Tuesday, August 14, 2007

DVRs and vampire power

I've been curious for awhile about the vampire power used by DVRs like TiVo. It's worse than I thought: according to the NRDC, set-top boxes in the U.S. alone consume $2 billion worth of electricity annually, or the equivalent of 15 million pounds of carbon dioxide.

Broadcasting & Cable does a good job covering how different DVR makers are increasing the energy efficiency of their products. More eco-friendly consumer electronics are a win for everyone: manufacturers whose products will last longer; consumers who will enjoy lower power bills; and the environment.

Monday, August 13, 2007

A big week for green TV

  • Discovery Communications acquires Treehugger

  • Broadcasting & Cable releases a Green TV issue

  • Jack Bauer and 24 fight climate change
  • Imogen Heap: "Just For Now"

    A fantastic YouTube clip to start your Monday. Imogen Heap sings a round with herself, mixing it in real-time.

    Friday, August 10, 2007

    Blackle.com is the new green

    Heap Media has responded to Mark Ontkush's observation that a black background version of Google would save 3000 Megawatt-hours a year by going ahead and building one.

    From a usability perspective, white type on black is clearly harder to read, so I don't think this is a final design answer. But I like how Blackle sparks conversation about new and better ways to green the web. Kudos.

    (Thanks to Todd for showing me this.)