ENERGY STAR Getting Closer to Energy Efficiency Spec for Game Consoles
January 4, 2010 - Based on this month’s ENERGY STAR Game Console stakeholder call, it looks like there are still a few more hoops to jump through in order to reach the program’s “Game Over” screen.
As mentioned in an earlier blog, ENERGY STAR Gets Serious About Games, the power consumed by these consoles (i.e. Wii, Xbox, PlayStation, etc.) is no laughing matter. Studies show that when left idle, some game boxes can use over 100 W waiting for user input.
This past November, the EPA issued the “Draft Final” spec requirements (version 5.1) for comments, with the intent of incorporating it into its current version 5.0 ENERGY STAR Program Requirements for Computers.
Game consoles have gotten much more complicated in recent years with new features including “non-game” media functions (i.e. DVD and network streaming), wireless access points, and infrared controls. The latest stakeholder discussion focused on some of these features including:
- Deleting the set-top box functions from the spec
- Reducing the current active power requirement limit for the “non-game” media function (more data is needed to determine how much consumers use game consoles to watch Blu-ray Discs/DVDs)
- Power Management requirements for saving a game in progress when auto-powering down to sleep mode
The proposed requirements include a three tier approach starting in July 2010 and continuing through 2012. A summary of key specs is shown in the table below:
Table 1. Game Console Operational Mode Power Requirements
| Function | Tier 1 (July 1, 2010) | Tier 2 (July 1, 2011) | Tier 3 (July 1, 2012) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sleep (Wireless AP/Router Functions not engaged) | ≤ 2.0 W plus additional 0.7 W for WOL enabled devices | ≤ 1.0 W plus additional 0.7 W for WOL enabled devices | ≤ 1.0 W plus additional 0.7 W for WOL enabled devices |
| Sleep (Wireless AP/Router Functions engaged) | ≤ 10.0 W * | ≤ 5.0 W * | ≤ 5.0 W * |
| System Idle | n/a | ≤ 45.0 W | ≤ 25.0 W |
| STB Functions | n/a | Must adhere to within 10% of Tier 2, version 2.0 of STB spec when not in game play and adhere to STB APD requirements | Must adhere to within 10% of Tier 2, version 2.0 of STB spec when not in game play and adhere to STB APD requirements |
| Media Functions | n/a | n/a | ≤ 35.0 W |
| Auto Power Down (APD) | After 1 hour of user inactivity ** | After 1 hour of user inactivity** On resume, console returns to previous mode console was in. After an auto-wake event, must return to APD. When operating games published after Tier 2 eff date, console must save user’s place in game and return to that place upon resume from sleep. | After 1 hour of user inactivity** On resume, console returns to previous mode console was in. After an auto-wake event, must return to APD. When operating games published after Tier 2 eff date, console must save user’s place in game and return to that place upon resume from sleep. |
** Console in Game Play or Media Play may not automatically power down. Must ship with APD as default setting.
ENERGY STAR had hoped to wrap up the spec by January 2010, but it looks like the complexity of today’s game consoles are causing the process to go into overtime.
For more information including a copy of the proposed specification and stakeholder comments, go to:
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=revisions.game_console_spec
MrGreen
