THX: Video Calibration Improves Energy Efficiency

CE pros know most of the benefits of system calibration, but maybe not this one: energy efficiency.

According to THX, calibration of LCD and plasma TVs improves energy efficiency up to 50 percent.

The study, which compared "vivid" or "dynamic" modes to professionally-calibrated settings on 15 plasma and LCD TVs, also found:

• Approximate savings ranged from 15 - 50 percent
• Properly calibrated HDTVs can produce savings up to $50 per year

THX says it used the "vivid" and "dynamic" modes for its comparison because they are designed to enable a TV to stand out in a retail environment. These modes boost contrast for greater light output and boost the color controls to compensate for the overpowering fluorescent lighting used in retail environments.

THX adds that manufacturers often employ these modes as the TVs’ default settings and, as a result, consumers use more energy to run their TVs.

Over the past few years, THX says TV manufacturers have increasingly found ways to offset the high-power consumption of their products. The calibration process, however, could save even more energy.

“Newer HDTV models are using less energy than ever before as a result of advances in panel manufacturing,” says John Dahl, director of education at THX.

“While the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Star standard is driving manufacturers to reduce on-mode consumption, both new and older plasma and LCD HDTVs may experience additional savings as a result of professional video calibration.”

THX says calibration is best when performed after the sale to improve picture performance for consumers, and that there are products from companies like Panasonic, LG and JVC that include a pre-calibrated THX Movie Mode for color, black and white level settings. THX says these settings can be fine-tuned in clients’ homes to ensure optimal performance and energy conservation.