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The energy consumption of a television is measured under conditions specified in an Australian Standard. For most screen technologies, the power consumption of the television varies with the picture content, so the standard specifies a defined dynamic broadcast-content video signal for the determination of energy consumption.
For energy labelling (and MEPS), the regulatory standard assumes usage of 10 hours per day in on mode. The remainder of the time (14 hours per day) is assumed to be passive standby mode, less any time in active standby mode. Active standby mode is usually used to download electronic program guides and for firmware updates and generally operates automatically for only short periods each day. Not all products have an active standby mode. Over a year, the total energy consumption of all modes is known as the comparative energy consumption or CEC.
The key parameter for determining efficiency of televisions is screen area. Different televisions may have different features such as digital tuners or high definition displays (usually defined as 1080p = lines of vertical resolution). No specific allowances are made for screen technology or features – all products are compared on the same basis using the same equations which are based on screen area.
Televisions are labelled on the "home viewing mode" which is recommended by the supplier. This picture mode must be the "out of box" condition or the default mode on the start up installation menu. The energy tests for energy labelling and MEPS are performed in the "out of box" condition or the default position of the installation menu.
Many televisions have a "store mode" which is designed for higher brightness when the product is on display in retail outlets. Whenever the television is switched to "store mode" a warning message must be provided to inform the viewer that this mode is operational.
While the screen luminance of televisions is measured and recorded as part of their energy labelling and MEPS application, there is no specific minimum luminance requirement. This is because the screen appearance and brightness is partly affected by screen technology. However, there is a requirement that the "home viewing mode" luminance is not less than 50% of the "store mode".
The Base Energy Consumption defines the "1 star" line for particular products. An additional star is awarded when the CEC of the model is reduced by a defined percentage from the BEC. Energy reductions per additional star for televisions are set at 20% per star. For example, a CEC that was 0.8 of the BEC (or less) would achieve 2 stars. Similarly, a CEC of 0.64 (0.8 x 0.8) of the BEC (or less) would achieve 3 stars and so on.
Televisions are also subjected to Minimum Energy Performance Standards or MEPS. The BEC (1 star) and Tier 1 MEPS requirements for televisions were developed together and were implemented in October 2009. A Tier Two MEPS set equivalent to 4 stars on the mandatory comparative energy label will be implemented from October 2012 with achievability to be confirmed by a marketplace review to be undertaken and reported by April 2011.
An approved Energy Label for televisions must be displayed on all products which are offered for sale in Australia.
A fact sheet on television labelling and MEPS provides more details.
Additional information for retailers and consumers is also available.
The detailed star rating equations are contained in the document "
Equations for Appliance Star Ratings"
There is an overview of how star ratings are calculated for other products on this site.
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