Set top boxes
To be sold in New Zealand, basic set top boxes without a recording function must meet minimum energy performance standards (MEPS), effective from 9 June 2011. If you're an importer, manufacturer, retailer or seller of an affected product, this page tells you what you need to know.
EECA has also introduced a voluntary code for complex set top boxes - find out more about this voluntary code for high definition and recorder models.
Which products are affected by MEPS?
Set top boxes are used to decode digital television signals. The MEPS applies to set top boxes that:
- are capable of decoding video transport streams
- are MPEG2, and
- do not have a recording function.
MPEG4 units, digital recorders and IDTVs are excluded from the scope of this MEPS. IDTVs are covered by the upcoming TV MEPS.
The Standard AS/NZS 62087.1 describes in detail which products are affected by the MEPS.
How do I meet the MEPS requirements?
To meet the MEPS requirements for set top boxes, you must follow the steps described below.
Steps for retailers
As a retailer, you must check that any set top box you sell is registered.
>> Check if a set top box is registered on the energy rating website.
Steps for importers and manufacturers
As an importer or manufacturer of an affected set top box, you are required to:
- Have your product tested in line with the method described in the Standard AS/NZS 62087.1, to prove its energy performance;
- Ensure your product meets energy performance requirements (see below);
- Register your product through the energy rating website;
- Provide data each year to EECA.
>> Find out more about the steps for importers and manufacturers.
>> Skip straight to product registration on the energy rating website.
Energy performance requirements
The MEPS levels set a maximum power allowance (MPA) of 10W in active stand by, and 12W in on-mode.
A detailed description of the energy performance requirements for set top boxes is in the Standard AS/NZS 62087.2, available from Standards New Zealand.
Where can I get the standards and regulations?
Basic set top boxes are included in the Energy Efficiency (Energy Using Products) Regulations 2002, which can be viewed on the New Zealand Legisation website.
The regulations reference the following standards for these set top boxes, which can be purchased from the Standards New Zealand website.
- AS/NZS 62087.1, which includes the scope and test method.
-
AS/NZS 62087.2, which covers MEPS requirements.
Why have standards for set top boxes?
Mandatory standards encourage improvement in the efficiency of set top boxes and prevent poorly performing products from entering our market.
Consumers benefit as they get better products that save them on energy and running costs in the long term. As set-top boxes are often supplied directly to households through television service providers, consumers are also protected from unknowingly purchasing products with poor energy performance.
The set top market is likely to grow exponentially and analogue transmission will become unavailable from about 2015. It is expected that, through the MEPS for set-top boxes, New Zealand will save over $7 million in energy (163 GWh) and avoid 98 kt of CO2 emissions by 2020.
The MEPS for set top boxes follows a comprehensive consultation and development process, and takes into consideration public comment.
Voluntary code for complex set top boxes
Set top box technology is fast moving, and features like MPEG4 high definition and recorders are becoming increasingly popular.
EECA has developed a voluntary energy performance code to cover these complex set top boxes.
In September 2011 SKY television, New Zealand's largest supplier of set top boxes, made a formal commitment to the voluntary code for their complex models.
SKY's MYSKY HDi receivers come with an energy savings function that reduces energy use by around 20% when enabled. SKY is aiming for further increases in the energy efficiency of their new set top boxes as improved technologies become available.
For more information on the code, please contact info@eeca.govt.nz.
More information
- Find out more about the MEPS for set top boxes on the energy rating website.
- Regulatory impact statement on proposed MEPS for set top boxes
- Standards New Zealand
