Politics
December 5, 2005 3:31 PM

Xbox 360's a power hog

By
Alorie Gilbert
Topics
Gaming

If the $300 price tag for Microsoft's new Xbox 360 game console seems steep to you, just wait til you get the electric bill.

The new gaming system, which has topped holiday gift lists since its Nov. 22 retail debut, is "obscenely power hungry," according to Will Greenwald, a CNET product reviewer.

Using special testing equipment, Will and his review team found that the machine draws about 160 watts of power, more than twice as much as the original version and double rivals' systems. That puts the Xbox 360 ahead of most other home entertainment devices in terms of power consumption with the exception of big screen, high-definition TVs, which are the SUVs of the living room.

CNET reviewers estimate that spending an average of four hours a day on the machine will add as much as $35 a year to your electricity bill. But if that's not a concern, consider this: some of the units are reportedly overheating. A suit filed on Friday against Microsoft seeks class action status, claiming the product is defective.


Add a Comment See all 18 Comments
by Robert20000 May 2, 2010 4:08 AM EDT
MANY TV COMMERICALS VERY LOUD AND THEY ARE HARRASING. IT IS SAD THAT WE CANT HAVE PEACE WHILE WATCHING TV. THE WORST PART IS THAT THE ESPICALLY LOUD COMMERICALS OFTEN ARE TINKED WITH NICE QUIET TV SHOWS OR MOVIES, THAN SUDDENLY A LOUD COMMERICAL. I WISH IT WOULD BE REGULATED AND HOPEFULLY STOPPED.
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by Rick490R December 22, 2009 10:24 AM EST
There is a simple solution if you have a Motorola cable box, such as Comcast provides. Hit your silver remote's Menu button, choose Setup, Audio Setup, Compression, set from Light to Heavy, then Exit. That will reduce any loud programming like magic. Not for audio affectionados, and you may want to adjust it when watching a movie on cable, but the average viewer will be happy without the loud commercials.
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by Piyux July 23, 2010 11:56 AM EDT
So many thanks! Simple solution for complex problems. I have Cox, the same option is under Settings, Audio: Volume Ctrl, Fixed.
by Obamafan5734 December 22, 2009 1:44 AM EST
Annoyance with the volume is nothing compared to disgust with Kayak.com commercial that mocks World War II veterans. Some serious sleeze bags must be running Kayak. Sad that broadcasters are so desperate that they'll even accept such a piece of garbage.
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by barbaram99 December 16, 2009 6:45 PM EST
That will make a lot of people happy when it is put in place. I can wait..It means the Stations will have to step up to the plate and stop telling us the lies they have..One TV station did a news story staying their ads were quiet years ago..I knew they were/are just as loud as everyone else's. I say when..People who can see the TV knows the ads are there.They don't need to yell about what they are trying to sell to the public...They can see the items..It is hard to find a TV with headphone jack. My friend has a system where he has to wear headphones,,thanks to them loud ads..I sit right near my set. I hate the ads..
Reply to this comment
by barbaram99 December 16, 2009 6:12 PM EST
That will make a lot of people happy when it is put in place. I can wait..It means the Stations will have to step up to the plate and stop telling us the lies they have..One TV station did a news story staying their ads were quiet years ago..I knew they were/are just as loud as everyone else's. I say when..People who can see the TV knows the ads are there.They don't need to yell about what they are trying to sell to the public...They can see the items..It is hard to find a TV with headphone jack. My friend has a system where he has to wear headphones,,thanks to them loud ads..I sit right near my set.
Reply to this comment
by krzeaz December 16, 2009 8:27 AM EST
Yay! Best news I've heard in a long time!
Reply to this comment
by LeShrum December 16, 2009 8:25 AM EST
Yes it does seem the Congress would have better things to do... To bad they have to waste the time of congress because they are unable to monitor themselves.
Reply to this comment
by cabinguy December 16, 2009 7:39 AM EST
The only button on my remote that is worn out is the mute one. Just about every commercial that comes on gets zapped with it.
Reply to this comment
by cidaia December 16, 2009 3:08 AM EST
If starting small is the only way they can work together to achieve something that makes the nation a little better, I'm all for it.
Reply to this comment
by OldTimeTruth December 15, 2009 10:50 PM EST
Now I wonder if they can do something about all the ads on web sites. CBS included. Seems like everybody wants to have their sites full of ads so they can get paid their 10 cents per click any their fee for having it on there. Bad thing "Have you ever noticed that all the sites take for ever to load with all that garbage on there". CBS must love Viagra and what they pay them. You can't go anywhere without seeing that ad.
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See all 18 Comments
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