"Green" Power conditioners?

[rmcdermid]

I recently read an article that talked about vampire drain and about how Monster has these new green power strips that prevents vampire drain.

Vampire drain as I understand it is the power that a component uses while in standby or off mode. I.E. little lights that remain on etc.

Essentially what these Monster units are supposed to do is completely kill power to outlets on the unit until a certain component is powered on. I.E. A receiver

My question is: Is this all a gimmick? Do the other power centers like the APCs etc do the same thing?

Link to power strips by monster:
http://www.monstercable.com/productdisplay.asp?pin=5317

Link to article about Vampire Drain:
http://www.electronichouse.com/artic...ire_drain/C110

The reason why I like the idea of being green is quite simple. The wife is a tree hugger and will have much more contempt for my A/V gear if it is somewhat green.

Thanks,
Ryan