LG denies accusations that it has falsified TV energy efficiency results

LG has flatly denied allegations that it uses power-saving motion detection and dimming software that would activate during energy efficiency tests to help its TVs gain better energy ratings.

This accusation - which was reported in the Daily Mail - comes from the European Environmental Bureau (EEB), which is examining whether there is a so-called 'cheat device' built into the televisions.

It follows similar claims about some televisions sold in the US in 2015.

When asked for comment, LG told us: “Contrary to the claims made by the US-based National Resources Defense Council (NRDC) on television energy use, LG does not and never has designed its TVs to deliver false energy efficiency results.”

Samsung, which is also being investigated by the EEB, refused to comment on the latest accusations. Last year Samsung categorically denied it had been cheating in the energy efficiency tests.

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The EEB test, which uses a 10-minute video specifically created to examine energy performance, could have been thrown off by the TVs activating their motion software to dim the screen when the test video is being played. This would mean the TVs would receive a better energy rating than if the screen had not been dimmed.

The EEB is seeking to establish whether this is simply a side-effect of the technology, or whether it was a deliberate attempt to skew the results.

Results of the EEB investigation are due to be published this spring.

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Adam was a staff writer for What Hi-Fi?, reviewing consumer gadgets for online and print publication, as well as researching and producing features and advice pieces on new technology in the hi-fi industry. He has since worked for PC Mag as a contributing editor and is now a science and technology reporter for The Independent.