No off switch on TV

Fifer

Fair point. I was assuming that the transformer was internal. I'd prefer that anything that uses an external PSU didn't have an 'off' switch. Anything that leaves a component live isn't really an 'off' switch and that might mislead people.

It is perfectly possible to design products with external transformers with proper 'Off' switches. It just needs another pole on the PS connector which either takes the live feed straight to the switch then back to the transformer or feeds a sense line driving a relay in the tranformer unit. However, the few pennies such measures would cost seem to outweigh the safety and environmental advantages.

lab-lover

i have same problem with a dvd player i got about 3 months ago at asda. its a durabrand make with no off button. i hate leaving things on standby.

superscaper

Fifer wrote:

Fair point. I was assuming that the transformer was internal. I'd prefer that anything that uses an external PSU didn't have an 'off' switch. Anything that leaves a component live isn't really an 'off' switch and that might mislead people.

It is perfectly possible to design products with external transformers with proper 'Off' switches. It just needs another pole on the PS connector which either takes the live feed straight to the switch then back to the transformer or feeds a sense line driving a relay in the tranformer unit. However, the few pennies such measures would cost seem to outweigh the safety and environmental advantages.

Yeah I agree, I mean I did assume the LG tv had an internal transformer as well but now thinking about it I wonder if there might be a trend to go back to external ones now that they are trying to make them as thin as possible. But without knowing the internal design how would an ordinary consumer know whether it's "properly switched off" or not? I guess the most sure method is to switch off at the mains. I'm definitely considering one of those intelligent multiways for my pc and peripherals which certainly don't need any low power trickle.

Fifer

superscaper wrote:

Yeah I agree, I mean I did assume the LG tv had an internal transformer as well but now thinking about it I wonder if there might be a trend to go back to external ones now that they are trying to make them as thin as possible. But without knowing the internal design how would an ordinary consumer know whether it's "properly switched off" or not? I guess the most sure method is to switch off at the mains. I'm definitely considering one of those intelligent multiways for my pc and peripherals which certainly don't need any low power trickle.

We're going OT here, but what intelligent multi-ways? I've been thinking of doing something about the plethora of live transformers under my computer desk, but I was just thinking of a switched multiway (but switching the router and a couple of other 'always on' items to another outlet). Is there a smarter solution?

superscaper

Fifer wrote:

We're going OT here, but what intelligent multi-ways? I've been thinking of doing something about the plethora of live transformers under my computer desk, but I was just thinking of a switched multiway (but switching the router and a couple of other 'always on' items to another outlet). Is there a smarter solution?

http://www.oneclickpower.co.uk/

You switch off your pc (or main tv or something) plugged into the master socket and it automatically cuts the power to all the other sockets (eg speakers, printer etc). I'm only thinking about it, we're talking very small savings but I like the idea. I never unplug my pc speakers as it's awkward to get to so the transformer does get quite hot and this would be a nifty solution for that kind of thing.

superscaper

Of course you could end up going overboard and installing an entire home automation system such as x10 and then you switch things on and off remotely from the mains but I'm sure the current the x10 modules etc draws would probably compensate any energy saving you were trying to achieve.

scruffyone

Thank you all, this has been very useful. I won't worry about £1.50 per annum. However, I would like to know what an 'intelligent multiway' is.
To unplug my equipment I would have to pull out my furniture to get to the extention lead, ensuring that none of the scart leads etc. are not dislodged, pull the plug and then ensure that everything is returned to its correct position. Life is too short, I think I'll put up with the little red standby light and hope the 'red light police' don't come to get me for wasting leccy.

Thanks again.

superscaper

scruffyone wrote:

Thank you all, this has been very useful. I won't worry about £1.50 per annum. However, I would like to know what an 'intelligent multiway' is.

See my post above. (oneclickpower)