Make Your Digital TV Conversion Energy and Wallet Smart
We've been hearing about the switch to digital for our televisions for awhile now. A lot of people already have cable or satellite service so the big switch is no big deal. But, a lot of other people are still concerned and maybe a bit confused about what is about to happen. Before you run out and fall prey to some big box store salesperson trying to sell you a bunch of stuff so you can still watch television next month, check out these tips from the Natural Resources Defense Council that will help you save energy and keep some extra cash in your wallet too.
- You don't need a flat panel digital TV - the TV you already have, with a digital converter box, should work just fine.
- Use your coupon. The government is offering a $40 coupon to everyone that needs to buy a digital converter box. So get one already!
- Look for an Energy-Star label on your converter box, and your new TV if you are using this as an excuse to buy one.
- If choosing a new TV, choose LCD over plasma, it uses less energy and get the right size for your space. Bigger uses more energy and isn't always better.
- Pick up a power strip big enough to plug in your TV, DVD player, digital converter box and your surround sound all in one place. Then it's easy to turn it off and get rid of those phantom power loads.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
1-14-2009 @ 9:43PM
nuevefiveoh said...
I just wanted to point out that the federal dtv converter box program has already been used up (to the tune of $1.3B). It's been reported that people trying to get coupons are being put on a waiting list just in case additional funds are approved.
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1-15-2009 @ 9:39AM
ryan said...
I will say as I have said before... not all LCDs are created equal. The year the t.v. was made, the maker, the model, and numerous other factors will affect how much power it uses. Size is NOT as big of a factor as many people think. The overall technology of the t.v. has MUCH more of an effect on your power usage.
Take my 32" Sony Bravia... it uses 150watts out of the box. Fiddle around with the display settings (namely, changing the back light to a non-blinding setting) and you can cut your power usage quite a bit. In case -- down to 50 watts. Yeah, a third of what it originally used. Most 19-22" computer LCD monitors use that much power!
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