Energy efficient set-top boxes help saving millions

The voluntary set-top box energy conservation agreement between the pay-TV industry, consumer electronics manufacturers and energy efficiency advocates saves $168 million for consumers.

This is according to a report namely, Voluntary Agreement for Ongoing Improvement to the Energy Efficiency of Set-Top Boxes 2013.

The improved energy efficiency of set-top boxes represents 842,000 metric tons of carbon savings per year.

Nearly, 85 percent of set-top boxes purchased by pay-TV providers met the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ENERGY STAR 3.0 efficiency levels in 2013.

New set-top boxes use14 percent less energy than previous ones, says the report.

The Voluntary Agreement led to a 4.4 percent reduction in national energy consumption by set-top boxes in 2013.

These energy savings are larger when compared to national energy use projections without the Voluntary Agreement.

For national level consumers, the improved energy efficiency of the set-top boxes saved $350 million in energy bills and saved nearly 1,750,000 metric tons of carbon in 2013.

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Approximately 47 percent of set-top boxes purchased in 2013 meet the Tier 2 levels, indicating early adoption of 2017 goals.

The industry now offers new whole home DVRs, providing additional energy savings.

Cable operators like Telco have deployed software updates enabling light sleep for set-top boxes and the satellite providers have included an automatic power down feature in more than 90 percent of set-top boxes.

The Voluntary agreement to reduce national energy use of set-top boxes is off to a great start. With these improvements the national energy used to power these devices is now going down. The more efficient boxes save consumers money on electric bill and reduce pollution, said, Noah Horowitz, senior scientist, Natural Resources Defense Council.

These collective efforts of the cable, satellite, and telephone industries show a commitment to delivering innovative video services, said, Michael Powell, President, CEO, NCTA.

The consumer technology industry is proud of this progress achieved in partnership with pay-TV providers to increase the energy efficiency of set-top boxes, as the industry continues to reduce environmental footprint and increase sustainability, said, Gary Shapiro, president, CEO, CEA.

In 2012, the pay-TV industry initiated a Voluntary Agreement that resulting in annual electricity savings of $1 billion or more, as the energy efficiency of set-top boxes is increased by up to 45 percent.

In 2013, leading energy-efficiency advocates joined with the pay-TV industry in an expanded version of the Voluntary Agreement.

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