8K TVs could be banned in Europe from 2023

In March 2021, the European Commission updated the energy label, causing most TVs on the market to downgrade to the lowest grade (G). For March 2023, the European Commission has decided to go even further with stricter measures, in particular a maximum consumption that must not be exceeded.

Currently, Oled televisions are authorized to consume a little more than conventional LCD models equipped with an Edge-Led, Direct-Led, Full Led or even Mini-Led backlighting system. Micro-Led televisions and 8K models are not affected by the maximum consumption limit, and therefore can be sold in Europe. As of March 1, 2023, there will no longer be a distinction between different technologies and image definitions. All TVs must meet the Energy Efficiency Index rules. Our colleagues from FlatPanelHD have calculated the maximum consumption of the models according to their size (see below).

With these new rules, 4K LCD and Oled TVs should have no problems. Instead, it’s quite different with 8K TVs that should be above the authorized limit and can no longer be sold as they stand. The Samsung 55QN700B, a 55-inch 8K model, thus consumes 193 kWh/1000 h compared to 81 kWh/1000 h for an LG Oled 55C2, for example. Same observation with the large sizes: an LG 75QNED99 8K consumes 219 kWh/1000 h, the Samsung 75QN700B 247 kWh/1000 h and even 356 kWh/1000 h the TCL 75X925 Pro, while the limit is set at 141 W for a 75 Inch TV (the LG OLED 77C2 settles for 119 kWh and the Samsung 75QN95B with 126 kWh).

These consumptions are measured with the default mode used by the television during installation (often the standard). Other modes consume more, including dynamic and vivid. On the contrary, well calibrated modes like Filmmaker, Film or Cinema tend to consume a little less than the standard mode. Manufacturers could thus find a parade of software by reducing the consumption of the latter.

The final text must be validated by the European Commission at the end of 2022 for its entry into force in March 2023. According to the Commission, these measures are mainly aimed at “eliminate less efficient products from the market”. Considering the lure of 8K TVs and the lack of native content, that’s probably not a bad thing. This forces manufacturers to fully optimize backlighting systems and panel qualities. At this point, OLED TVs have come a long way in the last couple of years, but an LCD TV that uses a single LED bar at the base of the panel (Edge-Led) is still even cheaper.

With a consumption of only 70.4 W/m², the LG 65G2 is one of the most efficient models in our comparison, but the cheapest is still the Xiaomi TV P1E 55 with a consumption of only 66 W/m². Unsurprisingly, 8K TVs like the Samsung QE65QN800A or Sony 75Z9J are among the greediest at 119.3 and 111.6 W/m² respectively. Note that QD-Oled technology is not particularly cheap as the Samsung QE55S95B and Sony XR-55A95K show a relative consumption of 111.6 and 119.9 W/m².