Ultra HD 4K TVs use up to a third more energy than high-definition models

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A report by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) in the US finds Ultra HD 4K TVs consume up to 30 per cent more energy than existing high-definition models.

The European Environment Bureau (EEB) is warning shoppers on Black Friday (November 27th) that while some 4K TVs may appear a bargain, it could lock them into higher electricity bills over the long term.

EEB spokesman Jack Hunter says: "TVs were already the energy hog among entertainment gadgets. Now bargain hunters need to keep an even closer eye on energy costs, not just price tags. It's clear some UHD models perform far better than others."

The NRDC report says Ultra HD 4K TVs "could add $1bn to viewers' annual electricity bills".

Among the TVs tested, the NRDC found wide discrepancies with "some sets consuming more than 2.5 times as much as others with the same screen size". Overall, says the report, "we conclude that today's average 4K TV uses approximately 30 per cent more energy than an equal-size HDTV".

You can read the full NRDC report here.

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Andy Clough
Andy Clough

Andy is Global Brand Director of What Hi-Fi? and has been a technology journalist for 30 years. During that time he has covered everything from VHS and Betamax, MiniDisc and DCC to CDi, Laserdisc and 3D TV, and any number of other formats that have come and gone. He loves nothing better than a good old format war. Andy edited several hi-fi and home cinema magazines before relaunching whathifi.com in 2008 and helping turn it into the global success it is today. When not listening to music or watching TV, he spends far too much of his time reading about cars he can't afford to buy.