EN    EN EN EN    EN  COMMISSION OF THE E UROPEAN COMMUNITIES 
Brussels, xxx 
COM(2008) YYY final 
Draft 
COMMISSION REGULATION (EC) No …/.. 
of  
implementing Directive 2005/32/EC of the Euro pean Parliament and of the Council with 
regard to ecodesign requirements for simple set-top boxes EN 3   EN EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM  
1. CONTEXT  OF THE  PROPOSAL 
• Grounds for and objectives of the proposal 
Directive 2005/32/EC lays down a fram ework for the Commission, assisted by a 
Regulatory Committee, to set ecodesign re quirements for energy-using products. 
Ecodesign requirements are requirements that products covered by implementing measures must meet in order to be placed  on the market, with the aim of improving 
their environmental performance. 
Article 16 of the Directive states that 'the Commission sha ll, as appropriate, 
introduce (…) implementing measures star ting with (…) products (…) offering a 
high potential for cost-effective reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, such as (…) 
consumer electronics (…)' in accordance w ith the criteria set out in Article 15 (in 
particular significant volume of sales and trade, significant environmental impact, 
significant potential for improvement  and assessment of impacts).  
A technical, environmental and economic analysis ('preparatory study') has shown 
that (i) simple set-top boxes (SSTBs) are pl aced in large quantities on the EU market, 
(ii) the environmental impact related to th eir electricity consumption in the EU is 
significant, (iii) there are wide disparities in the power consumption levels of these 
devices, and (iv) cost-effective technical solutions exist which could significantly 
improve their environmental impacts. In  accordance with Artic le 15 of Directive 
2005/32/EC, SSTBs should therefore be covered by an ecodesign implementing measure. 
• General context 
The ongoing transition from analogue to digital broadcasting will bring several 
benefits for consumers, such as better quality of picture and sound and the availability of new services . Recognising these benefits Member States have agreed 
to harmonise their national strategies for 'analogue switch off'. The process expected 
to be complete in the EU by 2015. During this transition period TV sets able to 
receive only analogue signals will need to be accompanied by special digital 
adapters, i.e. simple set-top boxes, whic h have the primary f unction of converting 
digital input to analogue output signals. The installed base of these devices will grow 
sharply over the coming years leading to a considerable increase of their overall 
energy consumption. 
 
Graph 1. Scheme of a simple set-top box connected to an antenna and a TV set. EN 4   EN Because SSTBs have a simple functionali ty and a relatively short lifetime, 
consumers focus on price while disr egarding their energy consumption. 
Consequently most manufacturers have pa id no attention to driving down the energy 
consumption of SSTBs, even though techni cal solutions could be implemented at 
virtually no additiona l cost. In addition, as consumers are not aware of the power 
consumption of SSTBs, they tend to leav e them permanently switched on, which 
leads to a substantial wa ste of energy and money. 
The main environmental impact of SSTBs,  which is their energy consumption, could 
be reduced in a cost-effective manner by a set of ecodesign requirements. It is 
estimated that in EU-25 such requirement s would reduce the energy consumption of 
SSTBs 9 TWh from 14 TWh down to 5 TWh in 2014, which represents a reduction potential of 64% and a savi ng of EUR 1.4 billion at toda y's electricity prices, along 
with the abatement of 4 Mt  of CO2 emissions. Although out of these 9 TWh 6 would 
stem from reduced power consumption in st andby mode, the impact  of the horizontal 
Ecodesign implementing measure on standby a nd off-mode losses alone would be 
considerably lower without a product-spec ific requirement to equip these devices 
with an 'automatic power down' function. Overall by 2020, when these devices will 
disappear from the market (most new TVs and video-recorders should be shipped 
with integrated digital tuners), around 47 TWh could be saved. Furthermore the life-
cycle cost of a SSTB will fall from EUR 83 to EUR 58.  
• Existing provisions in the area of the proposal 
There are no existing provisions  in the area of the proposal. 
• Consistency with the other policies and objectives of the Union 
The Ecodesign Directive 2005/32/EC is an important instrument for achieving the 
Community objective of a 20% increase in energy efficiency by 2020, and its 
implementation is one of the priorities of  the Commission's Energy Efficiency Action 
Plan. Furthermore, implementation of Dir ective 2005/32/EC contributes to the EU's 
binding target to reduce greenhouse gases by at least 20% by  2020, or 30% by 2020 
if there is an international agreement th at commits other developed countries to 
comparable emissions reductions. The proposed Regulation is an important 
contribution to this process and to the Commission Action Plan on Sustainable Consumption and Production and on  Sustainable Industrial Policy. 
2. CONSULTATION
 OF INTERESTED  PARTIES  AND  IMPACT  
ASSESSMENT 
• Consultation of interested parties 
Consultation methods, main sectors targ eted and general pr ofile of respondents  
Stakeholders were consulted as part of the preparator y study, and in the Ecodesign 
Consultation Forum. 
On 22 February 2008 the Ecodesign Consu ltation Forum (established under Article 
18 of Directive 2005/32/EC) held a meeting on simple set-top boxes. Building on the 
results of the preparatory study, Commission staff presen ted a 'working document' 
suggesting ecodesign requirements for these devices. On 23 January 2008 the 
working document was sent to the members of the Consultation Forum, and to the secretariats of the ENVI (Environment, Public Health and Food Safety) and ITRE 
(Industry, Research and Energy) Committees  of the European Parliament for EN 5   EN information. The working document wa s published on DG TREN's ecodesign 
website and placed on the Commission's CI RCA system alongside the stakeholder 
comments received in writing before and after the meeting. 
In addition, the initiative was discussed at meetings of Commission staff with 
directly affected stakehol ders, and with internationa l partners, such as the 
International Energy Agency. 
Summary of responses and how th ey have been taken into account  
The positions of the main stakeholders, as expressed before, during and after the 
Consultation Forum meeting on 22 February in reactio n to the Commission staff 
working document can be summarised as follows. 
There was broad support for the quick in troduction of ecodesign requirements for 
SSTBs. In the course of the study the indus try had confirmed that the technology for 
reducing the power consump tion of SSTBs would be available and could be 
integrated within these devices before the proposed deadlines without additional cost. 
It was stressed that in order to ensure maximum compliance at an early stage, the 
measure should be kept simple and should focus on the key environmental impact of SSTBs, which is their energy consumption in  use. Also important was the issue of 
waste, although the preparatory study and consultation process did not identify any 
viable policy options in th is respect which would go be yond the existing provisions 
under relevant legislation, such as th e “WEEE” Directive 2002/96/EC on waste 
electrical and elec tronic equipment. 
There was broad support for the limit va lues proposed in th e working document, 
although environmental and consumer NGOs a nd some Member States indicated that 
these values should be even lower. Envi ronmental and consumer NGOs claimed that 
requirements could be imposed sooner than proposed in the working document, but this was challenged by some of the experts and by the industry, which indicated that 
the legislator had to take into consid eration the time needed for re-design, 
manufacturing, and shipment.  
Several stakeholders pointed to the need for a clear definition of these devices, 
differentiating them from devices performi ng more complex functions (complex set-
top boxes or CSTBs), which may be regul ated later in a separate Ecodesign 
Implementing Measure.  
Given the fact that consum ers tend to leave the SSTBs permanently in active mode, 
the proposed auto power-down function was c onsidered by stakeholders to be an 
essential element in the ecodesign re quirements for this product group.  
NGOs argued that the proposed requirements  should include provisions on labelling, 
the mandatory installation of a 'hard off sw itch' as well as a design option improving 
the recyclability of these devices.  
These issues have been considered but not retained for the proposed Regulation 
because of limited potential benefit (labelling, 'hard off switch'), increased cost to the consumer ('hard off switch') and unava ilability of the necessary materials 
(recyclability). Details are presented in the impact assessment. 
•  Collection and use of expertise 
Scientific/expertise domains concerned
 EN 6   EN External expertise on SSTBs was mainly  gathered through a preparatory study 
providing a technical, envir onmental and economic analysis, which was carried out 
by a consortium of external consultants on behalf of the Co mmission's Directorate-
General for Energy and Transport. 
Methodology used  
The methodology followed the provisions of th e Directive, in particular Article 15 
and Annexes I and II. The te chnical, environmental and economic analysis followed 
the structure of the "Methodology Study for the Eco-design of Energy-using 
Products" developed for the Commission's Di rectorate-General for Enterprise and 
Industry and endorsed by stakeholders.  
Main organisations/experts consulted  
The preparatory study was conducted in an open process that took into account input 
from relevant stakeholders including ma nufacturers and manufacturing associations, 
environmental NGOs, consumer organisations , EU/EEA Member State experts, and 
international organisations such as th e International Energy Agency (IEA).  
Summary of advice received and used  
No potentially serious risks with irreve rsible consequences were raised by any 
stakeholder, nor were any identi fied during the preparatory work. 
The technical, market and economical analys is carried out in the preparatory study 
resulted in recommendations for power c onsumption levels of SSTBs in active and 
standby mode as well as additional elements such an the 'automatic power-down function' which would enable the environm ental impact of these devices to be 
minimised. These recommendations were us ed as a basis for suggesting possible 
ecodesign requirements to the Consultation Forum.  
Means used to make the exper t advice publicly available
 
The preparatory study was accompanied by a dedicated website where interim results 
and further relevant materials were publ ished regularly for timely stakeholder 
consultation and input. The study website wa s publicised on the ecodesign websites 
of the Transport and Energy DG and Enterprise and Industry DG. An open 
consultation meeting for directly affected  stakeholders was or ganised on 17 October 
2007 to discuss the preliminary results of the study. 
The written submissions received in the course of the Consultation Forum process 
are available on the Commission's CIRCA por tal. The minutes of the Forum meeting 
on SSTBs are available on Tran sport and Energy DG's website. 
• Impact assessment 
An impact assessment was carried out pursu ant to Article 15(4) (b) of Directive 
2005/32/EC. Several options for improving the power consumption of SSTBs were considered, and the outcome can  be summarised as follows. 
Option 1. No EU action: This option implies that the market failure w ould persist, and it is to be expected that 
Member States would want to take i ndividual, non-harmonised action on SSTBs. 
This would hamper the functioning of the in ternal market and lead to considerable 
administrative burdens and costs for manufact urers, contrary to the goals of the EN 7   EN Ecodesign Directive. In addition, this op tion ignores the mandate given to the 
Commission by the Council and Parliament. 
Option 2. Self regulation: The industry has not brought forward any initiative for self-regulation on SSTBs. 
The Code of Conduct on the energy efficiency  of Digital TV Service Systems piloted 
by the Commission services (J RC Ispra), proposing energy  efficiency performance 
levels for SSTBs as well, has had a lim ited impact on the manufacturers of these 
devices and cannot be consider ed as self-regulati on in terms of the criteria laid down 
in Annex VIII of the Ecodesign Directive.  In addition, this ignores the mandate 
granted to the Commi ssion by the Legislator. 
Option 3. Energy labelling of simple set-top boxes: This policy option could have only a very limited impact because consumers are not 
driven in their decisions to purchase SSTBs  by the energy consumption levels of 
these devices. For an individual consumer , the magnitude of potential electricity 
savings over the lifet ime of an SSTB (approx. 25 euros)  would not be decisive when 
buying such a device. In addition it is likely that a substantial vol ume of sales will be 
taken up by TV operators as part of their se rvice package, which is a typical example 
of the 'Principal Agent' problem. Furthe rmore with an ecodesign measure taking off 
the market the worst performing products, there will be little variance between 
products in terms of their energy consumption, and hence little room for, and sense 
in, establishing a labelling sc heme with different energy cl asses. This also ignores 
the mandate given by the Legislator. 
Option 4. Ecodesign implementing measure for simple set-top boxes: This option would set staged ecodesign requi rements for SSTBs. It would correct the 
market failure, thus leading in a cost-effective way to a considerable reduction (close to two thirds) in the energy consumption of SSTBs. It would not entail significant 
administrative burdens for manufacturers or  retailers and would decrease the life-
cycle cost for the consumer without  reducing the profit margins of 
retailers/producers. In  addition, the mandate from the Le gislator would be respected. 
Following the principle of proportionality in  carrying out the analysis, Options 1-3 
were assessed qualitatively and discarded for the detailed analysis, and the impact 
assessment focussed on Option 4. With a view to Article 15(4) and 15(5) of Directive 
2005/32/EC, the impact on the environment, consumers and manufacturers of this option has been assessed. It has been c oncluded that the most appropriate policy 
option would be energy consumption limits in active and standby mode based on the 
function performed by an SSTB, with a basi c allowance for decoding digital signals 
in standard definition (SD), and additional a llowances for an integrated hard disk, a 
second tuner (allowing different  programmes to be recorded and viewed at the same 
time), and the decoding of digital signals in  high definition (HD) . It is proposed to 
apply these requirements in two stages, 1 y ear and 3 years after the entry into force 
of the proposed Regulation. As the consulta tion and analysis have shown, this will 
provide the appropriate balance between im provement of the environmental impact 
of SSTBs and cost benefits for the user/cons umer (due to a reduction in electricity 
consumption), on the one hand, and possible additional burdens for manufacturers (in 
particular due to unplanned redesign), on the other hand. EN 8   EN 3. LEGAL  ELEMENTS  OF THE  PROPOSAL 
• Summary of the proposed action 
Scope  
The SSTBs targeted by this Implementing Measure are devices with the primary 
function of converting standard-definition (S D) or high-definition (HD), free-to-air 
digital broadcast signals to analogue broa dcast signals suitable  for analogue TVs. 
Time-shift and recording functions (also ca lled Personal Video Recording) based on 
integrated hard disk, the conversion of HD broadcast signal reception to HD or SD 
video output, and a second tuner are all considered to be additional functions or parts of an SSTB, so additional power consumption allowanc es are provided for them. 
These allowances are cumulative. The deci sion to include them is based on the 
results of the preparatory study, which indicate  that as of 2012 such functions will be 
routinely integrated within SSTBs due to th e falling prices of ha rd disks suitable for 
consumer electronic products.  
After analogue switch-off, the set-top box will still exist as a product genre to 
provide high functionality to basic television equipmen t as new broadcasting and 
home networking technologies emerge. Th ese set-top boxes, termed Complex STBs, 
are differentiated from Simple STBs by ha ving a conditional access (CA) function, 
which requires a paid broadcast subscrip tion. Their functioning in a 'networked 
operating condition' allows multiple interactive services associated with digital broadcasting but requires these devices to be permanently in active mode. Due to 
these different characteristics, the envir onmental impact of Complex STBs will need 
to be addressed later through a di stinct set of policy measures.  
Staged implementation 
 
It is proposed to introduce maximum power consumption levels in two stages. These 
levels are differentiated according to th e operating mode — active mode or standby 
mode — and according to the function or se rvice provided — decoding of SD or HD 
signals, an integrated hard disk, a second tuner, and a display function in standby 
mode. The timing of the requirements for additional SSTB functions or components, 
namely the hard disk and the decoding of HD signals, is based on the expected entry 
onto the market of products with such functions or components in significant 
quantities as well as technologies allowing their energy consumption to be reduced. 
Taking into consideration that SSTBs with in tegrated hard disks will start entering 
onto the market in bulk qua ntities only around 2012, and in order to minimise the 
burden imposed on manufacturers, first tier requirements do not apply to SSTBs with 
integrated hard disks. 
Relation to the horizontal regul ation on standby and off-mode  
The power consumption allowance for standby  mode follows the provisions set out 
in the horizontal measure for standby and off mode losses. However, the proposed 
second stage requirements for standby mode of SSTBs as well the requirements to 
install an 'automatic power-down' function are set to apply one year and three years 
earlier, respectively, than in the horizontal standby measure, as the redesign cycle for 
these devices is relatively short and the necessary technology is readily available. 
The preparatory study has shown that thos e levels are cost-effective and can be 
achieved with current state-of-the-art tec hnology. The timing of the stages is set in 
such a way that negative impacts relate d to functionalities of equipment on the EN 9   EN market are avoided, and cost impacts for manufacturers, in particular SMEs, are 
taken into account, while en suring timely achievement of the policy objectives. 
The requirements laid down in this specifi c Regulation prevail over requirements laid 
down in Regulation 2009/../EC implementing directive 2005/32/EC with regard to 
ecodesign requirements for the standby a nd off mode power consumption of 
electrical and elec tronic household and office equipment.  
Automatic power-down  
Since studies have shown that consumer s have the tendency to leave SSTBs 
permanently in active mode, an automatic  power-down function is an essential 
element in this implementing measure, wh ich will require this function to be 
integrated in all SSTBs one year after its entry into force. 
Measurements  
The proposed Regulation requires  that measurements have to be accurat e, reliable 
and reproducible. A mandate for a corresponding harmonised standard will be issued. 
Verification procedure for market surveillance purposes  
A number of Member States have argued that the procedure in EN 62301 leaves 
room for product design that could system atically exceed prescribed ecodesign 
power levels by several percent. The tolera nce for the first test of the verification 
procedure is therefore reduced  from 15% to 10% for power  consumption greater than 
1.0 watt, and from 0.15 watt to 0.10 watt for power consumption equal to, or less than, 1.0 watt.  
In order to facilitate compliance checks manufacturers are requested to provide 
information in the technical documentati on referred to in Annexes IV and V of 
Directive 2005/32/EC in so fa r as it relates to the requi rements laid down in this 
implementing measure. 
Date for evaluation and possible revision
 
The main issues for a revision of the proposed Regulation are  
– the appropriateness of the levels for the specific ecodesign requirements  
– the appropriateness of the product scope 
– the possibility to improve environmental impacts other than energy in the 
use phase  
– the appropriateness of repealing the regulation (depending on the market 
penetration of SSTBs) 
– the development of new standards for digital broadcasting and associated 
technological and market developments regarding SSTBs 
The first stage of the ecodesign requiremen ts is proposed to become effective one 
year after entry into  force of the Regulation. The sec ond stage is proposed to become 
effective three years after en try into force of the Regula tion. Taking into account the 
time needed to collect and analyse data a nd in order to properly assess technological 
progress, a review can be presented to th e Consultation Forum no later than 5 years 
after entry into force of the Regulati on. The ongoing preparatory study on Complex 
STBs should also feed into this process. EN 10   EN • Legal basis 
The proposed Regulation is an impleme nting measure pursuant to Directive 
2005/32/EC in particular its Article 15(1). The Directive is based on Article 95 of the 
Treaty.  
• Subsidiarity principle 
The proposed Regulation implements Dire ctive 2005/32/EC. Since the objective of 
the proposed action, namely to ensure th e functioning of the internal market by 
requiring products to reach an adequate le vel of environmental performance, cannot 
be sufficiently achieved by Member States acting alone and can therefore, by reason 
of it scales and effects, be  better achieved at Commun ity level, the Community may 
adopt measures, in accordance with the princi ple of subsidiarity as  set out in Article 
5 of the Treaty.  
• Proportionality principle 
In accordance with the principle of propor tionality, this measure does not go beyond 
what is necessary in order to achieve the objective.  
No costs arise for national administrations  for transposition of the action into 
national legislation. 
• Choice of instruments 
Proposed instruments: Regulation. 
Other means would be less adequa te for the following reason(s). 
The proposed form of action is a Commi ssion Regulation (implementing framework 
Directive 2005/32/EC), because the objectives  of the action can be achieved most 
efficiently by fully harmonized requirem ents throughout the EU, ensuring the free 
movement of compliant equipment.  
Trade implications: WTO/TBT will be notified to ensure that no barrier to trade is 
introduced. 
4. BUDGETARY  IMPLICATION 
The proposal has no implications for the Community budget. 
5. ADDITIONAL  INFORMATION 
• Review/revision/sunset clause 
The proposal includes a review clause. 
• European Economic Area 
The proposed act concerns an EEA matte r and should therefore extend to the 
European Economic Area. EN 11   EN Draft 
COMMISSION REGULATION (EC) No …/.. 
of  
implementing Directive 2005/32/EC of the Euro pean Parliament and of the Council with 
regard to ecodesign requirements for simple set-top boxes 
(Text with EEA relevance) 
THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES, 
Having regard to the Treaty esta blishing the European Community, 
Having regard to Directive 2005/32/EC of the Eu ropean Parliament and of the Council of 6 
July 2005 establishing a framew ork for the setting of ecodesi gn requirements for energy-using 
products and amending Council Directive 92/42/EEC and Directives 96/57/EC and 
2000/55/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council1 and in particular Article 15(1) 
thereof, 
After consulting the Ecodes ign Consultation Forum, 
Whereas: (1) Under Directive 2005/32/EC ecodesign requi rements shouldbe set by the Commission 
for energy-using products representing signifi cant volumes of sales and trade, having a 
significant environmental impact and presen ting significant potential for improvement 
in terms of their environmental impact without entailing excessive costs. 
(2) Article 16(2) first indent of Directive 2005/32/EC provides that in accordance with the 
procedure referred to in Article 19(3) and the criteria set out in Article 15(2), and after consulting the Consultation Forum, the Co mmission will as a ppropriate introduce 
implementing measures targeting consumer electronics. 
(3) The Commission has carried  out a preparatory study whic h analysed the technical, 
environmental and economic aspects of simp le set-top boxes (herei nafter SSTBs). The 
study has been developed together with stak eholders and interested parties from the 
EU and third countries, and the results have been made publicly available. 
(4) It has been stated in the preparator y study that the number of SSTBs placed on the 
Community market will grow from 28 m illion in 2008 to 56 million in 2014, and the 
annual electricity consumption of SSTBs w ill grow from 6 TWh in 2010 to 14 TWh in 
2014, but that the electricity consumption of SSTBs can be significantly reduced in a 
cost effective manner.  
(5) The electricity consumption of SSTBs can be reduced by implementing existing non-
proprietary design solutions, which, despite being cost-e ffective, are not introduced 
onto the market in a satisfactory way becau se end-users are unaware of the running 
                                                
 
1 Directive 2005/32/EC (OJ L 191, 22.7.2005, p. 29). Directive as amended by Directive 2008/28/EC ( 
OJ L 81, 20.3.2008, p. 48). EN 12   EN costs of SSTBs, providing manufacturers with no incentive to integrate such solutions 
to reduced power consumption during use. 
(6) Ecodesign requirements for the power cons umption of SSTBs should be set with a 
view to harmonising ecodesign requireme nts for these devi ces throughout the 
Community and contributing to the functioni ng of the internal market and to the 
improvement of the environmental performance of these devices. 
(7) This Regulation should increase the ma rket penetration of technologies yielding 
improved energy efficiency of SSTBs, leadi ng to estimated annual energy savings of 9 
TWh in 2014, compared to a bus iness as usual scenario.  
(8) The ecodesign requirements should not have  a negative impact on the functionality of 
the product and should not negatively affect  health, safety and the environment. 
(9) A staged entry into force of the ecodesi gn requirements should provide an appropriate 
timeframe for manufacturers to redesign produ cts. The timing of the stages should be 
set in such a way that negative impacts re lated to the functionalities of equipment on 
the market are avoided and cost impacts fo r manufacturers, in particular SMEs, are 
taken into account, while en suring timely achievement of  the policy objectives.  
(10) Measurements of power consumption should be performed taking into account the 
generally recognised state of the art; ma nufacturers may apply harmonised standards 
established in accordance with Article 9 of Directive 2005/32/EC. 
(11) The requirements laid down in this Re gulation should prevail over the requirements 
laid down in Regulation 2009/../EC implem enting Directive 2005/32/EC with regard 
to ecodesign requirements for the sta ndby and off mode pow er consumption of 
electrical and el ectronic household and office equipment2.  
(12) Pursuant toArticle 8(2) of Directive 2005/32/EC, this Re gulation should specify that 
the applicable conformity assessment procedur es are the internal design control set out 
in Annex IV of Directive 2005/32/EC and the management system set out in Annex V 
of Directive 2005/32/EC. 
(13) In order to facilitate compliance checks manufacturers s hould be requested to provide 
information in the technical documentati on referred to in Annexes IV and V of 
Directive 2005/32/EC in so fa r as it relates to the requirements laid down in this 
implementing measure. 
(14) Benchmarks for currently available SST Bs with low power consumption should be 
identified. The availability of a '0 W- mode' on SSTBs could support consumers' 
behaviour and decisions to reduce unnecessa ry loss of energy. Benchmarks help to 
ensure wide availability a nd easy accessto information, in  particular for SMEs and 
very small firms, which further facilitates the integration of be st design technologies 
for reducing the energy consumption of SSTBs. 
(15) The measures provided for in this Regul ation are in accordance with the opinion of the 
Committee established by Article 19(1) of Directive 2005/32/EC, 
                                                 
2 OJ L … EN 13   EN HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION: 
Article 1 
Subject matter and scope 
This Regulation establishes ecodesign re quirements for simple set-top boxes.  
Article 2 
Definitions 
For the purposes of this Regulation, the defi nitions set out in Directive 2005/32/EC shall 
apply. The following definitions shall also apply: 
1. 'Simple set-top box' (SSTB) means a sta nd-alone device which, ir respectively of the 
interfaces used, 
(a) has the primary function of convert ing standard-definition (SD) or high-
definition (HD), free-to-air digital br oadcast signals to analogue broadcast 
signals suitable for analo gue television or radio, 
(b) has no 'conditional access' (CA) function  (c) offers no recording function based on removable media in a standard library 
format; 
A SSTB can be equipped with the following a dditional functions and/or components which do 
not constitute a minimum specification of an SSTB: 
(a) time-shift and record ing functions using an integrated hard disk 
(b) conversion of HD broadcast signal reception to HD or SD video output 
(c) second tuner. 
2. 'Standby mode(s)' means a condition where the equipment is connected to the mains 
power source, depends on energy input from  the mains power source to work as 
intended and provides only the following functions, which may persist for an 
indefinite time: 
(a) reactivation function, or reactivation function and only an indication of enabled 
reactivation function, and/or 
(b) information or status display; 
3. 'Reactivation function' means a function enabling the activati on of other modes, 
including active mode, by remote switch, incl uding remote control, internal sensor, 
timer to a condition providing additional functions, including the main function; 
4. 'Information or status display' means a continuous function providing information or 
indicating the status of the equipment in a displa y, including clocks;  
5. 'Active mode(s)' means a condition in whic h the equipment is connected to the mains 
power source and at least one of the main  function(s) providing the intended service 
of the equipment has been activated; 
6. 'Automatic power down' means a function which switches the active mode of an 
SSTB into standby mode after a period in the active mode following the last user 
interaction and/or channel change; EN 14   EN 7. 'Second tuner' means a part of the SSTB available for independent recording while 
allowing to watch a di fferent programme;  
8. 'Conditional access' (CA) means a provider- controlled broadcasting service requiring 
a market subscription television service.  
Article 3 
Ecodesign requirements 
The ecodesign requirements for SSTBs are set out in Annex I.  
Article 4 
Relationship with Regulation 2009/../EC  
The requirements laid down in this Regulation shall prevail over the re quirements laid down 
in Regulation 2009/../EC.  
Article 5 
Conformity assessment 
The procedure for assessing conformity referred to in Article 8(2) of  Directive 2005/32/EC 
shall be the internal design control system set out in Annex IV of Directive 2005/32/EC or the 
management system set out in Annex V of Directive 2005/32/EC. 
Article 6 
Verification procedure for market surveillance purposes 
Surveillance checks shall be carried out in acco rdance with the verification procedure set out 
in Annex II.  
Article 7 
Benchmarks 
The indicative benchmarks for best-performing products and technology  currently available 
on the market are identified in Annex III. 
Article 8 
Revision 
No later than 5 years after the entry into forc e of this Regulation the Commission shall review 
it in the light of technological progress and present the result of this review to the 
Consultation Forum. 
Article 9 
Entry into force 
This Regulation shall enter into force on the 20th day following that of its publication in the 
Official Journal of the European Union . 
Point 1 of Annex I shall apply as from one year after the date refe rred to in the first paragraph. 
Point 2 of Annex I shall apply as from three years after the date referred to in the first 
paragraph. EN 15   EN Article 10 
This Regulation shall be binding in  its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States  
Done at Brussels,  
 For the Commission 
   Member of the Commission EN 16   EN ANNEX I  
Ecodesign requirements  
1. One year after this Regulation has come in to force, SSTBs placed on the market shall 
not exceed the following power consumption limits; SSTBs with an integrated hard disk and/or second tuner are exempt from that requirement: 
 Standby mode Active mode 
Simple STB 1.00 W 5.00 W  
Allowance for display function in standby + 1.00 W _ 
Allowance for decoding HD signals _ + 3.00 W 
2. Three years after this Regulation has come into force SSTBs, placed on the market 
shall not exceed the following power consumption limits: 
 Standby mode Active mode 
Simple STB  0.50 W 5.00 W  
Allowance for display function in standby + 0.50 W _ 
Allowance for hard disk _ + 6.00 W  
Allowance for 2nd tuner _ + 1.00 W 
Allowance for decoding HD signals _ + 1.00 W  
 
3. Availability of standby mode 
One year after this Regulation has come into force, SSTBs shall provide standby 
mode. 
4. Automatic power-down 
One year after this implementing measure has come into force, SSTBs shall be 
equipped with an 'automatic power-down' or similar function with the following 
characteristics:  
– the SSTB shall be automatically switche d from active mode into standby after 
less than 3 hours in active mode followi ng the last user in teraction and/or a 
channel change with an alert message  2 minutes before going into standby 
mode.  
– the 'automatic power-down' function shall be set as default. EN 17   EN 5. Measurements 
The power consumption referred to in Po ints 1 and 2 shall be established by a 
reliable, accurate and reproducible measur ement procedure, which takes into account 
the generally recognised state of the art. 
Measurements of power of 0.50 W or greater shall be made with an uncertainty of 
less than or equal to 2% at the 95% confid ence level. Measurements of power of less 
than 0.50 W shall be made with an uncertainty  of less than or equal to 0.01 W at the 
95% confidence level.  
6. Information to be provided by the manu facturers for the purposes of conformity 
assessment 
For the purposes of conformity assessmen t pursuant to Article 5, the technical 
documentation shall contain the following elements: 
a) For standby and active modes – The power consumption data in Watts rounded to the second decimal place 
including consumption data for the di fferent additional functions and/or 
components 
– The measurement method used 
– Period of measurement 
– Description of how the appliance mode was selected or programmed 
– Sequence of events to reach the mode  where the equipment automatically 
changes modes 
– Any notes regarding the operation of the equipment 
b) Test parameters for measurements – Ambient temperature 
– Test voltage in V and frequency in Hz 
– Total harmonic distortion of th e electricity supply system  
– The fluctuation of the power s upply voltage during the tests  
– Information and documentation on the instru mentation, set-up and circuits used 
for electrical testing 
– Input signals in RF (for di gital terrestrial broadcasts  ) or IF (for satellite 
broadcasts) 
– Audio/video test signals as described in the MPEG-2 transport stream 
– Adjustment of controls 
The power requirements of peripheral devi ces powered by the STB for broadcast 
reception, such as active terrestrial antenna , satellite LNB or any cable or telecom 
modem are not required to be includ ed in the technical documentation. 
7. Information to be provided by the manu facturers for the purposes of consumer 
information  
Manufacturers shall ensure that consumer s of SSTBs are provi ded with the power 
consumption in Watts rounded to the first decimal place of st andby and active modes 
of the SSTB. EN 18   EN ANNEX II  
Verification procedure  
When performing the market surveillance checks  referred to in Article 3(2) of Directive 
2005/32/EC the authorities of the Member St ates shall apply the following verification 
procedure for the applicable requirements set out  in Annex I, Points 1, 2 and 4, as applicable. 
For power consumption larger than 1.00 W: Member State authorities sh all test one single unit. 
The model shall be considered to comply with the provisions set out in Annex I, Points 1 and 
2, as applicable, of this Regul ation if the results for active and standby mode conditions, as 
applicable, do no exceed the limit values by more than 10%. 
Otherwise, three more units shall be tested. The model shall be c onsidered to comply with this 
Regulation if the average of th e results of the latter three te sts for active and standby mode 
conditions, as applicable, does not exceed  the limit values by more than 10%. 
For power consumption smaller than, or equal to, 1.00 W: Member State authorities sh all test one single unit. 
The model shall be considered to comply with the provisions set out in Annex I, Points 1 and 
2, as applicable, of this Regulation if the resu lts for active and/or standby mode conditions, as 
applicable, do not exceed the limit values by more than 0.10W. 
Otherwise, three more units shall be tested. The model shall be c onsidered to comply with this 
Regulationif the average of the results of the latter three te sts for active and/or standby 
conditions, as applicable, does not exceed the limit values by more than 0.10W. 
Otherwise, the model shall be  considered not to comply. EN 19   EN ANNEX III  
Benchmarks  
The following indicative benchmarks are identified for the purpose of Annex I, part 3, point 2, 
of Directive 2005/32/EC. They refer to the best  available technology at the date of adopting 
this Regulation:  
SSTB without any additional features: – Active mode: 4.00 W 
– Standby mode excluding the display function: 0.25 W 
– Off-mode: 0 W 
SSTB with an integrated hard drive – Active mode: 10.00 W 
– Standby mode excluding the display function: 0.25 W 
– Off-mode: 0 W 
The above benchmarks are established on the basis of a SSTB with a basic 
configuration, an 'automatic power down' function and a hard-off switch.