do you leave your STB's on or off? - Canadian TV, Computing and Home Theatre Forums

lonewolf · 2012-05-21, 10:11 AM

I was just wondering if it matters any if I leave my STB's on or off at the end of the night? I don't imagine they use much power?

prizm · 2012-05-21, 10:17 AM

STBs are surprisingly power hungry. I'm not sure about the VIPs though. They do seem to enter a sleep mode.

Dr.Dave · 2012-05-21, 11:56 AM

The PVRs are always recording when they're on, so there's an advantage to turn them off when not in use and there's no advantage in leaving them on. I believe the remote controls are designed to turn off the TV and STB at the same time by default.

Here's a U.S. study of TV STB energy usage, which happens to show that IPTV STBs use less power than satellite and cable. The study would have included the Cisco IPTV STBs and the old VIP 12XX series. I believe the new VIP models are more efficient.

http://www.nrdc.org/energy/files/settopboxes.pdf

Autumn Walker · 2012-05-30, 07:24 PM

Bell actually suggests that you turn your STB off when you are not using it - this will free up a stream for other STBs in your house.

2012-05-21, 10:11 AM	#1
lonewolf Rookie Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 14	do you leave your STB's on or off? I was just wondering if it matters any if I leave my STB's on or off at the end of the night? I don't imagine they use much power?

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2012-05-21, 10:17 AM	#2
prizm Rookie Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 26	STBs are surprisingly power hungry. I'm not sure about the VIPs though. They do seem to enter a sleep mode.

2012-05-21, 11:56 AM	#3
Dr.Dave Moderator Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Winnipeg Posts: 4,714	The PVRs are always recording when they're on, so there's an advantage to turn them off when not in use and there's no advantage in leaving them on. I believe the remote controls are designed to turn off the TV and STB at the same time by default. Here's a U.S. study of TV STB energy usage, which happens to show that IPTV STBs use less power than satellite and cable. The study would have included the Cisco IPTV STBs and the old VIP 12XX series. I believe the new VIP models are more efficient. http://www.nrdc.org/energy/files/settopboxes.pdf

2012-05-30, 07:24 PM	#4
Autumn Walker Rookie Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 15	Bell actually suggests that you turn your STB off when you are not using it - this will free up a stream for other STBs in your house.