Use your digital decoder energy efficiently

If you have a decoder with a high standby consumption, you can save EUR 20-30 per year by switching it off when you are not using it.

Follow the Trust’s advice about using decoders
Follow the advice below to make the most energy efficient use of your digital decoder.

  • Switch off when you have finished watching TV
    Switch off the digital decoder at the mains plug when you are not watching TV. This is the only way to reduce the decoder’s standby consumption. If your decoder has a high standby consumption this can save you up to EUR 30 a year.

    After it has been turned off at the mains plug, it usually takes five to ten seconds after switching on for the box to locate the signal and update the electronic programme guide. 
  • Use the power saving function
    If your digital decoder has a power saving function you can limit standby consumption by activating it.
  • Use an AutoPowerOff plug bank
    A TV AutoPowerOff plug bank automatically switches off the decoder the moment you turn off your TV, which saves you the trouble of doing it yourself.

    Apart from the decoder the AutoPowerOff  also switches off other equipment automatically such as your VCR, DVD and surround sound system when you turn off the TV.
  • Meter your consumption with a SparOmeter
    If you want to keep track of the power used by your digital decoder then you should borrow or buy a SparOmeter. This accurate meter measures the power consumption in both the on and standby modes.

Page last updated 15.08.2009