US Energy Department outlines efficiency standards for set-top boxes

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.