Set top boxes
MEPS proposed for set top boxes
As part of the joint Australia/New Zealand Equipment Energy Efficiency programme (E3), EECA is currently investigating a proposal to mandate the energy performance of digital Set-top boxes (STBs) through introducing Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) into regulation. Set top boxes (also known as digital television decoders) manufactured or imported for sale in New Zealand will be required to meet the MEPS.
New MEPS introduction dates
The proposed implementation date for MEPS for STBs will now be delayed from October 2008 to December 2008 in Australia and April 2009 in New Zealand, as outlined below.
Regulatory Impact Statement and public comment
A Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) on this proposal was open for public comment in November 2007, and a number of submissions were received. Having considered these, the New Zealand and Australian agencies participating in the E3 programme will make the following recommendations to their respective Governments:
- To implement mandatory energy performance standards for STBs in regulation;
- That in Australia, the MEPS will take effect not earlier than 1 December 2008. The revised implementation date is to account for a small delay in the expected publication of amendments to the Standard (AS/NZS62087 Parts 1 and 2) whilst still working towards regulating this product as soon as possible so that suppliers who have committed to the October date will not be disadvantaged by a long delay;
- That a more stringent MEPS level should be set for MPEG2 free to air satellite STBs. This will be achieved by an amendment to the published standard, and will mainly affect the New Zealand market. For this reason it is proposed that the implementation of the MEPS for STBs in New Zealand be delayed until April 2009;
- That STBs covered by this RIS will include those that are capable of decoding video transport streams, are MPEG2, and without a recording function (i.e. without a hard drive);
- To use the test method AS/NZS 62087:2004, which specifies methods of measurement for the power consumption of, amongst other home entertainment equipment, STBs for consumer use;
- That STBs must meet or surpass the energy performance requirements set down in the draft Australian and New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 62087.2 (MEPS requirements for digital television STBs).
The E3 anticipates the amendments to the Standard will be published in the next three to four months. It is also planned to have the registration system available from July for advance registrations on www.energyrating.gov.au.
If you have any further queries about this, please do not hesitate to contact the Products team at EECA on 0800 358 676, or at regs@eeca.govt.nz.
Why are set top boxes being regulated?
Home electronics such as set top boxes, TVs and computer equipment are the biggest source of growth in domestic electricity use world wide. It is estimated that home electronics will account for 45% of household energy use by 2020. Introducing MEPS for set top boxes (and other home electronics) will achieve significant energy savings and greenhouse gas emission reductions.
It is estimated that MEPS for set top boxes will save about 20 GWh of electricity and 10 kt of CO2 emissions each year by 2017. (Ten kt is the equivalent of taking about 3000 cars off the road each year.)
Free to Air (FTA) digital TV transmission this year means the set top box market is likely to grow exponentially until 2015 when every household will need one, as analogue transmission will no longer be available.
What will the new Standard cover?
Set top boxes which receive and decode digital television signals are covered. However, the standard does not currently apply to:
- Televisions, digital recorders and DVD players with integrated digital receiver
- Devices designed to receive television signals via broadband internet services
- MPEG4 set top boxes
The plan is to implement MEPS for MPEG2 set top boxes in 2008 and to consider implementing a MEPS for MPEG4 units in 2010.
The new Standard - AS/NZS 62087.2, which covers the test method - is available from Standards New Zealand at www.standards.co.nz.
How will this affect me as an importer of set top boxes?
As an importer (or manufacturer) of set top boxes, you will be required to comply with the Energy Efficiency (Energy Using Products) Regulations 2002. This means you will be required to:
- Ensure all set top boxes within the scope of the Standard, made available for sale in New Zealand on or after the date the Standard comes into force, meet the MEPS requirements. Transitional provisions will allow the sale of existing stock imported into New Zealand before the date the Regulations come into force.
- List all models of set top boxes in New Zealand with EECA. To do this you must complete and submit the registration form contained in the Standard. The simplest way to do this is online at www.energyrating.gov.au. It is free to list in New Zealand. Please note: because New Zealand operates a joint energy efficiency programme with Australia, sharing standards and a website, models registered in Australia do not need to be re-listed in New Zealand.
- Provide statistical information to EECA every year about total sales for each model you sell. This allows EECA to track improvements in energy efficiency across the product class.
The rules covering your obligations can be found in the Energy Efficiency (Energy Using Products) Regulations 2002. (Please note that set top boxes are not currently listed in the schedules of the Regulations but will be included in an amendment prior to implementation of the new MEPS).
How will this affect me as a retailer of set top boxes?
You cannot make available for sale, lease, hire or hire purchase in New Zealand a set top box that does not comply with the Standard. To check whether a particular unit complies with the Standard, check the listings on the website we share with Australia – www.energyrating.gov.au
Trans-Tasman programme
As part of the New Zealand Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy (NZEECS), the products programme at EECA aims to improve the efficiency of energy appliances used in homes and businesses, in conjunction with Australia, through the development of MEPS and labelling.
EECA works with the Australian federal and state agencies on a joint programme (the Equipment Energy Efficiency Programme) to improve the energy efficiency of a range of household equipment, as well as commercial and industrial equipment. This energy efficiency work delivers economic and environmental benefits to both countries.
The main tools used to achieve this are:
- Minimum energy performance standards (MEPS)
- Mandatory energy performance labelling (MEPL)
- Energy Star® endorsement mark.
If you require more information, contact the products team at EECA on 0800 358 676.
Last updated 12/05/08