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MEPS − Televisions April 2005
Page 8
A study produced for the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority by
Wise Analysis Ltd
compared with existing analogue services while High-definition television (HDTV) provides
cinema-quality viewing with surround sound. Digital television will be broadcast in wide-
screen format in both SDTV and HDTV (HDTV broadcasting began only recently). New
Zealand has committed to the Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB) European-based standards.
A summary of the options available to consumers is as follows:
2.2 Transmission Types
The type of transmission affects the configuration of televisions and thus the features supplied,
which in turn affects the power consumption of the set.
(a) Analogue
This is currently the most widely available transmission option that comes at no additional cost
to the consumer other than the initial purchase of a television unit. Television units using this
method of transmission will require a STB to receive a signal as analogue is phased out and
digital transmission phased in around 2008 in Australia, and probably later in New Zealand.
(b) Standard-Definition TV (SDTV)
SDTVs give the consumer all of the benefits of the basic set-top box as well as a digital picture
in widescreen format. New Zealand is planning to introduce SDTV digital TV transmission in
the future.
(c) High Definition TV (HDTV)
HDTVs receive both HDTV and SDTV signals and display digital HDTV pictures in cinema
quality, wide-screen 16:9 format. A HDTV set will also provide all of the benefits of a basic
set-top box. More common in the market are Digital Display Devices, which will display both
SD and HD signals in a 16:9 wide-screen format.
Digital Display Devices are typically LCD or plasma screens which will only display digital
signals and require a set-top box to receive the digital or analogue TV transmission and convert
it to digital.
2.3 Television Receiver Types
A brief description of television types is provided below. All of the television types described
below with the exception of CRT television types may have the standard analogue, SDTV or
HDTV receiver types. More detail on the technology used is provided in NAEEEP Report
2004/11
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.
2.3.1 TV Technology
There are a number of technologies used to display the image to be viewed. Common
technologies however relate to features such as passive standby. Older sets had an on/off
switch which physically removed the electricity supply from power supply components. The
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NAEEEP Report 2004/11 (Appendix B: Television Technology Types p17).