Energy Conservation Program: Test Procedure and Energy Conservation Standard for Set-Top Boxes and Network Equipment, 78174-78180 [2011-32325]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 242 (Friday, December 16, 2011)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 78174-78180]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-32325]


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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

10 CFR Part 430

[Docket Number EERE-2011-BT-NOA-0067]
RIN 1904-AC52


Energy Conservation Program: Test Procedure and Energy 
Conservation Standard for Set-Top Boxes and Network Equipment

AGENCY: Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Department of 
Energy.

ACTION: Request for information (RFI) and request for comments; notice 
of public meeting.

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SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is initiating a rulemaking 
and data collection process to develop a potential test procedure and 
energy conservation standard for set-top boxes (STB) and network 
equipment. To facilitate this process, DOE has gathered data, 
identifying several issues associated with currently available industry 
test procedures, efficiency standards and energy use data for STBs on 
which DOE is particularly interested in receiving comment. DOE welcomes 
written comments from the public on any subject within the scope of 
this rulemaking (including topics not raised in this RFI). DOE will 
hold a public meeting as part of this RFI.

DATES: DOE will hold a public meeting on January 26, 2012 from 9 a.m. 
to 4 p.m. in Washington, DC. The meeting will also be broadcast as a 
webinar. See section III, ``Public Participation,'' for webinar 
information, participation instructions, and information about the 
capabilities available to webinar participants.
    DOE will accept comments, data, and information regarding the RFI 
before and after the public meeting, but no later than February 14, 
2012. For details, see section III, ``Public Participation,'' of this 
RFI.

ADDRESSES: The public meeting will be held at the U.S. Department of 
Energy Forrestal Building, Room 8E-089, 1000 Independence Avenue SW., 
Washington DC 20585. Please note that foreign nationals visiting DOE 
Headquarters are subject to advance security screening procedures. Any 
foreign national wishing to participate in the meeting should advise 
DOE as soon as possible by contacting Ms. Brenda Edwards at (202) 586-
2945 to initiate the necessary procedures.
    Interested persons are encouraged to submit comments using the 
Federal eRulemaking Portal at https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the 
instructions for submitting comments. Alternatively, interested persons 
may submit comments, identified by docket number EERE-2011-BT-NOA-0067, 
by any of the following methods:
     Email: to STB-RFI-2011-NOA-0067@ee.doe.gov. Include EERE-
2011-BT-NOA-0067 in the subject line of the message.
     Mail: Ms. Brenda Edwards, U.S. Department of Energy, 
Building Technologies Program, Mailstop EE-2J, Request for Information 
for Set-top boxes and Network Equipment, EERE-2011-BT-NOA-0067, 1000 
Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20585- 0121. Phone: (202) 586-
2945. Please submit one signed paper original.
     Hand Delivery/Courier: Ms. Brenda Edwards, U.S. Department 
of Energy, Building Technologies Program, 6th Floor, 950 L'Enfant 
Plaza, SW., Washington, DC 20024. Phone: (202) 586-2945. Please submit 
one signed paper original.
    Instructions: All submissions received must include the agency name 
and docket number or RIN for this rulemaking.
    Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents, or 
comments received, go to the Federal eRulemaking Portal at https://www.regulations.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Direct requests for additional 
information may be sent to:
    Mr. Jeremy Dommu, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy 
Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Building Technologies Program, EE-2J, 
1000 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20585-0121. Telephone: 
(202) 586-9870. Email: Jeremy.Dommu@ee.doe.gov.
    In the office of the General Counsel, contact Ms. Celia Sher, U.S. 
Department of Energy, Office of the General Counsel, GC-71, 1000 
Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20585-0121. Telephone: (202) 
287-6122. Email: Celia.Sher@hq.doe.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Table of Contents

I. Introduction
II. Discussion
    A. Energy Conservation Standard
    1. Product Classes
    2. Lower Power Sleep Mode
    3. Multi-Room Setups
    4. Typical User Profile
    5. Engineering Analysis
    6. Market Data
    B. Test Procedure
    1. Impact of Service Provider Software
    2. Live Network Testing
    3. Video Source
    4. Digital Video Recorder Testing
    5. Low-Noise Block Power Consumption
III. Public Participation
    A. Attendance at Public Meeting
    B. Procedure for Submitting Requests To Speak
    C. Conduct of the Public Meeting
    D. Submission of Comments

I. Introduction

    Title III of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA), as 
amended (42 U.S.C. 6291 et seq.), sets forth various provisions 
designed to improve energy efficiency. Part A of Title III of EPCA (42 
U.S.C. 6291-6309) established the Energy Conservation Program for 
Consumer Products Other Than Automobiles,'' which covers consumer 
products and certain commercial products (referred to as ``covered 
products'').\1\ In addition to specifying a list of covered residential 
and commercial products, EPCA contains provisions that enable the 
Secretary of Energy to classify additional types of consumer products 
as covered products.
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    \1\ For editorial reasons, upon codification in the U.S. Code, 
Part B was re-designated Part A.
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    DOE recently published a Notice of Proposed Determination (76 FR 
34914, June 15, 2011) (hereafter referred to as ``proposed 
determination'') that preliminarily determined that STBs and network 
equipment meet the criteria for covered products because classifying 
products of such type as covered products is necessary or appropriate 
to carry out the purposes of EPCA, and the average U.S. household 
energy use for STBs and network equipment is likely to exceed 100 
kilowatt-hours (kWh) per year.
    DOE may prescribe test procedures for any product it classifies as 
a ``covered product.'' (42 U.S.C. 6293(b)) Further, DOE may consider 
prescribing energy conservation standards for a type of consumer 
product it classifies as covered if the product meets certain 
additional criteria, such as ``average per household energy use within 
the United States'' in excess of 150 kWh and ``aggregate household 
energy use'' in excess of 4.2 billion kWh, for any prior 12-month 
period. (42 U.S.C. 6295(l)(1))
    DOE is initiating the rulemaking and data collection process for a 
test procedure and potential establishment of an energy conservation 
standard for

[[Page 78175]]

STBs and network equipment with publication of this RFI. This process 
will analyze the technological, environmental, employment, and 
regulatory impact of a test procedure and standard on consumers, 
manufacturers, utilities, and the nation. During this analysis, DOE 
will determine the feasibility of establishing a standard that achieves 
the maximum improvement in energy efficiency that is technologically 
feasible and economically justified. To support this analysis, DOE will 
develop a test procedure to measure the energy efficiency of STBs and 
network equipment that reflects consumer use, ensures repeatability of 
results and is not unduly burdensome to conduct. DOE is asking 
interested parties for additional information that will assist DOE in 
performing its analysis and in developing a test procedure and energy 
conservation standard for STBs and network equipment.
    For reference, DOE has published a Market and Technology Assessment 
on the DOE Set-Top Box and Network Equipment Appliance Standards Web 
site, located at https://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standards/residential/set_top_boxes.html, that includes the data 
currently gathered on STBs.
    Note that any comments already provided in response to the proposed 
determination do not need to be resubmitted. DOE will formally respond 
to comments already submitted in a final determination for coverage of 
STBs and network equipment that will be issued at a later stage in the 
rulemaking process.

II. Discussion

    DOE will review existing industry test procedures and standards to 
develop its own test procedure and efficiency standard for STBs and 
network equipment. Current industry test procedures and standards for 
STBs include the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) ENERGY 
STAR[supreg] Program Requirements for Set-top Boxes Version 3.0,\2\ 
Canadian Standards Association's (CSA) test procedure C380-08,\3\ and 
Consumer Electronics Association's (CEA) industry standards CEA-2013 
\4\ and CEA-2022.\5\ Additionally, DOE will evaluate the International 
Electrotechnical Commission's (IEC) industry standard IEC-62087,\6\ 
which includes STBs in its scope. Notably, the ENERGY STAR program 
defines its own test method for STBs, but does reference the CSA test 
procedure for test setup and instrumentation. The CEA standards are 
similar to CSA's test procedure, but they cover fewer functional 
features as compared to the ENERGY STAR method. These test procedures 
and industry standards were used as a basis for identifying the below 
issues for which DOE is specifically seeking feedback.\7\
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    \2\ ENERGY STAR Program Requirements Product Specification for 
Set-top Boxes: Test Method Rev. Jan-2011 (2011).
    \3\ C380-08: Test Procedure for the Measurement of Energy 
Consumption of Set-Top Boxes (2008).
    \4\ CEA-2013-A: Digital STB Background Power Consumption (2007).
    \5\ CEA-2022: Digital STB Active Power Consumption Measurement 
(2007).
    \6\ IEC-62087: Methods of measurement for the power consumption 
of audio, video and related equipment. Edition 3 (2011) Section 8.
    \7\ DOE will also consider the National Cable & 
Telecommunications Association's ``CableLabs--Energy Lab'' 
initiative, which was announced on November 18, 2011 but is as yet 
preliminary.
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A. Energy Conservation Standard

1. Product Classes
    When necessary, DOE divides covered products into classes by the 
type of energy used, the capacity of the product, and any other 
performance-related feature that justifies different standard levels, 
such as features affecting consumer utility. (42 U.S.C. 6295(q)) As 
part of this rulemaking proceeding, DOE will evaluate the market for 
STBs and potentially separate them into product classes based on the 
criteria outlined above.
    The current ENERGY STAR program separates STBs into different base 
functionalities: Cable, Satellite, Cable Digital Transport Adapter 
(DTA), Internet Protocol (IP), Terrestrial, and Thin Client/Remote.\8\ 
Each base functionality type has a different energy consumption 
allowance (i.e., a different efficiency level) for qualification with 
the ENERGY STAR specification. Differentiating products by 
functionalities recognizes the fact that different underlying 
technologies such as Cable and Satellite STBs may require more energy 
than Thin Clients or Cable DTA STBs. ENERGY STAR also provides for 
higher energy consumption allowances based on various additional 
features (e.g. Digital Video Recorder, High Definition Resolution).
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    \8\ ENERGY STAR Program Requirements: Product Specification for 
Set-top Boxes Eligibility Criteria Version 3.0 (2011) Table 3.
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    As part of DOE's investigation of potential product classes for 
STBs and network equipment, DOE is considering investigating the 
definitions of STB base functionality types and the additional features 
currently employed by the ENERGY STAR program.\9\ In particular, DOE is 
considering defining a separate product class for each combination of 
functionality type and an additional feature or features. However, in 
order to make this determination, DOE will have to analyze whether each 
combination of functionality type and additional features meets DOE's 
criteria for establishing product classes. Further details concerning 
the base functionality types and additional features used by the ENERGY 
STAR program are discussed below.
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    \9\ ENERGY STAR Program Requirements: Product Specification for 
Set-top Boxes Eligibility Criteria Version 3.0 (2011) Sections 1.A 
and 1.B.2.
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Functionality Type
     Cable: A STB whose primary function is to receive 
television signals from a broadband, hybrid fiber/coaxial, or community 
cable distribution system with conditional access and deliver them to a 
consumer display, thin-client/remote STB, and/or recording device.
     Satellite: A STB whose primary function is to receive 
television signals from satellites and deliver them to a consumer 
display, thin-client/remote STB, and/or recording device.
     Cable Digital Transport Adapter (Cable DTA): A minimally-
configured STB whose primary function is to receive television signals 
from a broadband, hybrid fiber/coaxial, or community cable distribution 
system and deliver them to a consumer display and/or recording device.
     Internet Protocol Television (IPTV): A STB whose primary 
function is to receive television/video signals encapsulated in 
Internet Protocol packets and deliver them to a consumer display, thin-
client/remote STB, and/or recording device.
     Terrestrial: A STB whose primary function is to receive 
television signals over the air or via community cable distribution 
system without conditional access and deliver them to a consumer 
display, thin-client/remote STB, and/or recording device.
     Thin-client/Remote: A STB that (1) is designed to 
interface between a multi-room STB and a TV (or other output device), 
(2) has no ability to directly interface with a Service Provider, and 
(3) relies solely on a multi-room STB for content. Any STB that meets 
the definition of a cable, satellite, IP, or terrestrial STB is not a 
thin-client/remote STB.
Additional Features
     Advanced Video Processing (AVP): The capability to encode, 
decode, and/or transcode audio/video signals in

[[Page 78176]]

accordance with standards H.264/MPEG 4 or SMPTE 421M.
     CableCARD: The capability to decrypt premium audio/video 
content and services and provide other network control functions via a 
plug-in conditional access module that complies with the ANSI/SCTE 28 
2007 HOST-POD Interface Standard.\10\
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    \10\ ANSI/SCTE 28 2007 HOST-POD Interface Standard (2007) https://www.scte.org/standards/Standards_Home.aspx.
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     Digital Video Recorder (DVR): The capability to store 
video in a digital format to a rewritable disk drive or other non-
volatile storage device integrated into a STB. This definition excludes 
video capture software for personal computers or server-based DVR 
capabilities.
     DOCSIS: The capability to distribute data and audio/video 
content over cable television infrastructure in accordance with the 
CableLabs[reg] Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification.
     High Definition (HD) Resolution: The capability to 
transmit or display video signals with resolution greater than or equal 
to 720p.
     Standard Definition (SD) Resolution: The capability to 
only transmit or display video signals with resolution less than 720p.
     Home Network Interface (HNI): The capability to interface 
with external devices over a high bandwidth network (e.g., IEEE 802.11 
(WiFi), MoCA, HPNA). For purposes of this specification, IEEE 802.3 
wired Ethernet is not considered a Home Network Interface.
     Multi-room (MR): The capability to provide independent 
audio/video content to multiple devices within a single family 
dwelling. This definition does not include the capability to manage 
gateway services for multi-subscriber scenarios.
     Multi-stream (MS): The capability to deliver two or more 
simultaneous audio/video streams to a consumer display, thin-client/
remote STB, or recording device. The simultaneous streams may be 
delivered via a physically separate input or via the primary input. 
This definition does not include out-of-band tuners.
     Removable Media Player: The capability to decode digitized 
audio/video signals on DVD or Blu-ray Disc optical media.
     Removable Media Player/Recorder: The capability to decode 
and record digitized audio/video signals on DVD or Blu-ray Disc optical 
media.
    DOE welcomes feedback on consideration of the ENERGY STAR[supreg] 
program's identification of base functionality types and additional 
features in DOE's analysis of product classes for STBs and network 
equipment. DOE is also seeking feedback on potential methods to combine 
or reduce the number of product classes, the impact on energy 
consumption as a result of each of the functionality types and/or 
features, and market share data on the prevalence of these 
functionality types and/or features in STBs. Additionally, DOE seeks 
feedback from interested parties on the following questions:
     Should Cable DTA be a factor in defining a product class? 
DOE believes this is used for older analog televisions (TVs), which are 
becoming less common as consumers switch to digital TVs.
     How should tuner types be categorized? Are there 
significant energy differences between analog and digital tuners?
     Should streaming STBs (e.g., streaming video from a web-
based service) be distinguished from service provider IPTV STBs? What, 
if any, differences are there between those types of STBs? Is the term 
``video signals'' sufficient for including streaming STBs in the 
potential IPTV product classes?
     Should there be additional features defined due to 
significant differences in functionality (i.e., performance related 
feature) that affect energy consumption? Note that for ENERGY STAR, 
Cable DTA and Cable are two separate definitions despite the fact that 
they both use cable as the transmission medium.
     Is the Cable STB definition sufficient to include stand-
alone DVRs (which include a CableCARD slot to interface with an 
existing service provider) generally purchased through retail? Should a 
separate product class exist for stand-alone DVRs?
     Should the Cable STB definition include CableCARD and 
DOCSIS functionality? Does CableCARD functionality consume energy when 
a CableCARD is installed but not used, or does it also have to be in 
use? DOE believes this feature only applies if it is actively 
decrypting video content during testing.
     Should the Advanced Video Processing feature encompass 
both encoding and decoding of video content? Would encoding or 
transcoding require more hardware and energy consumption compared to 
decoding? Does the presence of Advanced Video Processing significantly 
affect power consumption when viewing MPEG-2 or analog video?
     Can Advanced Video Processing and High Definition be 
combined into a single functionality?
     Is it sufficient to define HD as any resolution greater 
than 720p? Should there be a separate definition for even higher video 
resolutions?
     Does the capability for multi-room increase the energy 
consumption of the STB when only one output is connected?
     Does the capability for multi-stream increase the energy 
consumption of the STB when only one stream is being accessed?
     None of the currently qualified ENERGY STAR products take 
credit for Removable Media Player or Recording. Are there STBs that 
currently implement removable media support? Does the presence of this 
feature increase the energy consumption when not in use (e.g. when the 
STB is accessing live TV content)?
     DOE further requests that interested parties comment on 
whether there are any features that would impact some potential product 
classes of STBs and network equipment differently than others? For 
example, would DVR functionality tend to increase the energy 
consumption of satellite STBs and cable STBs similarly?
     Lastly, should DOE consider any other additional features 
that currently exist or are in development that would significantly 
affect consumer behavior and/or STB energy consumption (e.g., 3D video 
processing, ultra high definition)?
2. Lower Power Sleep Mode
    One potential energy savings feature of STBs is entering a lower 
power sleep mode when not performing a primary function (such as 
watching or recording a television program). Currently, many STBs 
consume nearly the same amount of energy regardless of whether the 
devices are performing a primary function. DOE realizes that service 
providers regularly communicate with deployed devices to maintain 
network and content security, and to ensure that program guides or on-
demand offerings are updated. DOE also understands that some consumers 
may be opposed to long wake-up times when powering on their devices. 
Given the amount of potential energy savings, however, DOE is 
interested in methodologies that reduce energy consumption when the 
device is not in use while ensuring communication and wake-up times are 
minimally affected. DOE seeks feedback from interested parties on 
methodologies that reduce STB energy consumption when not performing a 
primary function. As an example, a STB

[[Page 78177]]

could enter a deep sleep mode during off-peak hours (such as the middle 
of the night) and automatically wake up once every 30 minutes to 
communicate with the service provider and check for updates. At other 
times, the device would remain in a light sleep mode when not in use 
and not require a long wake-up time.
    DOE seeks comments, data, and other input into technological, 
economic, and competitive impacts of using lower power light sleep and 
deep sleep modes for STBs. DOE also seeks feedback on any other issues 
related to lower power sleep modes. DOE is particularly interested in 
technological features that could significantly reduce energy 
consumption while providing for adequate communication with service 
providers and minimizing wake-up times when consumers power on their 
devices.
    DOE is also interested in other examples and data of energy-
reducing technologies, configurations or product designs, other than 
sleep modes, that could help improve the efficiency of STBs (e.g., 
spinning down hard disks, multi-room deployments).
3. Multi-Room Setups
    DOE is aware that some service providers offer the use of multi-
room setups where a single STB (usually with DVR functionality) is 
connected to the service provider, and that primary device then feeds 
video signals to thin-clients in the home through a network connection. 
This has the ability to save on total household energy consumption by 
using more efficient thin-clients instead of multiple devices.
    In order for DOE to better understand these setups, DOE is seeking 
more information from interested parties on this topic. In particular:
     DOE is seeking market data on how prevalent multiple STBs 
are in current homes. For example, how many homes use two STBs? How 
many homes use three STBs?
     How much more power does a multi-room STB use compared to 
a thin-client device?
     How much more power does a multi-room STB use compared to 
a STB without multi-room capability?
     Are generic thin-client STBs capable of connecting to any 
multi-room STB, or will only specific models of thin-clients work with 
a given multi-room STB?
4. Typical User Profile
    In the development of potential energy conservation standards, it 
may become necessary to adopt standardized user profiles that estimate 
the average amount of time each day that STBs are in each of their 
functional modes (e.g. active, standby, and off). It may also become 
necessary to develop estimates of the amount of time STBs with DVR 
functionality are in record or playback modes. This usage profile could 
then be applied to measurements obtained from a test procedure to 
estimate the typical daily or annual energy consumption of STBs. The 
ENERGY STAR program uses this methodology in their program.\11\ DOE 
seeks feedback on whether it should adopt the ENERGY STAR usage profile 
or if an alternative methodology should be used when considering the 
metric for potential energy conservation standards, such as wattage 
requirements for each mode. A time-based metric, similar to the method 
used in ENERGY STAR, may be reasonable as many of the potential energy 
savings occur based on the time in each mode, and different product 
classes may have different opportunities for energy savings that could 
also help a product meet a standard.
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    \11\ ENERGY STAR Program Requirements: Product Specification for 
Set-top Boxes Eligibility Criteria Version 3.0 (2011) Section 3.3.
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5. Engineering Analysis
    As part of analyzing potential energy conservation standards for 
STBs and network equipment, DOE will develop an engineering analysis, 
which will characterize the incremental manufacturing cost associated 
with increasing the efficiency of STBs. As part of this analysis, DOE 
plans to gather data regarding the efficiency of STBs, run tests on 
STBs, and perform physical teardowns of STBs. DOE recognizes that there 
are a variety of functionalities, features, and subscription services 
that may impact the efficiency of STBs. Therefore, DOE is strongly 
interested in collecting information from a wide variety of sources on 
the energy use of different types and configurations of STBs. As part 
of this analysis, DOE may be required to gain access to a subscription 
or head-end equipment similar to that of a consumer's access in order 
to test the STB. DOE is hopeful to gain access to features such as 
electronic-program-guides, video-on-demand, and pay-per-view for 
testing.
    DOE understands that the nature of subscriptions and leasing 
agreements make it difficult for DOE to obtain equipment on the 
commercial market directly for purchase. Consequently, DOE will be 
reaching out to service providers and STB makers directly to inquire 
about obtaining the STBs for this analysis and any special equipment 
necessary for testing.
6. Market Data
    DOE seeks additional data on STB markets and technologies, 
including updated National energy use data \12\ on STBs by potential 
product class. These data include numbers of installed devices, unit 
energy consumption, efficiency ranges, and usage profiles. Projected 
energy use data include historical and projected annual shipments of 
STBs, projected unit energy consumption for future models of STBs, and 
projected usage profiles based on new studies on consumer behavior.
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    \12\ Set-Top Box Market and Technology Assessment Report, 
Section 3.1.5, December 2011.
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B. Test Procedure

    The following discussion topics on testing primarily reference the 
ENERGY STAR program, but all of the previously referenced industry test 
procedures were used to help identify the following questions.
1. Impact of Service Provider Software
    Service providers typically install software onto STBs rented to 
consumers. These STBs are programmed to have security features and 
constant communication with the service provider and allow customers to 
access specific content, such as video-on-demand or electronic program 
guides. Based on initial testing, DOE believes the service provider 
software can have an impact on the energy consumption of a STB. Thus, 
DOE is considering that STBs be tested with the appropriate software 
added. In the event that the same physical STB can be programmed by 
different service providers, each service provider configuration would 
be treated as a different device (i.e., a different basic model). DOE 
would therefore test STBs as deployed in consumers' homes, rather than 
as shipped by the STB original equipment manufacturers to the service 
providers. In order to gain a better understanding of the issue, DOE 
requests feedback on the following:
     What impact does the service provider software have on 
energy consumption?
     How does service provider software impact idle or sleep 
behavior?
     How does such software affect any other energy saving 
features?
     For cable STBs, will there be different energy consumption 
of a generic STB with CableCARD accessing the digital programming of a 
service provider versus a programmed device

[[Page 78178]]

with full two-way communication with the service provider?
2. Live Network Testing
    ENERGY STAR program specifications do not specify how the video 
source signal is to be delivered, and implicitly allow STBs to be 
tested either through a live network (via subscription service) or with 
a closed network. A closed network includes testing with head-end 
equipment provided by the service provider and/or manufacturer. 
Additionally, the CEA test procedures explicitly state that it is not 
expected that the STB would be connected to a live network.\13\
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    \13\ CEA-2022: Digital STB Active Power Consumption Measurement 
(2007) Section 6.4.d.
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    Subscription services (i.e., one type of live network) are more 
typical of how a consumer would be using the STB. Using a subscription 
would be simpler to setup for testing, and it would require little 
involvement by the service provider other than providing the 
subscription itself. However, DOE has concerns that subscriptions would 
not be available in all test areas, thus some labs would be physically 
incapable of testing certain STBs. Additionally, STB behavior may be 
impacted by geographic location, weather (for satellite connection), 
and time of day. Subscriptions themselves can vary depending on the 
type chosen for testing as service providers generally have different 
package choices that could be accessed by the same STB hardware. 
Finally, video format may not be as controllable through a 
subscription, which may be required for testing (see Section 0 of this 
document).
    Closed network testing can solve some of the repeatability issues 
for testing. However, it requires proprietary hardware and software 
from the service provider. This equipment can be large and costly to 
use, and may be very difficult to setup and configure. DOE also has 
concerns that the programmed head-end equipment and physical setup may 
not be realistic due to the lack of access to certain features, which 
may impact energy consumption of the STB.
    Because of the potential difficulties in using a closed network, 
DOE is considering that STBs be tested via subscription service only. 
DOE is also considering allowing closed network testing and may need to 
specify head-end requirements in this case. DOE would like feedback 
from interested parties on these two methods. Specifically,
     How will STB behavior compare between closed network 
testing and live network testing?
     How will STBs with subscription service be affected by 
geographic location and time of day?
     How will energy usage of the STB be affected by the 
subscription package selected?
     Are there any obstacles with service providers providing 
head-end equipment to labs for testing STBs?
     Are there any additional factors that should be considered 
when deciding between closed network and live network testing methods?
     Are there other potential test setups that should be 
considered?
3. Video Source
    The ENERGY STAR test procedure describes three reference channels 
to be used for testing STBs. They are as follows:\14\
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    \14\ ENERGY STAR Program Requirements: Test Method Rev. Jan-2011 
(2011) Section 4.H.
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    (1) Reference Channel A: Network television channel, standard 
definition (SD) format, minimum 480i resolution.
    (2) Reference Channel B: Live or recorded sports channel;
    a. If the STB is HD-capable, this channel shall be in HD format, 
minimum 720p resolution.
    b. If the STB is not HD-capable, this channel shall be in SD 
format, minimum 480i resolution.
    (3) Reference Channel C: 24-hour news channel, standard definition 
(SD) format, minimum 480i resolution.
    DOE has initial concerns with the ENERGY STAR test procedure's lack 
of a video signal standard for repeatability, as the video source may 
impact the STB energy consumption. However, a subscription based 
testing would not necessarily have control of the video content. Due to 
differences in video processing, DOE is also concerned that the chosen 
video format will have an impact on energy consumption of the STB, and 
that a minimum video resolution would not be sufficient to guarantee a 
repeatable test. For high definition format, one lab may test at 720p, 
and another lab may use 1080p, which could result in different recorded 
energy consumptions. Additionally, some STBs may be preconfigured to 
output a set video resolution. Thus, any video input source that 
differed from the output resolution would require additional video 
processing. For example, using a 720p input signal may require more 
energy when converting to 1080i compared to a native 1080i input 
signal.
    DOE is also concerned that there are additional parameters that may 
need to be specified if using a controlled test signal. Frame rate may 
also need to be specified as there could potentially be differences 
between 60 frames per second video sources versus 24 frames per second. 
Video bit rates may also need to be specified as lower bitrates would 
likely require less energy at the expense of lower quality video. 
Finally, the video codec should be specified for repeatability. MPEG-4 
decoding may require additional hardware compared to MPEG-2.
    Because different service providers may provide different video 
formats to their customers, DOE is considering an alternative method 
where the tester can randomly choose a video source. The chosen channel 
and video specifications would need to be reported or measured, and 
energy consumption would be normalized to make different video formats 
comparable. For example, it is expected that a STB decoding video at 5 
megabits per second would use less energy than a STB decoding video at 
10 megabits per second. DOE would attempt to normalize out the bitrate 
aspect of energy consumption in setting standard levels. DOE is aware 
that this method may not be as repeatable as creating a specific test 
signal, but it will ensure some level of control for video content and 
source while still simulating the consumer experience.
    DOE is also considering specifying minimum requirements for video 
content for testing and/or using a standard test video source if it is 
technically feasible. DOE seeks feedback from interested parties on 
this subject. In particular:
     How much modification do service providers make to content 
providers' signals? Does a specific channel use similar frame rates, 
encoding, and bit rates across different service providers or 
locations? DOE does not wish for service providers to lower the quality 
of video in order to meet potential energy standards.
     For a given service provider, are there any regional 
differences in video format? For example, would an HD broadcast of a 
specific channel be delivered at an identical video format across all 
geographic locations?
     How much variance in energy consumption would be expected 
based on the video content? Would sports content (more dynamic) have 
significant differences in energy consumption compared to news content 
(more static)?
     Is it possible to determine or measure the frame rate, bit 
rate, and video format being received by the STB? If so, how is this 
done?
     If labs are able to test with a controlled video source, 
what parameters most impact energy consumption? DOE has identified

[[Page 78179]]

resolution, format, frame rate, and bit rate. Are these sufficient, or 
are there other parameters that should be specified? Are any of these 
parameters irrelevant to energy consumption?
4. Digital Video Recorder Testing
    The ENERGY STAR test procedure includes testing DVR 
functionality.\15\ The DVR alters STB behavior and consumer behavior by 
allowing the consumer to record content, watch offline content, and 
pause/rewind/fast-forward live broadcasts. This behavior is 
significantly different from a standard STB (also known as a receiver), 
which is primarily used to watch live video. The ENERGY STAR test 
procedure specifies that live TV testing includes pausing (5% of test 
time), fast forward (10% of test time), and rewind (10% of test time), 
and watching video for the remaining 75% of the time. It also specifies 
energy consumption for recording and playing back stored video.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \15\ ENERGY STAR Program Requirements: Test Method Rev. Jan-2011 
(2011) Sections 7.2, 7.3.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    DOE believes that energy consumption may depend on the order that 
these operations are performed as well as the number of transitions 
between modes. Additionally, DVR STBs usually have multiple speeds for 
fast forwarding and rewinding that may impact energy usage.
    DOE is considering that each DVR operation mode be measured in a 
separate test for fixed test time durations. For example, the tester 
could measure power for 5 minutes while rewinding video, measure power 
for 5 minutes while playing video, and measure power for 5 minutes 
while fast-forwarding video. The weighting for energy consumption can 
be incorporated into the final efficiency metric. DOE is also 
considering including multiple speeds for fast-forward and rewind for 
testing. DOE seeks feedback from interested parties on handling DVR 
testing.
5. Low Noise Block Power Consumption
    A low noise block (LNB) is used in conjunction with a satellite STB 
to improve signal reception. It can have a separate power supply, but 
some LNBs draw power from the STB coaxial connection. The ENERGY STAR 
test procedure explicitly excludes the energy consumption of the 
LNB,\16\ as does the CEA test procedure.\17\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \16\ ENERGY STAR Program Requirements: Test Method Rev. Jan-2011 
(2011) Section 5.D.
    \17\ CEA-2022: Digital STB Active Power Consumption Measurement 
(2007) Section 6.1.2.a.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    DOE is considering including LNB energy consumption for satellite 
STBs, as the LNB is providing required functionality, and would like to 
identify what factors impact LNB energy consumption and whether these 
factors can be controlled in a lab scenario. Accordingly, DOE seeks 
feedback from interested parties on this topic or any of the following 
questions:
     How much power does the LNB consume compared to the STB?
     Does LNB energy consumption vary significantly based on 
the received signal or noise?
     Is it possible to test the STB with the LNB disabled or 
disconnected?
     Are there any known methods for accurately measuring the 
LNB power to exclude it from the STB energy consumption?
     What other factors influence the energy consumption of 
LNBs?
     Can all satellite STBs use an independently powered LNB as 
a means to separate LNB power from the STB?

III. Public Participation

A. Attendance at Public Meeting

    The time, date, and location of the public meeting are listed in 
the DATES and ADDRESSES sections at the beginning of this RFI. To 
attend the public meeting, please notify Ms. Brenda Edwards at (202) 
586-2945. As explained in the ADDRESSES section, foreign nationals 
visiting DOE Headquarters are subject to advance security screening 
procedures.

B. Procedure for Submitting Requests To Speak

    Any person who has an interest in the topics addressed in this RFI, 
or who is a representative of a group or class of persons that has an 
interest in these issues, may request an opportunity to make an oral 
presentation at the public meeting. Requests should be emailed to Ms. 
Brenda Edwards at Brenda.Edwards@ee.doe.gov. Persons who wish to speak 
should include their contact information and an attached file that 
describes the nature of their interest in this RFI and the topics they 
wish to discuss. DOE requests persons selected to make an oral 
presentation to submit an advance copy of their statements by January 
19, 2011. DOE may permit persons who cannot supply an advance copy of 
their statement to participate, if those persons have made advance 
alternative arrangements with the Building Technologies Program. As 
necessary, requests to give an oral presentation should ask for such 
alternative arrangements.

C. Conduct of the Public Meeting

    DOE will designate a DOE official to preside at the public meeting 
and may also use a professional facilitator to aid discussion. The 
meeting will not be a judicial or evidentiary-type public hearing, but 
DOE will conduct it in accordance with section 336 of EPCA (42 U.S.C. 
6306). There shall not be discussion of proprietary information, costs 
or prices, market share, or other commercial matters regulated by U.S. 
anti-trust laws. A court reporter will be present to record the 
proceedings and prepare a transcript. The public meeting will be 
conducted in an informal, conference style. DOE reserves the right to 
schedule the order of presentations and to establish the procedures 
governing the conduct of the public meeting. DOE will present summaries 
of comments received before the public meeting, allow time for 
presentations by participants, and encourage all interested parties to 
share their views on issues affecting this RFI. Each participant will 
be allowed to make a prepared general statement (within time limits 
determined by DOE), before the discussion of specific topics. DOE will 
permit other participants to comment briefly on any general statements.
    At the end of all prepared statements on each specific topic, DOE 
will permit participants to clarify their statements briefly and 
comment on statements made by others. Participants should be prepared 
to answer DOE's and other participants' questions. DOE representatives 
may also ask participants about other matters relevant to this RFI. The 
official conducting the public meeting will accept additional comments 
or questions from those attending as time permits. The presiding 
official will announce any further procedural rules or modification of 
these procedures that may be needed for the proper conduct of the 
public meeting. After the public meeting, interested parties may submit 
further comments on the proceedings as well as on any aspect of the RFI 
until the end of the comment period. DOE will make the entire record of 
this proceeding, including the transcript from the public meeting, 
available on the DOE Web site.

D. Submission of Comments

    DOE welcomes comments on all aspects of this RFI and on other 
relevant issues that participants believe would affect test procedures 
and energy conservation standards applicable to STBs and network 
equipment.
    After the close of the comment period, DOE will begin collecting 
data, conducting the analyses, and reviewing the public comments. These 
actions will be taken to aid in the development of a test procedure 
notice of proposed rulemaking (NOPR) and energy

[[Page 78180]]

conservation standard NOPR for STBs and network equipment.
    DOE considers public participation to be a very important part of 
the process for developing test procedures and energy conservation 
standards. DOE actively encourages the participation and interaction of 
the public during the comment period in each stage of the rulemaking 
process. Interactions with and between members of the public provide a 
balanced discussion of the issues and assist DOE in the rulemaking 
process. Anyone who wishes to be added to the DOE mailing list to 
receive future notices and information about this rulemaking should 
contact Mr. Jeremy Dommu at (202) 586-9870, or via email at 
Jeremy.Dommu@ee.doe.gov.

    Issued in Washington, DC, on December 12, 2011.
Kathleen B. Hogan,
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency, Energy Efficiency and 
Renewable Energy.
[FR Doc. 2011-32325 Filed 12-15-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P