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Germany Orders Shutdown of Digital Ad Displays To Save Gas (theregister.com) 117

An anonymous reader quotes a report from The Register: Germany has ordered overnight shutdowns for non-essential digital signage, to save its reserves of natural gas for more important purposes. Like many European nations, Germany relies on natural gas imported from Russia. And thanks to Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine, that gas is currently in short supply. The European Union has therefore implemented an energy saving plan. One of Germany's tactics is requiring digital signage in shop windows and other non-essential locations to be turned off between 10:00PM and 6:00AM. Germany will also stop external lighting of some public buildings and implement many other power-saving measures. The plan [PDF] requiring the switch-off was published on August 12, with a deadline of September 1.

But as German outlet Invidis reports, the regulation was unhelpfully vague. For starters an updated ordinance [PDF] appears to have made the simple mistake of substituting 06:00 and 16:00 -- meaning digital signage could only run from 4PM to 10PM. Invidis also pointed out that digital signage at bus stops and train stations can do double duty displaying ads and timetable information. Exceptions for such dual-purpose signs have been arranged. Those errors and ambiguities have reportedly left those who run digital signs unsure of what they needed to do and worried they might miss the deadline.

Further complicating matters is a requirement to turn off the screens altogether rather than leaving the displays blank. Digital signage is seldom switched off, and retail staff will have to learn how to do that. Many digital signs also include a computer -- some are Android machines, others use compute sticks, the Intel NUC and even the Raspberry Pi. Admins will therefore need to cope with extra reboots. And then there's the matter of content updates, which are often scheduled overnight. All of which adds up to a stressful moment for admins of digital signage, and not much time to get things right.

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Germany Orders Shutdown of Digital Ad Displays To Save Gas

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  • by Anonymous Coward

    Oh please! The sanctions didn't work, so let's fuck up Europe instead... Make them buy gas from us

    • Sanctions do work, their effect just have some momentum, additionally there are some quite big countries, which don't mind sanctions.

      US did offer to sell liquefied natural gas, however there were some explosions in the US terminals [npr.org], which changed the landscape.

      Europe is in a quite difficult situation, however as history teaches us, giving up to warmongers dictators does not end up well, so most of the countries with various commitments stand up behind the nation of Ukraine defending their freedom.

      There are

  • So an invasion can also be legal?
    • Re: (Score:2, Insightful)

      by Anonymous Coward

      When the Americans do it, yes...

    • by ceoyoyo ( 59147 )

      Sure. You just have to have the correct flag painted on your tanks.

      • Sure. You just have to have the correct flag painted on your tanks.

        The Russians have painted them, and wear patches, with a "Z"; so either they're fighting, or they are, Zombies [wikipedia.org] -- maybe Brad Pitt can help ...

    • The US going into Kuwait ~ two decades ago might be described as a "legal invasion".

    • by iamacat ( 583406 )

      If troops enter a country with consent of the current government and that government is functional enough to consistently enforce laws, that would be an example of a legal invasion. There is no such thing as law between countries, but counter invasions of aggressors can be considered moral despite breaking aggressor's internal laws.

      • If troops enter a country with consent of the current government and that government is functional enough to consistently enforce laws, that would be an example of a legal invasion.

        Um, that's not an "invasion", it's "help"

    • by Slayer ( 6656 )

      The invasion of Nazi Germany in 1944 was legal. The invasion of Ukraine in 2022 (some say starting in 2014) is not. I should not have to explain the distinction.

    • Yes [youtube.com]

  • You know Germany is not serious about potential shortage as they are still shutting down nuclear reactors.
      • Most of those outages are for a matter of days, while in Germany they are talking about an outage that is forever if they close off the nuclear power plants that remain.

        It's pretty ballsy to try and point to France for why Germany should not use nuclear, when France is not talking about things like turning off heat in public buildings or digital signs (as this very Slashdot story points to!) as Germany is having to do. And it's not people in France hunting down firewood, that once again is people in German [qz.com]

        • Germany's nuclear plant lifetime has already been overextended. If they wanted to keep running it, they would have to shut it down to do the maintenance they have already deferred.

          I guess you also don't even care a little for how many Germans have to suffer through he winter.

          Some of us care how many Germans are evacuated from their homes because of containment failure.

        • I guess you also don't even care a little for how many Germans have to suffer through he winter.

          No one has to suffer through the winter. Your post is just nonsense. Especially as Germany has no real winters anymore since 30 years.

          Oh: and the German nukes have to be powered down, too. Due to lack of water in the rivers.

        • Most of those outages are for a matter of days

          Not just days. It's more like months [france24.com].

          It's pretty ballsy to try and point to France for why Germany should not use nuclear, when France is not talking about things like turning off heat in public buildings or digital signs (as this very Slashdot story points to!) as Germany is having to do. And it's not people in France hunting down firewood, that once again is people in Germany... What kind of impact does a nation of people burning firewood have vs french citizens using nuclear power have on CO2 again? Or do we no longer care about CO2? Or maybe you do not care about CO2...
          I guess you also don't even care a little for how many Germans have to suffer through he winter.

          At the moment France is importing power from Germany [apnews.com] because half of French nuclear reactors are shut down due to maintenance and technical issues.
          Nuclear is expensive, maintenance intensive, and it runs into problems during drought and heat waves because there is not enough cool water to cool the reactors.

        • by AmiMoJo ( 196126 )

          France is suffering from a lack of energy too. This year their nuclear plants are on track for a 50% capacity factor, and often the shut-downs are coordinated due to hot weather. They have a choice between dumping hot water into rivers and killing a lot of wildlife, or drastically reducing energy use.

          The French government is in a difficult position. The obvious thing to do would be to build lots of solar, because it works best when nuclear works least, on hot sunny days. They have room for offshore wind too

    • You know Germany is not serious about potential shortage as they are still shutting down nuclear reactors.

      and arguing coal is a better solution. Some 30% of Germany’s gas is used in energy production, about the same as for home heating. 40% goes to industry. It seems a rational decision to prioritize heating and industry with gas used for energy production.

      • Some 30% of Germanyâ(TM)s gas is used in energy production, about the same as for home heating.
        Not for electricity. If you mean that with "energy".

        • Some 30% of Germanyâ(TM)s gas is used in energy production, about the same as for home heating. Not for electricity. If you mean that with "energy".

          No, but gas accounted for 15% of electricity production. Germany has managed to increase its reserves and may have avoided a worst case scenario; but it's clear that replacing gas fired plants with other sources of electricity can help. Germany has decided rolling coal is the answer.

          • Germany has decided rolling coal is the answer.
            Obviously. As there is no other answer that can be implemented next 3, 6 or 9 or 12 months.
            So? What is your point?

            • Germany has decided rolling coal is the answer. Obviously. As there is no other answer that can be implemented next 3, 6 or 9 or 12 months. So? What is your point?

              Extend the life of the nukes as well. We're not talking long term; it seems to me the German politicians simply prefer contributing to global warming.

              • it seems to me the German politicians simply prefer contributing to global warming.
                Just like any other government on the planet.

                Is it not unfair in your eyes to blame the country that did the most regarding CO2 reduction, when it has a hick up and has to stall it a few years?

                It is like blaming your child which was 10 years long the best in school, but in the final year it is only on place number 3 for failing. You behave idiotic ...

                • it seems to me the German politicians simply prefer contributing to global warming. Just like any other government on the planet.

                  Of course. That is politics.

                  Is it not unfair in your eyes to blame the country that did the most regarding CO2 reduction, when it has a hick up and has to stall it a few years?

                  I'm not blaming the Germans, just pointing out they have alternatives sources of energy to lessen the gas shortfall and environmental impact, but chose not to use it for political reasons. Germans are facing some potentially tough choices over the winter as gas prices rise, despite having long term fixed price contracts; and retirees on fixed pensions likely to feel the most pain. I find it shortsighted that German politicians are willing to roll coal but not take the logical

                  • just pointing out they **have** alternatives sources of energy to lessen the gas shortfall and environmental impact, but chose not to use it for political reasons.
                    a) have should be had, 15 years ago
                    b) to lessen the gas shortfall wrong - nuclear power has nothing to do with lack or surplus of gas. Nukes produce electricity - Gas is used for home heating. I mentioned that already, or not?

                    I would say the German politicians' behavior is idiotic.
                    So following the democratic demand of the population is idiotic?

                    I

                    • just pointing out they **have** alternatives sources of energy to lessen the gas shortfall and environmental impact, but chose not to use it for political reasons. a) have should be had, 15 years ago b) to lessen the gas shortfall wrong - nuclear power has nothing to do with lack or surplus of gas. Nukes produce electricity - Gas is used for home heating. I mentioned that already, or not?

                      I would say the German politicians' behavior is idiotic. So following the democratic demand of the population is idiotic?

                      Not attempting to explain the reasoning for a short term moratorium is idiotic. As a side not, are they limiting coal and lignite to 15GW each, as required by law? Or more to the point, why do they need to pass legislation to overturn teh will of teh people evidenced by earlier legislation?

                      I find it shortsighted that German politicians are willing to roll coal but not take the logical step of running their nuke for the winter to help alleviate the impact. Because you are too stupid to grasp that prolonging running the nukes has no effect on gas?

                      What the fuck has a nuke producing electricity to do with gas being or not being available for running a furnace in a home to heat the home?

                      Care to explain? Perhaps I'm the one who is stupid? We keep the nuke running. And? And where is now the gas magically coming from that I need to fire my furnace in my home with to heat my home? The nuke magically puts gas into the gas pipes?

                      it's really very simple - the Germans use gas to generate electricity as well as heat homes. If you replace that generation with nukes the gas supplies can be used to heat homes, as well as potential lessen the need for

                    • the Germans use gas to generate electricity as well as heat homes. If you replace that generation with nukes the gas supplies can be used to heat homes
                      that tiny fraction of gas is completely irrelevant.
                      There will always be enough gas to heat the homes.

                      No idea from where you get your bullshit informations you base your idiotic conclusions on.

                      I'll let you figure out if you're stupid or so anti-nuke you fail to see that a short run over winter could help elevate some of German's potential gas shortfalls.
                      As I e

                    • the Germans use gas to generate electricity as well as heat homes. If you replace that generation with nukes the gas supplies can be used to heat homes that tiny fraction of gas is completely irrelevant.

                      If it is, then coal's impact would be similarly irrelevant; yet Germany has decided to go against the popular will and roll coal, climate change be damned.

                      There will always be enough gas to heat the homes.

                      No idea from where you get your bullshit informations you base your idiotic conclusions on.

                      I'll let you figure out if you're stupid or so anti-nuke you fail to see that a short run over winter could help elevate some of German's potential gas shortfalls. As I explained it several times: it wont. But you insist not even trying to grasp it.

                      Here's some news from Germany:

                      In the event of an acute gas shortage in Germany, the main priority will be to reduce the impact on the economy and private households, the country's energy regulator said on Tuesday. "There are no good options left in a gas shortage situation ... then we will try to minimize the damage," said Klaus Müller, head of the [msn.com]

                    • If it is, then coal's impact would be similarly irrelevant;
                      Nope. Coal is mostly used for electricity, gas is not. And on top of that in industries.

                      All the quotes you gave clearly show that - except financially - German households are unaffected.

                      Perhaps you should read the newspaper articles you link or quote.

                    • If it is, then coal's impact would be similarly irrelevant; Nope. Coal is mostly used for electricity, gas is not. And on top of that in industries.

                      All the quotes you gave clearly show that - except financially - German households are unaffected.

                      Perhaps you should read the newspaper articles you link or quote.

                      And the reason they are experience the problem is gas used for electricity is driving up the price of electricity. As for gas , 15% of Germany’s electrical production is from gas, a not insignificant percentage despite your claims. While there is a ray of hope for households, a bad winter of continued Russian stoppage of gas deliveries could change the picture. The bottom line is Germany is politically willing to be hypocritical when it comes to the environment vs political pain; despite all their

                    • As for gas , 15% of Germanyâ(TM)s electrical production is from gas,
                      No it is not.

                      And the reason they are experience the problem is gas used for electricity is driving up the price of electricity.
                      Nope. The price for gas on the world market is increasing the price for gas. Seriously, are you dumb?

                      While there is a ray of hope for households, a bad winter of continued Russian stoppage of gas deliveries could change the picture.
                      We have no bad winters since climate change.
                      Are you living under a rock?

                      Russia

                    • As for gas , 15% of Germanyâ(TM)s electrical production is from gas, No it is not.

                      Ok, 12% - here's a source: Public Net Electricity Generation in Germany 2020 [fraunhofer.de]

                      And the reason they are experience the problem is gas used for electricity is driving up the price of electricity. Nope. The price for gas on the world market is increasing the price for gas. Seriously, are you dumb?

                      The price of electricity in Germany is determined by the highest priced producer, which is gas; thus it drives Germany's electricity prices. That's why German politicians are all up in arms about the high profits for energy companies. Simple economics seems beyond your grasp.

                      While there is a ray of hope for households, a bad winter of continued Russian stoppage of gas deliveries could change the picture. We have no bad winters since climate change.

                      And rolling coal will help keep them mild. Good approach to reducing the need for gas.

                      Are you living under a rock?

                      Russian gas delivery is already stopped. Are you living under a rock?

                      Yes, they claimed for a few days of "maintenance" which seems to be mo

    • a) nuclear power has nothing to do with gas
      b) we were very serious when the crisis was foreseeable (6 months ago) - but there will be no crisis as we took measures long ago already
      c) Germany's storage is on far higher levels then it used to be in other years around this time of the year

      I really wonder if I should be thankful for the concerns of your lot about Germany - or facepalm constantly about your "we know nothing about Germany but we know Germany does everything wrong" attitude.

    • by Askmum ( 1038780 )
      Yup. Three went off-line beginning of this year. Three are still left, scheduled to be taken off-line end of this year. I hope they reconsider. They should, their reaction to Fukushima was a knee-jerk reaction and was ill-advised. Rather keep burning lignite than use nuclear, yes that's a good idea. Problem is that the green party has opposition to nuclear in their pledge. But not opposition to CO2.
  • An easy solution to the problems mentioned: keep them turned off in the day too. It also saves even more gas!

  • Screw it. (Score:5, Insightful)

    by Grokew ( 8384065 ) on Monday August 29, 2022 @05:45PM (#62834457)
    The night should be dark and peaceful. Screw the huge screens displaying advertisements. They installed one 240 meters from my house, and its so bright that I have to either close all the windows, or hope for a blackout. No need for outdoor lightning at night.
    • Came here to say this. Please mod parent up :)

      Who knows? Perhaps Germans will get used to the peacefulness & not having their eyeballs assaulted constantly, & then want the laws to be made permanent, perhaps even extended through more of the day? I'd vote for that!
    • by Tom ( 822 )

      I've heard that the off switch for these things is usually just a stone's throw away from the display.

      The whole shit should be illegal. A simple law saying that the brightness of these displays cannot exceed the natural ambient light at that time of day, done.

  • by jacks smirking reven ( 909048 ) on Monday August 29, 2022 @06:11PM (#62834511)

    I am in the digital signage industry. A lot of displays do run 24/7, sometimes by request but many times because it's simpler to just toss a player on and run video than to also have an RS232 link to all the displays to command screen on/off per schedule. Many signage applications support this function but they are often not as simple to implement out of the box as just getting the content running. Plus if the screens fail to turn on now there's energy wasted doing a service call.

    Having to rely on staff is iffy as well as now you have to rely on them to firstly have kept the remote that may have been left on site, may not be the same one for all screens, the ir sensor may not be accessible and they have other shit to do.

    Ironically the larger displays like outdoor billboards are easier than LCD displays since running a black screen is effectively off for them. Sure the electronics is still running but without the pixels being on 95% of the energy is saved so it's simple as scheduling in a black picture for a few hours.

    This should really be standard practice everywhere though, driving down a highway at 3AM in the us it's pretty common to see multi KW LED billboards blazing away to an audience of a few dozen per hour.

    • All two of the digital signage systems I've worked on have had on off timers. Is it not typical to have them?

      • in my experience it's a mixed bag, it depends on whats meant by on/off. Some systems operate on the idle mode shutoff of the display, some do black screen (but leave LCD's mostly running still) some just power off and on at intervals. I've just seen lot's and lots of systems with screen to player with HDMI and that's it. My primary expereience is with retail and digital-out-of-home signage though which is primarily 3rd party vendors. Corporate can be a whole other story as they tend to have internal man

    • now there's energy wasted doing a service call

      Energy isn't universal. Germany doesn't produce power from oil, it does so from coal, wind, and *gas*. So unless your service call is performed via EV (unlikely) then the energy you're consuming with your service call isn't the same energy Germany is trying to conserve.

      • Surethat applies for germany today specifically but I am talking more broadly and the idea is no matter the source the energy expended moving a person out to site likely kills a few weeks of whatever energy is saved from turning the display off at night.

  • And they laughed in his face... wonder if they laughing now... they should apologize
  • by bb_matt ( 5705262 ) on Monday August 29, 2022 @11:35PM (#62835161)

    Just outright ban digital signage at a time like this, because pretty soon, people aren't going to be able to afford what they are advertising anyway /s

    Surely there's plenty of creative ways to advertise in shop fronts without digital - hmm, how about paper? That's a novel concept, right?
    Having said that, I do wonder what the emissions are for replacing massive paper billboards with new advertising every few months, vs. digital signage. ... or whether we even need those damn ugly billboards at all - we don't, right?

    • It's not just a question of digital vs paper. It's a question of illuminated / self luminated, vs not visible. Swapping digital signage for paper doesn't help if the shop then proceeds to shine a gas powered light on it.

  • My google fu does not reveal any German news regarding that.

  • All kidding aside, being cold stinks. I lived through a time where I couldn't afford to buy enough home heating oil to stay warm, and ever since that's been something I really appreciate, that and hot showers.

  • Instead of mandating shut down of these stupid displays the German government should be handing out TV B Gone [tvbgone.com] devices to its people, and they would happily enforce this new regulation :-)

  • Think of the gas saved by not editing and proofreading the policy.
  • They need to suspend production of beer!

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