One of the most popular Christmas gifts this year is also one of the unfriendliest to Mother Earth.

But that's not the only reason you might feel a little hostility toward your new high-definition television set.

Just wait until you see what it does your electric bill.

The problem with the televisions is that they devour all sorts of power, especially the larger plasma sets.

Clark Griswold might have set the standard for devouring excess electricity, but the elaborate holiday lights on your home aren’t the only things causing your electric bill to skyrocket.

The plasma high-definition flat panels in particular are among the most popular holiday gifts this year.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, tube TVs use about 100 watts of electricity.

Compare that to the average 42-inch LCD TV, which can gobble up 200 to 500 watts.

A 60-inch plasma can hit 500 to 600 watts, which electronics expert Ken Heiss compares to a gas-guzzling vehicle.

"Everything has to come from somewhere, and in this case, it's going to come out of your electric budget," said Heiss. "It's a Cadillac if it were a car, as opposed to a hybrid, no question about it."

Another problem is that most who buy a big-screen TV, buy a whole entertainment center. Add it up and experts said it could mean an extra $150 to $200 a year on your electric bill.

Some companies are now making more energy-efficient HD TVs, while others have even achieved the "Energy Star" rating from the EPA.

For more information, visit Reviews.Cnet.com or www.EnergyStar.gov.

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