Audio Video News

Ultra HDTVs and associated technologies are the next chapter in video history. But they also use an average of 30 percent more energy than regular HDTVs. According to a report from the National Resources Defense Council, this may add $1 billion to U.S. consumers’ energy bills.

The good news is that UHDTVs are not all created equal. “There is a huge range in the efficiency of the UHD models on the market,” says Noah Horowitz, director of NRDC’s Center for Energy Efficiency. “We found an almost three-fold difference in energy consumption between the best and worst, with some models using little or no more energy than their HD predecessors.” But others suck up as much power as a fridge.

What can a conscientious (or just plain thrifty) consumer do? First, look for Energy Star certification—a good idea when buying any appliance. Then enable the auto brightness control, which adjusts for room lighting. And disable the quick-start on Internetconnected sets. Aren’t energy savings worth waiting for?