Is there demand for eco TVs?

The Wall Street Journal took the time to run down some of the latest trend in televisions, labeling sets "eco" or green for their energy efficiency. Every manufacturer at CES seemed to have a line of energy efficient HDTVs, and meeting or beating Energy Star requirements has suddenly moved to the front of marketing materials. Of course, sipping a little less juice incurs a price premium up front, adding $50 or so on Vizio's Eco line over comparable displays. Compared to last year when only 20% of flat panels had green features, manufacturers seem to be betting big on a shift to more efficient entertainment, but we're not sure how high that will be on customer's lists compared to price, features and picture quality.

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 3rd 2009 8:09AM]

As long as it doesn't affect the picture quality, I'm all for eco friendliness.

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 3rd 2009 9:15AM]

People care about green TVs as much as hybrid cars when gas is under $2

[mtkupp Posted Mar 3rd 2009 9:20AM]

I'm waiting for the new energy star Panny plasmas to show up at my local BB

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 3rd 2009 11:03AM]

As if people care about this when a DirecTV receiver draws the same amount of power when it's "off."

[DrXym Posted Mar 3rd 2009 12:31PM]

In Europe at least, it will pay to be green. TVs will soon have to display an energy rating from A to F. If one TV is rated a B and another is rated a D, it will be very obvious to consumers and it WILL affect sales.

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 3rd 2009 1:17PM]

I don't give a crap how energy efficient they are if they look like crap. I don't care if a Samsung LCD draws 10 watts and a VIERA draws 800 watts, I'm going for the VIERA every time.

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 3rd 2009 4:02PM]

Isn't it harder on the environment to manufacture and ship a new television, plus recycle and dispose of an otherwise working television; than to just keep using the old television?

It will take more than eco-friendliness to make me upgrade my perfectly serviceable HDTV... it will take a real improvement in picture quality (e.g. OLED).

[IseWise Posted Mar 3rd 2009 4:28PM]

If you build it, they will come.

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 4th 2009 11:58PM]

As long as electricity costs money, the answer is "yes".