ENERGY STAR Program Requirements
for Set-top Boxes
FINAL DRAFT- Version 2.0
March 14, 2008
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Table of Contents
Partner Commitments
Commitments
Performance for Special Distinction
Eligibility Criteria
Section 1: Definitions
Section 2: Qualifying Products
Section 3: Energy Efficiency and Power Management Criteria
Section 4: Testing Products for ENERGY STAR
Section 5: User Interface
Section 6: Effective Date
Section 7; Future Specification Revisions
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ENERGY STAR Program Requirements
for Set-top Boxes
tNt-KGYSIAR
PAR. Ni'M
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Partner Commitments
FINAL DRAFT- Version 2.0
March 14, 2008
Commitment
The following are the terms of the ENERGY STAR Partnership Agreement as it pertains to the
manufacturing of ENERGY STAR qualified set-top boxes (STBs). The ENERGY STAR Partner must
adhere to the following program requirements:
•	comply with current ENERGY STAR Eligibility Criteria, defining the performance criteria that must be
met for use of the ENERGY STAR certification mark on STBs and specifying the testing criteria for
STBs. EPA may, at its discretion, conduct tests on products that are referred to as ENERGY STAR
qualified. These products may be obtained on the open market, or voluntarily supplied by Partner at
EPA's request;
•	comply with current ENERGY STAR Identity Guidelines, describing how the ENERGY STAR marks
and name may be used. Partner is responsible for adhering to these guidelines and for ensuring that
its authorized representatives, such as advertising agencies, dealers, and distributors, are also in
compliance;
•	qualify at least one ENERGY STAR STB model within six months of activating the STB portion of the
agreement. When the manufacturing Partner qualifies the product, it must meet the specification
(e.g., Version 2.0, Tier 1) in effect at that time;
•	for all qualified STBs sold at retail or directly to the consumer, provide clear and consistent labeling of
ENERGY STAR qualified STBs. The ENERGY STAR mark must be clearly displayed on the product
or via electronic notification.
1. via electronic notification:
-	The ENERGY STAR mark must appear in cyan, black, or white (as described in the ENERGY
STAR Identity Guidelines');
-	The ENERGY STAR mark must be at least 10% of the screen by area, may not be smaller
than 76 pixels x 78 pixels, and must be legible;
-	The ENERGY STAR mark must appear on average at least once per day for a duration of not
less than five seconds.
Note: EPA has provided additional flexibility to the above labeling proposal by removing the specific
requirements that the ENERGY STAR mark appear at resumption from Sleep and at initiation of APD.
Manufacturers may display the ENERGY STAR mark on qualified boxes at a location or event that they
feel would most benefit subscribers, the Service Provider, and the manufacturer.
2. via a permanent or temporary label on product:
- Label must follow guidance for certification marks provided in the ENERGY STAR Identity
Guidelines (https://www.enerqystar.qov/index.cfm?c=loqos.pt guidelines).
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For all qualified STBs sold to Service Providers, Partner may, but is not required to, provide labeling. If
labeling is provided, then it must meet the requirements above for electronic notification or physical
labeling. Appropriate labeling of boxes provided to subscribers is the responsibility of the Service
Provider. However, Partner may provide this labeling for Service Providers. Partner must clearly
communicate the requirements for configuration and installation that are necessary for the STB to
maintain ENERGY STAR qualification and receive labeling;
•	for all qualified products, clearly display the ENERGY STAR mark:
1.	In product literature (i.e., user manuals, spec sheets, etc.);
2.	On product packaging for products sold at retail; and
3.	On the manufacturer's Internet site where information about ENERGY STAR qualified models
is displayed;
•	explain the conditions under which the model is able to earn the ENERGY STAR in product guide and
specification sheets for each qualified product. For STBs sold at retail, include information on how
using the product in conjunction with a Service Provider subscription (cable, satellite, IP) can impact
the product's energy use, and what steps the consumer must take to assure that the product still
meets ENERGY STAR criteria. In addition, these materials shall notify Service Providers that they
must complete an ENERGY STAR Partnership Agreement before labeling any STB, or claiming to
provide ENERGY STAR qualified STBs in advertising or promotions;
•	provide to EPA, on an annual basis, an updated list of ENERGY STAR qualified STB models. Once
the Partner submits its first list of ENERGY STAR qualified STB models, the Partner will be listed on
the ENERGY STAR Web site. Partner must provide annual updates in order to remain on the list of
participating product manufacturers;
•	provide to EPA, on an annual basis, unit shipment data or other market indicators to assist in
determining the market penetration of ENERGY STAR. Specifically, Partner must submit the total
number of ENERGY STAR qualified STBs shipped (in units by model) or an equivalent measurement
as agreed to in advance by EPA and Partner. Partner is also encouraged to provide ENERGY STAR
qualified unit shipment data segmented by meaningful product characteristics (e.g., type, presence of
additional functions, or other as relevant), total unit shipments for each model in its product line, and
percent of total unit shipments that qualify as ENERGY STAR. The data for each calendar year
should be submitted to EPA, preferably in electronic format, no later than the following March and may
be provided directly from the Partner or through a third party. The data will be used by EPA only for
program evaluation purposes and will be closely controlled. Any information used will be masked by
EPA so as to protect the confidentiality of the Partner;
•	notify EPA of a change in the designated responsible party or contacts for STBs within 30 days.
Performance for Special Distinction
In order to receive additional recognition and/or support from EPA for its efforts within the
Partnership, the ENERGY STAR Partner may consider the following voluntary measures and should keep
EPA informed on the progress of these efforts:
•	provide quarterly, written updates to EPA as to the efforts undertaken by PARTNER to increase
availability of ENERGY STAR qualified products, and to promote awareness of ENERGY STAR and
its message;
•	consider energy efficiency improvements in company facilities and pursue benchmarking buildings
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through the ENERGY STAR Buildings program;
•	purchase ENERGY STAR qualified products. Revise the company purchasing or procurement
specifications to include ENERGY STAR. Provide procurement officials' contact information to EPA
for periodic updates and coordination. Circulate general ENERGY STAR qualified product information
to employees for use when purchasing products for their homes;
•	feature the ENERGY STAR mark(s) on Partner Web site and in other promotional materials. If
information concerning ENERGY STAR is provided on the Partner Web site as specified by the
ENERGY STAR Web Linking Policy (this document can be found in the Partner Resources section on
the ENERGY STAR Web site at www.enerqvstar.gov). EPA may provide links where appropriate to
the Partner Web site;
•	ensure the power management feature is enabled on all ENERGY STAR qualified monitors and
computers in use in company facilities, particularly upon installation and after service is performed;
•	provide general information about the ENERGY STAR program to employees whose jobs are relevant
to the development, marketing, sales, and service of current ENERGY STAR qualified product
models;
•	provide a simple plan to EPA outlining specific measures Partner plans to undertake beyond the
program requirements listed above. By doing so, EPA may be able to coordinate, communicate,
and/or promote Partner's activities, provide an EPA representative, or include news about the event in
the ENERGY STAR newsletter, on the ENERGY STAR Web pages, etc. The plan may be as simple
as providing a list of planned activities or planned milestones that Partner would like EPA to be aware
of. For example, activities may include: (1) increase the availability of ENERGY STAR qualified
products by converting the entire product line within two years to meet ENERGY STAR guidelines; (2)
demonstrate the economic and environmental benefits of energy efficiency through special in-store
displays twice a year; (3) provide information to users (via the Web site and user's manual) about
energy-saving features and operating characteristics of ENERGY STAR qualified products: and (4)
build awareness of the ENERGY STAR Partnership and brand identity by collaborating with EPA on
one print advertorial and one live press event;
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ENERGY STAR
ENERGY STAR Program Requirements
for Set-top-Boxes
Eligibility Criteria
FINAL DRAFT- Version 2.0
March 14, 2008
1) Definitions: Below are the definitions of the relevant terms in this document.
STB Types
All STB types can come as stand-alone tuners or as part of a larger device with other tuners and/or
secondary functions such as, but not limited to, DVR and DVD playback/recording.
A.	Cable STB: A STB whose principal function is to receive television signals from a broadband,
hybrid/[fiber] coaxial, community cable distribution system and deliver them to a consumer display
and/or recording device. Source: CSA C380-06 modified.
B.	Internet Protocol (IP) STB: A STB whose principal function is to receive television/video signals
encapsulated in IP packets and deliver them to a consumer display and/or recording device.
Source: CSA C380-06.
C.	Satellite STB: A STB whose principal function is to receive television signals from satellites and
deliver them to a consumer display and/or recording device. Source: CSA C380-06.
D.	Terrestrial STB: Any STB whose principal function is to receive television signals over the air
(OTA) and deliver them to a consumer display and/or recording device. Source: CSA C380-06.
E.	Thin-Client/Remote: A STB that is designed to interface between a Multi-Room STB and a TV (or
other output device) that has no ability to interface with the Service Provider directly and relies
solely on a Multi-Room box for content. Any STB that meets the definition of Cable, Satellite, IP or
Terrestrial STB is not a Thin-Client/Remote STB.
Components
F.	Conditional Access: The encryption, decryption, and authorization techniques employed to protect
content from unauthorized viewing. CableCARD and Downloadable Conditional Access (DCAS)
are examples of this technology.
G.	Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification (DOCSIS): An international suite of standards
that define interface requirements for cable modems involved in high-speed data and video/audio
content distribution over cable television systems.
Functionalities
H. Base Functionality: For purposes of this specification, the primary functionality that defines the
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criteria that apply to a STB. The Base Functionality is one of the following: Cable, Satellite, IP,
Terrestrial or Thin-Client/Remote. (See Section 3 below.)
I. Additional Functionalities: Additional Functionalities consist of one or more of the following:
Additional Tuners, Additional Tuners - OTA/IP, Advanced Video Processing, DVR, High Definition
Resolution (does not apply to terrestrial), Removable Media Player, Removable Media
Player/Recorder, Multi-Room, and CableCARD.
Additional Functionalities
J. Additional Tuners: An additional tuner provides a second source of media content either from a
physically separate A/V input or from the primary input (used concurrently); they need not be for
the same source media type. Out-Of-Band tuners built in compliance with standards ANSI/SCTE
55-1 2002 and ANSI/SCTE 55-2 2002 and other similar types of technologies are not considered
additional tuners for the purposes of this specification. For example, a device with additional
tuners has the ability to tune into two or more separate streams of video simultaneously and place
those on separate outputs (outputs being either physical outputs, picture-in-picture, or recording
mechanisms). Note that network-based outputs are not covered under the additional tuners
definition but are covered in the definition of a Multi-Room device.
K. Additional Tuners - Terrestrial/IP: An Additional Tuner of Terrestrial or IP type.
L. Advanced Video Processing/Codecs: Advanced methods for video encoding, transcoding and
decoding. Examples include, but are not limited to, H.264/MPEG 4 and SMPTE 421M.
M. CableCARD(TM): A plug-in card that complies with the ANSI/SCTE 28 interface that is inserted
into a Digital Cable Ready device to enable the decryption of premium services and provide other
network control functions. Also know as a "Card" or a "Point of Deployment" (POD module).
CableCARD(TM) is a registered trademark of CableLabs®. Source: CSA C380-06 modified.
N. Digital Versatile Disk (DVD): An optical disc storage media format that can be used for data
storage, including movies, with high video and sound quality.
O. Digital Video Recorder (DVR): A device that stores video in a digital format to a rewritable disk
drive or other non-volatile storage media local to the unit. The term covers DVR functions
integrated in a STB; it does not include software for personal computers that enables video
capture and playback to and from the computer's data storage nor does it include server based
DVR capabilities.
P. High Definition Resolution: Video output with resolutions greater than 480i/p.
Q. Home Network Interface: A network interface such as WiFi, MOCA, DNLA, etc. that allows a STB
to interface with external devices through a network. This allowance can be applied only to
devices that are NOT Multi-Room or thin client devices (as the network capability of those devices
is already accounted for in their allowances).
R. Multi-Room STB: A STB that meets the definition for Cable, Satellite, IP or Terrestrial STB above
and is capable of providing independent content to multiple TVs within a single family dwelling.
Products handling gateway services to multi-subscriber scenarios are not covered under this
specification.
S. Removable Media Player: A device, such as a DVD player, whose primary purpose is the
decoding of digitized video signals on a DVD.
T. Removable Media Player/Recorder: A device, such as a DVD recorder, whose primary purpose is
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the production or recording of digitized video/audio signals on a DVD.
Operational Modes and Power States
U. On/Active: An operational state in which the STB is actively delivering one or more of its principal
functions and some or all of its applicable secondary functions.
V. Sleep: A state in which the STB has less power consumption, capability, and responsiveness than
in the On/Active state. The STB may enter a Sleep state from the On/Active state after:
a.	the user pushes a power/standby button on the remote or on the unit; or
b.	the STB auto powers down to a Sleep state. The energy consumption after auto power
down to Sleep and after a user initiated power down to Sleep may, or may not be,
equivalent.
Miscellaneous
W. Auto Power Down: The capability to automatically switch from the On state to a Sleep state after
a period of time without user input, generally based on the amount of time the unit has remained
"idle" from last active use, i.e., user input such as channel change, volume change, menu access,
etc.
X. Cable. Satellite, and Telecom Service Provider: An entity that provides video (and possibly other)
content to subscribers with whom it has an ongoing financial relationship. A Service Provider in
the context of ENERGY STAR is one that distributes to end users STBs covered by this
specification under an agreement such as a lease or rental arrangement.
Y. CSA: The Canadian Standards Association is a not-for-profit, membership-based association that
works in Canada as well as globally to develop standards that affect areas such as public safety
and health, quality of life, the environment, and trade.
Z. C380-06: CSA's test procedure for the measurement of energy consumption of STBs.
AA. Digital Television Adapter (DTA): Receives terrestrial (over the air) digital signals and converts
them to an analog output suitable for analog TVs. DTAs do not provide digital signal output. For
the purposes of this specification, the DTA category does not include converters that work with
satellite or cable digital signals, nor does it cover devices with multi-functionality such as DVD
players with digital to analog conversion capability. Source: ENERGY STAR Digital-to-Analog
Converter Box specification.
DTAs are addressed under the Version 1.1 ENERGY STAR specification for Digital-to-Analog
Converter Boxes, and are not included in this STB specification.
BB. Game Console: A stand-alone device whose primary use is to play video games. The primary
inputs for game consoles are special hand held controllers rather than a mouse and keyboard
used by conventional computers. Game consoles are also equipped with audio-visual outputs for
use with televisions as the primary display, rather than an external monitor or integrated display.
These devices typically do not use a conventional operating system, but often perform a variety of
multimedia functions such as: DVD/CD playback, digital picture viewing, and digital music
playback. Source: ENERGY STAR Version 4.0 Computers specification.
Game consoles are addressed by the ENERGY STAR Version 4.0 Computers specification, and
are not included in this STB specification.
CC.Out-Of-Band Tuners: Tuners compliant with standards ANSI/SCTE 55-1 2002 and ANSI/SCTE
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55-2 2002 and other similar types of technologies used to gain access to data channels outside of
the audio/video source signal. These may facilitate two-way communication and allow the box to
send diagnostic information back to the Service Provider as well as enabling Pay-Per-View
content and other rich media interactive content.
DP.TEC: Total Energy Consumption. TEC is an assessment tool used in this specification that
provides flexibility to approach the issue of energy efficiency while retaining a comparable metric
to assess performance. In this specification, efficiency criteria are noted in terms of calculated
energy use over a year for a typical user (kWh/yr) rather than power (Watts) for On and Sleep
states.
EE. UUT: Unit Under Test (UUT) refers to the product being tested. Source: CSA C380-06 modified.
2) Qualifying Products: In order to qualify as ENERGY STAR under Tier 1 of this specification,
STBs must meet the definition for these products in Section 1 and meet the technical requirements in
Section 3. The following devices that fall within the definition of a STB, or provide functions similar to
STBs, do not qualify under this Tier 1 specification. EPA envisions that the below excluded products list
will likely be modified for the Tier 2 phase of this specification:
Tier 1 Excluded Products:
•	Game Consoles (See definition above)
•	DTAs (See definition above)
•	IP STBs sold or provided outside of a dedicated service or service contract
•	Products that meet the definitions in the ENERGY STAR® Program Requirements for
Consumer Audio and DVD Products
3) Energy Efficiency and Power Management Criteria: Only those products addressed by
the Qualifying Products definition in Section 2 that meet the following criteria may qualify for ENERGY
STAR.
A)	Calculated TEC Criteria
The criterion for ENERGY STAR qualified STBs is a calculated TEC (in annual kWh). The criterion
(herein called an "allowance") is an allowance for Base Functionality, plus allowances for specific,
additional functionalities present across a duty cycle. This duty cycle is further explained in Section 4.
B)	Base Functionality Allowance
The Base Function shall be established as detailed below.
a.	If the STB meets the definition of Cable STB above, regardless of whether the cable
reception is considered the "principal function" by the manufacturer or Service Provider,
and/or the STB is capable of receiving cable service after installation of a CableCARD™
or other type of conditional access (CA) system, the Base Functionality is CABLE.
b.	If the STB Base Function is not CABLE, and the STB meets the definition of Satellite STB
above, regardless of whether the satellite reception is considered the "principal function"
by the manufacturer or Service Provider, the Base Functionality is SATELLITE.
c.	If the STB Base Function is not CABLE or SATELLITE, and the STB meets the definition
of IP STB above, regardless of whether the IP reception is considered the "principal
function" by the manufacturer or Service Provider, the Base Functionality is IP.
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d.	If the STB Base Function is not CABLE, SATELLITE, or IP, and the STB meets the
definition of Terrestrial STB above, regardless of whether the terrestrial reception is
considered the "principal function" by the manufacturer or Service Provider, the Base
Functionality is TERRESTRIAL.
e.	If the STB Base Function is not CABLE, SATELLITE, IP or TERRESTRIAL, and the STB
otherwise meets the definition of Thin-Client/Remote, the Base Function is THIN-
CLIENT/REMOTE.
Table 1: Base Functionality Annual Energy Allowance
Base Functionality
Tier 1 Annual Energy
Allowance (kWh/year)
Tier 2 Annual Energy
Allowance (kWh/year)
Cable
70
50
Satellite
88
56
IP
45
36
Terrestrial
27
22
Thin-Client/Remote
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22
C) Additional Functionalities Allowance
The Additional Functionalities Allowance, if applicable, shall be determined using values from Table 2.
Table 2: Additional Functionalities Annual Energy Allowance
Additional Functionalities
Tier 1 Annual Energy
Tier 2 Annual Energy

Allowance (kWh/year)
Allowance (kWh/year)
Additional Tuners
53
16
Additional Tuners - Terrestrial /IP
14
8
Adv. Video Processing
18
12
DVR
60
32
High Definition1
35
12
Removable Media Player
12
8
Removable Media Player/Recorder
23
10
Multi-Room
44
25
CableCARD
15
TBD
DOCSIS'
20
TBD
Home Network Interface
20
10
1	Credit for High Definition applies to all STBs except those with Base Functionality of TERRESTRIAL.
2	OEMs must test with DOCSIS enabled if DOCSIS is present. Service providers can test with it and take the
allowance only if they use it.
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Note: Changes made to Tables 1 and 2 above in this Final Draft specification are based on feedback
from stakeholders and additional EPA investigation. Specific changes are listed below.
Table 1: Base Functionality Annual Energy Allowance
•	No changes from Draft 3.
Table 2: Additional Functionalities Annual Energy Allowance
•	Gateway STB has been redefined as "Multi-Room" for clarification.
•	An allowance for DOCSIS has been added to Tier 1, a TBD has been noted for Tier 2.
Manufacturers must test with DOCSIS enabled if it is available in the STB.
•	An allowance for Home Network Interface has been added. This is for a network interface
such as WiFi, MOCA, DNLA, etc; that allows an STB interface with external devices through a
network. This allowance can be applied only to devices that are NOT Multi-Room or thin client
devices (as the network capability of those devices is already accounted for in their
allowances)
D) Calculating Device Allowance
To calculate the ENERGY STAR allowance for a given device, take the sum of the base functionality
allowance and all applicable additional functionalities allowances. (Note there may not be any
additional functions in devices such as standard cable or satellite STBs.) This sum is the calculated
annual kWh limit, or TEC value. This sum equals the maximum amount of energy the box can use in
a given year as calculated following the ENERGY STAR test procedure.
Annual Energy Allowance (kWh/year) = Base Functionality Allowance + Additional Functionalities
Allowance
Examples:
(A)	Under Tier 1, the energy allowance for a high-definition, Cable STB with DVR to qualify for
ENERGY STAR would be 165 kWh/y (70 kWh/y for the base function, 35 kWh/y for the high
definition and 60 kWh/y for the DVR).
(B)	Under Tier 2, the energy allowance for the same product would drop to 94 kWh/y.
E) STBs Using an External Power Supply
To qualify, the external power supply (EPS) used with newly-qualified STBs must be ENERGY STAR
qualified or meet the no-load and active mode efficiency levels provided in the ENERGY STAR
Program Requirements for Single Voltage Ac-Ac and Ac-Dc External Power Supplies, Version 2.0.
The ENERGY STAR specification and qualified product list can be found at:
www.enerqvstar.gov/powersupplies. Refurbished or reconfigured STBs that can meet the energy-
efficiency performance requirements in the ENERGY STAR STB specification do not need to use an
ENERGY STAR qualified (or equivalent) EPS.
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Note: Above, EPA has clarified that refurbished or reconfigured boxes that can meet the definitions in
Section 1 and the technical requirements in Section 3 may earn the ENERGY STAR regardless of the
EPS they use, and the ability of that EPS to meet ENERGY STAR criteria. This was modified in order to
encourage Service Providers to upgrade their existing stock of STBs to ENERGY STAR, while avoiding
the negative environmental impact associated with ensuring those refurbished or reconfigured, and in
many cases deployedL boxes made use of an ENERGY STAR or equivalent EPS.
F) Multi-Room STBs
When using the Multi-Room Additional Functionalities energy allowance to establish the criteria for a STB,
the following procedure must be followed. This allowance may only be used for STBs that can provide
independent content to more than one TV. Specific requirements for Multi-Room STBs are also included.
•	First, test the multi-room STB and compare the results to the specification criteria assuming the
STB will deliver content to only one TV, i.e., do not include the Multi-Room allowance. If the STB
passes, then it qualifies as an ENERGY STAR qualified STB under any installation configuration,
i.e., it can be used for one or more TVs.
•	If the STB does not pass the single TV STB test, then determine if it qualifies as a Multi-Room
STB.
o Add the Multi-Room additional annual energy allowance listed in Table 2 to the criteria
established for the STB. Compare the test results to the Multi-Room criteria to see if the
STB qualifies for ENERGY STAR. For units that can support a second TV without the
need for a thin client, and do this via widely used N/ATSC (unencrypted) via RF, the
manufacturer can add in half of the relevant thin client adder,
o If the STB qualifies as a Multi-Room STB, manufacturer must clearly indicate in product
literature that product only qualifies for ENERGY STAR when providing content to more
than one TV.
Note: By allowing devices that transmit via commonly-supported RF to secondary TVs to receive an
additional energy allowance, EPA is avoiding a scenario where Multi-Room products that use multiple
boxes would be favored from an ENERGY STAR perspective over boxes that deliver a similar service with
a single box. This does not apply to devices that require additional hardware in either the TV or on the
network (routers, switches), because once an additional piece of hardware is required, there is additional
power required externally of the primary unit to make the "no client" scenario functional. In the case of RF-
transmitted secondary output, most, if not all, TVs have some form of RF receiver.	
G) Speculative Recording
Devices that provide for speculative recording must have an easy to reach menu option allowing the user
to disable this feature at will.
4) Testing Products for ENERGY STAR:
A) Product Testing Set-up. Procedures, and Documentation
The test results produced by the ENERGY STAR test procedure (AKA; modified CSA 380-06) shall be
used as the primary basis for determining ENERGY STAR qualification. Manufacturers are required to
perform tests and self-certify those models that meet the ENERGY STAR requirements. This is confirmed
by testing for ENERGY STAR qualification while the product is connected to the system, either on a live
system or at a representative system in a laboratory.
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When qualifying and reporting STBs for ENERGY STAR, the following procedure can be used to
determine that an appropriate representative sample size has been tested.
1)	Select on a random basis five units of the STB model to be tested. If the units have been
refurbished, all units must have undergone the same refurbishment or reconfiguration, and must
have received the same new hardware components or new or updated software.
2)	Test three units drawn at random from the pool of five units following the test procedure specified
in the ENERGY STAR Program Requirements for Set-top Boxes - Version 2.0.
a)	If all three units meet the applicable ENERGY STAR criteria, and are not within 10% of
the allowance in the specification, then the STB model meets ENERGY STAR requirements and
no more testing is needed.
b)	If all three units meet the applicable ENERGY STAR criteria, but any are within 10% of
the allowance in the specification, go to step 3.
c)	If any of the three units do not meet the ENERGY STAR criteria, then the STB model
does not meet ENERGY STAR requirements and cannot be referred to as ENERGY STAR
qualified.
3)	Test the additional two units in the pool. If both units meet the applicable ENERGY STAR criteria,
then the STB model meets ENERGY STAR requirements and no more testing is needed. If either
of the two units does not meet the applicable ENERGY STAR criteria, then the STB model does
not meet ENERGY STAR requirements and cannot be referred to as ENERGY STAR qualified.
B)	TEC Assessment
In this specification, the power consumed in the On and Sleep states will be multiplied by the number of
hours a defined typical device spends in On and Sleep. The result will be a single energy value
representing the energy usage of the device over the course of an entire year.
To determine if a STB meets the ENERGY STAR specification criteria (Annual Energy Allowance), the
TEC of the STB shall be calculated as follows. If the TEC assessed for the product is less than the Annual
Energy Allowance calculated from Section 3D, the product meets the criteria and has earned the
ENERGY STAR.
C)	Equation 1: Base Assessment
Applies To All Products
Calculate the Base energy consumption by multiplying the measured power consumption as specified in
this test procedure by the hours per day values in the equations below. If the UUT (Unit Under Test) does
not include the capability for auto power down, then use the first equation (a). If the product does include
auto power down capability, and it meets the requirements in section (F) below then use the second
equation (b).
Ptv, Psieep and PAutoPDare power levels in Watts as measured according to the ENERGY STAR test
procedure.
a) Annual energy (kWh/yr) for a product with no auto power down
kWhB,se = 0365 x (l4 x PTV +10 x Psleep)
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b) Annual energy (kWh/yr) for a product with auto power down capability
kWh^ = °-365 X ((7 x P„) + (10 x PSIJ+ (7 x PAlloPD))
Examples:
(C)	The UUT (HD DVR cable STB, Tier 1) does not have auto power down capability, and the
measurements during the test procedure are as follows: PTV = 24.0 Watts and PsieeP= 18.0 Watts. The
annual energy consumption is then:
kWhBase= 0.365 *(14 *24.0 + 10* 18.0) = 188.3 kWh/yr
(D)	The UUT (HD DVR cable STB, Tier 1) does have auto power down capability, and the measurements
during the test procedure are similar to example A: PTV = 24.0 Watts, PSieeP = 18.0 Watts and PAutoPD =
18 Watts. The annual energy consumption is then:
	kWhBase = 0.365 *(7 *24.0 + 10* 18.0 + 7* 18.0) = 173 kWh/yr	
Note: EPA used an analysis of available Nielson data to develop the above user models. The above is
based on the statistical probability that a user is watching TV at any given time (segregated into 1/2 hour
segments) with assumptions regarding which segments viewers were most likely to be watching. This
yielded three distinct viewing periods - morning, afternoon, and evening.
EPA understands that for most products, the power levels for PSieeP and PAut0 pd will be the same. However,
it is important for EPA to provide the flexibility for cases where these levels differ; therefore, two equations
have been provided in this specification.
D) Equation 2: Playback and Record Assessment
The table and equation below illustrate how to calculate from the values measured in the test procedure
the annual energy consumption for the added functionalities such as playback and record. These apply
only to products with a DVR, Removable Media Playback, or Removable Media Playback with Record
capabilities. Sum the results for all functionalities applicable to the UUT.
Ptv, Ppiayback and PReCord are power levels in Watts as measured according to the ENERGY STAR test
procedure.
2
kWHpiay/Record = ^ X	mode ~ Ptv)X ^mode
1
Table 3: Duty Cycle
Mode
DVR
(Hours/Day)
Removable
Media
Playback
(Hours/Day)
Removable
Media
Playback w /
Record
capability
(Hours/Day)
Hours On-Playback
(H Playback)
2
2
2
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Hours On-Record
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1
(H Record)



Example:
(E) Consider the Cable STB with DVR product in example (C) above with a PTV of 24.0 Watts. Following
the test procedure, it is found that Ppiayback is 30.0 Watts and PreCord is 32.0 Watts.
	kWhpiay/Record = 0.365 * ((30.0 - 24.0) * 2 + (32.0 - 24.0) * 3) = 13.1 kWh/yr	
E) Total Energy Consumption
If the STB includes a DVR, Removable Media Playback, or Removable Media Playback with Record
capability, add the results of Equation 1 and Equation 2. If the STB does not include DVR, Removable
Media Playback, or Removable Media Playback w/ Record capability, the TEC is equal to Equation 1.
Example:
(F) In the case of a HD STB with a DVR as used above, the TEC would be the sum of Equation 1 and
Equation 2 (188.3 + 13.1) for a total of 201.4 kWh/yr for this STB.
F) Auto Power Down
Auto power down (APD) capability is not a requirement under this specification. However, credit for
anticipated energy savings for STBs that include APD capability is provided in Section C: Equation 1:
Base Assessment - if the requirements in this subsection (F) are met.
When claiming the presence of APD functionality for purposes of using equation 1b (Section C: Equation
1: Base Assessment) and calculating the TEC, the following requirements must be met:
The STB must be shipped from the manufacturer with the APD setting engaging at four hours or less
of inactivity. It is acceptable for the current program to complete before switching to the Sleep state.
The energy-related settings shipped as the default by the manufacturer shall persist unless the user
chooses at a later date to manually: a) disable the APD, or b) adjust the default time period from four
hours or less to some other value. Partner may choose to not allow user the option of changing the
power down settings.
The STB may exit an automatically-initiated Sleep mode in order to download content and scan for
program and system information, scheduling information, or any other maintenance activity. After
activity is complete, STB must return to Sleep mode within no more than 15 minutes. If this occurs, the
STB may exit the Sleep mode for no longer than an average of two hours in a twenty-four (24) hour
period. This requirement of two hours per day does not include activities that an end user schedules
(e.g. video recording of a daily show). Video downloads that are not user-scheduled (e.g. "speculative
recording", or "push") are to be counted against the two hour average per day requirement.
Note: Based on stakeholder feedback, the APD section above has been edited to clarify that the two-hour-
per-day-limit is intended as a yearly average. The language has also been clarified to include non-user
scheduled video downloads.
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G) Submittal of Qualified Product Data to EPA
Partners are required to report data on those models that meet the ENERGY STAR guidelines to EPA.
The test results must be reported to EPA using the Set-top Box Version 2.0 Qualifying Product Information
(QPI) Form).
5) User Interface: Although not mandatory, manufacturers are strongly recommended to design
products in accordance with the Power Control User Interface Standard — IEEE 1621 (formally known as
"Standard for User Interface Elements in Power Control of Electronic Devices Employed in
Office/Consumer Environments"). Compliance with IEEE 1621 will make power controls more
consistent and intuitive across all electronic devices. For more information on the standard, see
http://eetd.LBL.gov/Controls.
6) Effective Date: The date that manufacturers may begin to qualify products as ENERGY STAR
under this Version 2.0 specification will be defined as the effective date of the agreement. The ENERGY
STAR specification for STBs (Version 2.0) Tier 1 is effective January 1, 2009. Tier 2 will become effective
on January 1 2011. Any previously executed agreement on the subject of ENERGY STAR qualified set-
top boxes terminated effective February 2, 2005.
1.	Qualifying and Marking products under the Tier 1 Version 2.0 specification: All products, including
models originally qualified under Version 1.0, with a date of manufacture on or after January 1,
2009, must meet the new (Version 2.0) requirements in order to qualify for ENERGY STAR. The
date of manufacture is specific to each unit and is the date (e.g., month and year) on which a unit
is considered to be completely assembled.
2.	Qualifying and Marking products under the Tier 2 Version 2.0 specification: All products, including
models originally qualified under Tier 1 Version 2.0, with a date of manufacture on or after January
1, 2011, must meet the Tier 2 requirements in order to qualify for ENERGY STAR.
3.	Elimination of Grandfathering: EPA will not allow grandfathering under this Version 2.0 ENERGY
STAR specification. ENERGY STAR qualification under previous Versions is not
automatically granted for the life of the product model. Therefore, any product sold,
marketed, or identified by the manufacturing partner as ENERGY STAR must meet the current
specification in effect at the time of manufacture of the product.
7) Future Specification Revisions: EPA reserves the right to revise the specification should
technological and/or market changes affect its usefulness to consumers or industry or its impact on the
environment. In particular, EPA will finalize Tier 2 elements identified as TBD and reevaluate the
appropriateness of other Tier 2 criteria at least nine months prior to the Tier 2 effective date. In keeping
with current policy, revisions to the specification will be discussed with stakeholders. In the event of a
specification revision, please note that ENERGY STAR qualification is not automatically granted for the life
of a product model. To qualify as ENERGY STAR, a product model must meet the ENERGY STAR
specification in effect on the model's date of manufacture.
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