oneSLOWex: I am simply stating facts. I agree, they do appear brighter. If you take 2 identical headlights, lets say a 2000 Civic for example, and one with the stock bulb, one with an HID kit. The HID kit light will appear much brighter because its way more bright in close range. It has hot spots. But the light is absolutely everywhere. Further down the road, its WAY less light. You are fooled by what you see in the short range and by the color temperature.

Let me see if I have some charts that I can post without too much trouble....