Energy-saving HDTVs compared

We've measured 104 HDTVs' power consumption to date, and no flat-panel set comes close to the energy-efficiency of Philips Eco TV, aka the 42PFL5603D. Its secret sauce is a variable backlight that, while great on the electricity bill, isn't so easy on the eyes. But this comparison is about power consumption, not picture quality, and in that arena Philips is the undisputed champ--so far.

Other notable energy-saving sets we've measured recently include the Panasonic TH-50PZ800U. This 50-inch plasma offers a choice during the initial setup phase between "home" and "store" environments, and choosing "home" forces the set into a default picture mode that saves a tremendous amount of power over the standard "torch mode" optimized to draw your eyeballs in the store.

The list below includes both of those TVs, winners in their respective categories for overall energy efficiency, along with a few other tree-hugging TVs we've reviewed in the last year.

• Watts overall, regardless of screen size: Philips 42PFL5603D (91.23)
• Watts overall, 32-41 inch screen size: Sony KDL-32M4000 (112.94)
• Watts overall, 50-inch or larger screen size: Samsung HL-T5687S (154.78)
• Watts overall, 50-inch or larger screen size, flat panel: Panasonic TH-50PZ800U (191.44)
• Watts per square inch of screen overall: Philips 42PFL5603D (0.12)
• Watts per sq. inch plasma: Panasonic TH-50PZ800U (0.18)
• Watts per sq. inch after calibration: Samsung LN52A650 (0.12)

These categories might be a bit arbitrary, but once you understand the basics of TV power, they start to make more sense. Basically, larger flat-panel TVs use more power, plasma is less efficient than LCD per square inch, and rear-projection is the most efficient of all. Intrigued? Check out our full Quick Guide, which includes an updated, sortable chart with all 104 TVs along with tips on how you can cut down on your own TV's power consumption.