If you purchased a flat screen TV during the past 12 months the more energy efficient it will be says a new report issued by the Consumer Electronics Association.As the cost of electricity soars in Australia consumers could be in for significant cost savings if they upgrade their TV with research showing that the average “active mode” power use of LCD flat-screen TVs in the 35-inch to 54-inch category was about 250 watts during the years 2005 to 2007.
Now with the introduction of new energy management technology it is closer to 100 watts per TV, according to a new study by technical services company Tiax.
The research company found a significant decrease in power consumption by flat-screen TVs from mid-2006 to 2010. From 2003 to 2010, the LCD power density–or wattage per square inch–fell 63 percent in active mode and dropped 87 percent in standby mode.
Plasma TVs currently use more power than LCDs, the study said, but there was big improvement in plasma efficiency over the past few years. From 2008 to 2010, the active mode power density for plasma TVs fell 41 percent and the standby mode fell by 85 percent.
CNET in the USA said recently that the average power consumption for plasma TVs is 301 watts. For a traditional LCD, it’s 111 watts and 101 watts for LED-lit LCDs.
What is not revealed is whether 3D TVs use more energy than 2D TVs, although the report highlights that the three biggest factors determining power consumption are the size of the screen, the type of TV, and the picture.
