think a projector housing is needed for HIDS but you'll **** a lot of people off without it.

 

They actually use significantly less. The most energy is used on startup , hence the ballast. They are a gas bulb like a fluorescent.

 

Ah I see it's been a while since I actually read up on it.

 

Myself as well, in fact you've done a good job of extracting all the knowledge I have on the subject. I'm sure a little digging on Wiki/google would return more specific info

 

I do seem to have an affinity at extracting info from people's minds.

 

You're entirely correct.

For what it's worth, I found a simple, cheap, yet highly effective way to eliminate glare while still using the HIDs in the reflector housing.

 

Which is?

 

A projector housing IS needed to correctly focus the HID light. Otherwise, it simply scatters the light. The same would be true on a non HID light like the pre-2013's have (and most every other car); you'll see a chrome like backside with angled squares; this acts as a mirror of sorts to direct the light and not scatter it.

You are correct about folks getting pissed off with HID's in a non projector housing though.

Ford did it correct with the 2013's with projector housings and HID's.

 

Oh no you didn't just Mind Sculpt!

 

I believe mustangs started getting the projectors in 2010 when the styling changed. Though I could be wrong.

 

LOL

 

Too bad he didn't combo with Keening Stone.

 

Nah I would have undead alchemist and just spawn zombies off your milled cards. O.o zombie hordes are the best.

 

A little background physics.

Most reflector housings are designed for use with a halogen bulb which has a straight filament that is mounted at a fixed location perpendicular to the axis of the bulb. The reflector bowl is designed to control the forward light output very precisely based on that light source. In fact, the optics are so precise that switching to high beam involves only lighting a second filament positioned less than a half-inch from the low beam filament.

HID capsules produce a completely different light source. It is in line with the axis of the "bulb", positioned further away from the base, and curved because the heat of the electrical arc causes it to curve upwards.

There have been a few reflector housings produced that were designed for use with HID capsules rather than halogen bulbs but they aren't around anymore. These days, all HID headlights use projector lenses. Installing HID capsules in halogen reflectors has a similar effect as the relocated high beam filament of halogen bulbs only worse. Not only is the light source moved out of position but it is shaped and aligned differently. This causes serious light scatter and glare. It's a matter of physics and there is no real solution. Using capped HID capsules can reduce but not eliminate the problem because it has the effect of blocking some of the light source that is too far from the base. But if you think that solves the problem, you're just kidding yourself.

Even though Raxiom projector headlights are designed for halogen bulbs, you can use HID capsules because the internal reflector is basically just elliptical and the lens does the bulk of the beam shaping. There is a movable shutter inside that creates the distinct stepped horizontal cutoff of the beam to eliminate glare for other drivers.

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bucko

Ford did it correct with the 2013's with projector housings and HID's.

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MuffinMan is correct. HIDs became an OPTION on 2010-2012. Now standard on 2013+.