The new age of digital television brings us many new possibilities. More channels and choice, high definition broadcasts with superb picture quality and interactivity, and maybe increasing carbon emissions!
Twenty years ago most households had one television set. Now the typical home is estimated to have 3 or 4 Tv's, 2 DVD players, a PC and monitor, a couple of set top boxes and a radio or two.
Can we be blamed? The cost of manufacture has fallen a lot over the last 20 years and with manufacturers making even more desirable Tv equipment, it is the norm to possess more than one Tv.
By 2020 all the extra gadgets could drive domestic energy usage up by as much as 20% compared to todays' figures. This will be a huge increase and most people would agree with that. Today the estimated domestic standby usage of domesticated countries is around 5% of total electricity use, 1% of total CO2 emissions.
The obvious answer is probably really simple but can be to implement in practice. Mobile phone chargers and radios can be turned off when not in use but Sky boxes, PVR's and HD recorders usually require constant power to retain full functionality. The solution now would be more energy efficient equipment.
Most Tv manufacturers are already developing more energy efficient equipment. There is the idea of passive standby circuits in TV's and set top boxes where only the minimum required circuitry is powered up and major manufacturers are finding ways to reduce Television power consumption.
The future probably isn't bad and it looks like the issues are already being addressed. With a little more consumer awareness and product development everyone should benefit from reduced electrical bills.
For further reading of this article please visit our Uk digital Tv site.
