[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 171 (Friday, September 3, 2010)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 54048-54052]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-22066]
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Proposed Rules
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
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Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 171 / Friday, September 3, 2010 /
Proposed Rules
[[Page 54048]]
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
10 CFR Part 430
[Docket No. EERE-2010-BT-TP-0026]
RIN 1904-AC29
Energy Efficiency Program: Test Procedure for Televisions;
Request for Information and Request for Comments
AGENCY: Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Department of
Energy.
ACTION: Request for information and request for comments.
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SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is initiating the
rulemaking and data collection process to develop a test procedure for
televisions. To inform interested parties and to facilitate this
process, DOE has gathered data, identifying several issues associated
with the currently available test procedures on which DOE is
particularly interested in receiving comment. The issues outlined in
this document mainly concern televisions in active mode (they do not,
for example, include issues related to low power modes). DOE welcomes
written comments from the public on any subject within the scope of
this rulemaking (including topics not raised in this request for
information).
DATES: DOE will accept written comments, data, and information on this
notice, but no later than October 4, 2010.
ADDRESSES: Interested parties may submit comments, identified by docket
number EERE-2010-BT-TP-0026 and/or Regulation Identifier Number (RIN)
1904-AC29, by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov.
Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
E-mail: [email protected] mailto:
Include docket number EERE-2010-BT-TP-0026 and/or RIN 1904-AC29 in the
subject line of the message.
Mail: Ms. Brenda Edwards, U.S. Department of Energy,
Building Technologies Program, Mailstop EE-2J, Request for Information
for Televisions Test Procedure, Docket No. EERE-2010-BT-TP-0026 and/or
RIN 1904-AC29, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20585-
0121. Please submit one signed paper original.
Hand Delivery/Courier: Ms. Brenda Edwards, U.S. Department
of Energy, Building Technologies Program, Sixth Floor, 950 L'Enfant
Plaza, SW., Washington, DC 20024. Please submit one signed paper
original.
Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or
comments received, go to the U.S. Department of Energy, Resource Room
of the Building Technologies Program, Sixth Floor, 950 L'Enfant Plaza,
SW., Washington, DC 20024, (202) 586-2945, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. Please call Ms. Brenda
Edwards first at the above telephone number for additional information
regarding visiting the Resource Room.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Victor Petrolati, U.S. Department
of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Building
Technologies, EE-2J, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC
20585-0121. Telephone: (202) 586-4549. E-mail:
[email protected].
Ms. Celia Sher, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of the General
Counsel, GC-71, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20585-
0121. Telephone: (202) 287-6122. E-mail: [email protected].
For information on how to submit or review public comments and on
how to participate in the public meeting, contact Ms. Brenda Edwards,
U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable
Energy, Building Technologies Program, EE-2J, 1000 Independence Avenue,
SW., Washington, DC 20585-0121. Telephone (202) 586-2945. E-mail:
[email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Table of Contents
I. Introduction
II. Discussion
A. Luminance Level Measurements
1. Luminance Ratio
2. Test Pattern and Measurement Method
3. Measurement Distances and Angles
4. Preset Picture Modes
B. Automatic Brightness Control
1. Room Illuminance
2. Measurement Location and Lighting
C. Signal Source
D. Steady State
E. Three Dimensional (3D) Technology
F. Download Acquisition Mode
G. Internet Connectivity
H. Power Saving Technology
1. Presence Sensor
2. Other Power Saving Technologies
I. Scope of Coverage
III. Public Participation
I. Introduction
DOE adopted a test procedure for televisions (TVs) on June 29,
1979, as described in 44 FR 37938. The test procedure, previously 10
CFR part 430, subpart B, appendix H, was repealed on October 20, 2009,
due to petitions from the California Energy Commission (CEC) and the
Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) in light of the June 13, 2009
transition from analog to digital broadcast transmissions to
televisions (74 FR 53640). As of June 12, 2009, the ``Digital
Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005'' required that all
broadcasting stations must transmit in digital to free up analog
frequencies for public safety communications. (http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/digitaltv.html) The CEC petitioned for repeal of the
regulatory provisions establishing the test procedure and defining
``television set,'' while the CEA petitioned for DOE's adoption of the
International Electrochemical Commission's test procedure IEC Standard
62087-2008, ``Methods of measurement for the power consumption of
audio, video and related equipment.'' DOE is now taking steps required
to assure the test procedure and standards are modernized to be able to
capture the energy consumption of current TVs on the market.
The Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975, as amended (EPCA)
provides DOE the authority to consider and prescribe new energy
conservation test procedures for TVs. Title III of EPCA (42 U.S.C. 6291
et seq.) sets forth a variety of provisions designed to improve energy
efficiency. Part A of title III (42 U.S.C. 6291-6309) establishes the
``Energy Conservation Program for Consumer Products Other Than
Automobiles.'' The consumer products subject to this program (hereafter
``covered products''), include TVs.
[[Page 54049]]
Under EPCA, the overall program consists essentially of testing,
labeling, and Federal energy conservation standards.
Section 323 of EPCA (42 U.S.C. 6293) sets forth generally
applicable criteria and procedures for DOE's adoption and amendment of
test procedures. It states, for example, that ``[a]ny test procedures
prescribed or amended under this section shall be reasonably designed
to produce test results which measure energy efficiency, energy use, or
estimated annual operating cost of a covered product during a
representative average use cycle or period of use, as determined by the
Secretary [of Energy], and shall not be unduly burdensome to conduct.''
(42 U.S.C. 6293(b)(3)) Manufacturers of covered products must use test
procedures prescribed under EPCA as the basis for establishing and
certifying to DOE that their products comply with energy conservation
standards adopted under EPCA. (42 U.S.C. 6295(s))
II. Discussion
While developing a test procedure for TVs, DOE looked to industry
for existing test procedures. Among the most widely accepted are IEC
Standard 62087-2008. \1\ and the Environmental Protection Agency's
(EPA) ``ENERGY STAR Program Requirements for Televisions, Version
4.1.\2\ '' DOE has also studied CEA-2037 \3\ and has noted that this
test procedure relies heavily on both the ENERGY STAR and IEC test
procedures. These test procedures, along with ``Assessment of Options
for Improving Energy Efficiency Test Procedures for Displays''
(prepared for ENERGY STAR, Natural Resources Canada and NYSERDA by Ecos
Consulting, March 17, 2010), as well as data and guidance provided from
international subject matter experts, were the basis for identifying
the below issues.
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\1\ Method of Measurement for the Power Consumption of Audio,
Video and Related Equipment: International Electrotechnical
Commission 62087 Edition 2.0 2008-10.
\2\ Program Requirements for TVs: ENERGY STAR Versions 4.1 and
5.1 (http://www.energystar.gov/ia/partners/product_specs/program_reqs/tv_vcr_prog_req.pdf).
\3\ Determination of Television Average Power Consumption:
Consumer Electronics Association. CEA-2037.
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A. Luminance Level Measurements
1. Luminance Ratio
Although some display technologies' power consumption does not
change markedly with changes in screen luminance, there is a strong
correlation between these factors for most modern display technologies.
This is evident, for example, in plasma, cathode ray tube (CRT), and
locally dimmed LED-backlit LCD designs. As a result, it can be useful
to measure the luminance of televisions during the process of
determining their performance and power consumption. Among preset
modes, most TVs have a retail picture mode for use in showrooms, in
which their screens operate at relatively high luminance levels. TVs
also typically have a home or default picture mode which is
significantly dimmer and more suited for home viewing conditions.
ENERGY STAR v. 4.1 states that luminance should be tested at either
a preset retail picture mode or the brightest selectable preset picture
mode, therefore indicating that retail picture mode is analogous to the
brightest selectable preset picture mode or a mode designed to be
utilized while the TV is in a retail setting. ENERGY STAR v. 4.1 set
guidelines specifying the picture mode in which TVs are to be set for
testing by requiring that TVs either have 1) a forced menu where
consumers can chose the picture mode in which their TV will operate
(assuming most consumers will chose home or default picture mode), or
2) be tested as shipped.
Allowing for qualification in a home or default picture mode may
encourage manufacturers to ship their TVs with a default picture mode
dimmer than desired by most consumers, in order to earn a lower
measured power value. Once purchased, consumers would likely switch the
TV out of the dim picture mode to achieve a better picture, making the
test procedure non-representative of actual energy use. To discourage
this circumvention, and to ensure that TVs' home or default picture
modes are not too dim for satisfactory consumer viewing, ENERGY STAR v.
4.1 requires that home or default picture mode luminance be at least 65
percent of retail picture mode luminance.
DOE acknowledges that the test procedure should ensure that screens
are tested at levels sufficiently bright in home or default picture
mode for satisfactory consumer utility; however, measuring luminance in
a repeatable, representative manner has proven to be difficult, as
discussed below. Therefore, DOE would like feedback from interested
parties on alternative methods to help ensure that the screen
brightness in home or default picture mode is not overly dim.
Specifically, DOE is considering the following broad options
individually or in combination:
Measuring the power consumption of televisions at
prescribed luminance levels;
Eliminating the luminance measurement and comparing the
ratio between the power consumed in home or default and retail picture
modes while displaying a dynamic video signal; and/or
Measuring the power consumption in various relevant
picture modes.
DOE would like to receive interested party feedback on alternative
methods of ensuring that screen brightness is adequate and
representative, appropriate luminance levels, and proper percentages
associated with the duration televisions spend at particular luminance
levels.
2. Test Pattern and Measurement Method
When testing luminance, ENERGY STAR v. 4.1 requires that a single
measurement be taken while the TV displays the 3-bar test pattern. The
single measurement is taken, perpendicular to the center of the screen
while displaying three bars of white (100 percent) over a black (0
percent) background, defined in IEC Standard 60107-1:1997, section
3.2.1.3. Although this test method is also employed by other regulating
bodies, it may not be the most appropriate. According to a study done
by Ecos Consulting, the 3-bar test pattern has an average picture level
(APL) that is not typical of consumer use. This may disadvantage Plasma
TVs, and has proven to be unpredictable with LED models. Furthermore,
the single test point measurement is not appropriate for TVs with local
dimming.
Alternative test patterns and test measurement methods may be more
appropriate for the DOE test procedure. An alternative test pattern
with an APL more similar to both the IEC broadcast video content and
typical consumer use could be developed as an alternative testing
pattern. The test pattern should also be technology neutral to prevent
discrimination against particular TV technologies. However, DOE is
aware that the IEC 3-bar test pattern has been adopted by multiple
rulemaking bodies and trade associations such as EPA, CEA, CEC, and
Australia. Therefore, DOE welcomes feedback from interested parties on
using the IEC 3 bar test pattern. DOE also welcomes feedback on any
alternative test patterns, such as a technology-neutral test pattern,
that could be used in its test procedure.
Additionally, DOE is also considering a 9-point measurement over a
single point measurement, since many televisions exhibit significant
variations in luminance levels between the center and edges of the
screen. China's test procedure takes the average of
[[Page 54050]]
measurements made at 9 different points on the screen to account for
those variations in luminance uniformity. DOE would like to receive
feedback from interested parties on a 9-point test measurement versus a
single point test measurement.
3. Measurement Distances and Angles
Measurement angles and distances are important when taking
luminance readings. Therefore the ENERGY STAR v. 4.1 test procedure
requires that the luminance measurement be taken ``perpendicular to the
center of the display screen.'' ENERGY STAR v. 4.1 further specifies
that for Light Measuring Devices (LMDs) ``that are not to be operated
in close proximity to the screen, a 500 millimeter distance is
recommended.''
However, consumers watch TVs from various distances and angles. The
test procedure may account for this by requiring that luminance
measurements be taken at various angles and distances to most
accurately account for consumer viewing conditions. Testing at various
angles and distances might affect varying technologies differently
depending on the particular test pattern. Alternatively, a contact
measurement could be used, where the measurement device is placed
directly on the screen to measure luminance.
DOE would like to receive feedback regarding the appropriateness of
measuring luminance at the screen or at other distances and angles.
Further, what distances and angles are optimal for taking these
measurements?
4. Preset Picture Modes
As mentioned in section 1 above, ENERGY STAR v. 4.1 and IEC
Standard 62087 require that TVs be tested in home or default picture
mode. Many TVs are now equipped with remotes enabling consumers to
switch easily between picture modes, allowing consumers to, either
accidentally or intentionally, switch between modes. Easy switching
between modes may put TVs into a higher power consumption state more
easily. Currently, neither the ENERGY STAR v. 4.1 nor the IEC Standard
62087 test procedures account for energy consumption in non-retail or
non-home modes. If consumers are more likely to switch out of home or
default picture modes, the energy consumption associated with these
other modes may require additional testing. Since current test
procedures only require testing in home or default picture mode, DOE
would like to receive feedback from interested parties on whether other
preset viewing modes need to be tested and how to account for preset
viewing modes.
B. Automatic Brightness Control
1. Room Illuminance
Automatic brightness control (ABC) is a power savings function that
enables TVs to adjust screen luminance automatically according to the
room illuminance. IEC Standard 62087 measures power savings related to
ABC by requiring that the test be performed in a room with the
illuminance at a level of 300 lux or greater. ENERGY STAR v. 4.1
requires the identical measurement at a level of 300 lux or greater
along with an additional measurement at 0 lux.
Both IEC Standard 62087 and ENERGY STAR v. 4.1 require that a
measurement be taken ``at 300 lux or greater'' which is ambiguous, as
it requires testing at any illuminance greater than 300 lux rather than
at a discrete point, and may not promote consistent testing across all
products. Further, the ENERGY STAR v. 4.1 requirement may encourage
manufacturers to drastically dim TVs at 0 lux (because power
consumption is tested at 0 lux) and increase screen luminance sharply
at values slightly over 0 lux to provide a bright picture setting, and
then flatten out, or be non-responsive to illuminance changes until
values of 300 lux or greater are achieved (since power consumption is
tested at levels of 300 lux or greater). As a result, it is difficult
to predict how much energy ABC will save when televisions are operated
across a range of representative illuminance conditions.
A more repeatable and representative method of measuring ABC could
result from requiring testing at specific illuminance conditions,
rather than 0 lux and 300 lux or greater, that are more typical of
consumer viewing conditions. DOE would like to receive comments from
interested parties on testing at multiple illuminance levels as well as
which levels would be most appropriate. Possible illuminance levels
could include 0, 10, 100, and 200 lux.
2. Measurement Location and Lighting
When measuring ABC, both ENERGY STAR v. 4.1 and IEC Standard 62087
require that the measurement of room illuminance be taken at the
location of the light presence sensor. However, there is no indication
given regarding the orientation of illuminance meter, which can have a
significant effect on the measured value. Likewise, no guidance is
provided on the type of light source to be used, and how directional
that source is, which could affect a light sensor's response.
DOE is aware that there are alternative locations to measure
ambient light conditions. For example, rather than measuring
illuminance at the light presence sensor, the measurement can be taken
at the center of the screen. This approach may be preferred since the
consumer views the TV at the center of the screen, ensuring that the
test procedure is representative of consumer use. DOE welcomes
interested party feedback on the positioning of illuminance
measurements.
Finally, the lighting conditions used when measuring ABC should be
created in a similar fashion, to promote consistent testing across
products. DOE welcomes comments on the appropriate method to create
desired illuminance to measure energy savings associated with ABC.
C. Signal Source
A number of different devices such as a Blu-ray player, DVD player,
computer, or signal generator can serve as the signal source, which can
be transmitted via high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI), digital
component, or video graphics array (VGA) cables.
The IEC Standard 62087 test procedure requires an RF input signal
or baseband input signal if RF is not available. The ENERGY STAR v. 4.1
requires that the input signals must be within 2% of
reference black and white levels. If the device has HDMI, this shall be
used. Although both methods are sound, in order to obtain the most
accurate and consistent power and luminance measurements, a standard
method should be used.
DOE is considering which signal source is most robust to ensure
repeatable and reproducible test procedure results. In a study done by
Ecos, the use of a standard input generator with a HDMI input was found
to produce the least varied results. Ecos concluded that if a signal
generator was not used, a DVD or Blu-ray player would also be
sufficient for conducting luminance ratio measurements; however, a
personal computer did not provide a sufficiently consistent signal.
Ecos also determined that when HDMI is not available, a component
connection should be utilized. DOE would like interested parties to
comment on the best possible signal sources and connections for use in
its test procedure.
D. Steady State
TVs should reach steady state prior to the technician measuring
both power and luminance. The warm-up periods
[[Page 54051]]
for power measurements specified in IEC Standard 62087 and ENERGY STAR
v. 4.1 are dependent on the video signal being used to test the TV. For
static video signals, the measurement must be taken before the
activation of image retention prevention features. Whereas for
broadcast-content video and internet-content video signals, the
measurement is taken after the TV has been operating for 1 hour. The
lengthy warm-up requirement may not be necessary for all TV
technologies, requiring unnecessary burden on manufacturers; therefore
DOE would like to solicit comments from interested parties on
appropriate warm-up periods or a method of ensuring that the variation
in the measured power is within a particular percentage needed for TVs
to reach steady-state.
For conducting luminance measurements, the ENERGY STAR v. 4.1 test
procedure requires the luminance test pattern to run for 10 minutes
before recording a measurement, noting that if the TV stabilizes prior
to 10 minutes, a measurement can be taken earlier. DOE believes that
the 10 minute warm-up period may not provide sufficient time to allow
all TV technologies to stabilize. However, a longer warm-up period will
increase the overall time needed to conduct a full test. DOE would like
to receive comments from interested parties on the time required for TV
luminance to stabilize.
E. Three Dimensional Technology
Both the IEC and ENERGY STAR v. 4.1 test procedures only account
for testing of two dimensional (2D) images. However, three dimensional
(3D) technology in TVs is becoming increasingly popular and DOE is
unaware of any existing test methods for accurately measuring energy
use for 3D technology using 3D images. Although 3D TVs can switch to 2D
viewing and be tested using existing 2D test procedures, the 2D test
patterns and testing methods might not account for the potential
increase in energy use associated with 3D picture settings. DOE
requests feedback from interested parties on testing 3D TVs.
F. Download Acquisition Mode
The ENERGY STAR v. 4.1 test procedure defines download acquisition
mode as:
``Where the product is connected to a mains power source, is not
producing a sound or a picture, and is actively downloading channel
listing information according to a defined schedule for use by the
electronic programming guide, monitoring for emergency messaging/
communications and/or otherwise communicating through a network
protocol. The power use in this mode is typically greater than the
power requirement in Sleep and less than that in On Mode.''
While IEC Standard 62087 does account for energy consumed in
download acquisition mode, the ENERGY STAR v. 4.1 test procedure
requires that download acquisition mode be tested according to the test
procedure developed by ROVI Corporation (http://www.energystar.gov/ia/partners/prod_development/revisions/downloads/television/Procedure_DAM_Testing.pdf). DOE is considering if and how it should measure
download acquisition mode and would like interested party feedback on
the issue.
G. Internet Connectivity
TVs are increasingly designed to include the ability to connect to
the internet. This technology allows users to stream information
directly from the internet for display onto their TV, potentially
causing TVs to consume more energy. IEC Standard 62087 measures
internet usage by requiring that a power measurement be taken while the
television is displaying an internet content video signal. Although
internet and television images may differ, DOE would like to receive
comment on the energy required to connect to and display images from
the internet.
H. Power Saving Technologies
1. Presence Sensors
Presence sensors use a technology that enables a TV to sense the
presence of viewers through movement and body heat. The TV will power
down if it senses a lack of a viewer in the room, in order to save
energy. IEC Standard 62087 measures savings related to other power
saving functions but does not specify a detailed test method for
testing presence sensor technology.
To ensure that all power saving technologies are accounted for
correctly in the test procedure, DOE is considering whether or not to
develop a more detailed test procedure to test savings associated with
the presence sensor technology. DOE would like to receive comment on
this issue.
2. Other Power Saving Technologies
DOE is aware that many power saving technologies exist for TVs. For
example, Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) Display Power
Management System (DPMS), which manages the power supply of computer
displays, and HDMI Consumer Electronics Control (CEC), which allows
users to manage their entertainment system to reduce energy use. IEC
Standard 62087 accounts for other power saving functions by simply
requiring that the user ``test other power saving functions,'' but does
not specify particular testing methods for these technologies.
In order to ensure the most repeatable and reproducible testing
method, DOE would like to receive comment on possible methods to test
these as well as other viable power saving technologies.
I. Scope of Coverage
Traditionally, computer monitors and televisions have been tested
separately since each requires different technologies and were utilized
differently by consumers. Recently, however, televisions have begun to
integrate the internet and other computer-like features. Similarly,
some computer monitors now feature television viewing capabilities.
Both the technologies and markets for computer monitors and television
have begun to merge, with some identical products being marketed
separately as televisions and monitors. For instance, LCD panels are
often identical in similar-sized monitors and TVs; new TVs often come
equipped to receive VGA input; and monitors often come equipped with
HDMI inputs. DOE would like feedback on whether to include computer
monitors in the scope of the television test procedure to account for
the current amalgamation of the traditionally different products.
ENERGY STAR v. 4.1's scope includes televisions with computer
capability but distinguishes between televisions and computer monitors
only based on how they are marketed and sold to consumers. DOE would
like to receive comment on whether computer monitor and television
technology require separate testing methods or could be tested using
the same methods.
DOE seeks responses from interested parties and requests submission
of comments, relevant data, and information related to the issues
described above.
III. Public Participation
DOE is also interested in comments on other relevant issues that
participants believe would affect test procedures applicable to this
product. DOE invites all interested parties to submit in writing by
October 4, 2010, comments and information on matters addressed in this
notice and on other matters relevant to DOE's consideration of new test
procedures for TVs.
After the close of the comment period, DOE will begin collecting
data, conducting the analyses, and reviewing
[[Page 54052]]
the public comments. These actions will be taken to aid in the
development of a test procedure NOPR for TVs.
DOE considers public participation to be a very important part of
the process for developing test procedures. DOE actively encourages the
participation and interaction of the public during the comment period
in each stage of the rulemaking process. Interactions with and between
members of the public provide a balanced discussion of the issues and
assist DOE in the rulemaking process. Anyone who wishes to be added to
the DOE mailing list to receive future notices and information about
this rulemaking should contact Ms. Brenda Edwards at (202) 586-2945, or
via e-mail at [email protected].
Issued in Washington, DC, on August 27, 2010.
Cathy Zoi,
Assistant Secretary, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.
[FR Doc. 2010-22066 Filed 9-2-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P