How much energy do electronics use when they're on, but not "working"?

[Jeebus Christmas]

Take a DVD player for example. Mine's rated for "14 W". Does that mean it's going to draw 14 watts at maximum, or does it mean something else? How much energy would it be expected to draw if it were on, but not playing a DVD, or using any of its other functions?

Thanks!

 

[unksol]

A couple watts. The will pull power when they are off which is the bigger use usually. If you really want to know get a kill-a-watt and monitor it

 

[InvalidError]

Appliance ratings are usually maximums, actual use is typically less by some amount. Standby power can vary considerably. The newer power efficiency specifications require less than 0.5W standby power for devices that don't do anything more than wait for remote/button input and display the clock when "off."

 

[Jeebus Christmas]

Awesome, thanks for the help!