Energy Star Announces New Energy Efficiency Specification for Audio and Video Products

In keeping with the rapid development of audio/video (AV) technology, Energy Star skipped the third phase of the current audio/video (AV) energy efficiency specification. Although it took longer than initially expected, the new version (3.0 version) of Energy Star's audio and video product energy efficiency specification (PDF text) was finally released on August 1, 2012.

The energy efficiency requirements for the third phase of the old version 2.1 specification was originally planned to be implemented in the spring of 2012; the new version (version 3.0) specification will take effect on May 1, 2013. As before, the new specification covers all mains connectivity products that provide audio amplifier and/or disc player functionality.

The most significant changes in the new version (version 3.0) specification include:

Introduced a new boot mode power consumption requirement for Blu-ray players, which is 30% stricter than the previous version 2.1 version 2;

Increasing the definition of consumer and commercial amplifiers, enabling the EPA to develop efficiency standards for amplifiers in the future after obtaining data; revised automatic power down (APD) requirements to allow commercial amplifiers to disable APD functionality at the factory (as long as they meet Idle mode power requirement);

Set tolerances for multiple network and control protocols implemented in a product, including Gigabit Ethernet or Wi-Fi protocols.

The other minor changes in the new specification are:

Added radio frequency (RF) Remote Control to the definition of performance amplifiers for consumer amplifiers, as feedback from stakeholders can also be used with consumer products, and remote controls (irrespective of infrared or RF) are not used with commercial products. ;

Clarify that the 2-Watt adder only works with Wi-Fi or Gigabit Ethernet with wake-up functionality, even though the product supports both protocols and provides wake-up functionality.