Purchasing Toolkit – Consumer Electronics

ENERGY STAR® – Audio/Video

Product Classifications

AV Product:

For purposes of this purchasing guide, all mains-connected products that offer audio amplification and/or optical disc drive functions and do not meet the definition of a Dedicated Audio DSP Device shall be classified as AV Products and subject to the requirements specified in this document.

Dedicated Audio DSP Device:

A device may be classified as a "Dedicated Audio DSP Device" if it meets all of the following criteria:

  • provides audio digital signal processing as its primary function;
  • provides support for one or more networking / control protocols; and,
  • does not provide audio amplification.

Consumer AV Product (Applicable to Tier 1 Version 2.0 Only)1:

Consumer AV Products are intended for sale to individual consumers and include the following: cassette decks, CD players/changers, CD recorders/burners, clock radios, DVD & Blu-ray Disc products, equalizers, laserdisc players, mini- and midi-systems, minidisc players, powered speakers, rack systems, stereo amplifiers/pre-amplifiers, stereo receivers, table radios, and tuners.

1 The definition for Consumer AV Product is included here strictly for purposes of maintaining continuity of requirements for products that were eligible for qualification under the Version 1.0 ENERGY STAR Audio/DVD specification under the new Tier 1 Version 2.0 ENERGY STAR Audio/Video specification. This definition will be phased out when Tier 2 Version 2.0 requirements take effect on July 30, 2010.

Criteria for ENERGY STAR Qualified Audio/Video

Note: Consumer Audio/Video products previously ENERGY STAR qualified under Audio/DVD Version 1.0 specification are not subject to new requirements until Tier 2 of Version 2.0 takes effect.

Power Consumption Limits (Watts) – Audio/Visual
Product Function Tier 1
Consumer AV Products		 Tier 1
All Other Products		 Tier 2
All Products		 Tier 3
All Products
Standby Mode
Consumer AV Products 1.0 N/A N/A N/A
Sleep Mode
Base (All Products) N/A 1.0
In-use Networking/
Control Protocol
(Wake/Sleep
Capability Only)		 N/A 2.0 1.0
On Mode
High Resolution Display
(> 480x234 pixel resolution and 5 inches diagonal screen size)		 N/A 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		 N/A 2.0 1.0
Standard Definition (SD) Source Optical Disc Player/Recorder N/A 6.0 (Playback)
16 (Recording)		 TBD
SD Source to HD Output "Upconversion" Optical Disc Player/Recorder N/A 10 (Playback)
16 (Recording)		 TBD
High Definition (HD) Source Optical Disc Player/Recorder N/A 15 (Playback)
25 (Recording)		 TBD
The limits specified in Sleep Mode and On Mode are additive:
  • To qualify for ENERGY STAR, the calculated Sleep Mode power consumption for a product must not exceed the sum of the limits for each applicable product function listed above.
  • To qualify for ENERGY STAR, power consumption in On Mode must not exceed the sum of the limits for each applicable product function listed above, with exception of the optical disk player limit. In the case where multiple On mode tests can be performed on a single product (e.g. playback and recording), the product must meet the On Mode requirements listed above for each test that is performed.
  • Exception to On Mode Power Consumption Requirements: Dedicated Audio DSP Devices that meet the definition in Section 1 are exempt from ENERGY STAR On mode power consumption requirements.

 

Efficiency Requirements and Power Consumption Limits - Audio Amplifiers
Product Function Tier 1
Consumer AV
Products		 Tier 1
All Other
Products		 Tier 2
All Products		 Tier 3
All Products
On Mode Efficiency Requirements
Audio Amplification
Small Amplifiers
(PIN < 20 W)		 N/A No Efficiency Requirement
Audio Amplification
Medium Amplifiers
(20 W <= PIN < 100 W)		 N/A          Efficiency > 55%          
(Efficiency = POUT/(PIN * 0.80)		 TBD
Audio Amplification
Large Amplifiers
(PIN >= 100 W)		 N/A Efficiency > 55%
(Efficiency = POUT / PIN )		 TBD
Idle State Power Consumption Limits (Watts)
Base (All Products) N/A 5.0
Audio Amplification N/A P = (0.10 * POUT ) or 5 W, whichever is greater
PIN = Input Power @ 1/8 MUP 1 kHz Sine Wave
POUT = Output Power @ 1/8 MUP 1 kHz Sine Wave
The limits specified in Idle State Power Consumption are additive:
  • To qualify for ENERGY STAR, power consumption in Idle state must not exceed the sum of the limits for each applicable product function listed above.

Mandatory Auto Power Down (APD)

To qualify for ENERGY STAR, all products must offer APD functionality that is enabled by default. APD timing begins after the last user input has been received (e.g., control signal, volume adjustment) or when the product ceases performance of all primary functions. For devices that process audio or video signals from external sources, the presence of a signal on any active AV input may constitute performance of a primary function, and APD timing begins upon loss of audio or video signal (LOS) on any active AV inputs. Manufacturers may offer users the option (via system menu, DIP-switch, or other means) to modify APD timing in 10 minute intervals or to disable APD entirely. Products may also initiate APD immediately upon receipt of authoritative control instruction via an active Networking / Control Protocol.

  • 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.

Products Sold with an External Power Supply

To qualify for ENERGY STAR, AV products that are sold with an External Power Supply must use either; (1) an EPS that is ENERGY STAR qualified, or (2) an EPS that meets the applicable No-load mode limits, Active mode efficiency levels, and power factor requirements provided in the latest version of the ENERGY STAR Technical Requirements for Single Voltage External AC-AC and AC-DC Power Supplies.

Multi-component Systems

On 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 must meet all applicable ENERGY STAR criteria in all networking and control configurations.

Excluded Products

Products that are covered under existing ENERGY STAR product specifications are not eligible for qualification under the Audio/Video specification. For example, displays, monitors, lighting, computers, and game consoles cannot qualify as Audio/Video products, since each is subject to qualification criteria under another ENERGY STAR specification.

The following products are excluded from qualification under this specification.

  • Products which meet the definition of a Display, Television, Set-Top Box (STB), Computer, or Game Console per the definitions in ENERGY STAR requirements for those product categories.
  • Products whose primary video playback capability is via IP Video Tuner and which are sold or provided outside of a dedicated service contract.
  • Primarily battery-powered products (i.e. MP3 players, portable DVD players, portable gaming systems, etc.) Note that primarily battery-powered products may be eligible for qualification as End Use Products under ENERGY STAR. In addition, see the Tier 1 Exception for Portable Video Disc Players below.
    • Tier 1 Exception for Portable Video Disc Players: Portable DVD and Blu-ray Disc players that were previously eligible for qualification under the Version 1.0 ENERGY STAR Audio/DVD specification will be allowed to qualify under Tier 1 Version 2.0. At the time Tier 2 Version 2.0 requirements take effect, these products will no longer be eligible to qualify as ENERGY STAR.
  • 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 Standby mode, Sleep mode and On mode, 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).

Loss of Signal (LOS):

  • For audio signals, LOS is defined as:
    • Analog inputs: 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:

A primary function is any discrete, dynamic device function that can be perceived by an end user. The delivery of active audio/video content to an end user is considered a primary function.

  • Continuous device functions (e.g. clocks, status displays, indicator lamps) are not primary functions.
  • Static device functions are not primary functions. Static functions include, but are not limited to:
    • no active audio or video processing or output;
    • playback paused or stopped;
    • no optical disc media in disc drive; and,
    • 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 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 not 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.
  • Standby Mode (Applicable to Tier 1 Version 2.0 Consumer AV Products Only): The mode in which the product is connected to the power source, is possibly producing status information or time readout, is waiting to be switched to the active mode, and produces/records no video or audio signal (either directly audible, or audible as reproduced by headphones, loudspeakers, or other transducers). The product may exit the standby mode through an automatic timer activation, direct activation by the user, or a remote control command from the user. In standby mode, the product is substantially shut down but may continue to perform some functions (e.g., remote control sensing and clock).

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 lower DC voltage(s) in order to provide power to the AV product. An EPS must connect 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.

  • 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 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.

Audio Amplifier Size Classifications:

  • Large Amplifier: Where PIN ≥ 100 W (PIN = Input Power @ 1/8 MUP 1kHz Sine Wave)
  • Medium Amplifier: Where 20 W ≤ PIN < 100 W (PIN = Input Power @ 1/8 MUP 1kHz Sine Wave)
  • Small Amplifier: Where PIN < 20W (PIN = Input Power @ 1/8 MUP 1kHz Sine Wave)

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).
  • Status Display: A function by which a product provides a visual display of less than 480x234 pixel resolution or 5 inches diagonal screen size. A typical status display would be a back-lit alphanumeric clock or channel indicator. Note that single indicator lamps are not included under the definition of status displays and 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):

A measure of amplifier output power at the point at which the THD of the amplifier is 1% or greater.

UUT (Unit Under Test):

The device being tested.

Test Setup

Test setup and instrumentation shall be in accordance with the requirements of CAN/CSA-C62301:07 "Household electrical appliances - Measurement of standby power" Section 4, "General Conditions for Measurements"

Product Specification Summary
Name of current specification ENERGY STAR Technical Specifications for Audio/Video - Version 2.0 Qualifying Criteria
Effective date of current specification
  • Tier 1 effective November 16, 2009
  • 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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