Difference Between LCD TV and LED TV

The difference between LED TVs and LCD TVs lies in the technology the TV uses to project visuals on screen.
Difference Between LCD TV and LED TV
2 mins read
28 Sep 2022

The market today is flooded with TVs and most brands selling top-notch televisions have unique features that make them stand out. Among them, LED, and LCD TVs have been the most sought-after, thanks to the host of features they offer. Making the right pick, thus requires you to first have a clear understanding of the difference between the two. Let's look at the article to make an informed choice.

What is an LED?

A light-emitting diode or LED is a semiconductor that emits light each time an electric current is passed through it.

What is an LCD?

LCD or liquid crystal display is a technology that blocks light rather than emitting it.

LED TV vs. LCD TV: How are they different?

The main difference between LED TV and LCD TV lies in the technology the TV uses to project visuals on screen. Each of the two technologies responds to projections and video differently.

Here is what you must know about LED TVs and LCD TVs to make an informed decision.

Screen thickness

An LED TV, owing to the technology it uses, flaunts a thinner screen with sharper edges. On the other hand, the two-layer display technology adds bulk to an LCD TV.

Backlight

Backlight is an important difference between LCD TVs and LED TVs. An LED TV backlight comes in two ways: edge lighting and full array lighting. Unlike an LCD TV that uses CCFL for backlight, most LED TVs use light guides to project pictures on the screen. For example, the latest LED Sony TV and LG TV use edge-lit with local dimming technology to present bright visuals.

Brightness

When comparing LCD TVs and LED TVs on the parameter of brightness, an LED TV stands out as a winner. This is because it appoints an individual dimming and backlighting system, which in comparison to LCD TVs, makes your projections more defined, authentic, and closer to reality.

Contrast and colour

LED TVs have superior black levels and employ dynamic contrast mechanisms as compared to LCDs. Colour precision is also more defined in the case of LED TVs.

Viewing angles

LCDs project clear pictures for up to 165 degrees, but projections tend to distort beyond this point. However, LED TVs are equipped to offer you better clarity at all viewing angles.

Energy efficiency

LED TVs are more energy-efficient as these models use light-emitting diodes (LED) for backlighting. These TVs consume less power as compared to Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamps (CCFL), which most LCD TVs use. This results in power savings of up to 30%.

Price

Owing to the technology on offer, the price of LED TVs is higher as compared to LCD TVs. For instance, to buy an LED TV that is HD-ready, you will have to spend a minimum of Rs. 10,000. The price will go up with an increase in screen size and technology. Smart TVs, for instance, come with a higher price tag.

Size

The best part about an LED TV is that it can perfectly fit your space, however limited or expansive it may be, courtesy of its versatile size and thickness. You can buy LCDs ranging between 13 and 57-inch in size and LEDs of up to 90-inch, based on the available space.

Types of LED and LCD TVs

The most common type of LCD TV today is the flat screen, however, you can also get front projection LCDs that project an image onto a flat screen. When it comes to LEDs, the most common type is the Edge LED TV, which spreads the light uniformly behind the screen. You can also find dynamic RGB LEDs, which offer dimmer or brighter projections on certain areas, and full-array LEDs, which do not offer dimming or brightening of an individual area.

LED TVs

  1. Standard LED TVs Standard LED TVs use LED backlighting to illuminate the LCD screen, offering improved energy efficiency and brightness compared to traditional LCDs. They are a popular choice for most home viewing needs.
  2. Edge-Lit LED TVs Edge-lit LED TVs feature LEDs placed along the edges of the screen, allowing for a slimmer profile and more even brightness distribution. They often provide good picture quality and are suitable for well-lit rooms.
  3. Full-Array LED TVs Full-Array LED TVs have LEDs spread uniformly behind the entire screen, offering better control over local dimming and enhancing contrast levels. This technology is ideal for enhanced HDR performance and deeper blacks.
  4. QLED (Quantum Dot LED) TVs QLED TVs use quantum dots to enhance color and brightness, offering a wider color gamut and brighter HDR performance compared to standard LED TVs. They are known for vibrant colors and excellent viewing angles.
  5. OLED (Organic LED) TVs OLED TVs feature self-emissive pixels that can individually turn on and off, producing perfect blacks and infinite contrast levels. They provide superior picture quality and are highly recommended for home theater enthusiasts.
  6. Mini-LED TVs Mini-LED TVs utilize smaller LEDs grouped in zones for precise local dimming, achieving better contrast and brightness control compared to standard LEDs. They offer improved HDR performance and are becoming popular for premium viewing experiences.
  7. MicroLED TVs MicroLED TVs use tiny, self-emissive LEDs that combine to form a display, similar to OLED but without organic materials. They offer superior brightness, color accuracy, and long lifespan, making them ideal for high-end home entertainment systems.

LCD TVs

  1. Standard LCD TVs Standard LCD TVs use fluorescent backlighting to illuminate the screen. They are affordable and offer good picture quality for everyday viewing needs.
  2. IPS (In-Plane Switching) LCD TVs IPS LCD TVs provide wider viewing angles and better color accuracy compared to standard LCDs. They are suitable for rooms where multiple viewers watch from different angles.
  3. VA (Vertical Alignment) LCD TVs VA LCD TVs offer higher contrast ratios and deeper blacks than IPS LCDs, making them suitable for home theater setups. They provide good picture quality in dark rooms.
  4. TN (Twisted Nematic) LCD TVs TN LCD TVs are known for their fast response times, making them suitable for gaming and sports viewing. However, they have narrower viewing angles and lesser color accuracy compared to IPS and VA panels.
  5. Wide Color Gamut (WCG) LCD TVs WCG LCD TVs feature enhanced color reproduction, offering a wider range of colors than standard LCDs. They provide vibrant and more lifelike images, especially when viewing HDR content.

Which one is better: LCD or LED TV?

With this comparison, you must have realised that LED TVs are better than LCD TVs. However, when choosing a TV, understand your viewing requirements first, then choose what suits you the best. If playing games or watching films in high definition is your passion, then choose LED TVs over LCD TVs.

While you may have understood what display type to choose, here are other details to pay attention to when picking the right TV for yourself.

What is the ideal TV size?

The distance at which you sit to view the TV and the number of people viewing the TV at once determines the ideal size of a TV. Simply divide the viewing distance by 1.6 to get the ideal TV size for your room.

What is the future of LCD TVs and LED TVs?

In the time to come, OLED technology is going to dominate the LED TV market. While some brands like Sony have already launched exceptional OLED TVs, more is yet to come. Unfortunately, LCD TVs will slowly vanish from the market owing to their cumbersome make and limited features.

Pay the right price: Buy the latest TV on Easy EMI

After choosing the TV that best suits you, you can buy it on Easy EMI with zero down payment from the Bajaj Mall. Shop using Bajaj Finserv’s financing options without worrying about its price tag. This network has more than 1.5 lakh partner stores across 4,000 cities and sells over 1 million products. So, shop your choice of Sony TV, LG TV, Lloyd TV, Haier TV,  or any other model on affordable EMIs by paying a low or zero down payment.

Simply divide the cost of your purchase into easy instalments and you do not have to compromise on your new LED TV, no matter whether it is a full HD LED TV or a smart TV. What is more, you can bring home the bestselling TV on Easy EMIs starting from just Rs. 1,899. Avail additional discounts and cashback on MRP (on running offers, at the point of purchase) when you shop from the Bajaj Finserv EMI Network partner stores using Bajaj Finserv’s financing options.

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Frequently asked questions

Why are LED TVs considered superior?

LED TVs are preferred for their energy efficiency, slimmer design, and enhanced picture quality compared to traditional LCDs. They offer better brightness, contrast, and a broader color spectrum, which results in a more vivid and immersive viewing experience. Additionally, they typically have a longer lifespan.

How can I determine if my TV is LED or LCD?

To identify if your TV is LED or LCD, check the specifications in the user manual or the manufacturer’s website. LED TVs use light-emitting diodes for backlighting, while traditional LCDs use fluorescent lamps. Additionally, LED TVs are generally thinner and offer better brightness and color quality.

Which brand produces the best LED TVs?

Top brands for LED TVs include Samsung, LG, Sony, and TCL. These brands are known for their advanced technology, high picture quality, durability, and innovative features. Sony and LG are often praised for their superior color accuracy, while Samsung leads in brightness and contrast.

How does viewing angle differ between LCD and LED TVs?

LED TVs typically have better viewing angles than standard LCDs, especially models using IPS technology. While standard LCDs can exhibit colour and brightness distortion at wide angles, LED TVs, particularly those with full-array backlighting, maintain better image quality from various positions.

Do LED TVs have better contrast ratios than LCD TVs?

Yes, LED TVs generally have superior contrast ratios compared to standard LCDs. Full-array LED models with local dimming can achieve deeper blacks and brighter highlights, enhancing overall picture quality. In contrast, standard LCDs struggle with black levels due to their backlighting method.

Which TV is better for gaming: LCD or LED?

LED TVs are usually better for gaming due to faster response times and improved refresh rates. Many LED models also feature technologies like variable refresh rates, which reduce lag and provide smoother gameplay, making them ideal for gaming enthusiasts compared to standard LCDs.

How do I know if a TV is LED or LCD?

To determine if a TV is LED or LCD, check the specifications. LED TVs will indicate "LED" or "LCD with LED backlighting," while standard LCDs typically reference fluorescent backlighting. The display type might also be noted on the packaging or product details.

Which is better for bright rooms: LCD or LED TV?

LED TVs are better suited for bright rooms due to their higher brightness levels and superior contrast. The advanced backlighting technology in LED models allows for vibrant images even in well-lit environments, whereas standard LCDs may appear washed out under similar conditions.

Can LED TVs be used in outdoor settings compared to LCD TVs?

Yes, LED TVs are generally more suitable for outdoor settings than standard LCDs. Their higher brightness and improved weather resistance make them ideal for outdoor viewing. However, ensure the TV is specifically designed for outdoor use to withstand environmental elements effectively.

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