New, Tougher HDTV Energy Star Standard Takes Effect

01.05.2010

Even more strident rules are on the horizon. Energy Star 5.0 becomes effective on May 1, 2012. When that happens, a qualifying 50-inch set will have to burn no more than 108 watts when on. So will a 60-inch set, since the EPA has decided that, for 5.0, the maximum consumption for 50 inches will be the maximum, period.

By comparison, according to the Energy Star 3.0 specs, a 32-inch set can burn more than that.