Having now successfully enclosed my components in a mechanically ventalated cabinet, I've got to say I found the heat coming off the 8300HD is way more than off a big AVR. The AVR can draw up to 500 watts while the STB is reported (here at DHC) to be 30 watts.

I actually noticed this before I enclosed them but this becomes really apparent in the enclosure. I had to move some components around to allow more space for the STB and now run the fan all the time to allow for the 8300HD heat whether its off or on....which is fine.

I'm not an electronics guy but always assumed that power draw and heat went hand in hand which I guess is just not so. Any comments from experts???

Have you actually measured the 500W for the AVR?

Most amps rarely draw (or drive) their rated power for any more than an instant so on average the power consumption would be quite low, unless you like to shake the house when you're watching movies/listening to music.

My smaller (older) Yamaha receiver draws 13 W in standby and 24 when on (I didnt' measure the "off" power, which could be closer to zero). It only draws much more when pushed really hard. You'd be amazed at how loud 1W/ch is - usually 85-90 dB... The receiver only starts drawing more power at very high volume levels.

Newer AVRs may draw less power in standby and also less when "on" but not being pushed.

If the HDD spins down on your SA8300HD, the power dips to 23W. See:

http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=35430

Power draw "curve" for a typical AVR.

0.01 W/ch - 70dB
0.1 W/ch - 80db
1 W/ch - 90dB
10 W/ch - 100dB
100 W/ch - 110dB.

"Normal" listening levels may be 70-80dB.

jvincent, The 500 watt draw is from the AVR documentation.... I did say up to...this is the max which I won't ever draw. FYI, my LCD is 328 watts. So much for energy efficiency...although power draw in standby mode is almost nothing.

57, based on your AVR power numbers that would explain the discrepancy....thx....