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Yes, there are energy efficient big screen televisions available, and I have done a lot of the homework for you.

This seemed a perfect time to investigate the options available in big screen TVs and their energy consumption. By now, most of us are well aware that most of the new flat screen televisions are energy hogs. Although large screen televisions, hardly seem like a particularly “green” purchase, manufacturers are beginning to offer more efficient choices. Through careful selection, you can make an energy efficient choice, which won’t expand your carbon footprint too badly.

It helps to know that on November 1^stof 2008, Energy Star put into effect new more realistic guidelines, for televisions. The changes far better reflect actual home usage. Prior to the change, consumption was only measured in the off mode. The new information from Energy Star, is a great help when trying to select an energy efficient television. New Energy Star, data was used as the reference for energy consumption in this article.

There are many factors to consider when purchasing a new large screen television, especially, if you are trying to keep energy consumption as low as possible. For the sake of this article, televisions with a minimum screen size of 37 inches, and a maximum energy consumption of under 300 kWh/year, were the only ones considered. All but one of the selected models were actually 241 kWh / year, or less. The one exception is, I must say a huge (61”) screen. Another major factor to consider is screen type. While the old CRTs were far more efficient than the new types, in general, they are becoming increasingly rare in stores. Plasma televisions are the biggest energy hogs of all, and even with efficiency improvements, could not compare to LCD and rear-projection (LED) models. These two screen types are what will be considered here.

In the 37 inch size, two models stood out. The Sylvania model. LC370SS9, with 720p resolution, consumed 182 kWh / year and is currently priced around $600. The efficiency of the Sansui model. HDLCD3700, was particularly impressive. It sipped 91 kWh /year, making it comparable to a CRT set, in energy usage. The Sansui goes for roughly $740 online.

Between 40” to 52” in screen size, one company has shown particular excellence in energy efficiency standards. JVC holds the top spots in efficiency, for all three size classes within this range. They have made a concerted effort to maximize energy efficiency, outperforming the new Energy Star standards by 29-60%. Four of the 42” models, consume 205-207 kWh /year. At 47”, model. LT-47X59 uses 220 kWh /year and the 52” models. LT-52P89/LT-52X579, are at 241 kWh /year. All of these models boast 1080p resolution. JVC’s LCD televisions, would be the first option I would consider in this size range, when looking for reduced energy consumption.

If you are just dying to have a “big daddy” of a TV, then consider the Samsung model. HL61A750. It is a LED powered rear-projection set, measuring in at a whopping 61”, yet manages to keep it’s consumption down to 289 kWh /year. It has 1080p resolution, seems to be well rated online and is currently selling for approximately $1550.

While our family will not be purchasing a new television, until one of our CRT sets dies. It is nice to know that when that time comes, there will be options in energy efficient televisions available.

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