EnergyStar" Program Requirements for TVs, VCRs, TV/VCRs,
TV/DVDs, and TV/VCR/DVDs
DRAFT 1 Eligibility Criteria (Version 2.0)
Below is the DRAFT 1 product specification for EnergyStar qualified TVs, VCRs, TV/VCRs, TV/DVDs,
and TV/VCR/DVDs (Version 2.0). A product must meet all of the identified criteria for standby mode and
download acquisition mode (where applicable) to be labeled as Energy Star by its manufacturer.
1) Definitions: Below is a brief description of TVs, VCRs, TVA/CRs, TV/DVDs, TVA/CR/DVDs, and
other terms as relevant to Energy Star.
A. Television (TV): A commercially available electronic product consisting of a tuner/receiver and a monitor
encased in a single housing. The monitor usually relies upon a cathode-ray tube (CRT), liquid crystal
display (LCD), or other display device. The TV is designed to receive and display a television signal
broadcast by antenna, satellite, or cable. To qualify, the TV must be capable of being powered from
either a wall outlet or a battery unit that is sold with an AC adapter. For purposes of this agreement, this
definition includes analog and digital televisions in addition to televisions that require additional power to
receive and process signals that contain information and/or data for electronic programming guides.
This definition does not include TV/Monitor combination units (i.e., products that operate as both a TV
and computer monitor consisting of a tuner/receiver and a monitor encased in a single housing with a
computer input port).
B. Videocassette RecorderA/ideocassette Player (VCR'): An electronic product designed to play and/or
record video tape. To qualify, the VCR must be capable of being powered from either a wall outlet or a
battery unit that is sold with an AC adapter. For purposes of this agreement, this definition includes
analog and digital videocassette recorders/videocassette players.
C. TVA/CR Combination Unit: A system in which the TV and VCR are combined into a single unit and
which meets all of the following criteria: the VCR is included in the television casing; it is not possible to
measure the power requirements of the two components separately without removal of the television
casing; and the system is connected to the wall outlet through a single power cable. To qualify, the
TVA/CR must be capable of being powered from either a wall outlet or a battery unit that is sold with an
AC adapter. For purposes of this agreement, this definition includes analog and digital TVA/CRs.
D. TV/DVD Combination Unit: A system in which the TV and DVD are combined into a single unit and
which meets all of the following criteria: the DVD is included in the television casing; it is not possible to
measure the power requirements of the two components separately without removal of the television
casing; and the system is connected to the wall outlet through a single power cable. To qualify, the
TV/DVD must be capable of being powered from either a wall outlet or a battery unit that is sold with an
AC adapter. For purposes of this agreement, this definition includes analog and digital TV/DVDs.
E. TVA/CR/DVD Combination Unit: A system in which the TV, VCR, and DVD are combined into a single
unit and which meets all of the following criteria: the VCR and DVD are included in the television casing;
it is not possible to measure the power requirements of any of the components separately without
removal of the television casing; and the system is connected to the wall outlet through a single power
cable. To qualify, the TVA/CR/DVD must be capable of being powered from either a wall outlet or a
battery unit that is sold with an AC adapter. For purposes of this agreement, this definition includes
analog and digital TV/VCR/DVDs.
F. Electronic Programming Guide (EPG): An interactive, onscreen menu of TV listings that downloads
program information (e.g., time, date, description of TV programs, etc.) from the vertical blanking interval
of a regular TV signal.
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G. Standby Power/Mode: Standby power use depends on the product being analyzed. At a minimum,
standby power includes power used while the product is performing no function. For many products,
standby power is the lowest power used while performing at least one function. Standby power use
occurs during what is referred to as the standby mode of the product. Specifically, for this specification,
standby power is defined as the power being used when the product is connected to a power source,
produces neither sound nor picture, does not transmit nor receive program information and/or data
(excluding data transmitted to change the unit's condition from "standby mode" to "active mode"), and is
waiting to be switched to "on" (active/play mode) by a direct or indirect signal from the consumer, e.g.,
with the remote control.
H. Download Acquisition Mode (DAM'): The product is connected to a power source, may be producing
sound and/or picture, and is downloading channel listing information according to a defined schedule for
use by the electronic programming guide. The power requirement in this mode is typically greater than
the power requirement in standby mode and less than that in active mode.
I. Active/Plav ("On"') Mode: The product is connected to a power source, produces sound and/or picture,
and/or records or plays a videotape or DVD. The power requirement in this mode is typically greater
than the power requirement in standby mode.
J. Off mode: An operating condition where no power is being used and the product has not been
disconnected from an external power source. This mode is usually engaged by the consumer via a
"hard off switch." This mode (and hard off switch) is usually found outside the US market.
K. Disconnect: The product is disconnected from all external power sources.
2) Qualifying Products: Any TV, TV with EPG, VCR, TVA/CR, TV/DVD, or TV/VCR/DVD that is
marketed to the consumer as such and meets the respective product type definition in Section 1 is
eligible for the Energy Star label. At present, this specification does not cover products that operate
as both a TV and computer monitor.
EPA's Comments: At present, this specification does not cover products that operate as both a TV and
computer monitor given the limited number of products available for testing in the marketplace.
3) Energy-Efficiency Specifications for Qualifying Products: Only those products listed in
Section 2 that meet the following criteria may qualify as Energy Star.
Table 1: Energy-Efficiency Criteria for Energy Star Qualified TVs, VCRs, TVA/CRs, TV/DVDs, and
TV/VCR/DVDs.
Product Type
Phase 1 Standby Mode
(Effective: T.B.D. through 12/31/02)
Phase II Standby Mode
(Effective: 1/1/03)
TV
< 1 Watt
N/A (remains at < 1 Watt)
VCR
< 2 Watts
< 1 Watt
TVA/CR, TV/DVD, and
TVA/CR/DVD Combinations
< 3 Watts
< 1 Watt
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EPA's Comments: The proposed Phase I specifications for TVs, VCRs, and TVA/CRs are based upon a
technical review and analysis of submitted, Energy Star qualified product information. In keeping with
Energy Star's philosophy, these specifications recognize approximately the top 25% of energy performers
currently qualified as Energy Star. The specifications for TV/DVDs and TVA/CR/DVDs are based upon
market research, product testing, and the TVA/CR specification.
The proposed Phase II specifications will be the final standby mode specifications barring any
technological breakthroughs allowing these products to achieve significantly lower standby mode power
consumption levels.
Table 2: Energy-Efficiency Criteria for Energy Star Qualified TVs with built-in EPG.
Product Type
Standby Mode
(Effective: T.B.D.)
Download Acquisition Mode
(Effective: T.B.D.)
TV w/ built-in EPG
< 1 Watt
< 15 Watt
In order to qualify as Energy Star, a TV with built-in EPG must meet the criteria for both the Standby and
Download Acquisition Modes. Products downloading one hundred percent of the time aren't eligible for
Energy Star qualification unless they meet the Standby Mode specification (i.e., 1 Watt) when in standby
and downloading.
EPA's Comments: Based upon feedback and data provided by industry, EPA has included two power
modes in the specification for TVs with built-in EPG. Unlike set-top boxes, the operational modes in TVs
with built-in EPG are consistent across products, distinguishable, and therefore easily tested for power
consumption. Furthermore, EPA decided to use a dual power mode specification instead of an average
standby mode specification so as to maintain a consistent program framework and standby mode definition
for these products.
The power consumption levels for TVs with built-in EPG are based upon product testing, manufacturer
feedback, and the proposed Standby Mode specification for TVs.
4) Power Measurement: Manufacturers are required to perform tests and self-certify those product
models that meet the Energy Star guidelines. The power requirement shall be measured from the
outlet or power supply source to the product under test. The Partner shall measure the average true
power (in watts) of the product. When performing measurements to self-certify a product model, the
products under test must be in the condition (e.g., configuration and settings) shipped to the customer.
5) Test Criteria: To be added.
EPA's Comments: EPA is currently in the process of finalizing the Testing Guidelines. Upon completion,
they will be inserted into this agreement. In addition to Standby Mode, the new guidelines will also include a
methodology for testing the power consumption in Download Acquisition Mode of TVs with built-in EPG.
6) Effective Date: The date that manufacturers may begin to qualify products as Energy Star will be
defined as the effective date of the agreement. Any previously executed agreement on the subject of
Energy Star labeled TVs, VCRs, and TVA/CRs shall be terminated effective .
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A. TV. VCR, and Combination Products
1. Phase I: The first phase of this specification, Phase I, shall commence on and conclude on December 31, 2002. Upon signing this
agreement, the Partner may begin to use the Energy Star logo on product models, packaging,
its Web site, and other product-related materials that meet the Phase I specifications.
2. Phase II: The second phase of this specification, Phase II, shall commence on January 1, 2003.
EPA's Comments: EPA is in the process of developing new transition or "grandfathering" language to
address products qualified under previous specifications that are still on the market when new
specifications become effective. In response to consumer concerns, EPA is interested in limiting the
number of labeled products on the market meeting old specifications. Industry suggestions on how to
effectively handle the transition from one specification to another are welcome.
B. TVs with Built-in EPGs: The Energy Star TV with built-in EPG specification does not have
multiple phases and shall commence on .
7) Future Specification Revisions: Energy Star reserves the right to change the specification
should technological and/or market changes affect its usefulness to consumers, industry, or the
environment. In keeping with current policy, revisions to the specification are arrived at through industry
discussions.
EPA's Comments: EPA will be assessing the potential for improved energy efficiency by (1) adopting an
active mode specification, (2) addressing products that operate as both a TV and computer monitor, and (3)
incorporating networked products.
1. Through market research and discussions with manufacturers, EPA is aware of currently available
products that consume significantly less power in active mode compared to models with similar
designs and features. EPA will determine whether these products and their manufacturers merit
more recognition for their energy efficiency advancements.
EPA is also considering an active mode specification due to the activities of the Group for Efficient
Appliances (GEA). GEA has recently developed a matrix to address the active (or "On") power state
that has been accepted by industry. GEA's active power state covers analog TVs beginning in 2002.
EPA believes that harmonizing the Energy Star specifications will likely raise the potential for
increased energy savings worldwide.
2. TV/Monitor combination units are an emerging product that EPA has begun to research and evaluate
for energy savings potential. EPA plans to track the development of these products in the
marketplace and may undertake testing and research to incorporate them into Energy Star in the
future.
3. The networked home/office is now a reality and to the extent that products covered under this
specification become networked or are configured for a network, EPA encourages manufacturers to
utilize power management features, including sleep and low power modes, to meet this specification
and maintain full connectivity/performance. EPA will be assessing the potential for improved energy
efficiency for products covered under this specification that may become or are networked.
As always, EPA welcomes comments or alternative proposals from industry that address these draft
specifications and/or the future specifications being considered. EPA deems industry feedback crucial to
the successful development of Energy Star and looks forward to working with you.
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