Some say an LED TV is a misnomer, that it's actually an LCD TV that uses LED (light emitting diodes) lighting technology. LCD TVs use CCFL backlights (Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamp) while LED TVs use, well, LEDs. An LED LCD TV is actually a marketing move that Samsung started when it released its newer LCD TV units that are lighted by LEDs. Since then some of Samsung's competitors have complained about it as a way of confusing the buying public as to what really is an LED LCD TV. In fact, a true LED TV will be too huge to fit in most homes and these can be found in ballparks, stadiums, and other outdoor venues. _{Inset image courtesy of PCWorld}

What is an LED TV in the first place? An LED TV that is currently in the market for home users are really just LCD TVs that use LEDs to illuminate the screen. Normal LCDs use fluorescent tubes as the main lighting source. So an LED TV technology is actually an LCD TV that is backlit with at least 1,000 LEDs. This technique has a number of advantages over the LCD:

1. An LED TV can better handle darker tones - It can achieve deeper blacks as well as emit brighter images. It can also achieve better contrast ratios.
2. It is slimmer - With the Edge-LED lighting system, LED TVs can be made much slimmer.
3. It has better viewing angles - Even the most expensive LCD TVs still suffer from providing the viewer with excellent picture and viewing quality, especially when the person is away from the center. LED TVs fare much better in this aspect, perhaps another reason why it is being used outdoors with huge number of audiences.
4. LEDs last longer - LEDs have longer life than LCDs and often more durable.
5. LEDs are more energy efficient - While LEDs are capable of providing lower power consumption, some LCD TVs can actually match it in terms of energy usage.

So which one is better between these two flat screen TVs? Again, in the strictest meaning of the name, a real LED TV are the ones you find in stadiums, the ones people can buy and take into their homes are just LED backlit LCD TVs.

Between these two, the debate still rages on. Aside from the advantages of the LED previously mentioned, foremost is the big price difference. LCD TVs are much cheaper. Smaller 9-inch LCD TVs can be had at $200 and even less. Bigger sizes that can go up to 42 inches can start from $500 to a little above $1000.

Again, LED TVs are more expensive. A good unit usually starts at $1500 and can go as high as $5000. Expect the more familiar brands to be pricier yet more durable and features-laden.

Plasma TV produces better picture quality especially in low light situations. So if you like watching at night without any other lights, plasma is the better choice. But if you are concerned with power consumption, the LED LCD TV is a winner aside of course from the fact that it is much cheaper.


The decision to choose between an LCD and a LED LCD TV really relies on the buyer's spending power. In a lot of aspects, the LED LCD TV is superior although the LCD TV is already a great improvement over the old CRT units.

Related site: Here's a site about the advantages and disadvantages of getting one of those small LCD TV or portable LCD TV units.

Want more tips and info about things that are related to electronics? Kindly visit the following sites for more on this topic:

• lcd tv repair school - Learn how to repair LCD TV flat screens through online tv repair schools!
• flat panel TV stands - features some of the best TV stands for your sleek flat screen TVs
  
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