New plasma TVs aren't energy hogs

Q Your preference for plasma TVs is clear, and I like their picture quality. Do you have information comparing the energy consumption of these newer plasmas with LCD TVs? When I shop for a plasma HDTV, how can I tell whether I'm looking at one of the newer, lower-energy-use models?

KATY O'SULLIVAN, BRIMSON, MINN.

A Check out CNET's online chart showing the power consumption and annual cost to run many HDTVs (reviews.cnet.com/green-tech/tv-consumption-chart). Figures are given for out-of-the-box picture settings and with the picture set for a more accurate image. Subscribers to Consumer Reports' website (www.consumerreports.org) also can see the annual cost to run different TV models.

They show that with the more energy-efficient plasma models, the difference in consumption compared with LCD is negligible. In most comparisons I made, the plasma adds only $1 to $3 per month to your electric bill compared with a comparably sized LCD model. In some cases, plasmas cost less than comparably sized LCD models.

According to Consumer Reports, its recommended Panasonic TC-42P42X1 42-inch plasma costs $29 a year to run, using less energy than every 42-inch and 40-inch LCD model it tested.

The charts on these sites will help you find the green HDTV of your dreams. But if you don't want to do a lot of research, the Panasonic models using its NeoPDP technology tend to be the most energy-efficient plasmas on the market and are a good place to start.

Finally, if you break it down to monthly cost, the difference between all of them isn't that great. The most power-hungry 60-inch plasma tested by Consumer Reports had $99 in annual energy costs. Tested 37-inch LCD models averaged $32 per year. That is less than $6 per month.

MARK HERRICK

A An IR repeater will do that. It has two components, a receiver and a transmitter. You put the receiver somewhere in the room where it can easily "see" the remote control and the transmitter somewhere in front of the cable box. Just point the remote at the receiver and press the desired button. The receiver will pick up the signal from your remote and send a radio signal to the transmitter, which will duplicate and transmit your remote's IR signal. The cable box will pick up the signal and execute the command. You can buy an IR repeater/remote extender for $25 and up.

Because the repeater system simply re-creates what it sees, it does not need to be programmed and can work with any IR remote system.