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Digital Landing Finds Deals on Cable TV, Helps Customers Save on Electricity

MIAMI, July 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --TheNew York Times recently reported that cable set-top boxes have become the single largest electricity drain in many American homes. As these cable boxes become more powerful, with high-definition digital video recorders (DVR), cable customers will need to learn to save energy - and money. Digital Landing locates the lowest cable TV deals in most areas, but customers will need to take steps to make sure their electric bill is as low as possible.

According to research, there are 160 million set-top cable boxes in the United States, which is about one for every two people in the country. With many homes having one, two and sometimes three cable boxes in their household, the electricity drain becomes paramount. And those units with a DVR use 40 percent more power than those without. As a matter of fact, one high-def DVR and one high-def cable box use about 10 percent more energy than a 21-cubic-foot energy-efficient refrigerator.

One way to save electricity is to turn your cable box off when you aren't watching it. Many people are under the impression that if they turn their box off, it will not know to turn back on for shows they programmed to record. Most cable boxes have the ability to turn back on to record shows and turn back off once the program is over. Comcast's set-top boxes are capable of recording two shows at once - while turning itself on to start recording and off when recorded shows end. Customers can find the best deals on Comcast's cable service in their area at ComcastAuthorizedOffers.com.

And currently, customers that purchase Comcast's Triple Play bundle, which includes digital cable, digital voice and high speed Internet, for $99 per month for one year, will get a $250 Amazon gift card as a bonus.

While turning the box off does reduce power somewhat, the hard drives in many units are still active. Ideally, a person could unplug their cable boxes when not in use, but then, obviously, their shows wouldn't be recorded during that time. Also, each time the cable box is plugged back in, a short reboot period would occur, and many of the TV listings would take some time to download.

Another good way to make sure you are energy efficient is to look for the "Energy Star" standards sticker on the cable box, which indicates that the Environmental Protection Agency approves of the product. The EPA does plan on making the standards much more strict as early as 2013.

Cisco Systems, which happens to be one of the largest manufacturers of set-top boxes, plans to offer new models this year that will cut power consumption by 25 percent.

By using DigitalLanding's service locator, customers can find cable service near them for the best prices. For instance, customers in places like Dallas and St. Louis that go to CharterAuthorizedOffers.com can get a great deal on the Charter bundle, with Cable TV, Internet Express and Phone Unlimited, starting at $69.97 per month for one year. And they'll get a $100 Amazon gift card as a bonus, as well.

Other energy-saving techniques include getting a digital thermostat with a timer for your air conditioning and heat, and using fluorescent bulbs in your lights. You don't have to go to Digital Landing to save money - but it definitely helps.

About DigitalLanding.com

DigitalLanding.com is a leading aggregator of Internet, television, phone, and other digital services to consumers. The site's innovative comparison shopping platform enables customers to easily shop for digital services, compare offers, and place orders directly to leading providers, including Comcast, AT&T, Cox Communications, Verizon, Dish Network, and Charter Communications.

In addition to the consumer information and comparison portal, DigitalLanding.com also powers related Internet, TV, and Phone service sites, including a TV, Internet, and Phone service locator at AuthorizedOffers.com and an AT&T site for the latest U-Verse offers through ATTAuthorizedOffers.com.

Contact: Ben Vides
Phone: (305) 265-0136
Email: mediacontact@digitallanding.com
www.digital landing.com

SOURCE DigitalLanding.com