Difference between LCD and LED
To understand the difference between LCD and LED TVs you’ll need a 10 second background. For decades throughout the 20th century, the underlying technology on which televisions operated, changed very little. Although there were incremental improvements made to televisions throughout this period, such as their power consumption and the quality of the picture and audio, the “cathode ray tube” of the 20th century TV, placed limits on the maximum size and quality that could realistically be achieved.
The 1990s saw the development of a number of new TV technologies, which led to very thin display panels, bigger screen sizes and significant improvements in video quality. There are currently several hundred different models of TV on the market, which are primarily produced by a number of large electronics companies. However the models available can broadly be split into three main categories: Plasma, LCD and LED TVs (which are a more recent development). Below I’ll explain the difference between LCD and LED.
Plasma uses a slightly different technology to the other two types; it uses “plasma” (a mix of xenon and neon gas) to produce the image. Although plasma TVs have been around since the late 90s and are still sold by many manufacturers, LCD and LED TVs are rapidly becoming the dominant technology.
Difference between LCD and LED?
Both of these types of TV look very similar – they are both available as very thin models and most designs look chic and aim to have low reflectivity screens. In fact, the underlying technology that produces the image is the same in both LCD and LED devices. The only difference (although this sole difference can mean a lot to image quality) is the way the image is lit from behind the screen.
One of the biggest things you have to remember and/or know is that both LED and LCD TVs are in fact LCD TVs. Meaning both types of TVs use a liquid crystal display to show the picture. So when when asking about the difference between LCD and LED try to keep in mind that what you are really asking is What is the Difference between LCD and LED-LCD TVs.
Both types of TV produce their image with a liquid crystal display (or LCD). The image requires a source of lighting to ensure that the image easy to see. Here is a considerable difference between LCD and LED. A traditional LCD model uses a fluorescent lighting source, whilst LED TVs use – predictably – an LED lighting source. The light can be produced by LEDs positioned at the side of the screen, otherwise called “Edge Lit”, or multiple LEDs can be positioned at the rear of the screen, which is referred to as “backlit”.
Differences between LCD and LED – HDTV LIGHTING
Fluorescent lighting sources have improved dramatically over the last few years, so the LED vs LCD TV competition is no longer as uneven a fight. However in the case of local dimming in LED models, the color quality is often higher; this is because there is a much larger discrepancy between the light and dark areas on the screen. Some manufacturers such as Samsung, have introduced their own proprietary form of local dimming (for example, Samsung’s version is called micro dimming), which aims to produce an even greater light to dark color range. Another difference between LCD and LED is just this. You won’t see Samsung trying to hard, if at all at improving their micro dimming technology on an LCD only TV. In fact most of the advanced technology will all be going towards LED-LCD Televisions.
Difference between LCD and LED – What Standard Features Should Be Compared When Choosing A TV?
When thinking about the difference between LCD and LED you have to take into consideration the different manufacturers. They incorporate their own range of features into their devices, which are designed to make their TVs stand out from the competition. However, many of the comparable attributes are consistent throughout the available range of TVs, as well as between LED vs LCD models.
As far as image quality is concerned, two of the primary difference between LCD and LED and influencing factors are the screen resolution and its refresh rate. These are not the only variables that affect a screen’s image quality. This means that, whilst they are important stats to check, it is important to also compare the other image-enhancing features that a TV may, or may not, have available.
Difference between LCD and LED – 720p, 1080i and 1080p
Almost all new TVs support high definition video. Where HD content is concerned, there are three main “standards”: 720p, 1080i and 1080p. When trying to figure out the difference between LCD and LED you have to look at more than just lighting. 720p and 1080i vs 1080p are numbers referring to the number of lines that a TV can support, and – in general – a higher number provides a better quality image. However, the comparison becomes more complicated when looking at the letter, “i” (which stands for interlaced) or “p” (progressive). These words refer to the method of displaying the image on the screen.
What is Progressive Scan?
Progressive scan is generally considered a better quality method of displaying the image. There is some contention as to whether 1080i, with more lines, or 720p, with a better-quality image display method is preferable; and in fact, this may vary between models. However, 1080p (Full HD) models are always considered to produce the best quality. This may not be a difference between LCD and LED, but in my home I have 3 televisions. One is 1080i (Bedroom), One is 1080p (Living Room), and a 22 in. 720p in the kitchen. My wife loves to cook and watch her tv, plus she can access her favorite recipes straight from the tv. Honestly I can not tell the difference between either of the formats. All three deliver amazing picture quality. The biggest difference you will see is if you play blu-rays. And then I would always recommend the 1080p. I simply enjoy the experience better.
What is The Refresh Rate?
The refresh rate is a number expressed in Hz, and it refers to the amount of times per second that the image is refreshed on the screen. Note that a comparable refresh rate can lead to different image qualities on different models of TV (due to differing digital image processing capabilities, among other factors), so it is important not to concentrate too heavily on a model’s refresh rate. However, in general, the higher this number is, the better quality the picture is likely to be.
What Additional Features Are Desirable?
This is where the “LED vs LCD TV” debate becomes more interesting. Aside from the main variables that one may look at when comparing TVs – screen size, resolution, refresh rate, etc. – new TVs come with a number of image and audio enhancing features.
How Important is the Refresh Rate?
Getting back to the Refresh Rate it’s VERY important to look for the words “motion interpolation”. This feature is based around the video frame rate. There are two worldwide standards for broadcasting TV signals: NTSC and PAL. NTSC is used throughout the US and Canada, whilst PAL is primarily used in Europe. NTSC broadcasts video at nearly 30 frames per second, and PAL uses 25 frames per second. However, a modern television might have a refresh rate of 200 Hz (200 refreshes per second) or more. This means that the same frame will have to be repeated multiple times until the next frame is ready to be displayed. However, if the frame change does not match up exactly with the refresh rate, the result can be a jittery picture; this is primarily a problem in fast paced video, such as sports or action movies, where the image is quickly changing.
Motion interpolation looks at two frames and then automatically makes a number of new frames, with incremental image changes. These new frames are displayed instead of simply repeating one frame multiple times. Different manufacturers have their own versions of this technology; LG call it “TruMotion”, whilst Samsung uses “Motion Plus” in their LED TVs. Whilst there are subtle differences, in general these technologies reduce blurred pictures and improve the overall image quality. This is also a main difference between LCD and LED. LED TVs more and more are shipping standardized with TruMotion technology and it’s only getting better.
Touching on price for a second. Another main difference between LCD and LED is the Price. LCD only TVs are becoming much less expensive. As you can see from this article the light source and cost to run the LCD only tv is becoming fast outdated. People want to watch their HDTV’s without having to worry about the cost. Also the lighting technology for the LCD only tv leaves a lot to be desired, at least according to newer and better technology. For these main reasons the LCD ONLY TV is becoming less expensive simply because it’s becoming an abandoned model of television. LED-LCD is the future.
Another difference between LCD and LED is that more LED Televisions are being shipped with some form of ambient light sensor. As the video is lit from the sides or the back of the screen, sometimes the light is too bright or too dim for the environment it is operating within. Sensing the ambient light levels helps to ensure that the onscreen colors remain consistent, and suitable for the room in which the TV is being viewed. This can also help to reduce power use, by ensuring that the screen is not brighter than necessary.
Of course, LED vs LCD TV features are not solely constrained to video quality. Another difference between LCD and LED technology are the audio features. A specific example is of voice enhancement technology, which is able to determine human voices within an audio stream and enhance them to make it easier for the TV viewers to hear the voices, especially at low volumes; this can be useful for watching the TV late at night.
Difference between LCD and LED – Screen Sizes and Prices
In general, LED TVs are slightly more expensive than their LCD counterparts. This is partly due to the differing lighting method, which is more expensive for a manufacturer to implement, but also partly because the technology is newer and consumers are more likely to pay a premium price for a newer technology. The other difference is what was mentioned above. The cost to run an LCD only tv is more expensive.
The Difference Between LCD and LED – Smart TV
There are currently LED TVs on the market that range from around 19 inches to 70 inches, however larger sizes are also being introduced rapidly. Prices are affected by which company manufactured the TV and what additional features they made available. However, the price is primarily affected by screen size. Smaller LED TVs, between 19 to 20 inches, are available from $150. At the other end of the scale, 50 inch TVs are available for between $2500 and $3500.
Comparably sized LCD models are available from around $100 for a 20 inch model, to approximately $1500 to $2000 for 50 inch models (after the 50 inch point, prices can increase dramatically; the highest-end 70 inch models are available at up to $20,000). It is important to remember that prices can vary between retailers and there are a number of LCD TV deals available for the keen shopper.
The LED vs LCD TV debate is still contentious, with advocates of both technologies enthusing over the advantages of their favorite type of TV. However, there are now enough TVs on the market to suit almost every viewer, and every budget. When shopping for your perfect TV, keep in mind the future. All those HDTVs ready to be connected to the internet will become more and more valuable to you as a consumer. If you’re looking for another difference between LCD and LED is which tv do you think is going to receive the greatest attention to the future, which do you think has the greatest advantages and chances to use today’s technology? It will be LED-LCD. The right now, immediate future of television.
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