By Paul Gray – Director, European TV Research

A look at the Energy Star data for the latest sets shows how close TV sets already are to meeting future energy consumption requirements, such as the California Energy Commission requirements set to go into effect in 2011. It is now clearer than ever (as we indicated back in November) that the prophets of doom on impossible standards were wrong.

Figure 1:  TV Power Consumption Regulations and Actual Powers from 2010 Energy Star Submissions

Source: Q2’10 Quarterly TV Design and Features Report

The figure shows data from Energy Star which lists all their qualified TV models, with other energy regulations in force around the world for comparison. There are different test regimes in different countries, which makes direct comparisons dangerous. The EU test, for example, tends to return a higher consumption than others.

Many sets are already below Energy Star Tier 3, with some exceptional models at half the required level. The Energy Star Tier 2 will serve as the limit for the CEC 2013 regulations, so it is clear that the industry has risen to the challenge and passed. It is also heartening to note the pressure from retailers; Best Buy’s Dynex house brand was one of the good performers.

Of course there is a cloud: 3D TVs are significantly less efficient, both due to their duty cycle operation and losses in the shutter glasses. Already testers have complained about their dim appearance, so boosting display light output is likely, which will cost extra in power consumption.

So far the standards have not caught up with 3D TV, but if they are as successful as proponents hope, a further technical challenge awaits in meeting efficiency regulations.