I heard there was an issue with the TV Guide Update software - that my ENERGY STAR qualified TV might be using more energy than advertised while in Stand by mode. Is that true? How do I know, and how do I fix it?

In January 2009, the DeviceGuru blogged about a problem he uncovered with a Sony Bravia HDTV, an ENERGY STAR qualified TV. All ENERGY STAR qualified TVs must draw less than 0.1W while in standby mode. But, this TV was regularly drawing about 20 watts in Standby mode. It was eventually discovered that the television was waking from its low power sleep mode for much of every hour to check for and download program guide data (this mode is called "Download Acquisition Mode" or DAM). On February 9, 2009 EPA issued a letter to stakeholders announcing our intent to significantly reduce the power used by TVs in this download mode. On September 3, 2009, EPA finalized new television requirements that set time and power limits for Download Acquisition Mode (.08kWh as of May 1, 2010 and .02kWh as of May 1, 2012).

The Sony Bravia HDTV is the only TV that EPA has identified as having a problem.

Here are the directions for turning off the program guide update software:

1. Reset the TV: With the TV on, hold the UP arrow on the remote and press the power button on the TV (not the remote!). You will lose channel information, etc and have to re-run Auto tuning if you want that feature.
2. During the Initial Setup, you will be prompted (not asked, which is part of the problem) to set up the program guide. Choose DON'T REMIND ME AGAIN.
3. About 30 seconds after the TV is turned off, it will now draw less than 0.1 watts, as specified.