[6450-01- P] 

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY 

10 CFR Part 430 

[Docket Number EERE-2011-BT-NOA-0067] 

RIN: 1904-AC52 

Energy Conservation Program: Test Procedure and Energy Conservation Standard for 

Set-top Boxes and Network Equipment 

AGENCY: Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Department of Energy. 

ACTION: Request for information (RFI) and request for comments; notice of public meeting. 

SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is initiating a rulemaking and data 

collection process to develop a potential test procedure and energy conservation standard for settop boxes (STB) and network equipment. To facilitate this process, DOE has gathered data, 

identifying several issues associated with currently available industry test procedures, efficiency 

standards and energy use data for STBs on which DOE is particularly interested in receiving 

comment. DOE welcomes written comments from the public on any subject within the scope of 

this rulemaking (including topics not raised in this RFI). DOE will hold a public meeting as part 

of this RFI. 

DATES: DOE will hold a public meeting on January 26, 2012 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in 

Washington, DC. The meeting will also be broadcast as a webinar. See section III, “Public 

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Participation,” for webinar information, participation instructions, and information about the 

capabilities available to webinar participants. 

DOE will accept comments, data, and information regarding the RFI before and after the public 

meeting, but no later than [INSERT DATE 60 DAYS AFTER DATE OF PUBLICATION IN 

THE FEDERAL REGISTER]. For details, see section III, “Public Participation,” of this RFI. 

ADDRESSES: The public meeting will be held at the U.S. Department of Energy Forrestal 

Building, Room 8E-089, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington DC 20585. Please note 

that foreign nationals visiting DOE Headquarters are subject to advance security screening 

procedures. Any foreign national wishing to participate in the meeting should advise DOE as 

soon as possible by contacting Ms. Brenda Edwards at (202) 586–2945 to initiate the necessary 

procedures. 

Interested persons are encouraged to submit comments using the Federal eRulemaking Portal at 

http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. Alternatively, 

interested persons may submit comments, identified by docket number EERE-2011-BT-NOA0067, by any of the following methods: 

E-mail: to STB-RFI-2011-NOA-0067@ee.doe.gov. Include EERE-2011-BT-NOA-0067 

in the subject line of the message. 

Mail: Ms. Brenda Edwards, U.S. Department of Energy, Building Technologies Program, 

Mailstop EE–2J, Request for Information for Set-top boxes and Network Equipment, 

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EERE-2011-BT-NOA-0067, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20585– 

0121. Phone: (202) 586–2945. Please submit one signed paper original. 

Hand Delivery/Courier: Ms. Brenda Edwards, U.S. Department of Energy, Building 

Technologies Program, 6th Floor, 950 L’Enfant Plaza, SW., Washington, DC 20024. 

Phone: (202) 586–2945. Please submit one signed paper original. 

Instructions: All submissions received must include the agency name and docket number or RIN 

for this rulemaking. 

Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents, or comments received, go to the 

Federal eRulemaking Portal at http://www.regulations.gov. 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 

Direct requests for additional information may be sent to: 

Mr. Jeremy Dommu, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and 

Renewable Energy, Building Technologies Program, EE–2J, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW., 

Washington, DC 20585–0121. Telephone: (202)586–9870. E-mail: 

Jeremy.Dommu@ee.doe.gov. 

In the office of the General Counsel, contact Ms. Celia Sher, U.S. Department of Energy, 

Office of the General Counsel, GC–71, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 

20585–0121. Telephone: (202) 287–6122. E-mail: Celia.Sher@hq.doe.gov. 

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SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Table of Contents 

I. Introduction 

II. Discussion 

A. Energy Conservation Standard 

1. Product Classes 

2. Lower Power Sleep Mode 

3. Multi-room Setups 

4. Typical User Profile 

5. Engineering Analysis 

6. Market Data 

B. Test Procedure 

1. Impact of Service Provider Software 

2. Live Network Testing 

3. Video Source 

4. Digital Video Recorder Testing 

5. Low-Noise Block Power Consumption 

III. Public Participation 

A. Attendance at Public Meeting 

B. Procedure for Submitting Requests to Speak 

C. Conduct of the Public Meeting 

D. Submission of Comments 

I. Introduction 

Title III of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA), as amended (42 U.S.C. 

6291 et seq.), sets forth various provisions designed to improve energy efficiency. Part A of Title 

III of EPCA (42 U.S.C. 6291–6309) established the Energy Conservation Program for Consumer 

Products Other Than Automobiles,” which covers consumer products and certain commercial 

products (referred to as “covered products”).1 In addition to specifying a list of covered 

residential and commercial products, EPCA contains provisions that enable the Secretary of 

Energy to classify additional types of consumer products as covered products. 

1 For editorial reasons, upon codification in the U.S. Code, Part B was re-designated Part A. 

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DOE recently published a Notice of Proposed Determination (76 FR 34914, June 15, 

2011) (hereafter referred to as “proposed determination”) that preliminarily determined that 

STBs and network equipment meet the criteria for covered products because classifying products 

of such type as covered products is necessary or appropriate to carry out the purposes of EPCA, 

and the average U.S. household energy use for STBs and network equipment is likely to exceed 

100 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per year. 

DOE may prescribe test procedures for any product it classifies as a “covered product.” 

(42 U.S.C. 6293(b)) Further, DOE may consider prescribing energy conservation standards for a 

type of consumer product it classifies as covered if the product meets certain additional criteria, 

such as “average per household energy use within the United States” in excess of 150 kWh and 

“aggregate household energy use” in excess of 4.2 billion kWh, for any prior 12-month period. 

(42 U.S.C. 6295(l)(1)) 

DOE is initiating the rulemaking and data collection process for a test procedure and 

potential establishment of an energy conservation standard for STBs and network equipment 

with publication of this RFI. This process will analyze the technological, environmental, 

employment, and regulatory impact of a test procedure and standard on consumers, 

manufacturers, utilities, and the nation. During this analysis, DOE will determine the feasibility 

of establishing a standard that achieves the maximum improvement in energy efficiency that is 

technologically feasible and economically justified. To support this analysis, DOE will develop a 

test procedure to measure the energy efficiency of STBs and network equipment that reflects 

consumer use, ensures repeatability of results and is not unduly burdensome to conduct. DOE is 

asking interested parties for additional information that will assist DOE in performing its 

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analysis and in developing a test procedure and energy conservation standard for STBs and 

network equipment. 

For reference, DOE has published a Market and Technology Assessment on the DOE 

Set-Top Box and Network Equipment Appliance Standards website, located at 

http://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standards/residential/set_top_boxes.html, that 

includes the data currently gathered on STBs. 

Note that any comments already provided in response to the proposed determination do 

not need to be resubmitted. DOE will formally respond to comments already submitted in a final 

determination for coverage of STBs and network equipment that will be issued at a later stage in 

the rulemaking process. 

II. Discussion 

DOE will review existing industry test procedures and standards to develop its own test 

procedure and efficiency standard for STBs and network equipment. Current industry test 

procedures and standards for STBs include the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) 

ENERGY STAR® Program Requirements for Set-top Boxes Version 3.02

, Canadian Standards 

Association’s (CSA) test procedure C380-083, and Consumer Electronics Association’s (CEA) 

industry standards CEA-20134 and CEA-20225. Additionally, DOE will evaluate the 

International Electrotechnical Commission’s (IEC) industry standard IEC-620876, which 

includes STBs in its scope. Notably, the ENERGY STAR program defines its own test method 

2 ENERGY STAR Program Requirements Product Specification for Set-top Boxes: Test Method Rev. Jan-2011 

(2011). 3 C380-08: Test Procedure for the Measurement of Energy Consumption of Set-Top Boxes (2008). 4 CEA-2013-A: Digital STB Background Power Consumption (2007). 5 CEA-2022: Digital STB Active Power Consumption Measurement (2007). 6 IEC-62087: Methods of measurement for the power consumption of audio, video and related equipment. Edition 3 

(2011) Section 8. 

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for STBs, but does reference the CSA test procedure for test setup and instrumentation. The CEA 

standards are similar to CSA’s test procedure, but they cover fewer functional features as 

compared to the ENERGY STAR method. These test procedures and industry standards were 

used as a basis for identifying the below issues for which DOE is specifically seeking feedback.7 

A. Energy Conservation Standard 

1. Product Classes 

When necessary, DOE divides covered products into classes by the type of energy used, 

the capacity of the product, and any other performance-related feature that justifies different 

standard levels, such as features affecting consumer utility. (42 U.S.C. 6295(q)) As part of this 

rulemaking proceeding, DOE will evaluate the market for STBs and potentially separate them 

into product classes based on the criteria outlined above. 

The current ENERGY STAR program separates STBs into different base functionalities: 

Cable, Satellite, Cable Digital Transport Adapter (DTA), Internet Protocol (IP), Terrestrial, and 

Thin Client/Remote8

. Each base functionality type has a different energy consumption allowance 

(i.e., a different efficiency level) for qualification with the ENERGY STAR specification. 

Differentiating products by functionalities recognizes the fact that different underlying 

technologies such as Cable and Satellite STBs may require more energy than Thin Clients or 

Cable DTA STBs. ENERGY STAR also provides for higher energy consumption allowances 

based on various additional features (e.g. Digital Video Recorder, High Definition Resolution). 

As part of DOE’s investigation of potential product classes for STBs and network 

equipment, DOE is considering investigating the definitions of STB base functionality types and 

7 DOE will also consider the National Cable & Telecommunications Association's “CableLabs – Energy Lab” 

initiative, which was announced on November 18, 2011 but is as yet preliminary. 8 ENERGY STAR Program Requirements: Product Specification for Set-top Boxes Eligibility Criteria Version 3.0 

(2011) Table 3. 

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the additional features currently employed by the ENERGY STAR program9. In particular, DOE 

is considering defining a separate product class for each combination of functionality type and an 

additional feature or features. However, in order to make this determination, DOE will have to 

analyze whether each combination of functionality type and additional features meets DOE’s 

criteria for establishing product classes. Further details concerning the base functionality types 

and additional features used by the ENERGY STAR program are discussed below. 

Functionality Type 

Cable: A STB whose primary function is to receive television signals from a broadband, 

hybrid fiber/coaxial, or community cable distribution system with conditional access and 

deliver them to a consumer display, thin-client/remote STB, and/or recording device. 

Satellite: A STB whose primary function is to receive television signals from satellites 

and deliver them to a consumer display, thin-client/remote STB, and/or recording device. 

Cable Digital Transport Adapter (Cable DTA): A minimally-configured STB whose 

primary function is to receive television signals from a broadband, hybrid fiber/coaxial, 

or community cable distribution system and deliver them to a consumer display and/or 

recording device. 

Internet Protocol Television (IPTV): A STB whose primary function is to receive 

television/video signals encapsulated in Internet Protocol packets and deliver them to a 

consumer display, thin-client/remote STB, and/or recording device. 

Terrestrial: A STB whose primary function is to receive television signals over the air or 

via community cable distribution system without conditional access and deliver them to a 

consumer display, thin-client/remote STB, and/or recording device. 

9 ENERGY STAR Program Requirements: Product Specification for Set-top Boxes Eligibility Criteria Version 3.0 

(2011) Sections 1.A and 1.B.2. 

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Thin-client / Remote: A STB that (1) is designed to interface between a multi-room STB 

and a TV (or other output device), (2) has no ability to directly interface with a Service 

Provider, and (3) relies solely on a multi-room STB for content. Any STB that meets the 

definition of a cable, satellite, IP, or terrestrial STB is not a thin-client/remote STB. 

Additional Features 

Advanced Video Processing (AVP): The capability to encode, decode, and/or transcode 

audio/video signals in accordance with standards H.264/MPEG 4 or SMPTE 421M. 

CableCARD: The capability to decrypt premium audio/video content and services and 

provide other network control functions via a plug-in conditional access module that 

complies with the ANSI/SCTE 28 2007 HOST-POD Interface Standard10. 

Digital Video Recorder (DVR): The capability to store video in a digital format to a 

rewritable disk drive or other non-volatile storage device integrated into a STB. This 

definition excludes video capture software for personal computers or server-based DVR 

capabilities. 

DOCSIS: The capability to distribute data and audio/video content over cable television 

infrastructure in accordance with the CableLabs® Data Over Cable Service Interface 

Specification. 

High Definition (HD) Resolution: The capability to transmit or display video signals 

with resolution greater than or equal to 720p. 

Standard Definition (SD) Resolution: The capability to only transmit or display video 

signals with resolution less than 720p. 

10 ANSI/SCTE 28 2007 HOST-POD Interface Standard (2007) http://www.scte.org/standards/Standards_Home.aspx 

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Home Network Interface (HNI): The capability to interface with external devices over a 

high bandwidth network (e.g., IEEE 802.11 (WiFi), MoCA, HPNA). For purposes of this 

specification, IEEE 802.3 wired Ethernet is not considered a Home Network Interface. 

Multi-room (MR): The capability to provide independent audio/video content to 

multiple devices within a single family dwelling. This definition does not include the 

capability to manage gateway services for multi-subscriber scenarios. 

Multi-stream (MS): The capability to deliver two or more simultaneous audio/video 

streams to a consumer display, thin-client/remote STB, or recording device. The 

simultaneous streams may be delivered via a physically separate input or via the primary 

input. This definition does not include out-of-band tuners. 

Removable Media Player: The capability to decode digitized audio/video signals on 

DVD or Blu-ray Disc optical media. 

Removable Media Player / Recorder: The capability to decode and record digitized 

audio/video signals on DVD or Blu-ray Disc optical media. 

DOE welcomes feedback on consideration of the ENERGY STAR® program’s 

identification of base functionality types and additional features in DOE’s analysis of product 

classes for STBs and network equipment. DOE is also seeking feedback on potential methods to 

combine or reduce the number of product classes, the impact on energy consumption as a result 

of each of the functionality types and/or features, and market share data on the prevalence of 

these functionality types and/or features in STBs. Additionally, DOE seeks feedback from 

interested parties on the following questions: 

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Should Cable DTA be a factor in defining a product class? DOE believes this is used for 

older analog televisions (TVs), which are becoming less common as consumers switch to 

digital TVs. 

How should tuner types be categorized? Are there significant energy differences between 

analog and digital tuners? 

Should streaming STBs (e.g., streaming video from a web-based service) be 

distinguished from service provider IPTV STBs? What, if any, differences are there 

between those types of STBs? Is the term “video signals” sufficient for including 

streaming STBs in the potential IPTV product classes? 

Should there be additional features defined due to significant differences in functionality 

(i.e., performance related feature) that affect energy consumption? Note that for 

ENERGY STAR, Cable DTA and Cable are two separate definitions despite the fact that 

they both use cable as the transmission medium. 

Is the Cable STB definition sufficient to include stand-alone DVRs (which include a 

CableCARD slot to interface with an existing service provider) generally purchased 

through retail? Should a separate product class exist for stand-alone DVRs? 

Should the Cable STB definition include CableCARD and DOCSIS functionality? Does 

CableCARD functionality consume energy when a CableCARD is installed but not used, 

or does it also have to be in use? DOE believes this feature only applies if it is actively 

decrypting video content during testing. 

Should the Advanced Video Processing feature encompass both encoding and decoding 

of video content? Would encoding or transcoding require more hardware and energy 

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consumption compared to decoding? Does the presence of Advanced Video Processing 

significantly affect power consumption when viewing MPEG-2 or analog video? 

Can Advanced Video Processing and High Definition be combined into a single 

functionality? 

Is it sufficient to define HD as any resolution greater than 720p? Should there be a 

separate definition for even higher video resolutions? 

Does the capability for multi-room increase the energy consumption of the STB when 

only one output is connected? 

Does the capability for multi-stream increase the energy consumption of the STB when 

only one stream is being accessed? 

None of the currently qualified ENERGY STAR products take credit for Removable 

Media Player or Recording. Are there STBs that currently implement removable media 

support? Does the presence of this feature increase the energy consumption when not in 

use (e.g. when the STB is accessing live TV content)? 

DOE further requests that interested parties comment on whether there are any features 

that would impact some potential product classes of STBs and network equipment 

differently than others? For example, would DVR functionality tend to increase the 

energy consumption of satellite STBs and cable STBs similarly? 

Lastly, should DOE consider any other additional features that currently exist or are in 

development that would significantly affect consumer behavior and/or STB energy 

consumption (e.g., 3D video processing, ultra high definition)? 

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2. Lower Power Sleep Mode 

One potential energy savings feature of STBs is entering a lower power sleep mode when 

not performing a primary function (such as watching or recording a television program). 

Currently, many STBs consume nearly the same amount of energy regardless of whether the 

devices are performing a primary function. DOE realizes that service providers regularly 

communicate with deployed devices to maintain network and content security, and to ensure that 

program guides or on-demand offerings are updated. DOE also understands that some consumers 

may be opposed to long wake-up times when powering on their devices. Given the amount of 

potential energy savings, however, DOE is interested in methodologies that reduce energy 

consumption when the device is not in use while ensuring communication and wake-up times are 

minimally affected. DOE seeks feedback from interested parties on methodologies that reduce 

STB energy consumption when not performing a primary function. As an example, a STB could 

enter a deep sleep mode during off-peak hours (such as the middle of the night) and 

automatically wake up once every 30 minutes to communicate with the service provider and 

check for updates. At other times, the device would remain in a light sleep mode when not in use 

and not require a long wake-up time. 

DOE seeks comments, data, and other input into technological, economic, and 

competitive impacts of using lower power light sleep and deep sleep modes for STBs. DOE also 

seeks feedback on any other issues related to lower power sleep modes. DOE is particularly 

interested in technological features that could significantly reduce energy consumption while 

providing for adequate communication with service providers and minimizing wake-up times 

when consumers power on their devices. 

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DOE is also interested in other examples and data of energy-reducing technologies, 

configurations or product designs, other than sleep modes, that could help improve the efficiency 

of STBs (e.g., spinning down hard disks, multi-room deployments). 

3. Multi-room Setups 

DOE is aware that some service providers offer the use of multi-room setups where a 

single STB (usually with DVR functionality) is connected to the service provider, and that 

primary device then feeds video signals to thin-clients in the home through a network 

connection. This has the ability to save on total household energy consumption by using more 

efficient thin-clients instead of multiple devices. 

In order for DOE to better understand these setups, DOE is seeking more information 

from interested parties on this topic. In particular: 

DOE is seeking market data on how prevalent multiple STBs are in current homes. For 

example, how many homes use two STBs? How many homes use three STBs? 

How much more power does a multi-room STB use compared to a thin-client device? 

How much more power does a multi-room STB use compared to a STB without multiroom capability? 

Are generic thin-client STBs capable of connecting to any multi-room STB, or will only 

specific models of thin-clients work with a given multi-room STB? 

4. Typical User Profile 

In the development of potential energy conservation standards, it may become necessary 

to adopt standardized user profiles that estimate the average amount of time each day that STBs 

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are in each of their functional modes (e.g. active, standby, and off). It may also become 

necessary to develop estimates of the amount of time STBs with DVR functionality are in record 

or playback modes. This usage profile could then be applied to measurements obtained from a 

test procedure to estimate the typical daily or annual energy consumption of STBs. The 

ENERGY STAR program uses this methodology in their program11. DOE seeks feedback on 

whether it should adopt the ENERGY STAR usage profile or if an alternative methodology 

should be used when considering the metric for potential energy conservation standards, such as 

wattage requirements for each mode. A time-based metric, similar to the method used in 

ENERGY STAR, may be reasonable as many of the potential energy savings occur based on the 

time in each mode, and different product classes may have different opportunities for energy 

savings that could also help a product meet a standard. 

5. Engineering Analysis 

As part of analyzing potential energy conservation standards for STBs and network 

equipment, DOE will develop an engineering analysis, which will characterize the incremental 

manufacturing cost associated with increasing the efficiency of STBs. As part of this analysis, 

DOE plans to gather data regarding the efficiency of STBs, run tests on STBs, and perform 

physical teardowns of STBs. DOE recognizes that there a variety of functionalities, features, and 

subscription services that may impact the efficiency of STBs. Therefore, DOE is strongly 

interested in collecting information from a wide variety of sources on the energy use of different 

types and configurations of STBs. As part of this analysis, DOE may be required to gain access 

to a subscription or head-end equipment similar to that of a consumer’s access in order to test the 

11 ENERGY STAR Program Requirements: Product Specification for Set-top Boxes Eligibility Criteria Version 3.0 

(2011) Section 3.3. 

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STB. DOE is hopeful to gain access to features such as electronic-program-guides, video-ondemand, and pay-per-view for testing. 

DOE understands that the nature of subscriptions and leasing agreements make it difficult 

for DOE to obtain equipment on the commercial market directly for purchase. Consequently, 

DOE will be reaching out to service providers and STB makers directly to inquire about 

obtaining the STBs for this analysis and any special equipment necessary for testing. 

6. Market Data 

DOE seeks additional data on STB markets and technologies, including updated National 

energy use data12 on STBs by potential product class. These data include numbers of installed 

devices, unit energy consumption, efficiency ranges, and usage profiles. Projected energy use 

data include historical and projected annual shipments of STBs, projected unit energy 

consumption for future models of STBs, and projected usage profiles based on new studies on 

consumer behavior. 

B. Test Procedure 

The following discussion topics on testing primarily reference the ENERGY STAR 

program, but all of the previously referenced industry test procedures were used to help identify 

the following questions. 

1. Impact of Service Provider Software 

Service providers typically install software onto STBs rented to consumers. These STBs 

are programmed to have security features and constant communication with the service provider 

and allow customers to access specific content, such as video-on-demand or electronic program 

12 Set-Top Box Market and Technology Assessment Report, Section 3.1.5, December 2011 

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guides. Based on initial testing, DOE believes the service provider software can have an impact 

on the energy consumption of a STB. Thus, DOE is considering that STBs be tested with the 

appropriate software added. In the event that the same physical STB can be programmed by 

different service providers, each service provider configuration would be treated as a different 

device (i.e., a different basic model). DOE would therefore test STBs as deployed in consumers’ 

homes, rather than as shipped by the STB original equipment manufacturers to the service 

providers. In order to gain a better understanding of the issue, DOE requests feedback on the 

following: 

What impact does the service provider software have on energy consumption? 

How does service provider software impact idle or sleep behavior? 

How does such software affect any other energy saving features? 

For cable STBs, will there be different energy consumption of a generic STB with 

CableCARD accessing the digital programming of a service provider versus a 

programmed device with full two-way communication with the service provider? 

2. Live Network Testing 

ENERGY STAR program specifications do not specify how the video source signal is to 

be delivered, and implicitly allow STBs to be tested either through a live network (via 

subscription service) or with a closed network. A closed network includes testing with head-end 

equipment provided by the service provider and/or manufacturer. Additionally, the CEA test 

procedures explicitly state that it is not expected that the STB would be connected to a live 

network13. 

13 CEA-2022: Digital STB Active Power Consumption Measurement (2007) Section 6.4.d. 

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Subscription services (i.e., one type of live network) are more typical of how a consumer 

would be using the STB. Using a subscription would be simpler to setup for testing, and it would 

require little involvement by the service provider other than providing the subscription itself. 

However, DOE has concerns that subscriptions would not be available in all test areas, thus some 

labs would be physically incapable of testing certain STBs. Additionally, STB behavior may be 

impacted by geographic location, weather (for satellite connection), and time of day. 

Subscriptions themselves can vary depending on the type chosen for testing as service providers 

generally have different package choices that could be accessed by the same STB hardware. 

Finally, video format may not be as controllable through a subscription, which may be required 

for testing (see Section II.B.3. of this document). 

Closed network testing can solve some of the repeatability issues for testing. However, it 

requires proprietary hardware and software from the service provider. This equipment can be 

large and costly to use, and may be very difficult to setup and configure. DOE also has concerns 

that the programmed head-end equipment and physical setup may not be realistic due to the lack 

of access to certain features, which may impact energy consumption of the STB. 

Because of the potential difficulties in using a closed network, DOE is considering that 

STBs be tested via subscription service only. DOE is also considering allowing closed network 

testing and may need to specify head-end requirements in this case. DOE would like feedback 

from interested parties on these two methods. Specifically, 

How will STB behavior compare between closed network testing and live network 

testing? 

How will STBs with subscription service be affected by geographic location and time of 

day? 

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How will energy usage of the STB be affected by the subscription package selected? 

Are there any obstacles with service providers providing head-end equipment to labs for 

testing STBs? 

Are there any additional factors that should be considered when deciding between closed 

network and live network testing methods? 

Are there other potential test setups that should be considered? 

3. Video Source 

The ENERGY STAR test procedure describes three reference channels to be used for 

testing STBs. They are as follows14: 

1) Reference Channel A: Network television channel, standard definition (SD) format, 

minimum 480i resolution. 

2) Reference Channel B: Live or recorded sports channel; 

a.	 If the STB is HD-capable, this channel shall be in HD format, minimum 720p 

resolution. 

b.	 If the STB is not HD-capable, this channel shall be in SD format, minimum 480i 

resolution. 

3)	 Reference Channel C: 24-hour news channel, standard definition (SD) format, minimum 

480i resolution. 

DOE has initial concerns with the ENERGY STAR test procedure’s lack of a video 

signal standard for repeatability, as the video source may impact the STB energy consumption. 

However, a subscription based testing would not necessarily have control of the video content. 

14 ENERGY STAR Program Requirements: Test Method Rev. Jan-2011 (2011) Section 4.H. 

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Due to differences in video processing, DOE is also concerned that the chosen video format will 

have an impact on energy consumption of the STB, and that a minimum video resolution would 

not be sufficient to guarantee a repeatable test. For high definition format, one lab may test at 

720p, and another lab may use 1080p, which could result in different recorded energy 

consumptions. Additionally, some STBs may be preconfigured to output a set video resolution. 

Thus, any video input source that differed from the output resolution would require additional 

video processing. For example, using a 720p input signal may require more energy when 

converting to 1080i compared to a native 1080i input signal. 

DOE is also concerned that there are additional parameters that may need to be specified 

if using a controlled test signal. Frame rate may also need to be specified as there could 

potentially be differences between 60 frames per second video sources versus 24 frames per 

second. Video bit rates may also need to be specified as lower bitrates would likely require less 

energy at the expense of lower quality video. Finally, the video codec should be specified for 

repeatability. MPEG-4 decoding may require additional hardware compared to MPEG-2. 

Because different service providers may provide different video formats to their 

customers, DOE is considering an alternative method where the tester can randomly choose a 

video source. The chosen channel and video specifications would need to be reported or 

measured, and energy consumption would be normalized to make different video formats 

comparable. For example, it is expected that a STB decoding video at 5 megabits per second 

would use less energy than a STB decoding video at 10 megabits per second. DOE would 

attempt to normalize out the bitrate aspect of energy consumption in setting standard levels. 

DOE is aware that this method may not be as repeatable as creating a specific test signal, but it 

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will ensure some level of control for video content and source while still simulating the 

consumer experience. 

DOE is also considering specifying minimum requirements for video content for testing 

and/or using a standard test video source if it is technically feasible. DOE seeks feedback from 

interested parties on this subject. In particular: 

How much modification do service providers make to content providers’ signals? Does a 

specific channel use similar frame rates, encoding, and bit rates across different service 

providers or locations? DOE does not wish for service providers to lower the quality of 

video in order to meet potential energy standards. 

For a given service provider, are there any regional differences in video format? For 

example, would an HD broadcast of a specific channel be delivered at an identical video 

format across all geographic locations? 

How much variance in energy consumption would be expected based on the video 

content? Would sports content (more dynamic) have significant differences in energy 

consumption compared to news content (more static)? 

Is it possible to determine or measure the frame rate, bit rate, and video format being 

received by the STB? If so, how is this done? 

If labs are able to test with a controlled video source, what parameters most impact 

energy consumption? DOE has identified resolution, format, frame rate, and bit rate. Are 

these sufficient, or are there other parameters that should be specified? Are any of these 

parameters irrelevant to energy consumption? 

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4. Digital Video Recorder Testing 

The ENERGY STAR test procedure includes testing DVR functionality15. The DVR 

alters STB behavior and consumer behavior by allowing the consumer to record content, watch 

offline content, and pause/rewind/fast-forward live broadcasts. This behavior is significantly 

different from a standard STB (also known as a receiver), which is primarily used to watch live 

video. The ENERGY STAR test procedure specifies that live TV testing includes pausing (5% of 

test time), fast forward (10% of test time), and rewind (10% of test time), and watching video for 

the remaining 75% of the time. It also specifies energy consumption for recording and playing 

back stored video. 

DOE believes that energy consumption may depend on the order that these operations are 

performed as well as the number of transitions between modes. Additionally, DVR STBs usually 

have multiple speeds for fast forwarding and rewinding that may impact energy usage. 

DOE is considering that each DVR operation mode be measured in a separate test for 

fixed test time durations. For example, the tester could measure power for 5 minutes while 

rewinding video, measure power for 5 minutes while playing video, and measure power for 5 

minutes while fast-forwarding video. The weighting for energy consumption can be incorporated 

into the final efficiency metric. DOE is also considering including multiple speeds for fastforward and rewind for testing. DOE seeks feedback from interested parties on handling DVR 

testing. 

5. Low Noise Block Power Consumption 

A low noise block (LNB) is used in conjunction with a satellite STB to improve signal 

reception. It can have a separate power supply, but some LNBs draw power from the STB 

15 ENERGY STAR Program Requirements: Test Method Rev. Jan-2011 (2011) Sections 7.2, 7.3. 

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coaxial connection. The ENERGY STAR test procedure explicitly excludes the energy 

consumption of the LNB16, as does the CEA test procedure17. 

DOE is considering including LNB energy consumption for satellite STBs, as the LNB is 

providing required functionality, and would like to identify what factors impact LNB energy 

consumption and whether these factors can be controlled in a lab scenario. Accordingly, DOE 

seeks feedback from interested parties on this topic or any of the following questions: 

How much power does the LNB consume compared to the STB? 

Does LNB energy consumption vary significantly based on the received signal or noise? 

Is it possible to test the STB with the LNB disabled or disconnected? 

Are there any known methods for accurately measuring the LNB power to exclude it 

from the STB energy consumption? 

What other factors influence the energy consumption of LNBs? 

Can all satellite STBs use an independently powered LNB as a means to separate LNB 

power from the STB? 

III.Public Participation 

A. Attendance at Public Meeting 

The time, date, and location of the public meeting are listed in the DATES and 

ADDRESSES sections at the beginning of this RFI. To attend the public meeting, please notify 

Ms. Brenda Edwards at (202) 586–2945. As explained in the ADDRESSES section, foreign 

nationals visiting DOE Headquarters are subject to advance security screening procedures. 

16 ENERGY STAR Program Requirements: Test Method Rev. Jan-2011 (2011) Section 5.D. 

17 CEA-2022: Digital STB Active Power Consumption Measurement (2007) Section 6.1.2.a. 

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B. Procedure for Submitting Requests to Speak 

Any person who has an interest in the topics addressed in this RFI, or who is a 

representative of a group or class of persons that has an interest in these issues, may request an 

opportunity to make an oral presentation at the public meeting. Requests should be emailed to 

Ms. Brenda Edwards at Brenda.Edwards@ee.doe.gov. Persons who wish to speak should include 

their contact information and an attached file that describes the nature of their interest in this RFI 

and the topics they wish to discuss. DOE requests persons selected to make an oral presentation 

to submit an advance copy of their statements by January 19, 2011. DOE may permit persons 

who cannot supply an advance copy of their statement to participate, if those persons have made 

advance alternative arrangements with the Building Technologies Program. As necessary, 

requests to give an oral presentation should ask for such alternative arrangements. 

C. Conduct of the Public Meeting 

DOE will designate a DOE official to preside at the public meeting and may also use a 

professional facilitator to aid discussion. The meeting will not be a judicial or evidentiary-type 

public hearing, but DOE will conduct it in accordance with section 336 of EPCA (42 U.S.C. 

6306). There shall not be discussion of proprietary information, costs or prices, market share, or 

other commercial matters regulated by U.S. anti-trust laws. A court reporter will be present to 

record the proceedings and prepare a transcript. The public meeting will be conducted in an 

informal, conference style. DOE reserves the right to schedule the order of presentations and to 

establish the procedures governing the conduct of the public meeting. DOE will present 

summaries of comments received before the public meeting, allow time for presentations by 

participants, and encourage all interested parties to share their views on issues affecting this RFI. 

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Each participant will be allowed to make a prepared general statement (within time limits 

determined by DOE), before the discussion of specific topics. DOE will permit other participants 

to comment briefly on any general statements. 

At the end of all prepared statements on each specific topic, DOE will permit participants 

to clarify their statements briefly and comment on statements made by others. Participants should 

be prepared to answer DOE’s and other participants’ questions. DOE representatives may also 

ask participants about other matters relevant to this RFI. The official conducting the public 

meeting will accept additional comments or questions from those attending as time permits. The 

presiding official will announce any further procedural rules or modification of these procedures 

that may be needed for the proper conduct of the public meeting. After the public meeting, 

interested parties may submit further comments on the proceedings as well as on any aspect of 

the RFI until the end of the comment period. DOE will make the entire record of this proceeding, 

including the transcript from the public meeting, available on the DOE website. 

D. Submission of Comments 

DOE welcomes comments on all aspects of this RFI and on other relevant issues that 

participants believe would affect test procedures and energy conservation standards applicable to 

STBs and network equipment. 

After the close of the comment period, DOE will begin collecting data, conducting the 

analyses, and reviewing the public comments. These actions will be taken to aid in the 

development of a test procedure notice of proposed rulemaking (NOPR) and energy conservation 

standard NOPR for STBs and network equipment. 

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