Is standby bad?

Question

someone told me that having a device (like a TV) on standby uses nearly as much electricity as when it is on, and costs loads to run. As we all now no, standby is bad. but why?

Surely standby uses only a very small amount of electricity, just enough so that an electrical signal (from a IR receiver or computer ex) can jump start it back again. Isn't it a bit like a relay circuit, where one small circuit turns a larger one on.

So if standby is so bad, how does a device like "Bye Bye Standbye" work (it allows you to remotely turn off things at the plug, taking them out of standby), if they can turn a device on or off from a remote without using as much electricity as a normal IR standby, why cant we just change all on buttons in new remotes to an RF transition instead of an IR, eliminating the need to turn a TV on at the base, and taking it out of standby.

P.S. i am not lazy, and do take my stuff out of standby.

than, if standby is bad, why is nothing done about it in new products,

Answer 1

Lazy people would not buy TVs without standby and if evryone in the country put their TVs on satndby then thats a lot of electricity!

Answer 2

The difference is two fold.

First, a power surge to turn on the device on is greater than the amount of power required to keep it running. For most electronics, if you're going to turn it back on within a few hours, you'll save energy by putting it standby/sleep mode.

Secondly, the surge created by turning devices on and off cause more wear to electronic components than keeping them running. It improves the product lifespan.

Answer 3

Its just one of those media propaganda things to make you think GREEN

Answer 4

If the light is on, it is using power. Plugs should always be turned of at the wall when not in use, due to fire risks!!!

Answer 5

If I was answering this queston a year ago I would say yes, you use a lot on electricity which will be reflected in your bill when you use standby.  Nowadays it really depends upon the device and the manufacturer.  On the whole, you will be paying for and using energy by putting your tv on standby, but by how much will depend upon the manufacturer and the model and year of manufacturer.  You can buy a plug in device which will tell you how much energy each appliance takes but to be honest, if you dont want to pay out, switch it off.

Answer 6

its bad because the tv or whatever has to keep running so its ready to go when you turn it on, its not just the light thats on! =]

Answer 7

My Father was a radio fanatic and built his own TVs and radios  from components. He told me that standby consumption was Milli-amps and virtually nothing! The difference in energy saving light bulbs is far more important as far as saving the planet goes!