Samsung Electronics, part of the family of companies under the Samsung brand, has begun advertising their new LED (light emitting diode) television. The company is promoting the product on the basis of its “breakthrough picture quality”, “ultra-slim design”, and “eco-friendly” features. According to their website, Samsung’s Energy-Star compliant LED TV uses 40% less power than conventional LCD televisions, many of which are Energy-Star rated. The new computers are free of lead, mercury, and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Furthermore, the ultra thin design requires less packaging. This allows Samsung to deliver more units per shipment (similar to the reductions Apple achieved with their expanded green product line) and reduce their costs.

Samsung’s new line of televisions demonstrates that energy efficient products can be economically competitive with more energy intensive ones. There are three tiers of the new television; the entry level Series 6, the Series 7, and top of the line Series 8, which offers the eco-friendly advantages. (Click here for a link to the commercial.) Advances in the efficiency of televisions, reduction in the use of toxic chemicals, and the overall lightness of these products demonstrate the environmental and economic benefits of such green products. Marketing products from a technological and an eco-conscious angle demonstrates that consumer goods can straddle both realms. In fact, electronics that consume less energy, use fewer resources in their manufacturing, and exhibit cutting edge design will be well positioned in the changing marketplace.

- Eric Wilson

[image source: Samsung]