The overall goal of the study is the calculation of energy and resource efficiency potentials in the use-phase of consumer electronics. The consumer survey showed that the use of consumer electronics goods takes place at a very advanced level in all sections of the society. The differences between various milieus while using well-established products, such as TVs, are marginal. However, modern products, such as smartphones and tablet-PCs, are used more frequently in postmodern milieus than in traditional milieus. Postmodern milieus were also found to be using many products in parallel – clearly more often than in traditional milieus. The study shows that consumers seldom use all the functions of a convergence device. For instance, the internet functionality of modern televisions is used only by a very small section of consumers. The analysis showed that mobile convergence devices offer energy saving potentials. However, they were found to be technically inferior to single conventional electronic products. Therefore, mobile convergence devices were seen to be purchased in addition to the available household stock. For environmentally aware consumers who do not have too high expectations for the picture quality, convergence devices with computer components such as notebooks and integrated PCs were found to be suitable energy efficient alternatives. From the climate’s perspective, use of game consoles as a convergence device was found to be the worst option. The calculations showed that it is more energy efficient to continue using an existing DVD/Blu-ray player, despite standby losses, than to use game consoles for watching videos. The results and recommendations of the study are valid solely for the use of existing products in the households, and strictly not for new purchases.
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