Set-Top Boxes

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A "set-top box" (STB) is a cable, satellite, Internet Protocol or other device whose primary function is to receive television signals from a specific source and deliver them to a consumer display and/or recording device, such as a television or DVR.

ENERGY STAR certified set-top boxes are on average 25 percent more efficient than conventional models. In fact, if all set-top boxes in the U.S. met ENERGY STAR requirements, consumer energy cost savings would grow to about $580 million each year, reducing greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from about 790,000 cars.

Households can experience significant energy savings through the deployment of multi-room thin-client devices in homes that are currently served by two or three high-power STBs with DVR functionality. This multi-room architecture allows for all but one power-hungry DVR to be removed from every home. For a home with three televisions, set-top box energy savings can be up to 30 percent versus having one DVR per television. 

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BUYING GUIDANCE

What should you know about choosing ENERGY STAR certified Set-top Boxes?

Most set-top boxes are given to consumers as part of their contract with a service provider, rather than sold independently at retail stores. So, when you are deciding on a cable or satellite service, be sure to ask the service provider for an ENERGY STAR certified set-top box.

If you currently have cable or satellite service, check with your service provider to find out what, if any, upgrade options are available. ENERGY STAR Partners who provide cable and satellite services may be able to provide newly certified boxes as part of your service.

Be sure to look for the ENERGY STAR when shopping for set-top boxes

Current Specification Effective Date: Version 5.1: January 1, 2017

Version 5.1 ENERGY STAR Program Requirements for Set-top Boxes became effective for all products excluding Thin Clients on January 1, 2017. Thin Clients must meet Version 5.1 requirements by January 1, 2018. The revised requirements include more stringent performance levels as well as incentives for operation in Deep Sleep State (less than or equal to 1 watt), Scheduled Sleep, use of Thin Clients, and streaming directly to a smart TV in multi-room setups.

Set-top Boxes & Cable Boxes Key Product Criteria: ENERGY STAR 

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