From the cathode ray tube to the flat screen, from normal resolution to high definition – televisions have gone through a rapid development in the last few years. However, not only the technical components of the appliances have been improved, there have also been plenty of changes in terms of energy efficiency and environment protection. This is due not least to the European Ecodesign Directive 2009/125/EC, which regulates the requirements for energy-related products in terms of energy efficiency.
According to the Implementing Measure (EC) No. 624/2009, the energy consumption of television sets has to be gradually reduced until 2012. On 20 August 2010, a further stage will come into effect. It contains a large number of new provisions. For example, new limit values will apply for the power consumption of the television in “On” mode. In addition, sets with a compulsory menu will be required to have a “Home” mode as the default setting and a peak luminance at this setting of at least 65 % compared to the peak luminance at maximum brightness. For televisions without a compulsory menu, this will apply for the delivery state of the set. Important information concerning energy consumption, peak luminance and pollutant content must be available on a freely accessible internet site. These provisions shall apply without any further regulation having to take effect.
In order to meet these requirements, the manufacturers have to rely on exact measurements as early as the development phase. The independent VDE Institute supports them with technical know-how and modern testing laboratories. The German market supervisory authorities also rely on the expert knowledge and the measuring equipment of the VDE Institute when monitoring products.
The customers of the VDE Institute appreciate the high reliability level of the tests and trust the years of experience of the VDE experts. Many companies in the consumer electronics sector rely on the competence of the VDE Institute when evaluating their products. Samsung, for example, had its LED televisions tested by the VDE Institute in accordance with the Ecodesign directive, with the result that it complied even with the final limit values of the Implementing Measure, which are not binding until 2012.
The service range of the VDE Institute extends far beyond energy efficiency measurements. The safety, electromagnetic compatibility and usability of the components are tested, right down to the finished appliance.