Energy Star 5.0 unveiled - targets consoles

Posted on Saturday, October 18 2008 @ 22:17 CEST by Thomas De Maesschalck
EPA has expanded its Energy Star program to include gaming consoles. ExtremeTech has the details of the Energy Star 5.0 specification:
Operational Mode Requirements
  • Off Mode: ≤ 1 W Sleep or Auto-Off: ≤ 5 W

    Power Management and Efficient Operation Requirements
    Sleep or Auto-Off
  • The console shall power down to a sleep mode after 1 hour of inactivity; and Provide Game Developers the tools/features allowing APD within games or programs designed for the console; and Automatically APD when games are in an inactive or paused game state; and provide for Full Network Connectivity in sleep.

    TV/Display Sleep
  • The console shall have the ability to drop Component, Composite, DVI outputs (using in-place standards where applicable) when the system is inactive for 15 minutes. Ability to do this in HDMI should be implemented once a HDMI standard for doing so exists; and Provide visual feedback on the console's integrated display or LEDs calling attention to the consoles continued active state while outputs are dropped.

    Power Scaling
  • Set Top Box (STB) and DVD/Blu Ray/Movie Playback functions must come within 10% of the requirements in place for the Energy Star STB Specification Version 2.0, Tier 2 (finalized on April 23, 2008). Game consoles must be tested using the test procedure in the Set Top Box specification to evaluate their ability to meet the requirement.

    Efficient Networking
  • Implement IEEE 802.3az and Full Network Connectivity in Sleep for Ethernet and Wi-Fi.
  • Wireless Access Point functions must use less than 10W.


  • About the Author

    Thomas De Maesschalck

    Thomas has been messing with computer since early childhood and firmly believes the Internet is the best thing since sliced bread. Enjoys playing with new tech, is fascinated by science, and passionate about financial markets. When not behind a computer, he can be found with running shoes on or lifting heavy weights in the weight room.



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