It was not too long ago that we were arguing the case for and against LCD and plasma televisions. And though LCD TV eventually came out the victor, due to its superior all round function and practicality, its crown is now under threat. That this threat comes from its sibling the LED television, is all the more intriguing.
Initially of course, it may seem just another way for the major players in the world of TV screens to get their hands on more of our hard earned money. But it is more than this; it is a step forward and the benefits to be had are far reaching.
In essence, an LED television is just the same as the LCD that is probably sitting in your lounge right now. The difference is regards how the light emitting diodes, (LED), send the light to the screen. This is of course very complex, but in layman terms relies on backlit or sidelit, (edge), technology.
Having the lights set up in this way allows for greater control of the picture; lights can be dimmed and brightened independently of their neighbours; creating a richer content and feel and most important of all, creating true image black scale; they key to picture quality.
This is all fantastic of course, but what are the downsides to LED television technology? Increased power? Short Lifespan? Surprisingly, the opposite of each of these is true. The technology use less energy and, just as importantly uses this energy well with minimal wastage, which in itself drives up how long the TV itself will last for. Indeed, estimates suggest they could go on indefinitely if looked after well.
The depth of the TVs is also thinner than what is presently available. Amazing as this may sound, it is quite true. The depth of LCD and plasmas are presently given in inches, an LED television will be measured in millimetres; with somewhere around 9 or 10 being the standard, though screens of just 6mm are available now.
There is of course a catch when looking to buy yourself a shiny new LED television. And that is of course the initial price. Even the smaller sized screens command prices in the five, six and seven hundred dollar region. For this price, you could buy a forty six inch regular LCD TV in some areas. You will not be able to buy an LED television equivalent of this size for much less than two thousand five hundred dollars.
In summary then LED TVs are just a natural progression from LCDs. It gives us better pictures, less operating costs and space saving abilities. The prices are really the only issue presently.
But these prices will fall as demand picks up and we really recognize the benefits of LED television technology, (and as newer technologies come on line of course!)
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