on time buy a new smart tv We often find manufacturers want impossible resolutions, impressive brightness, any functionality, best contrast and image processing, etc. we would like to have the latest technological features they leave for the highest ranges they bring together.

But having all these means two significant economic costs. we pay first while buying tv, at a higher price than lower-end models. In daily use, we are gradually confronted with the latter without realizing it. premium TVs use much more electricity than low-end TVs.

Depending on the specific models and technologies implemented in the panels, this extra wattage may be important and make us pay the electricity bill much more every month.

It is a situation that is not usually reflected directly on new energy efficiency labels, or at least not reflected in the main display in capital letters and colours. But yes, it looks well marked as secondary which means consumption at maximum brightness levels.

More features means more power consumption

If we look at the ratings found on these labels for most models, we can see how intriguing modern televisions are in general. very low energy efficiency valueswashing machines, refrigerators, etc. Unlike other household appliances such as

In fact, it’s enough to go to any online store, do a search or classification for “energy efficiency” and we can see how most TVs perform. “F” or “G” certificateplaces models in the higher range in this last category. And only a few low-end, small-diagonal TVs get an “E” rating.

To check the data more specifically, we just need to go to the specifics of each brand on their web page for a particular model and see the following. energy efficiency label consumption values SDR/HDR in kWh per 1000 hoursWe can easily convert this to watts/hour.

The first term (SDR) is a “standard” consumption for intermediate use with brightness and lightness values ​​in the mid-range, while the latter (HDR) “maximum” values When we use the high dynamic range functions of the TV at maximum brightness.

As an example, we can start by taking one of the latest high-end models, such as the new Samsung QN95B Neo QLED, which has started hitting stores since 2022. LCD-miniLED technology and quantum dots. In this case, the electricity consumption of the 55-inch version is 93/193 wattssome typical values ​​in this high teles range.

If we go down the same manufacturer’s line in terms of performance and move away from high-end QLED models, we again find 55-inch and mid-low range basic LCD models such as the Samsung ue55au7105. In this case, the power consumption 101/130 watts. As we can see it goes up a bit in SDR but Drops a lot in HDRwith a difference of 63 watts, so 48% more electricity consumption in the most advanced model.

If we change manufacturers, we can sample two LG LCD models. The first is the LG 55UQ70006LB, a low-mid 4K LCD-LED model. 102/130 watts. If we compare it with another high-end LCD, we can choose LG 55NANO966PA, one of the leading manufacturers in technology. 8K Nano Cell and electricity consumption 130/189 watts.

In this case, moving from the mid-low range model to the most premium model represents an increase in consumption. At 27.45% SDRa value up to 45.4% in HDR state.

In the case of OLED technology Similar differences can also be seen. For example, taking two new models as the manufacturer’s entry-level OLED LG OLED55B2 and this season’s most modern model LG OLED55G2, 84/151 Y 81/166 watts respectively.

There seem to be only minor differences in power consumption in favor of the simpler TV, but that’s despite the G2 using an EVO panel. 20% more efficient than its younger sibling, it still consumes more electricity to HDR.

These are the reasons for higher electricity consumption

Very well, then it seems obvious that high-end TVs consume more electricity than the cheapest, but what are the reasons?

• Well, the first and most obvious light power. Manufacturers drop the brightest panels for their high range. high dynamic range or more realistic HDR. However, this excess light requires more electricity, which eventually goes into consumption and reflects on the electricity bill each month. It is something we will notice less if we only use the TV to watch content in SDR like DTT, our carrier’s cable channels or the like.

• How to control this light intensity? It also has an effect on electricity consumption. Thus, the most basic models without complex assembly FALD management or in the matrix by region, they avoid an electrical expense that those in the higher range often have to face.

• Premium TVs are also installed image processing and processing systems The latest generation of more advanced, more powerful CPUs with artificial intelligence capabilities unimaginable years ago to analyze every single frame and make endless adjustments in real time. All of these have a cost in energy consumption.

• Moreover when uploading in resolution we notice a higher power consumption as more processing power is required and to control each of the extra pixels. This contributes 8K TVs often spend more than 4K models.

• Y sound system with TV It also plays a fundamental role in electricity consumption. An entry-level model with 5 or 10 watts per channel stereo is not the same as a built-in soundbar or home theater speaker array rated for 40 or 60 watts total.