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Tory plea on 'wasteful' TV set-top boxes

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Published Date: 22 August 2007
THE Government is being challenged to make sure the switch-over to digital television does not mean a surge in energy use.
Scottish Tories say many of the set-top boxes which older TVs need to receive the new signal are designed to be left permanently on "stand-by" which means they will be using electricity all the time.

And today the party's environment spokeswoman, Nanette Milne, called for the boxes to be fitted with on/off buttons.

She said: "Televisions on standby are a needless contributor to damaging greenhouse emissions and digital set-top boxes are set to add to this environmental harm.

"Government ministers have previously backed a campaign to persuade people not to leave electrical devices on standby. The reduction in electricity if such devices were switched off would lead to a significant cut in greenhouse gases."

The switchover will take place region by region, starting with ITV's Borders region in 2008, followed by STV in 2010.



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1

Petroleum Head,

Edinburgh 22/08/2007 12:21:53

Behind my TV, video, set top box, DVD player and hi-fi system, there is a double socket on the wall. The equipment connects to this. Each socket has a switch.

When I have finished watching/listening for the day, I reach behind the equipment and switch it off.

How difficult is that?

2

Biker,

Ayr 22/08/2007 13:04:15

It's too obvious PH! well said!

3

Ecco Warrier,

On top o the telly 22/08/2007 14:56:36

Wish we could fit Tories wi on/off buttons.

4

grrt_muller,

22/08/2007 15:28:56

Doesn't work in my case as it means setting the clock on 2 different devices every day.

5

Boy Wonder,

22/08/2007 18:17:26

#3. Off buttons only would be fine with me!

6

GorgieRepublic,

23/08/2007 12:29:29

I've used a cable digibox for years and the damned thing doesn't have an off switch - if you need to reboot it you have to physically pull the plug or switch off at the socket - it can only be turned to standby on the box itself, which means the company who supply (Virgin) and the manufacturer have deliberately designed a machine that is meant to be left on all the time, not exactly environmentally friendly. This is apparently so they can update the software on your box as needed, but since my computer updates when switched on and connected to the web without having to be left on all the time I don't see why the digibox needs to be permanently on or on standby.

7

Finbarr Saunders,

23/08/2007 12:50:20

The reason they remain on standby is that the delicate electronics inside can be damaged by the power surge when they are switched on.

If they are only switched off and on very occasionally, the risk of damage is minimal. If they are switched off and on every day, the risk of damage increases. It's just common sense, really.

I'd rather waste a miniscule amount of electricity than have to get a faulty set-top box repaired or replaced.

I'm getting a wee bit fed up with all the greenhouse gas hysteria now!


 

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