Set-Top Boxes
Currently there are no energy conservation standards for set-top. A set-top box is a device combining hardware components with software programming designed for the primary purpose of receiving television and related services from terrestrial, cable, satellite, broadband, or local networks, providing video output using at least one direct video connection.
The Department of Energy (DOE) is currently conducting an energy conservation standard rulemaking for set-top boxes. If any standard is established, its benefits will be explained in the final rule.
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DOE published notices withdrawing the notice of proposed rulemaking for a test procedure for set-top boxes [78 FR 79637 (December 31, 2013)] and the proposed coverage determination for set-top boxes and network equipment [78 FR 79649 (December 31, 2013)]. For more information, please see the rulemaking webpage.
Standards for Set-Top Boxes
There currently are no energy conservation standards for set-top boxes.
There currently are no test procedures for set-top boxes.
Because there are no energy conservation standards or test procedures for set-top boxes, the provisions of 10 CFR Part 430 and Part 1003 that apply to waivers, exceptions, state exemptions to Federal pre-emption, and small business exemptions are not relevant.
Part A of the "Energy Conservation Program for Consumer Products Other Than Automobiles" of Title III of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA), as amended, mandates energy conservation standards for certain consumer products. (42 U.S.C. § 6291–6309) 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.(42 U.S.C. 6292(b))
EPCA established the Energy Conservation Program for Consumer Products Other than Automobiles, covering major household appliances. DOE recently published a Notice of Proposed Determination (76 FR 34914 (June 15, 2011)) that preliminarily determined that set-top boxes and network devices 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.
For the Secretary to prescribe an energy conservation standard pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 6295(o) and (p) for covered products added pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 6292(b), he must also determine that the products meet certain additional criteria. DOE will determine if set-top boxes satisfy the provisions of 42 U.S.C. 6295(l)(1) during the course of the energy conservation standards rulemaking.
Helpful Links and Contact Information
Helpful Links
Find tips and guidance for making your home, workplace, or vehicle more energy efficient visit EnergySavers.gov.
DOE supports the testing and verification of ENERGY STAR® products in close collaboration with the Environmental Protection Agency. The ENERGY STAR program for set-top boxes provides test procedures and qualification specifications for set-top boxes. According to the EPA ENERGY STAR qualified set-top boxes are at least 40% more efficient than conventional models.
For more information related to the regulation of this product, please email:
set-top@ee.doe.gov
