A video/audio processing device, such as a DVD recorder, includes a controller for controlling a state of power-on/off. The controller has a first standby mode and a second standby mode having power consumption larger than that of the first standby mode in a power-off state of the video/audio processing device. The first standby mode is a mode for maintaining a power of the video/audio processing device in the “off” state. The second standby mode is a mode for maintaining the power of the video/audio processing device in an apparent “off” state. The controller switches between the first standby mode and the second standby mode in conjunction with a state of power-on/off of external equipment such as television.