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ALDI Special Buys 22/07 Energy Saver Powerboard $14.99 Ea

690

Starts Saturday 22nd.

Interested in the powerboard for my TV and 2.1 speakers so turning the TV off with the remote will also turn the speakers off.

Not sure how exactly this thing works or if the TV would just be on standby and not turn anything off?

  • Powerboard: 6 outlets with 4 energy saving outlets
  • Will automatically switch on or off when the master device is switched on or off
  • Surge and overload protection
  • Energy saving
  • Ideal for home and office
  • 1.1m power cord

Mod: Removed power meter already mentioned in another post

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  • +12

    My guess is the "master device" will be one of the six outlets. If that is off, the whole board is off. Bear in mind that a lot of gear these days won't like being off, rather than in standby, as schedules won't fire, updates won't happen, EPGs won't populate and switch-mode power supplies pack it in.

    • schedules won't fire

      That's a good point, and although I don't really schedule anything I'd still like the option.

      I currently use a mains remote for the speakers, but it's a pain as I have to turn it on and off with a separate remote.

      My only other option is to find an infra red mains remote (my current one is RF) and use a universal remote for everything.

    • +3

      switch-mode power supplies pack it in.

      Why would switch-mode power supplies mind their power being turned completely off and on again?

      • Why would switch-mode power supplies mind their power being turned completely off and on again?

        I need an answer to this as well. I don't want to (profanity) my expensive devices up just to save a few $ / year.

      • Possibly due to the components cooling completely and then heating back up again due to the power cycling? Might lead to fatique in some components/solder.

        • Probably due to crap build quality/component quality.

        • Some devices standby wattage is lower than 1W that's very little to heat up anything so going into standby drops the temperature low as if it's off.

    • +2

      For those who have an OLED TV, turning it off at the wall skips its compensation program and can cause burn-in.

      • +2

        Interesting point, although the TV is likely to be the master and so will always be on

    • I use these to fire off led mood lighting when the tv starts.
      Some models do consume power in standby so check they don't consume more than they save.
      Controlled devices need to support rough power downs which may shorten the life of certain devices as components such as power supplies and now designed for a trickle load.
      Unless a device is a power hog these are a convenience and for most people won't save money.

  • +6

    I've got something similar and you will want something that you can switch the slaves into primary.
    Too many times I've plugged in my devices for charging and forgot the primary wasn't on…
    And 6 outlets 5 being slaves is overkill, unless it's got switches the slaves become useless unless primary is switched on

    • +3

      Assuming it's the same as this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjDC_GDMmZI There's a master, 4 slaves and one outlet that is always on.

      • Thanks, sounds like it would work for my setup.

        I can always take it back for a refund or use it elsewhere.

        Only other problem is that I'm running a surge protector and they state not to daisy chain anything.

        EDIT: Just noticed in the video that it has a "Surge Protected" light.

    • On the plus side, it'll stop the NSA / MI6 from spying in you via TV.

      • +1

        who needs tv when most people have a smart phone…

      • +2

        I encourage people to spy on me.

      • sorry this won't work as all electronic devices now come with nano batteries to power the spy cameras and microphones

  • +7

    I've got this exact powerboard running my desktop computer setup. It's ideal for that as I have the PC as master and monitors, external drive, and printer as slaves. When I power off the PC all the other are automatically powered down, which is fine as none of them need to stay alive for updates/schedules/etc.

    • +1

      Ditto. I've been using one of these with my desktop to turn off the monitor and speakers for about 7 years. Saves me up to 40Wh a day. Also means I don't need to look at the flashing standby light on my monitor when the system is off!

      • -1

        that's measly nothing, not even enough to cover the cost of the board before it failed, 40Wh means only save you around 1kwh every 3 months, which is only about $1 per year.

        • +1

          Your math is wrong.

          40wH per day = 3,600 watts per three months.

          This is equivalent to 14.4 kW per annum. If you're paying 20c per kWh then this equates to around $3 saving per year in this example.

        • +1

          @Illyria:

          Yep, he's way off. In NSW the single rate tariff is at least 30 cents per KWh. And if you're on a time based tariff (smart meter) you will be paying 60 cents between 2pm and 8pm week days, albeit cheaper at off peak times.

        • +2

          @Illyria: there was also a review I watched a while back on a couple of these power saving devices. In several cases the consumption of the circuity in the powerboard somehow managed to exceed the consumption of the attached devices in standby in most consumer applications.

          This is likely to only help with crap devices with high standby power.. which do exist but most are fairly good these days.

          Having said that the worst offender I found running around my house with a power meter was my old Onkyo AV Receiver. Was using like 37W in standby.. totally bonkers.

    • Got a similar one here, unfortunately I have to use a monitor as master because the computer draws too much current even in standby :/

      • I have the opposite problem; my standby device started turning off after I upgraded my PC as it was drawing too little!

      • That's so odd even for an older computer! Check your bios, there will be a bunch of stuff you can probably turn off to reduce standby power. Couple of things I can think of are: Wake On Lan and USB port settings (wake on usb kb/mouse and also some ports permanently on to allow charging of devices etc)

        • Thanks for the advice, I'll have a look! I like the always charging feature though, so we'll see if there's a compromise.

  • Does this have one of those IR sensors like the ones the govt were giving out to detect remote to turn power on so I can then turn the TV back on?

    • +1

      I'm guessing it uses the device power draw to turn on and off.

      • Correct. They're a fairly dumb device, no external sensors on them.

      • +1

        In other words, it's useless for TV setup since once its off it can't be powered on.

        Seems only worthwhile for PC/Printer/Monitor etc

        • In other words, it's useless for TV setup since once its off it can't be powered on.

          Not sure, the video linked above states you can plug in a TV into the Master outlet, although I don't know about smart TVs.

        • +5

          I use this on my TV set up. TV uses the master outlet. DVD, receiver, media player and subwoofer are connected to slave outlets. Put the TV to standby mode will turn off all slaves. This helps to save standby power of the slaves.

        • +1

          Sorry I don't quite understand. Why can't I just plug the TV into the master outlet and the speakers etc to the slave outlets? How will the IR to the TV not work in this case?

          Nevermind. Overlord just answer my question

        • @overlord:

          Does it actually put the TV (smart TV) into standby or completely turn it off?

        • +1

          @Scab: To standby mode. And I'd like to keep my smart TV in standby mode so I can cast content to it wirelessly anytime I want to (and subsequently turn the whole setup on).

        • +1

          @overlord:

          Brilliant, thank you, sounds perfect for what I need.

        • +1

          @overlord:

          Thanks!

    • Those were the worst.

    • +1

      Beat me to it by a minute

    • Thanks.

  • Have had a couple of the belkin ones for a few years. Works great on TV and PC setups.

    Plug PC into "master" outlet and all the monitors into "slaves". When the PC is turned off the monitors lose power.

    TV is plugged into the master in the lounge room & receiver, powered subwoofer + any consoles are all plugged into slave. Don't need them on if the TV isn't on.

  • -1

    Turn it off from the power point. Problem solved and $14.99 saved.

    • +10

      Great idea, move my 60KG entertainment unit to reach the powerpoint, turn it off and then move it back.

      Why didn't I think of that, you should be promoted to Power User?

      • Use a normal power board and turn it off the wall when you're done? Surely it can't be that hard.

        • My wall power point is behind my entertainment unit.

          I would need a switched power board, which would probably cost more than this.

      • +3

        I deadlift my 200kg home theatre system everyday - saves power and no need for gym membership.

  • How do these Aldi deals work? Do I just rock up to any ALDI on Saturday morning, look around, find it, and buy it?

    • +10

      It's only for Ozbargainers, you have to wear bright orange overalls and as you enter the store you have to do the Ozbargain O sign with your thumb and forefinger.

      Yes, you just rock up, they're dumped on the tables so just grab what you want.

      • +1

        lol thanks.
        I always feel like an outsider when I try to buy anything from Aldi. Then I hold up the queue at the checkout by forgetting about the bagging system, etc :s

    • no, you have to perform a hoola-hoop for them.. lol!
      Ofcourse.. that's what you do.

    • Yep.

      Then you return it when Aldi announces the recall.

      • I usually take them back sooner, my ALDI stuff doesn't last that long.

  • +2

    I have used similar products like this for the past years and none of them can last longer than 2 years until to it is no longer working.

  • I need three of these

  • Sounds interesting, don't think that this would work for my setup though. Wouldn't want the Foxtel box in a slave port, would take forever to initialise, and slave devices would likely miss Logitech Harmony IR signals.

  • +1

    Not sure the Aldi one qualifies as a deal since this Jaycar also has a discontinued model (in-store only and not in NSW) for $5 https://www.jaycar.com.au/master-slave-powerboard-with-auto-…

    • that Jaycar one is different in that it needs it's own remote….

  • +2

    I might actually give this one a miss.
    - ash2000 said it saves 40wh
    — At 20c/KWH, that will take 26 months for ROI*
    - siuol said it won't last longer than 2 years (24 months)
    - bazzaa said certain devices may 'pack it in' when getting the plug pulled on them frequently

    *It will take even longer to ROI if you have cheaper power overnight, and use the devices during the day.

    Sounds like a bad idea to me.
    I'm motivated by finance alone, but even if you consider the environment, the environmental cost to manufacture replacement appliances probably outweighs the coal pollution saved by this.

    • Measure your own standby power to check, some speakers/amps can pull quite a lot!

      • Been meaning to do this for a while, but will have to take my mining rigs down first to get the power measurer out first :s

        • No Belkin UPS? :>

        • @Lukian: Nah, I'm one of the cheapo miners. Milk crates and prayers.

    • Agree, although I got at $0.20 per kwh I got to an annual saving of $2.92 and ROI greater than 5 years, not to mention time to go and get the unit, bring it back and replug everything. Not one to be done for the cost saving.

  • -1

    These are absolute shite. Got one, used it then threw it out. More trouble than they are worth.

    • More details?
      I'm already thinking the same thing (see my comment above), but what specifically was the 'trouble' in your case?

    • What's wrong with them?

  • First obtain one of the accurate power measuring devices such as the "Watts Clever". Definitely not the Arlec or similar 3 buttons on the front. They are useless for low power consumption. Determine how much actual power items that could be put into standby actually use in standby mode.

    Most modern devices should use very little. Modern monitors and tv should be under 2W. Power measuring device will find it difficult to obtain accurate result at this level anyway.

    I have found a few nasties though.
    10 year old Sony 40 inch tv 25 Watts in standby! Bought it about a year before the new law came into effect.
    Logitech 5.1 Speakers 15 Watts in standby. Probably about 10 years old and I am not sure if they are covered by that legislation.

  • +1

    I got a couple of similar powerboards from Masters closing down sale.

    I use one for my home theatre/pc/gaming cabinet. I think I have my receiver as the master and my subwoofer as slave as well as some biga$$ computer fans in the back of the cabinet to keep everything cool. I think they're 200mm, the biggest I could get my hands on. So when I turn on my receiver sub and fans comes on. My sub has auto power but it's not great. It keeps turning off if there's no LFE signal for a while (guess that's what it's supposed to do) or if the volume is low'ish. It also doesn't turn on unless theres significant LFE signal, and it takes a while for it to turn on.

    The other one I use in my garage workshop. I have the shopvac connected to slave and mitre saw or table saw or router connected to master. When I turn on my powertool the shopvac turns on too.

  • I have a similar board to this one and it is the most annoying and useless thing to use

    Eg low power devices such as laptop chargers are useless as masters due their low power consumption not triggering the other ports to on

    My suggestion is to get a normal power board and a remote / or timed wall switch

    • The manual states minimum load is 10 watts, so I would assume anything under that won't work.

      And the problem with a wall switch is that if using it for a TV it will turn it off and not into standby.

  • No built in USB ports for Chromecast or USB powered consoles?

  • Row row fight the power

  • Maybe a better option for some people, can turn each outlet on or off as needed and $1 cheaper than aldi

    https://www.rejectshop.com.au/All-Products/Home-%26-Garden/E…

    • Thanks, it is better option if the product is good.

  • +1

    I've had something similar working for years. Stereo amp is the master which powers on the tv, bluray, raspberry pi etc. I've had various power supplies plugged in over that time, nothing has died from being turned off. Harmony remote controls it all, just need to keep it pointed for a few seconds while everything starts up. I have a separate board for stuff that needs to be permanently on, temporary use. Works great for me.

  • Bought one of these and plugged the modem into the always on, PC into master and the two monitors into the slaves. Now every 30 seconds my monitors turn off and on as I use it when the red light kicks in on the board. Any ideas?

  • Bought 2 of these today. All the stocks were taken up by shoppers within 10mins.

    Works well with PC + 3 monitors. My Sony TV working as a master does not work however with turning the rest of the amplifiers on/off. TV is a Sony KDL-50W800B 50" LCD TV.

  • got one today.
    I have my PC into the master, 2x monitors and 1x speaker into the slaves.
    I noticed that my monitor would turn off randomly (happened twice already) and the "surge protected" & "auto on/off active" lights would turn off. Is anyone able to tell me if mine is faulty or whats happening?

    • Try it on something else, or try only one thing plugged in and check, then add one by one and see.

      I've got mine yesterday but haven't used it yet, don't know if I'll keep it as the stupid plug doesn't fit behind my entertainment unit, wish it was a flat plug instead.

      • Eh I just returned it. I bought it because I liked the idea of power saving.
        I think maybe my computer wasn't triggering the slaves

  • Just hooked mine up to the TV and my 2.1 speakers, TV in Master and speakers in Auto on/off.

    TV turns on and off fine with the remote and goes into standby, but the speakers won't power off.

    Not sure why, as the Auto on/off sockets don't need a minimum power draw, only the Master does.

    Such a shame as this would be an ideal solution for me.

    • Seems my TV only uses 0.5 watt in standby, not enough to trigger the slaves.

      Won't find one of these things that triggers at such a low wattage, going to have to go for an infrared mains switch and a universal remote.

      • I am on the opposite end of the scale. My Sony TV uses 9.5w on standby. I was shocked but I measured a few times using my Belkin Conserve to be sure. The TV is advertised for having 6 star energy rating. I think this cannot be further from the truth.

        • Wow, must be an older TV, 9.5w is a fair bit just for standby.

          Mine is a Sony KD55x9300D, I was amazed that it only uses 0.5.

        • @Scab: mine is a KDL-50W800B

        • @jeeg:

          That's only a couple of years older than mine, big difference in standby.

        • @Scab: Indeed!!

  • Seems a few people are having the same issue - I bought two and tried them on my TV and comp. The slaves (speakers/monitor) keep switching on and off every 30 seconds or so which is bloody annoying.

    • It's a shame these things don't work better as they an ideal solution for me.

      Can't really blame the product though as it states minimum power is 10 watt, while my TV is only 0.5 watt in standby and won't trigger anything.

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