Green Calgary

Rabbit Ears, Converter Boxes, & Energy Efficient Televisions

Reader Question

I’m probably in the minority here but I’m one of those people that still use “rabbit-ears” to watch TV. Since I have an older TV the switch from analog to digital programming later this summer will affect me. I appreciate having a few channels to catch the nightly news, so I’m wondering if it makes more sense to purchase a converter box that allows me to keep my old TV or should I replace it altogether with a new and possibly more energy efficient one?

Ashley's Answer

According to the CRTC (Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission), in 2005 just 13% of Canadians were considered off-air households, meaning they did not subscribe to a cable or satellite service.  This is down from 25% a decade earlier, which means that people are either watching more TV today than in the mid-nineties or, perhaps, people simply want more channels to choose from. Either way, it appears that the switch from analog to digital on August 31, 2011 will have an impact on some Canadians, and those with older sets will have to doll out some cash if they are to continue receiving the “free” channels they’ve grown used to. 

People with built-in integrated digital tuners (check your owners manual) will not be affected by the switchover but older TVs will require a digital-to-analog converter box, which will cost you between $60 and 100. As for power consumption, the vast majority of converter boxes are relatively energy efficient, consuming between 5.1 and 8.1 watts while they are on and between 0.32 and 1.37 watts while in sleep mode. The energy consumption from a converter box should not be your main motivation for replacing your TV, but newer LED (light emitting diode) TVs sip power compared to older models and especially plasma TVs - the 4X4s of the television world - and this may sway your decision.

There are several things that affect television power consumption, including screen size, picture type, and its standby power consumption (the phantom load). Let’s start with the obvious – smaller TVs consume less power than larger sets. Double the area of the screen and you double your power consumption. This means that a 32” screen will consume between three and four times more power than one with a 22” screen, so don’t let the standard diagonal measurement fool you; it’s the area of the screen that matters.

As for TV type, LED models consume up to 50 to 60% less power than LCDs (liquid crystal display) or CRTs (cathode ray tube - the old heavy boxy TVs) and 80% less power than plasma screens and. LED TVs are far and away the most efficient of the lot and you will most certainly notice a decrease in your power consumption if you go this route.

Finally, many of the newer Energy Star rated TVs have reduced the stand power consumption from as much as 50 watts (common in some first generation plasma TVs) to less than 1 watt. We can thank California for putting an end to this stupidity but, of course, you can stamp out phantom loads yourself by simply unplugging your electronics (TVs included) when they are not in use. Alternatively, you can place your electronics on a power bar and turn it off when they are getting a rest.

From this we can see that there are several things to consider. You could keep your old TV and spring for a converter box, which would add 5 to 8 watts to your power consumption. Otherwise, your left with purchasing a new energy efficient TV with a built-in digital tuner. If you go with this option, I’d suggest going with an LED model and one as small as you can possibly handle. Remember, a 32” screen will use three to four times more power than 22” screen. And of course, if you must dispose of a TV do it properly. Televisions, and in particular older models, are full of lead and other heavy metals but there are dozens of locations around the city to safely recycle old electronics. Click here for a location near you. 

Of course, this may be your chance to kick the TV habit and pick up a copy of Jerry Mander’s book Four Arguments for the Elimination of Television (1978). It’s a fascinating read and will get certainly get you thinking about this all pervasive communication medium. It certainly impacted me, and after reading it I’ve gained a whole new appreciation for the humble but absolutely wonderful radio. You may never look back.

Provokingly,

Ashley

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