[TheFerret]

I've wondered about the requirement that non-DVR boxes need to be continuously powered on even when the output stage (audio & video outputs) is off. This surely generates a lot of heat, which can build up in closed spaces and inside of cabinetry. Also, I wonder sometimes how much electricity is consumed by all of those STB's in my home that are running for no good reason (IMO).


Some have said that STB's need to be powered 24x7 for firmware updates, but this seems like a weak point as one could easily plug in their STB to a phone line occasionally and send out a request for update-by-satellite. Also, a portion of a transponder using minimal bandwidth could also be employed for a loop firmware update for passive updating activities.


When not in use, the single most heat-generating offender is my HD STB. While in-use, the HD STB can generate almost as much heat while 'off' as my 7x100 Watt AV receiver blasting volumes of audio for a DVD.


I understand why the DBS DVR's need to be running 24x7, because this affords to preprogram recording options common in schedulers like Season Passes. And the wife's SD-DirecTiVo is also in this confined space, generating heat even while the room isn't in use.


I would think that the DOE would take a close look at consumer electronics and see these electricity-hogs as being a problem, then get together with the FCC to come up with a more consumer and energy-friendly solution. Heck, I can schedule my PC to come on at a given time, and shut-off there after and use trickle-current in the BIOS. Why not these STB's?

 

[11001011]

Right off the top of my head I can think of a couple reasons.


As you mentioned firmware updates, but most of all its a matter of convenience.


For cable boxes, as I understand they basically have a cable modem built in to them. This provides two way communication to the cable co. This information is used to determine if your are authorized to watch any certain channel. I know my cable modem can take as long as 15 minutes to "re-sync" and go on line after a power cycle. My cable box does the same thing and it takes a couple minutes to come back on line if I pull the power. Now imagine if you turned on your cable box and it took 15 minutes before it let you watch any TV.


For DSS its sort of the same, from a cold start it takes a couple minutes to acquire the satellite, download the guide, etc. Most people don't want to wait that long, they want it instantly on and there when they press the power button.

 

[greywolf]

I know my guide starts getting rebuilt from scratch whenever a box is powered off and it takes hours to fully populate. Without a hard drive and being dynamic, it must be held in DRAM.

 

[TheFerret]

If its just a matter of convenience then I'll unplug mine.

 

[Reagan]

Unplugging my Tosh DST3000 (and letting it cool off completely) was the only way to find out just how much the heat was hurting its performance.


Since then, I've picked up a couple of OTA only boxes and those babies stay nice and cool when turned off.


-Reagan

 

[Rick_R]

This is my take on this. A STB is actually a computer and as such takes 30-120 seconds to reboot completely. Probably longer to fully populate its guide data. This is not acceptable for most consumers who turn their TV on and expect to see TV within seconds.


Rick R

 

[TheFerret]

Even a computer has power-saving features and generate a lot less heat in power-saver mode. I'd think a 5-10 second wake of from suspended operation would be acceptable. Next ...