New Energy Star Standard for TVs

Energy Star is revising its qualifications for televisions effective on May 1, 2010 and again in 2012. One of the key changes is that all tv's over 50" will be required to meet the same energy standard to achieve the coveted sticker. In past versions energy efficiency was measured as the amount of wattage per square inch of screen.

The version 4.0 Energy Star sticker, the standard set for May 2010, will require 40 percent greater efficiency, while the version 5.0 sticker will require 65 percent more efficiency than a TV sold today.

This is an interesting approach for the EPA. In most cases with the Energy Star rating the emphasis is placed how much output you can get for the amount of energy required to use the application. The shift towards putting a cap on the maximum amount of energy to receive the rating has conservation in mind.

Ultimately, consumer need will drive technology innovation. As long as shoppers continue to place energy standards at a high priority, the television makers will have to match. All for one little sticker...

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Straight from the source at Energy Star.