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Choosing your energy-efficient HDTV
High-definition television (HDTV), the latest evolution in home entertainment, is coming soon to your living room bringing a bigger picture, finer resolution—and that old troublemaker, the Energy Hog, if you don't do your homework before buying. Fortunately, Energy Star is updating its ratings for televisions to help consumers enjoy the big picture without the big electric bill. Starting in November, Energy Star ratings will measure an HDTV's in-use power. Under the new standard, TVs with Energy Star stickers are expected to be at least 30 percent more efficient when operating than those without stickers. Originally, the ratings measured the small amount of power a set used when it was turned off, the assumption being that televisions are "off" more than they are "on." Upgrading can affect energy savingsAlthough Energy Star's new methods of measuring energy efficiency are more useful to consumers, it can still be hard to tell how the HDTV is going to impact your electric bill. Liquid crystal display (LCD) televisions draw much less power than similarly sized cathode ray tube (CRT) sets, but most people replace their old tube sets with much larger flat panel TVs. Doubling or tripling the screen size cancels out potential energy savings. According to Energy Star, a typical 42-inch LCD television draws nearly four times as much power as a CRT television under 30 inches—the kind of TV most consumers are looking to replace. Beware the plasma television, which lures consumers with its large screen and affordable price tag, but is a serious energy gobbler. Those in the market for a big screen should consider the high-definition picture provided by rear-projection digital light processing (DLP) televisions, only available in large sizes. A 60-inch DLP television requires an average of only 250 watts, while a typical LCD would use 400 watts and the plasma would eat up close to 500 watts. Small energy needs notwithstanding, DLP TVs have their downside for consumers who are also watching their environmental footprint. Many models use mercury-filled light bulbs to illuminate the screens. The bulbs must be replaced periodically, posing a potential pollution hazard when it comes time to dispose of them. Size, energy use, picture quality varySome of the most eco-friendly HDTVs are also among the most energy-efficient models, thanks to the use of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) as a light source. The Samsung HL61A750, for instance, is a 61-inch DLP powered by LEDs, which not only enhance the power savings of the DLP but should last for the lifespan of the set. Consumers have praised the set's sharp images and vivid colors. The maximum energy draw of the HL61A750 is 170 watts. Flat-panel LCD televisions also benefit from LED technology. The Philips 42-inch 42PFL9803 replaces the traditional fluorescent backlight with LED illumination for impressive energy savings. When in use, the 42PFL9803 draws only 75 watts—little more than a conventional light bulb and around half of what a typical 42-inch LCD would require. The model has one drawback, however, in that it is a lot more expensive than similar HDTVs. Philips offers some more modestly-priced models with good energy efficiency, but you get what you pay for. Consumer tests indicate that the picture quality and color rendering are not as good as the 42PFL9803. Not everyone has room for, or wants a large-screen TV, and as a rule, the 32-inch HDTV uses less energy simply because of its size. Even so, there is plenty of variation in energy use, price and picture quality. Panasonic, LG and Samsung all offer well-reviewed "entry-level" options. Here again, do your research, because similar but different models by the same manufacturer may not be as energy-efficient. Some brands are introducing green concepts into their manufacturing process. The Sony KDL-32JE1 is a 32-inch LCD television that needs only 89 watts of power to operate, and is made of recycled plastics from other Sony products. Sony uses as feedstock reprocessed materials that would otherwise have ended up in a landfill. Currently only available in Japan, this design is sure to go worldwide very soon. Alternatives to HDTVThat brings up another strategy for saving energy—if you can wait to buy that HDTV, do. As with all technologies, HDTVs have been dropping in price and increasing in efficiency since they first came out, and they will continue to do so. Many consumers will choose to upgrade to a HDTV that is digital-compatible when broadcasters switch from an analog to digital signal in February 2009. However, a digital-to-analog (DTA) converter box is all that is needed to make your television digital-compatible, so there is no need to buy your HDTV in haste. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration has more information on DTAs and discount coupons for purchasing converters. Subscribers to cable and satellite services may already be digital-compatible. Check with your service provider before buying any new equipment. By the way, Energy Star rates converter boxes for energy efficiency, too. Articles and resourcesThere are many resources for evaluating the energy efficiency of high-definition televisions. The mention of products here is not intended as an endorsement by Western's Energy Services, but as a springboard for your research. When choosing any new appliance, shop around and ask lots of questions to make sure you are getting the right equipment for your needs. With the right knowledge and preparation, you can minimize the ecological impact of an HDTV and still enjoy high-definition entertainment.
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ResourcesEnergy Star ratings for televisions |
Resources (cont.)The chart: 128 HDTVs' power consumption compared How Energy-efficient Electronics Work
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