Draft 1 ENERGY STAR Version 7.0 Televisions Specification
Comment-summary Document
Topic

Subtopic

Stakeholders Comment Summary
Two stakeholders expressed support for EPA’s effort to harmonize with the U.S.
Department of Energy Appendix H to Subpart B of 10 CFR § 430 as it streamlines thetesting process and provides clear direction for Partners.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Response
EPA will maintain harmonization with the U.S. Department of Energy Appendix H to Subpart B of 10
CFR 430.

Definitions

GeneralTwo stakeholders expressed support for removing the definitions for Rear-projection,
Direct-view, Analog, and Combination TVs. However, one stakeholder noted that
Component TVs may briefly re-enter the market when ATSC 3.0 is launched.

EPA will continue to exclude the definitions for Rear-Projection, Direct-View, Analog, Combination,
and Component TVs but per the stakeholder comment welcomes examples of Component TVs to
track their relevance on the market.

Definitions

Basic Model

Two stakeholders agreed with replacing the Version 6.0/6.1 Product Family definition
with the Basic Model definition in 10 CFR 430, Subpart A, Section 430.2.

EPA will maintain the Basic Model definition.

Definitions

Default Picture Setting

One stakeholder noted that the Default Picture Setting definition in the current draft
differs from the definition in CEA-2037-A and in the upcoming IEC 62087-3 standard. In
the Retail Configuration, the Default Picture Setting is known as the "Retail Picture
Setting," whereas in the Draft 1 Version 7 specification, Default Picture Setting can refer
to either the Home or Retail Configurations resulting in potential confusion. The
stakeholder recommended reviewing the conceptual framework in the above standards
which show the relationships clearly.

For reference and greater clarity, EPA has proposed inclusion of diagrams from the DOE Final Rule
illustrating how the picture setting definitions. To ensure harmonization with the U.S. Department ofEnergy Appendix H to Subpart B of 10 CFR § 430, EPA will maintain the current definition.

Definitions

Screen Area

One stakeholder agreed that area measurement of curved screens is necessary andagrees with the proposed definition.

EPA will maintain the updated Screen Area definition to accommodate curved TVs.

Definitions

Effective Vertical Resolution Three stakeholders expressed support for the inclusion of the Effective Vertical
Resolution definition. One stakeholder also noted that "addressability" is a term that canbe used rather than "native resolution" (e.g. 3840 x 2160 pixels or higher addressability).
Another stakeholder requested that the additional test and requirements for Effective
Vertical Resolution be clearly described.

Harmonization with
Final Rule

In Draft 1, EPA proposed the inclusion of a device-independent definition of resolution, “Effective
Vertical Resolution,” and referenced the Society for Information Displays (SID) Information Displays
Measurement Standard Version 1.03. This standard provides a means for determining effective
resolution that does not rely on physical structure, and instead focuses on objective measurements ofperformance which relate to human visual perception. This approach uses an alternating high contrast
band (>50% Michelson contrast (“contrast modulation”) in both vertical and horizontal). See section
7.8: http://www.sid.org/Publications.aspx
EPA thanks stakeholders for proposing "addressability" as a term used to describe TVs capable ofdisplaying UHD content. However, it is EPA's understanding that this term refers to the input of the TV
and not necessarily the output picture of the TV.
EPA also received mixed feedback about the use of Native versus Effective Vertical Resolution tocategorize higher resolution TVs. Despite support for the definition, it was not clear whether it would
be used in practice, nor did EPA receive data or examples of models that have a different Effective
Resolution from Native Resolution (physical pixel count). EPA is therefore proposing to use only
Native Resolution consistent with the existing and previous TV ENERGY STAR specifications. EPA
welcomes feedback on this approach, as well as in subsequent sections that relate to higher
resolution models such as TVs marketed as UHD.

Page 1 of 8

Draft 1 ENERGY STAR Version 7.0 Televisions Specification
Comment-summary Document
Topic
Definitions

Subtopic
Ultra High Definition

Stakeholders Comment Summary
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Response
EPA has considered the latest CEA definition for UHD but proposes not to include it in the Version 7
Two stakeholders suggested that EPA align the specification definition with thespecification at this time. Since the CEA definition may be subject to change over the coming years toConsumer Electronics Association (CEA) UHD definition. CEA's definition does not
adopt other emerging technologies, such as High Dynamic Range, EPA proposes waiting until UHD
include a reference to frame rate or the additional test proposed by EPA in Draft 1 but
characteristics become standardized and are widely adopted by the market, as seen with thedoes require the following characteristics:• Display Resolution—Has at least 8 million active pixels, with at least 3840 horizontally development of HD, before referencing a definition.
and at least 2160 vertically.
In order to simplify the specification, with Draft 2 EPA is proposing to remove a separate definition for• Aspect Ratio—The width to height ratio of the display’s native resolution is 16:9 or
UHD and simply specify that TVs that have at least 2160 pixel Native Vertical Resolution be eligible
wider.
• Upconversion – The display is capable of upscaling HD video and displaying it at Ultra for a separate power allowance. This proposal removes the frame rate requirements which are notincluded under CEA and reflects a similar approach to how EPA structured previous ENERGY STAR
High‐Definition display resolution.
specifications when HD started taking off in the market.
• Digital Input – Has one or more HDMI inputs supporting at least 3840x2160 native
content resolution at 24p, 30p, & 60p frames per second. At least one of the 3840x2160
HDMI inputs shall support HDCP v2.2 or equivalent content protection.
• Colorimetry – Processes 2160p video inputs encoded according to ITU‐R BT.709 color
space, and may support wider colorimetry standards.
• Bit Depth – Has a minimum bit depth of 8 bits.
One stakeholder noted that CEA continues to revise and update its definition of Ultra HD
as the technology evolves also suggested that the UHD definition include “8K” in addition
to “4K” resolution.

Definitions

Wake On LAN

EPA is proposing to not include Wake-On-LAN and Wake-on-Wireless definitions in the Draft 2
One stakeholder expressed support for adding the Wake-On-LAN definition andbecause these functionalities will not be distinguished from the functionality confirmed under the Fullsuggested a related definition for Wake-On-Wireless LAN (WoWLAN). Anotherstakeholder requested that this function not be required for viewing TV and that it instead Network Connectivity test procedures and when applying the Standby-Active, Low power
requirements to a TV. EPA did not receive feedback that Wake-On-LAN or WoWLAN requireremain categorized as a special function.
additional power, so for simplicity EPA will exclude it from the Definitions section.

Definitions

Gesture and Voice
Recognition

Two stakeholders inquired whether DOE and EPA have plans to test gesture and voice Based on discussions with industry stakeholders and available information, it does not appear thatrecognition features and whether consideration will be given if they save energy. Another gesture and voice recognition features require significant additional power in On Mode. As a result,
EPA does not propose testing or providing additional allowances for these features under the Version
stakeholder questioned whether gesture and voice recognition require significant
7.0 specification. Nevertheless, EPA proposes to include the definitions so that Partners are able toadditional power in On Mode.
report these features to consumers. EPA will continue to monitor the prevalence of these features in
the market and seek information regarding their energy consumption to determine if they should befurther addressed under future specification revisions.

Definitions

High Efficiency Video
Processing

One stakeholder questioned the need for an HEVC definition as the HEVC decoders do In response to feedback, EPA proposes to remove the High Efficiency Video Processing definition.
not consume significant power compared to other decoder technology, such as MPEG-2 EPA anticipates that UHD TVs with Thin Client Capability will include this technology, so there is nota need to specifically call it out on the ENERGY STAR Certified Products List, as Thin Clientand AVC. Another stakeholder commented that reporting HEVC is unnecessary.
Capability will already be highlighted.

Definitions

Modes

One stakeholder noted that CEA-2037-A and the upcoming IEC 62087 have slightly
different wording than the Draft 1 specification, but the meaning is harmonized.

Definitions

Two stakeholders agreed with the Multichannel Video Programming Distributor (MVPD)
Multichannel Video
definition.
Programming Distributor(MVPD)
Point of Deployment Module Two stakeholders commented that a definition for Point of Deployment Module (POD) is
no longer needed. The market did not support the additional hardware cost of adding
POD support to TVs so its presence is declining. If MVPD client support in televisions is
to succeed, the stakeholder believes that the conditional access feature must be
provided by downloadable software rather than modular, removable hardware. The
CableCARD specification requires significant power to be made available to theCableCARD slot which can force the selection of a larger power supply than otherwise
needed, and this might reduce efficiency.

EPA will maintain the definition for Multichannel Video Programming Distributor.

Power Overhang State

Despite stakeholder feedback, EPA is removing the definition and power requirements for Power
Overhang State because the Agency understands that the functions previously delivered in this state,including quick start, are now delivered in one of the Standby modes as defined in this specification.

Definitions

Definitions

One stakeholder commented that the definition of Power Overhang State should not be
removed and that the concept may prove useful in future discussions about standby
power, quick start, etc.

Page 2 of 8

EPA thanks the stakeholder for noting the minor difference. In an effort to harmonize with the U.S.
Department of Energy (DOE) Appendix H to Subpart B of 10 CFR § 430, EPA will maintain thedefinitions.

In light of stakeholder comments that Point of Deployment Modules in their current form are declining
on the market and nearly non-existent on the current ENERGY STAR certified products list, EPA
proposes to remove the definition from the Version 7 specification.

Draft 1 ENERGY STAR Version 7.0 Televisions Specification
Comment-summary Document
Topic

Subtopic

Stakeholders Comment Summary
Stakeholders expressed general support for the revisions proposed to the Included
Products language in Draft 1.

Scope: Excluded
Products

TVs with Main Battery

Two stakeholders expressed support for removing TVs powered with a Main Battery from Given that EPA received no stakeholder feedback opposing this change, that there are no ENERGY
the scope of the ENERGY STAR specification. Another stakeholder noted that CEA-2037- STAR-certified battery operated-TVs currently, and the inherent incentive for battery-operated TVs tosave energy, EPA retains the proposal to exclude TVs with Main Batteries in line with the scope of the
A and the upcoming IEC 62087-3 standard allow testing of TVs with main batteries if
DOE Appendix H to Subpart B of 10 CFR Part 430.
those main batteries can be removed. By performing all measurements with the mainbatteries removed, the televisions can be tested in the same manner as ac mainspowered televisions. This stakeholder suggested that EPA limit the exclusion to TVs with
non-removable Main Batteries.

Scope: Excluded
Products

Computer Monitors without One stakeholder expressed support for the exclusion of Computer Monitors without TV
a TV Tuner
tuners.

EPA will retain the scope exclusion for Computer Monitors without TV tuners. EPA notes that theseproducts will be considered under the Version 7.0 Displays specification development.

Scope: Excluded
Products

TVs with no StandbyPassive, Mode

Two stakeholders expressed support for removing the scope exclusion for TVs with noStandby-Passive Mode including TVs with PublicAlert certification. One stakeholder
reiterated that products that do not have Standby-Passive Mode could still be ENERGYSTAR certified with this change.

EPA confirms that that TVs that do not have Standby-Passive Mode are still eligible for ENERGYSTAR certification provided that they meet the Standby-Active, Low power requirements.

External Power
Supplies

Requirements

Two stakeholders agreed with the updates to the External Power Supply (EPS) efficiency EPA has updated the EPS requirements to reflect the energy conservation standards adopted byrequirements with one noting that clearly EPSs must meet U.S. federal regulations.
DOE earlier this year, and which cover both single- and multiple-voltage EPSs will take effect on
February 10, 2016.

Scope: Included
Products

Thin Client Capability

Stakeholders expressed support for the definition and consideration of Thin Client
Capability within the Version 7.0 specification. Several stakeholders noted that the net
effect of replacing a set-top box with a TV with Thin Client Capability is not wellunderstood and recommended that EPA not include any power allowance under Version
7.0 for this feature. Stakeholders urged EPA to consider conducting additional studies tobetter characterize its energy saving potential. Conversely, two other stakeholders
suggested EPA include a power allowance to further incentivize adoption.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Response
EPA will maintain the proposed Included Products language.

Based on stakeholder feedback and lack of available data on the energy performance of Thin Client
Capability within a TV, EPA is not proposing to include any power allowance or other incentive forTVs with Thin Client Capability under Version 7.0. As a growing segment of "smart TVs" arebeginning to feature Thin Client Capability, EPA seeks to provide consumers, retailers, and energy
efficiency program sponsors with basic information regarding this capability to increase awareness ofpotential benefits. Once more is understood about this feature, EPA will seek more data to better
quantify any benefits and consider addressing them in a future revision, if necessary.

EPA is retaining the following Draft 1 proposed requirement as follows:
Several stakeholders expressed support for EPA’s intention to offer ENERGY STAR"i. Report the presence of Thin Client Capability and supporting information including, but not limited
Partners the ability to highlight Thin Client Capability on the ENERGY STAR certified
products list, noting that it 1) would be seen by consumers as allowing for a receiver-less to, interoperability protocols, decryption, and decoding functions for display on the ENERGY STAR
certified products list; andinstallation and 2) could enable additional consideration in utilities' energy efficient TV
promotions. One stakeholder recommended that this functionality should be listed in both ii. Inform the consumer in the user manual and/or on-screen prompt that the TV may be capable ofoperating without a set-top box from a MVPD."
the user manual and via an on-screen prompt with the website to receive more
information about compatible service providers as well as an explanation outlining
Given regional variations and the ever-changing content delivery landscape, EPA proposes a flexible
benefits of using Thin Client Capability instead of traditional set-top-boxes.
and broad informational requirement and encourages TV manufacturers and MVPDs to provide
additional information and resources to consumers.
One stakeholder noted that each Thin Client Capable technology that EPA chooses torecognize must allow for the full home media server experience to be conveyed, as if the
Finally, EPA notes that manufacturers who have not yet finalized certifications to standards may haveTV was connected directly to the server via an HDMI cable and be an open standard
their EPA-recognized certification bodies update their product data at any time. The TV will still beavailable to be implemented by any manufacturer (e.g., it cannot be proprietary to aeligible for ENERGY STAR certification even if the industry standard (RVU, DLNA CVP-2)
particular Pay-TV provider or TV manufacturer). Of the industry standards identified bycertification is not complete and the manufacturer reports that the standard is not available at the timethe EPA in Draft 1, RVU and DLNA CVP2 meet these criteria.
of ENERGY STAR certification and subsequently updates the data at a later time. To assist Partners
in seeing how this proposed reporting requirement could appear, EPA has included with this Draft 2
Three stakeholders noted that reporting all of the technical capabilities of Thin Client
Capability would be prohibitively complex and that open standard certifications may not specification a Draft Version 7 Qualified Product Exchange (QPX) template for stakeholder review.
be approved at the time of ENERGY STAR certification, thus they recommend EPA not
make reporting a requirement. As products are brought to market, there are often several
ongoing processes required before the TV can be sold, such as certifications that may berequired for thin client capability. Thin client certifications may not be complete at thetime the product is submitted for ENERGY STAR certification.

Page 3 of 8

Draft 1 ENERGY STAR Version 7.0 Televisions Specification
Comment-summary Document
Topic

Subtopic

On-screen
Information

Standby Passive and Timer
Standby Active, Low
Requirements

Stakeholders Comment Summary
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Response
In agreement that consumers should be informed about features and functions that can EPA is proposing to keep the existing requirement Section 3.2.4 Picture Setting Requirements. Under
Version 6.0/6.1, over 65% of models include on-screen information about "ENERGY STAR" and overaffect the power consumption of the television, two stakeholders supported on-screen
70% provide a second prompt confirming a consumers' decision to switch from the default picture
information requirements for changes in Standby Mode settings provided that genericenergy savings language is allowed and the use of “ENERGY STAR” is not required (for setting. EPA recognizes that the picture setting requirements provides some flexibility in how and if
the "ENERGY STAR mark" is used while still informing consumers, and therefore, proposes to extend
all of Section 3.2 including picture settings). The stakeholders suggested display
language that reads "may increase the energy consumption of your product," or the like, this approach to Standby Mode information requirements.
that will not necessitate costly software and user interface modifications for products that
EPA also notes that settings in Standby Mode may include a wide variety of features (humanfail to meet a future specification or when a design modification causes the product tointerfaces, applications, timers, network connections, etc.) and be presented in a less straightforward
consume more energy. Two other stakeholders expressed support for on-screenmanner than Picture Settings. To allow for flexibility, EPA is proposing that Partners may meetinformation requirements similar to Section 3.2.4 Preset Picture Setting Menu, such as
Standby Mode on-screen informational requirements by including ENERGY STAR messaging next toincluding the ENERGY STAR mark in the name or description of the default as-tested
setting or in the form of a message displayed each time any setting other than the default the default as-shipped configuration or a more general message such as "this selection may change
the energy consumption of your product."as-tested setting is selected.
One stakeholder noted that experience with game consoles shows additional features
can significantly increase energy use in standby and therefore recommended that EPA
require manufacturers to set a default time (5 PM to 10 PM) for which features would beenabled. This approach asks the user to opt out rather than in, thus ensuring greater
adoption of such a timer and therefore higher energy savings.
In contrast, three stakeholders opposed the timer requirement pointing out that not allTVs have an active internal clock capable of maintaining time in event of power loss,
implementation is not standardized across manufacturers, and the U.S. DOE Annual
Energy Consumption equation does not incorporate any Standby-Passive Modes themodel may enter in the event a clock de- and re-actives network functions. One of thesestakeholders commented that if EPA decides to keep this concept it should be in the formof an incentive and not a requirement.

Standby-Active, HighMode

As a result of challenges in implementing a timer requirement, EPA has reconsidered this approach.
With more network enabled and feature-rich TVs entering the market in the next couple of years, EPA
expects that many TV features such as quick start will be enabled by default or prompted in a Forced
Menu and thus captured under Standby-Active, Low and Standby-Passive Modes tests, ensuring thatTVs with these features are evaluated against ENERGY STAR requirements. For those features thatare not enabled in the as-tested configuration, EPA believes the above proposed on-screen
requirements enable the consumer to optimally use the TV in a way that reduces energy waste.

One stakeholder expressed opposition to the requirement that the TV return to Standby- EPA has modified the requirement such that TVs return to a Standby Passive or Standby-Active, Low
Active, Low mode following a firmware update or other maintenance operation because it Mode rather than remaining in a higher power Standby-Active, High Mode following a firmware update
does not take into account TVs designed to enter alternate modes such as Standbyor delivering other functionality, such as quick start. For purposes of third-party certification, the time
Passive mode or other settings and it may limit older TVs from being updated to include within which the TV returns to the default as-tested stand-by active, low mode shall be reported by the
newer features.
Partner to the EPA-recognized certification body, however, documentation shall not be reviewed when
products are certified or during verification testing. EPA reserves the right to request thisdocumentation at any time.
Another stakeholder asked that EPA align with DOE’s test procedure and not include
requirements or test methods for Standby-Active, High Mode. Similarly, a third
stakeholder did agree that the TV should enter Standby-Active, Low or Standby-Passive EPA and DOE will also consider how to further address Standby-Active, High Mode under future
Mode; however, they argued that it is not easily testable by a 3rd party so it is not an
specification developments once more information on this function/mode transition becomesappropriate requirement and EPA should only suggest the behavior. A fourth stakeholder available.
asked that it be modified to include either Standby-Active, Low or Standby-Passive mode
if it is to be made a requirement.

Page 4 of 8

Draft 1 ENERGY STAR Version 7.0 Televisions Specification
Comment-summary Document
Topic
On Mode Power
Requirements

SubtopicHigh Definition

Stakeholders Comment Summary
Several stakeholders commented that the Draft 1 On Mode Power criterion for HighDefinition (HD) TVs is too strict capturing only 15% of models in the Version 6.0/6.1
database whereas 20-25% would be more appropriate:• Unlike in previous years, the rapid decline in TV On Mode power may be limited by amore mature LCD technology.
• Two manufacturers indicated that the calculated interpolated data for Notice of
Proposed Rule Making tested products are lower in power than actual measured datausing the DOE Final Rule test method. They suggested the EPA perform a new analysis
based on models certified to Version 6.1 with the Final Rule test method.
• Compared to several models meeting in the small and medium size bins, one
stakeholder noted that only one 70 inch TV meets the V7 Draft 1 proposal and that thecriteria should not penalize TVs is the 70, 80, and 90 inch size bins.
In contrast, two stakeholders commended EPA for its forward-looking approach indeveloping On Mode Power requirements and recommended more stringent
requirements by reducing the pass rate to 10% to account for the fact that there are 1-2
product cycles between now and the specification effective date in late 2015. By the time
the Version 6 specification took effect in June 2013, the stakeholder estimated that it hadover 75% market penetration. As of May 2014, Version 6 has an estimated market
penetration of over 85%.

On Mode Power
Requirements

Ultra High Definition

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Response
In response to the On Mode Power levels for HD TVs in EPA’s Draft 1 proposal, a few stakeholders
stated, with supporting data, that EPA’s estimated On Mode power of Version 6.0 ABC models,calculated through linear interpolation of power measurements at the NOPR illuminance test points(0, 10, 50, 100, and 300 lux) to approximate power at the Final Rule illuminance test points (3, 12, 35,
and 100 lux), was too low. Thus, for Draft 2, EPA conducted new analyses of its dataset removing theinterpolated ABC models. The revised dataset represents 764 unique models and includes 112 ABCmodels certified to Version 6.1 and tested to the Final Rule DOE Test Procedure with the remainder
non-ABC models certified to both Version 6.0 and 6.1, since the reported power values of non-ABC
models were not affected by the Final Rule DOE Test Procedure.
Based on this updated dataset, EPA proposes new levels that capture approximately 16 percent ofmodels in the dataset across a variety of sizes. At least 10 major manufacturers have one or moremodels meeting the new proposed criteria. With this proposal, EPA still intends to capture the top
performing when the specification takes effect.

Two stakeholders encouraged EPA to set realistic UHD allowances that nonethelessIn response to questions posed in Draft 1, EPA obtained data on 63 current and forthcoming UHD
models from manufacturers and the California Energy Commission database. Data indicate that while
help select the more efficient UHD TVs currently in the market. One of thesemost UHD models consume considerably more energy than HD models, a few stand out as being
stakeholders noted that Ultra High Definition (UHD) televisions are expected to gainsignificant market share over the next few years with sales rapidly growing in the largest significantly more efficient than their counterparts.
size bins. According to DisplaySearch, unit shipments of UHD TV models are expected
EPA seeks to recognize only top performing UHD models, aiming to incentivize improvements in
to increase by roughly 10x from 2013-17. Within the >60” TV size bin, UHD market
penetration increased almost 100x over the past year from 0.1% in 2013 to 9.4% in 2014. efficiency across other models in the near future. The data further indicate that UHD TV On Mode
Power increases with screen size in a similar manner as HD TVs. Therefore, to capture the mostThis stakeholder further recommended a UHD allowance decrease over time so that
efficient UHD TVs, EPA proposes an adder of 55% of the maximum On Mode Power requirement.
manufacturers are incentivized to decrease UHD energy consumption with each UHD
EPA proposes this adder be proportional to On Mode power as calculated based on screen area,
generation. In addition, the stakeholder recommended that EPA work with industry torecognizing that the UHD impact on energy use will be experienced across the total screen area. With
develop an UHD test procedure.
this adder, three manufacturers have products that would be eligible for the ENERGY STAR.
Recognizing that UHD is new to the market, and TV partners have an impressive record of dialing
Other stakeholders commented that UHD TVs require a greater power allowance thanback the power use of new features, EPA proposes that the adder expire on May 1, 2017.
HD TVs given the following:• Wide Color Gamut and High Dynamic Range due to the BT2012 4K Broadcasting
In response to stakeholder feedback during the Draft 1 webinar on the energy use of UHD models,
System Standard
EPA and DOE are still interested in understanding differences in power consumption due to the• UHD (4K) TVs also require four times the amount of memory and a corresponding
processing power needed to upscale 2K content to 4K content. EPA and DOE encourageincrease in processing speed to support four times as many pixels as compared to HD
stakeholders to provide additional data as they become available.
• UHD TVs will employ HEVC decoding which also requires greater power for signal
processing• Aperture ratio in some UHD panels may be smaller compared to HD panels passing
through less light• Advanced audio systems• Dimming circuits
Noting that UHD TVs can use twice the power of HD TVs, stakeholders pointed out that
the EPA dataset for UHD does not appear consistent with typical 4k models currently
available: the power was lower than expected for non-ABC and two models appear not to
be available on the U.S. market.

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Draft 1 ENERGY STAR Version 7.0 Televisions Specification
Comment-summary Document
Topic
On Mode Power
Requirements

Subtopic
3D

Stakeholders Comment Summary
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Response
Based on one stakeholder’s analysis of the CEC Appliance Efficiency Standards dataset, EPA notes that 15 of the 24 3D TVs tested to the Final Rule, representing the newest models on the
only 10% of TVs with 3D capability meet ENERGY STAR Version 6 requirements, andmarket, meet the Draft 2 Version 7 On Mode Power requirements. These data indicate that the mostthey consume substantially more energy than non-3D enabled televisions when viewing efficient 3D capable TVs do not use significantly more power than non-3D TVs to display 2D content.
standard HD content. It is unclear why this increase is occurring since the televisions arebeing tested with a standard TV broadcast test clip. The stakeholder recommended that
EPA investigate this further and, if verified, identify strategies for reducing power draw of
3D televisions while viewing standard 2D content.
Similarly, another stakeholder commented that it is still disconcerting that the current test
procedure does not test 3D TVs in 3D mode and as such, those certified televisions may
be using significantly more energy. For Version 7, the stakeholder suggested EPA
analyze the number of 3D TVs meeting the requirements and ensure the energy
consumption in 3D mode is kept in alignment with the goals set forward by EPA.

Standby-Passive
Mode Requirements

Five stakeholders expressed support for lowering the Standby-Passive Mode power limit EPA thanks stakeholders for their comment on the 0.5 W power limit proposal for Standby-Passive
to 0.5 W from 1.0 W.
Mode and has retained it in Draft 2.

Standby-Active, Low Full Network Connectivity
Mode
Test Procedures

Stakeholders expressed support for the inclusion of the CEA-2037-A Section 6.7.5 toconfirm Full Network Connectivity given that it is not confirmed in the 10 CFR § 430 test
procedures and power control with an external signal is commonly done over IP for
modern TVs. There was consensus that by definition Standby-Active, Low Mode shouldhave Full Network Connectivity making the distinction between the two unnecessary.
Since the test only covers Ethernet and Wi-Fi, one stakeholder commented that there
should be a provision for Hospitality TVs which communicate over coaxial cable, RJ11,
etc. interfaces using proprietary protocols. Hospitality TVs use a variety of activatedhospitality protocol software such as Multiple Television Interface (MTI) to provide directaccess to Video-On-Demand (VOD) systems or a digital media player designed for
hospitality-specific applications. The stakeholder suggested that the easiest way to test
Standby-Active, Low Mode for hospitality televisions may be to simply stop the DAM
communication during the DAM test. The network should stay connected, but the
downloading/uploading of data (DAM) would not be occurring in the Standby-Active, Low
Mode.

Page 6 of 8

EPA and DOE agree that the distinction of Standby-Active, Low Mode WITH and WITHOUT Full
Network Connectivity is unnecessary and has thus removed it from the Draft 2 specification.
To ensure that the specification captures all functions of Hospitality TVs, EPA and DOE propose that
Hospitality TVs also test Full Network Connectivity separate from the Download Acquisition Modetest. EPA and DOE seek stakeholder feedback on this proposal.

Draft 1 ENERGY STAR Version 7.0 Televisions Specification
Comment-summary Document
Topic

SubtopicStandby-Active, Low Power Requirements
Mode

Stakeholders Comment Summary
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Response
Stakeholders argued that a 1.0 W Standby-Active, Low Mode power requirement applied Based on stakeholder feedback on the power allowances needed to maintain a network presence,and still taking into account how other efficient products perform in networked low power states, EPA
to a TV actually providing Full Network Connectivity is too stringent and that arequirement in the range of 3.0 W to 6.0 W (including aligning with European Union (EU) proposes revising the Standby-Active, Low requirement from a 1.0 W allowance to a 3.0 W
allowance. EPA also notes that manufacturers will have to meet the EU 3.0 W power limits for
Network Standby regulations) would be more appropriate. Supporting points included:
network standby in 2017.
• Existing ENERGY STAR certified Standby-Active, Low Mode power data is notreflective of the TV providing Full Network Connectivity, rather the TV is only maintaining
connection at the physical layer. Therefore EPA should collect additional data though notmany models today ship with the capability;• One stakeholder’s experimental data suggests that power levels of 1 to 6 W may berequired for this mode. Another stakeholder’s analysis shows levels 0.5 W and 3 W are
required to maintain Full Network Connectivity; and• As televisions are increasingly becoming "feature-rich" and provide many more
applications to allow interaction with other devices, anticipate that more energy will be
required.
One stakeholder noted that potential conflict with other regulations in place may prevent
manufacturers from deploying certain features and functions in Standby-Active, Low
mode.
Two additional stakeholders commented that EPA’s efforts to develop requirements for
network connectivity are important to encourage the most efficient implementation andcautioned EPA not to be influenced by claims of technological limitations. One
stakeholder illustrated that there is a dramatic range of Standby-Active, Low mode powerin the EPA dataset: 10 to 70 W seeming to correlate with screen size. By definition,
Standby-Active, Low mode does not include the transmission of data from an externalsource, which suggests that this increase in power is due to an internal setting which is
keeping the TV active, possibly the Quick Start menu. They therefore recommended that
EPA further investigate the root cause of this increased power draw and incorporate
measures in the specification to actively address it.

Standby-Active, Low Default Mode Requirement One stakeholder expressed support for removing the following Version 6.1 Section 3.5.1 EPA has removed the Section 3.5.1 from the Draft 2 Version 7.0 specification.
Standby-Active, Low requirement:"For products that offer more than one functionality in Standby-Active, Low Mode, theStandby-Active, Low Mode with the lowest power consumption shall be enabled bydefault, turning on other functionality only when provisioned/enabled by the user."

Based on stakeholder feedback, EPA is removing the definition and power requirements for Power
Overhang State because the Agency understands that the functions previously delivered in this state,including quick start, are now delivered in one of the Standby modes as defined in this specification.

Power OverhangState

Two stakeholders agreed that with removing the definition and power requirements forPower Overhang State. Another stakeholder commented that the definition of Power
Overhang State should not be removed since the concept may prove useful in future
discussions about Standby power, Quick Start, etc.

Luminance
Requirements

Three manufacturers argued that the existing requirement that luminance in the Default In response to Draft 1, EPA received mixed feedback on whether the luminance requirement is still
Picture Setting be at least 65% of that in the Brightest Selectable Picture Setting isrepresentative of how products are shipped and used by consumers in the home.
unnecessary, limits manufacturers’ ability to deliver a more optimal viewing experiencefor consumers at home, and penalizes efficient bright televisions. Bright TVs at retail sell While most TVs have Brightest Selectable Preset Picture Setting luminance between 200 and 400
well, so manufacturers are less likely to decrease brightness in the Retail Configuration. cd/m2, there are some that are brighter. According to some stakeholders, a Default Picture Setting
One of the stakeholders recommended that TVs be required to either meet the 65%
luminance that is 65% of the Brightest Selectable Preset Picture Setting luminance would be tooluminance ratio or an absolute level of 100 cd/m2 in the Default Picture Setting noting that bright for user comfort in these very bright TVs. EPA is therefore proposing that for products with2
2
Hollywood masters content for the cinema to a peak white level of 50 cd/m and content Brightest Selectable Preset Picture Setting luminance of at least 450 cd/m , the luminance in the222
for home viewing to a peak white level of 100 cd/m .
Default Picture Setting can be no more than 293 cd/m (which is 65% of 450 cd/m ).
Another stakeholder commented that it is their understanding that the 65% threshold has Approximately 95% of EPA’s dataset has Brightest Selectable Preset Picture Setting luminance2
generally prevented a loophole in luminance settings. If that level continues to meet
below 450 cd/m , and therefore this new proposal would only apply to a small subset of currently
consumer expectations and prevent a manufacturer loophole, then the stakeholder iscertified models. This proposal is intended to still guard against TVs being shipped too dim, while
supportive of this continued level.
permitting products with brighter maximum screen luminance to be optimized for home use. EPA
seeks feedback on this proposal.

Page 7 of 8

Draft 1 ENERGY STAR Version 7.0 Televisions Specification
Comment-summary Document
Topic
Hospitality TVs

Subtopic
Definition and Download
Acquisition Mode Testing
and Requirements

Stakeholders Comment Summary
One stakeholder commented that the distinction between hospitality TVs and consumer
TVs is still necessary and commented that the existing definition of Hospitality TV isadequate. Another stakeholder noted that Hospitality TVs as defined employ proprietarycommunication protocols and software to interface with Video‐On‐Demand systems or adigital media player designed for hospitality ‐specific applications. They often utilize
coaxial cables, RJ11, etc. for physical network connections. Therefore, theirmeasurement of Standby Active, Low mode requires different test and verification
methods than is presently defined for consumer TVs connected via Wi‐Fi or Ethernet
using Internet Protocol.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Response
Based on stakeholder feedback on the importance of retaining the definition of Hospitality TVs, EPA
also proposes to retain the Download Acquisition Mode (DAM) test. Under Version 7.0, EPA seeks toensure that all TVs meeting the definition for Hospitality TVs be tested in DAM for certification, if they
are capable of doing so. Under Version 6.0/6.1, many Hospitality TVs were tested as consumer
models instead. Some Hospitality TVs do resemble consumer models in that they contain Ethernet
capability. To ensure that the specification captures the full functions of Hospitality TVs, EPA and
DOE propose that, where applicable, Hospitality TVs that have Ethernet capability also test for Full
Network Connectivity, according to the test method in Section 4.2.2. in addition to the Download
Acquisition Mode test. EPA seeks additional stakeholder feedback on this proposed approach.

Two stakeholders expressed support for continuing the use of the CEA Procedure for
Download Acquisition Mode (DAM), Rev. 0.3, Sept. 2010 for Hospitality TVs. Conversely,
another stakeholder questioned the value of DAM, which can be impossible to test with ablack-box approach and may require specialized equipment to simulate real-world
operation. The stakeholder supports removing DAM and believes that DAM is not
testable by a neutral 3rd party and should not be part of the ENERGY STAR
specification.
Number of Units
Required for Testing

One stakeholder expressed support for the choice of sampling plans provided in Draft 1(both EPA and DOE).

Effective Date

Three other stakeholders requested an effective date of January 1, 2016 instead of late EPA will work closely with stakeholders to develop a meaningful specification in a timely manner.
Partners are welcome to certify products to the new specification as soon as they are ready-summer 2015 for the following reasons:meaning that they can certify to it once it is final or wait until their models are ready. EPA's proposed• Does not align with manufacturer production cycles: Retailers are already actively
planning their holiday shelf space allocations at that time so very few new models have levels are already achievable by approximately 16% of models in the EPA dataset, which EPA
first shipment dates in the 4th quarter. Typically, new model year products are introduced believes to be reasonably reflective of the current market. EPA's experience with this productin the 2nd and 3rd quarters after being shown for the first time at CES at the start of the category indicates that many more models will meet the requirements in the new model year.
1st quarter.
• Lead time not enough if Ultra HD technology is to be accommodated by the
specification in a meaningful way.
• There are several proposed changes to power levels, functionality, and user interfaces
which will require more time to design and implement.
A fourth stakeholder requested EPA consider adopting an effective date of Sept. 1, 2015.

Page 8 of 8

EPA will retain the existing options for the number of units required for testing.