Energy Efficient TV with 0 Watt Standby Mode

Toshiba Corp is reportedly releasing a 32 inch (visual size) LCD TV model "Regza 32BE3" equipped with its so-called "Eco Chip." The Eco Chip consumption current is said to be as low as about 95μA. This chip is used to detect ON signals from the remote control after the TV is turned off. It cuts off the AC power entirely through a relay as if you an unplugged TV. As the result, the power consumption in standby mode is 0 watt. The relay and the sensor that receive signals from the remote are powered by a large storage capacitor. Unfortunately, the report does not state the size of this capacitor and what happens when you leave the TV off for a long time. I guess either the chip needs to turn on the relay and re-activate standby bias supply before the cap is discharged too low, or you would need to turn on the TV by hand if the cap is discharged. Also they did not state power consumtpion or internal power supply efficiency in active mode (I wonder if they use bridgeless PFC front end?) In any case, such a "zero power standby" circuit is cute, but it is nothing more than a marketing gimmick. Obviously, you need to charge the storage cap during on-mode of the TV set. Whatever energy you save in 0W standby mode you need to spend to put this energy into this cap.

More Troubles with Energy Efficient Bulbs

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission just announced a voluntary recall of LED night lights imported from China by Corvest Acquisition Inc. It was reported these LED lights can overheat, smolder, and melt which may cause burns to consumers. The affected part has model number SBD01 stamped on the back of the plastic base.

Portable Generator: How to Use it Safely

If you just bought a portable generator set (genset) in wake of approaching Irene hurricane, and don't have time to read the entire manual, here are some crucial things you need to know. This quick safety checklist can save your life and lives of everyone in your home.

• Portable generators produce carbon monoxide (CO). CO can kill in minutes. More than three hundreds people died in US during power outages from generator related CO poisonings. Therefore a portable generator can be run only outdoor with exhaust away from your home. EPA recommends to locate gensets at least 10 feet from the home You should also allow at least 2 feet of clearance on all sides of generator for adequate ventilation.


• Most commercial portables are not weather proof. They pose the risk of electrocution and shock when used during a rain. Therefore, cover your genset in advance since Irene hurricane will be accompanied with heavy rain. It is not recommended to run a genset during a rain. If you are absolutely positively need to use a portable generator during a rain, build an open canopy-like structure. Don’t’ touch a genset with wet hands.


• A portable generator should not be connected directly into your house wiring without a special two-pole changeover switch or an interlock, since otherwise you will be feeding electricity back into the utility lines. This would present a hazard for linemen and your neighbors. Portables are intended to be connected to your appliances primarily via separate cords. If you did not get a chance to install a transfer switch, prepare heave duty outdoor-rated cords with sufficient length. These cords should be long enough to reach your appliances through the windows or open doors.

For general operation theory, selection information and my picks, see this guide to portable generator.
This post is not a professional or a legal advice- I assume no liability of any kind for the accuracy of the above information.