14 DAY TRIAL // Despite the fact that modern operating systems come fully packed with power management technologies, computer monitors still eat up their watts while in standby mode. Things are about to change, as Fujitsu-Siemens has released the world's first computer monitor that completely cuts power down when idle.
According to the company, the achievement was possible thanks to an innovative switch that turns off the power when there is no signal from the computer. When the signal reappears, it automatically turns the monitor on, as if nothing had happened.
The key factor of the new technology is a circuit element in the power supply unit feeding the display. When the video signal sent by the computer's video card fades away, a relay interrupts the entire electrical circuit of the monitor. When the signal returns, the relay kicks back in its "on" position and resumes the power.
It is true that the new technology will not account for major slashes in the electric bill for home users, since it will save only a few dollars, but it will also help minimize the carbon footprint associated with electricity. Moreover, the company claims that the "zero-watt monitor" will be sold for the same price as a regular computer display.
However, corporations and large offices will be able to spare significant amounts of money. At the end of a work day, the office computers are shut down, yet the associated monitors stay on until the next morning. The consumed energy may be minimal per single monitor, but it quickly adds up for a 100-computer business. According to some studies conducted by the company, the idle mode can account for thousands of dollars in additional power costs per year.
The new monitor will be initially available to corporate customers as of this summer. It is part of the Fujitsu-Siemens range of green IT products, including laptops, PCs and servers.