LED TV vs. LCD TV

Disclaimer: What I’m about to talk about may be very technologically intensive.

LED TVs versus LCD TVs is actually a misconception. LED TVs are actually LCD TVs. Shocked? Yes, they are LCD TVs powered by LEDs (light emitting diodes). The usual LCD TVs are powered by CCFLs (cold cathode fluorescent tubes). LCD TVs work by projecting a backlight, either by CCFL or LED, and then having a front screen deflect that white light to create color. It’s much like white light shown through a prism splitting it into a number of colors. Or if you haven’t seen a prism, imagine white light from the sun passing through our sky and creating a rainbow; that’s how LCD TVs create picture.

What’s the Difference? 
Still remember your old Nokia 3310? Those black and white cellphones were powered by LEDs. Notice that the light looks like it’s coming from the side? That’s how some LEDs power your television (called edge-lit) and it allows for a very slim construction, some even less than an inch! Some TVs are also powered by a whole bunch of LEDs dotting the back (called local dimming) and this method allows for individual control of the LEDs to create a picture with very good contrast. As compared to a regular LCD TV, the backlight is powered by several CCFLs, much like a whole bunch of fluorescent bulbs strapped together.

Differences LED TV between LCD TV: Color and Contrast
Differences LED TV between LCD TV: Viewing Angle and Brightness
Power Consumption of LED TVs and LCD TVs

Power Consumption of LED TVs and LCD TVs

This can be quite difficult to compare as manufacturers have made significant improvements over the years to make TVs as energy efficient as possible yet still deliver the same quality. But in general, most local dimming LED TVs use a bit more energy than your usual LCD TV. An edge-lit LED TV on the other hand uses slightly less power.