Purchasing Toolkit – Consumer Electronics

ENERGY STAR® – Audio/Video

Product Types

Audio Video (AV) Product - A mains-connected product that offers audio amplification and/or optical disc drive functions. This definition does not include Dedicated Audio DSP Devices.

Dedicated Audio DSP Device - A device that meets all of the following criteria:

  1. provides audio digital signal processing as its primary function;
  2. provides support for RS-232, Ethernet, WiFi, IEEE-1394 FireWire or similar protocol for hard-wired or wireless remote control;
  3. does not provide audio amplification.

Criteria for ENERGY STAR Qualified Audio/Video

Power Allowances (Watts) – Audio/Visual
Product Function Tier 2 Tier 3
Sleep Mode
Base Allowance (All Products) 1.0  

In-use Networking/
Control Protocol with Wake Capability

 2.0 1.0
On Mode
High Resolution Display P = 6*R + 0.05*A + 3

R = Display resolution (x*y) in megapixels
A = Viewable screen area in square inches
In-use Networking/
Control Protocol		 2.0 1.0
SD or Audio Source Optical Disc Player 6.0 (Playback)
16 (Recording)		 TBD
SD Source to HD Output "Upconversion" Optical Disc Player 10 (Playback)
16 (Recording)		 TBD
HD Source Optical Disc Player 15 (Playback)
25 (Recording)		 TBD

Exception to On Mode Power Consumption Requirements:
Dedicated Audio DSP Devices are exempt from On mode power requirements.

Amplifier Efficiency Requirements
Amplifier Input Power at 1/8 MUP with 1 kHz Sinusoidal Input, PIN (W) Tier 2 Tier 3
Minimum Amplifier Efficiency
On Mode Efficiency Requirements
(PIN < 20 W)   N/A
(20 W <= PIN < 100 W) 0.44 TBD
(PIN >= 100 W) 0.55 TBD
Idle State Power Allowance (Watts)
Base (All Products) 5.0
Audio Amplification
with POUT <= 50.0 watts		 5.0
Audio Amplification
with POUT <= 50.0 watts		 0.10 *POUT
POUT = Output Power @ 1/8 MUP 1 kHz sinusoidal input

Auto Power Down (APD) Requirements

APD functionality shall be available on all products except those that are subject to 3rd-party performance standards that prohibit APD, including those used for Mass Notification and Emergency Communications Systems and those subject to proposed ANSI/UL 2572

APD functionality shall be enabled by default, with APD timing less than or equal to 2 hours, subject to the following exceptions:

  1. Products may offer users the option (e.g., via system menu or physical switch) to modify APD timing in 10 minute intervals, or to disable APD entirely.
  2. Products may initiate APD immediately upon receipt of authoritative control instruction via an active Networking / Control Protocol.

APD Timing Default Settings:

  • APD Timing ≤ 30 minutes: This timing option is acceptable for use as a default setting. If APD timing is set by default to no more than 30 minutes and APD cannot be disabled or increased to greater than 30 minutes, products do not have to meet Idle state power consumption requirements.
  • 30 minutes < APD Timing ≤ 2 hours: This timing option is acceptable for use as a default setting. If APD can be disabled, or if APD timing can be increased to no more than 2 hours, products must meet Idle state power consumption requirements.
  • APD Timing > 2 hours: This timing option may only be enabled by the end user and is not acceptable for use as a default setting. If APD can be disabled, or if APD timing can be set to greater than 2 hours, products must meet Idle state power consumption requirements.

External Power Supply

If the product is shipped with an EPS, the EPS shall meet the level V performance requirements under the International Efficiency Marking Protocol and include the level V marking.

Multi-component Systems

On Mode and Sleep Mode power consumption limits for each power-consuming component in a Multi-component System shall be assessed independently. To qualify for ENERGY STAR, each component must meet applicable ENERGY STAR criteria.

Networking / Control Protocols

To qualify for ENERGY STAR, AV products that offer one or more Networking / Control Protocol options shall meet all applicable ENERGY STAR criteria in all possible control protocol configurations.

Excluded Products

  • Products for use in automotive applications.
  • Video projectors.
  • Home and building automation & control products.
  • Whole-house and whole-building audio and/or video systems.
  • Videoconferencing systems.
  • Wireless microphone systems.
  • A/B selector switches.
  • Media servers.

Cost Savings for ENERGY STAR Qualified Audio/Video

The ENERGY STAR Simple Savings Calculator does not include calculator worksheets for audio/video products.

The table below provides high-level summary data on the savings potential offered by ENERGY STAR qualified products over non-qualified products, based on the most current data maintained by US EPA.

Cost-Savings
Equipment Average Annual Savings (1 product per type)
ENERGY STAR qualified vs. non-qualified products
Energy
Consumption
(kWh/yr)		 Energy Cost
(@ 11.6¢/kWh)		 % savings
(ENERGY STAR vs.
non-ENERGY STAR)
Home Theatre in a Box 107 $12 57%
Residential Audio Amplifier 100 $12 60%
AV Receiver for Audio 62 $7 37%
AV Receiver for Video 102 $12 35%
Blue Ray Players 10 $1 49%
DVD Players 7 $1 36%
Compact "Shelf/Mini" Systems 46 $5 56%
Compact Micro Systems 8 $1 25%

Sample Procurement Language for ENERGY STAR Qualified Audio/Video

You may wish to use the following procurement language in contracts to ensure you receive ENERGY STAR qualified audio/video. As with all purchases, be sure to ask the appropriate questions to ensure that you get exactly what you want.

The vendor must

  • Verify that the audio/video model has been qualified to bear the ENERGY STAR symbol by a manufacturer participating in the ENERGY STAR initiative.
  • Provide audio/video products that meet ENERGY STAR specifications for power consumption limits in, Sleep mode, On mode and Idle state, as outlined in the Criteria section above.
  • Provide audio amplifiers that meet ENERGY STAR specifications for efficiency and for Idle state power consumption, as outlined in the Criteria section above.
  • Ensure that ENERGY STAR qualified products offer Auto Power Down (APD) that is enabled by default.
  • Ensure that ENERGY STAR qualified products meet user requirements for performance, reliability and cost-effectiveness.

For bulk purchases and/or lease/maintenance agreements, include the provisions that - where applicable - the vendor must

  • Deliver all qualified products properly configured for current ENERGY STAR specifications.
  • Ensure that installation services include the full activation and proper configuration of any automatic energy-saving, power-down and/or power management features in order to maximize energy efficiency.
  • Ensure that maintenance services include the full re-activation and proper re-configuration of any automatic energy-saving, power-down and/or power management features to the terms of the current ENERGY STAR specifications at the time of service.
  • Customize sites and train users in order to maximize the energy efficiency of installed products.
  • Not disable power-management features except at the specific request of site staff.
  • Provide on-going customer support on all energy-saving, power-down and power management features.

Information Resources on Audio/Video

List of Models

Canada and the United States share ENERGY STAR qualified product lists.

On-line and downloadable lists of qualified models include the following information:

  1. Organization Name
  2. Brand Name
  3. Model Name
  4. Model Number
  5. Product Name
  6. Watts in Standby

How to Access

The list of qualified models on the U.S. ENERGY STAR website at http://energystar.gov

Product specifications for audio/video are available on the ENERGY STAR website.

Original Data Source

Data supplied to NRCan and EPA by participating manufacturers. ENERGY STAR Participants are required to perform tests and self-certify those products that meet the ENERGY STAR guidelines. A representative sample of AV products shall be tested to ensure that all units meet the ENERGY STAR criteria.

Update Frequency

ENERGY STAR criteria are updated as required.

The list of qualified models on the ENERGY STAR website is updated as manufacturers report new information.

Definitions

APD (Auto Power Down)- The capability to automatically switch a device from On Mode to Sleep Mode after a predetermined period of time (APD timing) has elapsed. APD timing begins when the following criteria have been met:

  1. the device has ceased performance of all primary functions, or
  2. the last user input has been received (e.g., remote control signal, volume adjustment).

The intent of APD is that products will automatically power down into Sleep Mode when not in active use.

Loss of Signal (LOS):

  • For audio signals, LOS is defined as:
    • Analog inputs: less than 1 dB or more above the measured noise floor for 60 seconds.
    • HDMI: Receive <Inactive Source> or <Standby> signal over the CEC channel, or [Power Status] of an upstream device goes to "Standby" or "In Transition to Standby" over the CEC channel.
    • Other Digital Inputs (e.g., Ethernet): No audio information in the data stream.
    • Detectable cable disconnects.
  • For video signals, LOS is defined as:
    • Analog Inputs: Loss of either the horizontal or vertical sync signal.
    • HDMI: Receive <Inactive Source> or <Standby> signal over the Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) channel, or [Power Status] of an upstream device goes to "Standby" or "In Transition to Standby" over the CEC channel; or detection of a disabled TMDS link, a TMDS clock line signal below 22.5 MHz for more than one second, or a TMDS link operating outside of the valid frequency range.
    • DVI: Detection of a disabled TMDS link, a TMDS clock line signal below 22.5 MHz for more than one second, or a TMDS link operating outside of the valid frequency range.
    • Other Digital Inputs (e.g., Ethernet): No video information in the data stream.
    • Detectable cable disconnects.

Primary Function - Any discrete, dynamic device function that can be perceived by an end user, including the delivery of active audio/video and excluding the following:

  • Continuous device functions (e.g. clocks, status displays, indicator lamps)
  • Static device functions, such as:
    • no active audio or video processing or output;
    • playback paused or stopped;
    • no optical disc media in disc drive; or
    • system waiting in disc menu or other menu for user input.

Operational Modes:

  • On Mode: Where the product is connected to a mains power source, has been activated and is capable of providing one or more primary functions. The common terms "active", "in-use" and "normal operation" also describe this mode.
    • Active State: A state within On mode in which a product is performing a primary function.
    • Idle State: A state within On mode in which a product is not performing a primary function and no content is actively being delivered to the end-user.
  • Sleep Mode: The common term "standby" may also describe this mode, where the product is connected to a mains power source, is incapable of providing a primary function, and offers one or more of the following user oriented or protective functions which may persist for an indefinite time.:
    • to facilitate the activation of other modes (including activation or deactivation of On mode) by remote switch (including remote control), internal sensor, timer;
    • continuous function: information or status displays including clocks;
    • continuous function: sensor-based functions.
  • For purposes of this specification, Sleep Mode is defined as the time when the product is connected to a power source, produces neither sound nor picture, neither transmits nor receives program information and/or data (excluding data transmitted to change the unit's condition from Sleep Mode to On Mode), and is waiting to be switched to On Mode by a direct or indirect signal from the consumer (e.g., with the remote control).
  • Off Mode: Where the product is connected to a mains power source, is not providing any On Mode or Sleep Mode functions, and cannot be switched into any other mode except by user actuation of a manual power switch. An indicator that only shows the user that the product is in the off position is included within the classification of an Off Mode.

EPS (External Power Supply) - Also referred to as External Power Adapter. A component contained in a separate physical enclosure external to the AV product, designed to convert line voltage AC input from the mains to lesser DC voltage(s) in order to provide power to the AV product. An EPS connects to the AV product via a removable or hard-wired male/female electrical connection, cable, cord or other wiring.

HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) - A compact audio/video interface for transmitting uncompressed digital data.

  1. CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) Protocol: A single-conductor wire or bus technology that is an optional feature in the HDMI specification. CEC is meant to carry IR/remote and/or control commands between HDMI devices that are interconnected. CEC is not currently required for HDMI compliance.

High Definition Resolution - Video output with resolution greater than 480 lines (480i/p).

Multi-component System - A product consisting of several components with separate enclosures that are sold as and intended for use as a single system. A "Home Theater in a Box" is an example of a Multi-component System.

Audio Amplifier Type Classifications:

  • Full-spectrum Amplifier: An amplifier capable of full (20 Hz to 20 kHz) audible frequency range output on all channels.
  • Limited-bandwidth Amplifier: An amplifier limited to less than full (20 Hz to 20 kHz) audible frequency range output on one or more channels.

Product Functions:

  • Audio Amplification: A function by which a device increases the amplitude of an audio signal for purposes of sending the signal to a transducer for playback.
  • Audio Signal Processing: A function by which a device modifies an audio signal for a purpose other than amplification.
  • High Resolution Display: A function by which a device converts a video signal into a visual output (e.g., LCD panel, Plasma display panel).
    This definition does not include Status Display.
  • Status Display: A function by which a product provides a visual display of less than 480x234 pixel resolution or 5 inches diagonal screen size, including a back lit alphanumeric clock or channel indicator. This definition does not include single indicator lamps.*
    *Note that single indicator lamps are not provided power allowances under this specification.
  • IP Video Tuner: A function by which a device can play back streaming digital video content packetized or downloaded over an IP network.
  • Networking / Control Protocol: A function by which a device can connect to a network for transmission and receipt of data. The connection may be wired or wireless (e.g., WiFi, Ethernet, Bluetooth, RS-232, USB).
  • Optical Disc Player / Recorder: A function by which a device can read and/or write data to removable disk media (e.g., CD, DVD, Blu-ray Disc).

THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) - The ratio of the sum of the powers of all harmonic components to the power of the fundamental frequency of a signal.

MUP (Maximum Undistorted Power) - The amplifier output power at which the THD of any output channel is 1% or greater for any given output.

Product Family - A group of product models that are (1) made by the same manufacturer, (2) subject to the same ENERGY STAR qualification criteria, and (3) of a common basic design. Product models within a family differ from each other according to one or more characteristics or features that either (1) have no impact on product performance with regard to ENERGY STAR qualification criteria, or (2) are specified herein as acceptable variations within a product family. For Audio/Video, acceptable variations within a product family include:

  1. Color
  2. Housing

Test Setup and Methods

  • ENERGY STAR Test Method for Audio/Video, Rev. Aug-2010
  • IEC 62301, Ed. 1.0, “Measurement of Household Appliance Standby Power”
Product Specification Summary
Name of current specification ENERGY STAR Qualifying Criteria for Audio/Video - Version 2.1
Effective date of current specification
  • Tier 2 effective July 30, 2010
Notes on future updates
  • Tier 3 effective March 30, 2012
Reminder: Always check the ENERGY STAR website to ensure you have the most current product specifications and other program information.

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