How much electricity does the Uverse cable box use?

[jpeaceokc]

This article from the NY Times suggests that many cable boxes are energy hogs.  I would like to know how much energy the ATT Uverse box consumes.  The box itself is the one aspect of the Uverse service that I really hate.  it's in my bedroom and I hate the green lights going all night. I'm afraid its interfering with my sleep.  When it comes time to renew, we may go elsewhere simply because the box is no obnoxious.  Our previous cable box had one tiny little LED and that was it.  It's not obvious to me why this box needs all those ugly green lights flickering away all the time.  Is that supposed to impress someone?  Anyway, Uverse needs a better designed cable box that is not so annoying and I am also concerned about the energy usage.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/26/us/26cable.html?_r=2&scp=1&sq=energy%20TV%20boxes&st=cse&

[skeeterintexas]

Uverse STBs and DVRs both meet Energy Star standards.

This issue has been addressed on more than one occassion:

http://forums.att.com/t5/Receivers-Battery-Backup/U-Verse-and-Electric-Bill/m-p/2660907#M47689

If the lights on the front bother anyone, a little electrical tape works.  I actually use masking tape just to soften the lights.

[JefferMC ACE - Professor]

I use a small piece of post-it notes.  Multiple layers for more darkening, or a black magic marker also helps absorb light. The link/activity light on the RJ45 on the back does provide a good bit of light in a dark room if your box isn't in an enclosure of some sort.

My DVR from my previous provider had a clock, which was a light brighter, but only when it was turned on.

[americangame ACE - Guru]

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JefferMC wrote:

I use a small piece of post-it notes.  Multiple layers for more darkening, or a black magic marker also helps absorb light. The link/activity light on the RJ45 on the back does provide a good bit of light in a dark room if your box isn't in an enclosure of some sort.

My DVR from my previous provider had a clock, which was a light brighter, but only when it was turned on.

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I have found black electrical tape or silver AC tape does the job.

[mduha29912]

20 watts on or off it uses the same. I measured it.

[jpeaceokc]

Thanks to everybody for these great replies.  I am glad to hear I can cover the annoying LED lights without causing some kind of internal damage that would break the box and cause ATT to charge me to replace it.  Also glad to hear that the power usage is minimal.

[hpmsrm]

I agree it can be annoying.  But the lights do serve a purpose when trouble shooting is necessary.  So they're not just for show.  Our RG is in one of our guest bedrooms so when we have company....which ain't often anymore...I just put a strip of the black electric tape over the whole front of the box.  Then...when company departs....I can just easily strip it off.