DAM Pops Energy Star's Bubble 147
Martin Hellman writes "Last month we discussed a major problem with the EPA's Energy Star program. A Sony TV that was advertised to draw less than 0.1 watts in standby mode was actually drawing 15 watts — 150 times the stated value. A lack of information in the user manual and a poor response from Sony led me to suspect the problem was with the Electronic Program Guide feature, but a lack of information in the User Guide and a lack of response from Sony made it impossible to be sure — or to turn off the EPG. At current prices, that power consumption cost me about as much as a subscription to TV Guide magazine! The EPG was not as free as the on screen instructions would have you believe. Now, Device Guru reports on the resolution of that issue. As suspected, the problem was with the EPG, and there is a way to turn it off — now documented in that story. The problem is probably not unique to Sony or TVs that claim Energy Star compliance (devices are self-certified by the manufacturers!), so picking up a power meter is likely to have a good return on investment. As a result of this waste of power, the EPA is planning for future versions of the Energy Star requirements to limit the amount of time a TV can spend in Download Acquisition Mode (DAM) as the time for acquiring the EPG is known."
Buying a low-power TV to save on costs (Score:5, Funny)
It's a little like hiring the A-team to eradicate your rat infestation. You're paying a premium to save money in the long run, but the long run simply isn't long enough to justify the short-term expense.
Do you work in the credit industry?
Why would the EPA bother changing the requirements (Score:5, Funny)
They could require devices to generate energy while on standby (by vapourizing invisible pink unicorns), and manufacturers could keep self-certifying their devices as compliant.
My freezer has the same problem (Score:1, Funny)
My Freezer has an energy star rating also, but I see that it too, downloads TV listings and so is exempt. Same with my toaster. It is supposed to draw 0 Watts when not toasting, but because it's downloading TV listings, it draws 1500 watts continuously and glows like a red pepper. I also have a blender, Energy star rated, but because it downloads TV listings it too draws 1500 watts and glows red hot also... make is kinda hard to chop up ice cubes!
Meter the meter (Score:5, Funny)
Picking up a power meter is likely to have a good return on investment.
Remember to pick only Energy Star-compliant power meters, though!
Re:Yet another reason not to buy Sony any longer. (Score:5, Funny)
Not only that, but they are probably responsible for stealing your third argument!
Re:Everything On A Switch (Score:2, Funny)
These devices are designed to be always-on,
A cunningly good idea!
yours,
CEO of your local Electricity Supply Corporation
Re:Why would the EPA bother changing the requireme (Score:5, Funny)
Invisible unicorns? Sure. Pink unicorns? No problem. But invisible pink unicorns? Now you're just making stuff up -- everyone knows that invisible doesn't have a colour.
As an aside, what colour is a mirror?
F
Re:Somehow, I doubt it. (Score:2, Funny)
Frankly, my time is worth enough that spending more than three or four hours shopping for a new TV (or any other appliance) is a bad idea.
Just a little ribbing, but I'd think you have a little more free time [slashdot.org] than you let on.
Re:Buying a low-power TV to save on costs (Score:2, Funny)
Mine does.
I use a fucking power strip on it.
Re:Buying a low-power TV to save on costs (Score:2, Funny)
For ease of use, I have a remote-control powerstrip that I can turn off from a distance.
Well, put on standby.