Energy-saving HDTVs compared

David Katzmaier, Senior Editor October 24, 2008

On November 1, 2008, Energy Star's revised specification for televisions, known as version 3.0, will go into effect. After that date, any TV bearing the Energy Star logo will have to comply with the new standard, which for the first time actually takes into account power used when turned on, as opposed to only standby power.

Attentive readers know that we at CNET have been measuring TV power consumption in both "on" and "standby" modes for the last two years. During that time we've accumulated a database of 128 televisions' power usage, covering all sizes, technologies and price levels. Below you'll find the best of the best TVs in various categories from that database that we've reviewed in the last year.

But here's where it gets interesting. With Energy Star's new certification system, which measures power draw in the default picture mode, TV manufacturers sometimes have to turn down that default mode to make the cut. The result, in some cases, is a picture that's so dim that most viewers will want to turn it up immediately. A couple of the biggest offenders are the 50- and 58-inch members of Panasonic's TH-PZ800U series of plasma TVs.

To get around this problem, we're choosing the sets below arranged by watts per square inch post-calibration. We calibrate HDTVs we review to a set light output, which levels the playing field and eliminates "cheaters" like the Panasonics (although to be fair, a dim default picture preset will save power if people don't mind watching the dull picture). The per-square-inch requirement ensures that big-screen HDTVs aren't penalized. We'll also throw in a cost-per-year post-calibration number (assuming 8 hours on, 16 off per day @ 10.6 cents/kWh, the 2007 national average) just for kicks.

So without further caveats, here's the list:

• -- All rear-projection: Samsung HL61A750 (0.05 watts/sq inch, $26.32/year)
• -- All flat-panel LCD: Sharp LC-52D65U (0.11, $37.64; tied with the more-expensive Sony KDL-55XBR8 and Samsung LN46A950)
• -- 33-51-inch flat-panel LCD: Samsung LN46A550 (0.11, $31.84)
• -- 32-inch flat-panel LCD: Toshiba 32C510U (0.14, $19.44)
• -- All plasma: Vizio VP422 (0.19, $45.87)
• -- 50-inch or larger plasma: LG 50PG20 (0.24, $80.53)

More Resources

Quick Guide to TV power consumption,

Energy Star 3.0 for TVs,

The chart: compare 128 HDTVs' power use,

TV power-saving tips