New Set-Top Boxes Signal Reductions and Savings Jan 18, 2009

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New cable, satellite, and telecommunications set-top boxes that have earned the Energy Star label are at least 30% more energy efficient than conventional models, according to the U.S. EPA.

EPA says that 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 US$2 billion each year and greenhouse gas emissions would be reduced by the equivalent of those from about 2.5 million vehicles.

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. EPA says the companies have improved the energy efficiency of a significant number of its 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.

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