The plasma screen television is poised to become the
next victim of the battle to curb energy use.
Giant energy-guzzling flatscreens are expected to be banned
under legislation due to be agreed by the EU this spring.
Plasma screens have been nicknamed the '4x4s' of the living
room because they use up to four times as much electricity
and are responsible for up to four times as much carbon
dioxide as traditional cathode ray tube sets.
The most energy intensive will be phased out under the
new EU standards for minimum energy performance, which
will follow the voluntary withdrawal of the traditional
100watt light bulb.
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The remaining TVs of all types will have to carry energy
rating labels designed to make it easy to distinguish
between the best and worst performers.
LCD flat screen TVs are much more energy efficient than
their plasma cousins so are unlikely to be banned.
A 42in LCD TV uses similar amounts of energy to a much
smaller traditional set.
A spokesman for the Department-for Environment, Food and
Rural Affairs said the plasma TV would not be banned completely,
with eco-friendly sets remaining on the market.
