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Do Cable and Satellite Boxes Still Waste Tons of Electricity?

A few years ago, there were plenty of shocking stories about the number of energy cables and satellite boxes used. Are things better now than the time?

Digital video recorders (DVRs) Cables, DVRs, and other pay-TV boxes consume more energy than a refrigerator, which is the most power-intensive appliance in homes.

Then they’ll cost you higher when TVs are off and on!

Also known as set-top boxes, These devices waste the equivalent energy output of six energy plants (500 MW) as they aren’t equipped to shut off power when they are not in use.

Why do Set-Prime Bins Consume a lot of energy?

Again in 2016, we responded to a reader’s query about the use of energy in cable fields. While the issues have increased since then, cables and satellite television for PC packaging containers remain essential sources of phantom power in the home.

It’s easy to imagine that the set-top packaging containers that thousands and thousands of users use for their satellite TV for PC and cable services were so inefficient with power in the past because the makers ignored energy consumption.

To a certain extent, it’s the case. From their viewpoint, there was no pressure to do anything, and any money saved by improving the packing containers was paid by the customer and not them. But, in the end, the equation is a combination of necessity and the way we rely on an open-top field and related services to function.

First, any system that reacts to remote controls or is in a standby state ready to utilize it must, in all probability, consume at most a little energy to act. Without that phantom load, which keeps the system in a waiting-and-waiting mode, you’ll need to manually switch it on by pressing a button or flipping a switch.

Second, in terms of the set-top containers, It’s not sufficient to possess a remote control. Customers, especially American consumers, are confident that their satellite television for PC or cable service will be set the minute they switch on the television. A cold start if the system isn’t in standby mode causes an enormous delay.

In addition to the demands of standby and always-on-demand power, DVR software must maintain a higher energy level to function as a DVR and record your information. In addition, Many DVR applications are set up where one space inside the home functions as a hybrid DVR with a media server streaming content material to different non-DVR containers.

What amount of energy does a set-top box consume?

In 2011 the National Resources Defense Council study revealed that the standard arrangement – a cable box with a DVR and another box at home – was more energy-intensive than an Energy Star-rated refrigerator. It was not uncommon for set-top boxes, particularly ones with integrated DVRs, to use up to 35W when on standby.

Since then, energy consumption for the set-top box has decreased due to a voluntary arrangement negotiated by the NRDC and other energy and environmental-oriented organizations. According to the data of D + R International, an energy efficiency organization, between 2012 and 2019, the power consumption of set-top boxes dropped by 50 percent for DVRs and 38% for packages that are not DVRs.

But there’s nothing like a free lunch in always-on capabilities. Despite all the advancements, the lighter models consume approximately 4-6W in standby mode, while those with more power still consume about 25W.

If you look at this list of cables employed by Xfinity, it will give you a concept of the range of power consumption of various types of boxes. The majority of DVR units consume about 22-25W when in standby mode. Most set-tops that are not DVR boxes consume between 12 and 16W.

P3 Worldwide P4460 Kill A Watt


Are you interested in the power consumption of your cable field? Use this handy device to gauge how much power your equipment and other home equipment use.

If you’re unable to figure out the energy consumed by your satellite or cable television for PC, We suggest getting in touch with your service provider to exchange actual old bins with brand new ones. You will not only benefit from a faster and more efficient experience using the most up-to-date hardware, but you’ll also reduce the cost of your electric energy bill.

If you’re interested in knowing how much power your specific field uses, it is best to get a Kill a Watt Meter and our data on measuring the amount of energy used by your home. We expect you to be surprised, and your equipment will be more similar to an energy-efficient LED light bulb, not an old-fashioned incandescent highlight about energy usage.

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