Cable set-top boxes (STB) may be the gateway of the consumer's viewing experience, but they are the home's second largest consumer of energy. According to The Los Angeles Times, a set-top equipped with a digital recorder can consume nearly 35 watts of power, which translates into about $8 a month for a Southern California consumer. A FierceCable report reveals that while the cable industry said it would reduce set-top box power consumption, some experts say the true effect of that process won't have any impact for a number of years. Read more