By Sheer Market Forces, LCD Panels May Make Plasma the "Betamax" of Flat Panels

The five energy commissioners voted unanimously to require television manufacturers to produce new models that use 33 percent less electricity by 2011 and 49 percent less electricity by 2013.

Why hasn't California considered that fat people use more energy (on buses, in elevators, escalators, automobiles, airplanes etc) than healthy folks and tax or restrict them?

This part is sad

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You don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows - Robert A. Zimmerman

Exactly.

Consumption is out of control. Just because you can afford to feed a giant TV does not mean that the infrastructure can support it.

I'm quite sure that the manufacturers can meet the standard if some money is spent. Naturally, the cost of the investment must be reflected in the price of the product...........as it should be.

No, I don't see anyone hauling a 46" TV from Nevada..............

My MB-450 Monoblocks used to consume 300W at idle. EACH! It was ridiculous but they were so dang sweet.

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You don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows - Robert A. Zimmerman

As is typical every time our elected officials decide what's good for us, they make exceptions to their mandates that only apply to the privileged.

If you can afford a giant TV, this legislation doesn't apply to you. It only applies to TV's 58" and smaller.

58" is considered not giant?

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You don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows - Robert A. Zimmerman

That's settles it, I'm getting a Jumbotron.



I hear that the Silverdome in Pontiac, MI sold for only $500K at auction, I wonder if that sets the comp for other stadiums that might be for sale.

If true, that's complete BS..........a TV greater than 58" should be banned........not regulated.

That will just push the market "underground" and unregulated or taxed.

Perhaps there'll be a "Cash for CRTs" offer.

Yes, but most underground markets are a small fraction of the total sales. Most folks aren't going to make the effort.

It would be equitable if the household could have any size display, if they were "off the grid" by way of alternative renewable energy, sort of like this . . .

“The way we’ve broken it down is, two cows can power one home each day. So our cows power about 1,300 homes.”


You might need to have a calf alongside, if you've got a plasma and a jacuzzi.

As a consumer in a state that has, as of recent years, been subject to rolling blackouts multiple times, I think this is a great idea. I'm doing what I can to reduce my energy footprint because:

1. It results in a cheaper utility bill.
2. It is better for the environment.
3. It reduces the likelihood of rolling blackouts, which makes life in the summer much more convenient.

I like the idea that my next tv purchase could be a bigger screen that will use as much, or less electricity than my current tv. Just like when I replaced my giant, heavy, blurry 17" CRT with a 20" LCD. Bigger screen size, sharper pixels, more resolution, less power use.

As an aside, I don't really see what benefit plasma has over LCD for daily use. Heck, if the intersection of my income and market economics ever works out, I've got my sights set on the LEDs.

Some would argue, I among them, that plasma panels do differ visually over current LCD panels, which are getting better.

Personally I prefer my plasma over LCDs, it's just a matter of preference. I agree that the LCDs are getting better.