Digtal radios, wi-fi radios and set-top decoders use micro-controllers running an operating system. If you shut down the power completely, they would have to "boot-up" when you turned them on - takes a few seconds. So you lose the "instant on" feature. The MCU inside is still alive and running its operating system when "off" - only the output stage (audio or video) goes into "mute".
I totally agree with your assesment. I do not know, nor do I really care what all of those little glowing lights aroound the house cost. But an aircondtioner that did not make my meter spin like a pin wheel would be very welcome. We are isulated coming out our ears, do not keep the thermostat too cool (except in the winter when we have to wear sweaters and watch TV while under blankets) but I draw the line at the Chrismas display of LEDs around the house.
Electronic devices with remote controls are always on, drawing power. I use a power strip to supply power when needed ( for electronics that don't have to reprogram themselves each time they lose power). I replaced an old crt tv with an lcd tv that paid for itself. I'll fill my gas tank to half, makes the vehicle fifty pounds lighter. I save my shower water in winter until it cools to room temperature. I use 9w bulbs for security night lights. I use a fan to draw heat off the oil burner exhaust. I lowered the thermostat to 66F. So the electric co. raised the rates and the oil supplier is asking six times the price for a gallon of heating oil vs ten years ago.
If you put any value on your time, the pay-back on home energy audits is nearly non-existent. Even at full power, this radio only costs $5 a year to operate. If you were to go through the trouble of unplugging it every time you wanted to hear some music, you would never save more than $5 a year and probably get annoyed at having to plug it in all the time. And if a better, more efficient model were offered at a premium price, how likely would you be to pay an extra $10-$20?
Energy audits and efficiency can be VERY worthwhile and productive, but efforts like this just remind me to focus on the big stuff: loads with long run-times and/or high power needs. In a home environment these would be things like lighting, air conditioning, etc.
With LEDs dropping in price virtually every year, automakers have begun employing them, not only on luxury vehicles, but on entry-level models, as well.
The 3D printing revolution seems to have a knack for quickly moving technology ahead by way of collaborative effort and even a little friendly competition -- all of course in the name of scientific advancement.
Advantech has launched a new series of motion-control I/O modules to meet the increased demands that come with more distributed industrial systems that require control of a growing number of axes and devices.
Using almost 200 light-emitting diodes in the front and back of the new 2014 CTS, Cadillac designers are showing how LEDs can change the character of a vehicle.
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A quick look into the merger of two powerhouse 3D printing OEMs and the new leader in rapid prototyping solutions, Stratasys. The industrial revolution is now led by 3D printing and engineers are given the opportunity to fully maximize their design capabilities, reduce their time-to-market and functionally test prototypes cheaper, faster and easier. Bruce Bradshaw, Director of Marketing in North America, will explore the large product offering and variety of materials that will help CAD designers articulate their product design with actual, physical prototypes. This broadcast will dive deep into technical information including application specific stories from real world customers and their experiences with 3D printing. 3D Printing is
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