"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

[Steve]

I like this concept just because it will save a little $$$ on the power bill, but my questions are what about when your DVR is supposed to power up to record something? Will it still come on? What about the interactive guide in your cable/satellite box? Will it have to reload every time you want to watch TV? I thought these were some of the reasons components used vampire power. If the issues mentioned won't be affected, the only problem I can see for my own personal use is that the one you linked to only has 8 outlets. I need one with 10 or 11.

Scratch that last issue of mine. I found one with 10 plugs here.

As much as I hate to buy anything made by Monster, I will seriously consider this one.

[Trix]

For what it's worth, I want to say that Monster is just trying to cash in with the "green" marketing trend. I own a Monster Power unit that has been manufactured for at least 5 years I believe, and I have similar options on it.

I can set the blocks up outlets (5 blocks of 2) to either always be on, only be on when I turn on the unit (there is a Power On/Power Off button so that you can manually turn off the outlets you don't use), or turn on when triggered by a 12v trigger. So, really, like I said, I think they're just trying to market the hell out of what's popular, and "green" marketing is just that nowadays.

As far as whether or not I use it, well, I don't, it's just always on. The main reason is because all my equipment, on standy, draws at most 1.1 amps, but it's also because I really don't want to lose settings if I don't turn everything back on to standby for say a week somehow. But that's just me!

[LastDitchEffort]

lol at the "going green movement". Thats all these companies are doing, are cashing in the people that want to feel good about "helping" the planet.

[SlmShdy1]

It's a gimmick. The last thing you want to be doing is turning your equipment completely off and on. Standby mode is your friend. Just like I tell those people who turn the power switch off on the back of their PS3, you don't want to be doing that. Constantly turning your equipment off/on can cause damage over time and shorten the lifespan of your components. Just imagine that each piece of equipment you have is like a light bulb. When does a light bulb burn out? When you turn it on, not when it is already on. Standy mode does exactly that. It keeps your components on standby so there is no damage to the unit the next time you turn it on.

[Steve]

Well since this discussion is ongoing and I'm not getting any responses to my post in another thread, what would you guys recommend for me for a new surge protector/power conditioner? I'm not interested in the claims of AQ/PQ improvement, but I need something with at least 10 outlets that can handle at least 1 large plug like what's pictured below. Automatic voltage regulation would be a plus as well. I was originally looking at the Panamax M5400-PM but it's not built to accommodate the large transformer plugs. I also really like the IR distribution feature of the Monster EP 3650 which is also not made to accommodate the transformer plugs.



Another option which would really save me a lot of headaches would be if anyone knew where I could get a different power supply for my classic Nintendo that would put that transformer module in the middle of the line somewhere instead of at the plug. Then I wouldn't need a surge protector that can accommodate such a plug.

I'm open to any and all suggestions and appreciate any help I can get.

[SlmShdy1]

Could you maybe use a short extension cord? Say.... like a 3 footer. Like this.

[Steve]

Originally Posted by SlmShdy1

Could you maybe use a short extension cord? Say.... like a 3 footer. Like this.

That's not a bad idea at all. Thanks. The one you linked to is only 1 foot long, which is even better.

[liquidice]

I've thought before about getting that kill-o-watt just to see how much power draw my power conditioner draws when everything is turned off into standby mode. Can't be much, not enough to kill my electricity bill. This place I just moved to I haven't seen an electricity bill yet, so I'm kind of interested to see how it compares to my old place in Ohio. I was a little over 100 bucks a month there for electric, but keep in mind washer/dryer, and the water heater was electric.

but anyways, for about 22 bucks, you can get that kill o watt and see how much your really hurting the planet

[Steve]

Ok now that I have the problem solved of the large transformer plugs (thanks SlmShdy1), I stumbled onto something kind of neat. Monster makes a couple of models, notably the EP 3650 with IR control and distribution. Again, I'm not keen on giving Monster any of my money, but I love the IR distribution of this particular unit. I have a couple of components that sometimes don't receive commands properly due to my coffee table blocking the line of sight, and this feature should solve that problem. Does anyone know of any other brands utilizing this feature?

[tlages]

Power Conditioners sound like a giant placebo. I find it really hard that these things will be able to do this. Other than that, I'm all for going green.

[Marquoz]

Originally Posted by tlages

Power Conditioners sound like a giant placebo. I find it really hard that these things will be able to do this. Other than that, I'm all for going green.

Power Conditioners are good depending on your local conditions. I was in an apartment once where the external power line coming off the pole itself was swinging in the wind causing spikes. A power conditioner would have solved this problem instead of the electronics taking a hit on it. If you have pretty good power coming in (newer construction homes, apartments) then they probably won't give that much of a gain over a standard surge protector.

I'm more worried about having a power conditioner killing my memory every time it turns off an item by not supplying it power. Think of an alarm clock with a battery backup that's constantly being turned off, how long until the battery is drained and you lose the time? How are all the receiver settings stored, tv settings, etc. Will they eventually be wiped out when an internal battery dies, or is it actually written on something to prevent this?

[Steve]

Originally Posted by Marquoz

I'm more worried about having a power conditioner killing my memory every time it turns off an item by not supplying it power. Think of an alarm clock with a battery backup that's constantly being turned off, how long until the battery is drained and you lose the time? How are all the receiver settings stored, tv settings, etc. Will they eventually be wiped out when an internal battery dies, or is it actually written on something to prevent this?

It's my understanding that these types of devices/components all utilize 'non-volatile memory' which means it can't be erased simply by losing power. However, that doesn't mean your DVR will work when it's supposed to if there is no power to it at all.

[The Morning Star]

Originally Posted by LastDitchEffort

lol at the "going green movement". Thats all these companies are doing, are cashing in the people that want to feel good about "helping" the planet.

I hate when people say this, but..."+1".

[LastDitchEffort]

Wait so you hate when people say what I say but then you +1 and agree to it? You really don't think this green movement isnt being used as marketing ploy? People are so caught up in feeling smug that they will spend more so that they can feel better about themselves while "helping the planet" I am all for using our natural resources in the best manner but this green movement is complete marketing bullshit. Not to mention the money you would save by switching out your current strips for "green" ones would take years to see the effect on your energy bill.

lol you know what? I think I took your comment the wrong way. Think you meant you hate when people say +1 =) If thats the case sorry bro

[The Morning Star]

LOL, yeah, I hate when people say "+1". I 100% agree with you.
Green Team!