The US government, the CEA, and pay-TV providers want to save consumers $1 billion annually with a new voluntary standard for set-top box energy-efficiency.
A new agreement between the US Energy Department, environmental groups, and various technology firms could improve energy efficiency of cable and satellite set-top boxes by 10 to 45 percent by 2017. Experts believe the deal could save up to $1 billion in energy costs annually. The pact doesn’t include any binding legislation or regulations that companies must legally adhere to; it’s entirely voluntary. But nearly the entire pay-TV industry has already committed to honoring the agreed upon terms. Comcast, DirecTV, Dish Network, Time Warner Cable, AT&T, Verizon, Cox Communications, Charter Communications, Cablevision, Bright House Networks, and CenturyLink are the service providers that have signed the agreement. Manufacturers including Cisco, Arris, and EchoStar are also taking part.
Will the new round of game consoles be subjected to these guidelines?