LCD Versus LED HDTV: Which Is
Better?
Manufacturers like to market their HDTV models as either LCD or LED models. The fact of the matter is both types of
televisions use the same technology, but there are differences major enough to make them different classifications.
During the holidays and well into January, consumers purchase televisions and need to have the information
necessary to purchase the type of television to meet their needs. Following is a comparison and contrast of LED and
LCD HDTVs.
The major component of LCD technology, liquid crystal diode, is present in both models. However, there are subtle
differences between the two. LCD televisions tend to have darker pictures because of light being blocked by the LCD
panel. LED, on the other hand, uses back-lighting along the edges of the screen to help brighten those darker areas,
thereby creating a brighter and better quality picture. Recently one manufacturer built in an option to turn off the back-
lighting, though studies show picture quality was improved with this feature on.
Aside from the above-mentioned differences in back-lighting, there really are not any significant differences between
the LCD and LED models. Both televisions have excellent picture quality along with superior color displays. With that
said, it must be pointed out that LED televisions with RGB color lights or a color wheel to affect the back lights, LCD
models are slightly edged out by the LED's technology in this area.
Viewing angles on both types of televisions will vary depending upon the thickness of the glass used on the display
screen. Both LCD and LED models have been known to change this area of manufacturing specifications often, so it
is not a major point of comparison between the two types of televisions. There are other qualities besides this one to
base an accurate, level comparison on.
Another point of comparison between the two types of televisions is video playback and gaming features. Each
television does offer a mode for the online gamer that makes it easy to hook in any type of playing system. Also, both
models are even as far as playback and picture refresh rate. Although LED televisions do not have much of a product
history on the open market, it has been shown that LED back lights tend to last longer, theoretically making them the
better television. CFL fluorescent back-lighting does tend to be more unstable and will degrade at a faster rate.
In conclusion, while both models seem to be fairly even in all areas, LED will slightly edge out the LCD models in
longevity.