MEPS − Televisions | April 2005 |
advent of remote switching controls made it imperative that the voltage was removed by a solid state switching device, able to be turned on by the remote control. But this “holding off” uses power itself, and when the TV is in this mode it is termed “passive standby” or just standby. In this report where standby is used it means passive standby. The same technology is used for other remote controlled devices such as set top boxes.
(a) Standard Cathode Ray Tube (CRT)
As noted in 2.1, most existing televisions in Australia and New Zealand use cathode ray tube (CRT) technology and these existing televisions are usually set up to receive analogue broadcasts. CRT TVs can be purchased in standard (4:3) or wide screen format (16:9).
The features provided by a TV affect the power usage. The features on a CRT TV that have most impact on power (with the mean effect in brackets − Huenges Wajer et al6) are 100 Hz picture frequency (37.8W), stereo sound (11.5W), surround sound (15.2W), second tuner (12.2W), satellite tuner (10.1W). Not all these features are offered in New Zealand. Screen size itself has a relatively minor effect.
(b) Slimline televisions
While the sales volume of slimline televisions in New Zealand in 2003 was 5.2% compared with 95% CRT, by 2004 this had increased to 9.6% slimline televisions. Sales of LCD TVs in Australia have also been low to date, largely because of their cost, but recent improvements to LCD technology and an international trend toward LCD televisions may see prices fall and the market share increase. LCD televisions boast lower energy consumption levels compared with other television types. For example the NAEEEC Store Survey measurements showed a mean-
(i) Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)
LCD televisions utilise the same technology as computer monitors and until very recently have had smaller screens than conventional full sized CRT technology and plasma units. They were also considerably more expensive than CRT technology, comparable size for size with plasma screens. However, LCD televisions are brighter, crisper, and have a better contrast ratio and a better viewing angle compared to plasma units and a much greater life expectancy.
(ii) Plasma Screens and TVs
In simple terms plasma screens are made up of lots of tiny fluorescent lights to produce a high quality image for television viewing. The technology allows for a greater viewing angle - 160 degrees compared to about 60 degrees in the standard CRT televisions. As such, it isn’t necessary to be directly in front of the television to be able to view the picture. Plasma screens boast a
6Huenges Wajer B.P.F., Siderius P.J.S., Analysis of Energy Consumption and Efficiency Potential for TVs in
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A study produced for the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority by
Wise Analysis Ltd
