Samsung TVs appear less energy efficient in real life than in tests

EU may ban 'defeat devices' after laboratory tests raise questions over whether some TVs could be set up to game efficiency tests

Independent lab tests have found that some Samsung TVs in Europe appear to use less energy during official testing conditions than they do during real-world use, raising questions about whether they are set up to game energy efficiency tests.

The European commission says it will investigate any allegations of cheating the tests and has pledged to tighten energy efficiency regulations to outlaw the use of so-called "defeat devices" in TVs or other consumer products, after several EU states raised similar concerns.