New Set-top Boxes Signal Reductions and Savings
New cable, satellite and telecommunications set-top boxes that have earned the Energy Star label are at least 30 percent more energy efficient than conventional models. The new specification became effective Jan.1, according to recent press release from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
If all set-top boxes sold in the United States met the new Energy Star specification, the savings in energy costs would grow to about $2 billion each year, and greenhouse gas emissions would be reduced by the equivalent of those from about 2.5 million vehicles, the release stated.
EPA has worked with cable, satellite, and telecommunications companies that deliver television and video content to homes via set-top boxes, bringing energy and cost savings to their customers. Most set-top boxes are given to the consumer as part of their contract with a service provider, rather than sold independently at retail stores.
AT&T and DIRECTV are the first to sign on as Energy Star cable, satellite, and telecommunications partners. These companies have improved the energy efficiency of a significant number of their set-top boxes and will offer newly-qualified boxes to subscribers or upgrade boxes already in homes. Cisco, Motorola, and Pace plc. are the first manufacturers to offer Energy Star qualified set-top boxes.
For more information, visit http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=settop_boxes.settop_boxes.