It is not at all surprising that this change is driven by the major players in the electronics, and most certainly monitor and TV screen industry. However, a quick look at the new technology demonstrates that they are certainly a step forward; rather than simply be a way to get the consumer to part with more cash.
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.
Sending light to the screen in this way allows for far greater control over the picture quality, definition and brightness. Each diode can be controlled independently, allowing for smoother flow through the image projected onto the screen. Deeper colors and blacks are the result, delivering a far truer picture that feels as if you are looking at something through the human eye.
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.
Another benefit to be had from an LED television is the size. Now, we have gotten used to TVs being slim affairs, able to be housed anywhere including on a wall. And though they are only a matter of inches in width, LED screens trump this easily; more likely to be measured in millimetres!
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.
The price of course is easier to swallow, when you look at the bigger picture, (no pun intended), and consider the up to forty percent saving to be made on energy costs. Though this will not sit well with some of course.
However, as with any new concept, the price will be high initially, to pay for investment that the manufactures have had to spend on research and development. The price of an LED television may be out of the reach of many for the time being, but over the next few years this will come down to realistic levels. Just in time for the next advance probably!
Wayne Torres talks about led lcd television and led tv screens
