LCD vs LED: What’s the Difference Between LCD and LED TV?

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Are you in the market for a new television but unsure whether to go for an LCD or LED model? The LCD vs LED debate can be confusing, but we are here to help!

LED TVs are technically a type of LCD TV. Both types use the same underlying technology known as liquid crystal displays. Despite their different acronyms, they are pretty much almost the same.

But what sets these two apart? Well, it ultimately depends on various factors. Each type also has its own unique strengths that can cater to different needs.

If you are curious to find out which is the right fit for you, then keep reading! Let’s explore which option aligns best with your requirements, shall we?

Understanding LCD vs LED TVs

To begin, let’s decode the acronyms. LCD stands for liquid crystal display, while LED stands for light-emitting diodes.

As mentioned, an LED TV falls under the category of LCD TVs. In essence, it employs a liquid crystal display panel to control light placement on the screen. This results in the creation of images.

LCD and LED TVs consist of panels with two sheets of polarising materials. There is a layer of liquid crystal in between. The liquid crystal displays utilise thin, polarised glass to form the visual content.

When an electric current passes through the liquid, it causes the crystal to align. This, thereby, enables the light to either pass through or be blocked.

Although they may seem nearly identical, LCD and LED TVs have their distinctions. For one, how the picture is generated varies between LCD and LED technologies.

LCD vs LED: Unveiling the picture production

The first key distinction lies in their respective methods of generating light behind the scenes.

In the past, LCD TVs utilised CCFLs (cold cathode fluorescent lamps) as their light source. However, modern LCD TVs have embraced a more efficient approach. For one, they started employing fluorescent tubes positioned behind the display. These tubes produce light that illuminates the dynamic pixels on the screen.

On the other hand, LED TVs do not rely on fluorescent tubes. Instead, they harness the power of highly efficient light-emitting diode bulbs for illumination. This offers greater control over the precise areas where light is dispersed within. LED’s compact size also enables them to be positioned behind the screen and along the edges of the display.

In contrast to LCDs, LED TVs deliver brighter and sharper images. The strategic placement of LEDs allows for vivid and crisp visuals.

LCD vs LED: Picture quality

The sharpness of a television picture is closely tied to its refresh rate. This denotes how frequently the display can draw new images per second. The measurement is typically expressed in Hertz (Hz) or cycles per second.

In terms of refresh rates, LED TVs often outshine their traditional LCD counterparts. LED technology enables higher refresh rates. This results in clearer and superior picture quality. And this advantage is further augmented with RGB-coloured lights in LED TVs.

LED TVs use a colour wheel, allowing for the production of more realistic and sharper colours. This broader colour spectrum contributes to an enhanced visual experience. A major upgrade, indeed, compared to LCDs that primarily rely on red, green, and blue lights.

LCD vs LED: Light control

LED TVs hold an advantage over LCDs when it comes to dimming and brightness control. All thanks to what makes it an LED — light-emitting diodes.

The dimming capability of LEDs enables swift adjustments between darkness and lightness. This results in more accurate blacks and brighter whites on the screen. In contrast, LCD televisions rely on the method of blocking light within the display.

LCD vs LED: Energy efficiency

When it comes to energy efficiency, LED TVs take the crown over LCDs. The secret lies in the efficiency of light-emitting diodes as a light source. It surpasses the energy consumption of heated fluorescent tubes found in LCDs.

LED TVs not only reduce energy expenditure but also consume less power overall. They are designed to work seamlessly with low-power sources. Plus, they are compatible with alternative energy solutions such as generators and solar panels.

This characteristic makes LED TVs approximately 20 to 30 per cent more energy-efficient!

The Pros and Cons of Each

Advantages of LCD TVs

1. Affordability: LCD TVs are generally more budget-friendly compared to LED TVs.
2. Wide availability: LCD TVs are widely available in various sizes and brands. This makes it easier to find the right fit for your needs.
3. Good colour accuracy: LCD TVs often provide accurate and vibrant colour reproduction. This makes them suitable for enjoying movies, TV shows, and gaming.
4. Wide viewing angles: LCD TVs tend to offer better viewing angles compared to older CRT TVs. This allows a more comfortable viewing experience from different positions.

Disadvantages of LCD TVs

1. Limited contrast ratio: LCD TVs may struggle with achieving deep blacks and high contrast ratios. This can result in slightly less immersive viewing experiences.
2. Slower response time: LCD TVs typically have slower response times. This can lead to motion blur or ghosting during fast-moving scenes. For instance, in sports or action-packed content.
3. Limited backlight uniformity: Some LCD TVs may suffer from backlight bleeding. Or uneven lighting, causing visible spots or patches on the screen.
4. Bulkier design: LCD TVs tend to be thicker and heavier than newer LED models. This can make wall mounting or transportation more challenging.

Advantages of LED TVs

1. Enhanced picture quality: LED TVs often offer better picture quality. Moreover, improved contrast ratios, deeper blacks, and brighter whites.
2. Energy efficiency: LED TVs are more energy-efficient than LCDs. They consume less power, resulting in lower electricity bills.
3. Slim and sleek design: LED TVs have a thinner profile and lighter weight. This makes them easier to mount on walls or move around.
4. Better motion handling: LED TVs typically have faster response times. This reduces motion blur and provides smoother transitions in fast-paced scenes.

Disadvantages of LED TVs

1. Higher price: LED TVs are generally more expensive compared to LCDs. This is especially the case for high-end models with advanced features.
2. Limited viewing angles: LED TVs may exhibit some colour shifting. Or loss of picture quality when viewed from extreme angles.
3. Heat generation: LED TVs can generate more heat compared to LCDs. This can result in requiring proper ventilation to prevent overheating.
4. Potential uniformity issues: Some LED TVs may have uniformity problems. These include clouding or flash lighting. Such a case is where certain areas of the screen appear brighter than others.

These pros and cons may vary depending on the specific models and technologies used in LCD and LED TVs. Consider your preferences, budget, and intended usage when choosing between the two.

The Bottom Line

When comparing LCD and LED TVs, it’s important to understand that LED TVs are a type of LCD TV. LED technology offers promising advantages such as:

• superior picture quality
• energy efficiency
• a sleek design

On the other hand, LCD TVs are more affordable and provide good colour accuracy. Consider your needs and budget to determine which option best suits your preferences!

This article was originally published in July 2021 and has been updated.