Which is better LCD or LED?
The terms LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and LED (Light Emitting Diode) refer to different components of a display system. In reality, most modern consumer displays, particularly TVs, laptops, and monitors, use LED-backlit LCD technology. Therefore, it's more accurate to compare different types of LCD displays rather than LCD and LED as if they were separate technologies. Here's a breakdown of the terminology:
LCD (Liquid Crystal Display): LCD itself doesn't emit light. It relies on an external light source to illuminate the pixels. In the past, this light source was typically Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamps (CCFLs). These LCD displays are referred to as CCFL-backlit LCDs.
LED (Light Emitting Diode): LED refers to the light source used to illuminate the pixels in an LCD display. Instead of using CCFLs, modern LCD displays use LEDs as the backlight. These displays are known as LED-backlit LCDs.
Energy Efficiency: LED-backlit LCDs are generally more energy-efficient than their CCFL counterparts.
Slimmer Design: LED-backlit displays allow for thinner and more lightweight designs.
Better Contrast: LED backlighting often provides better control over brightness and contrast, leading to improved picture quality.
Longer Lifespan: LEDs have a longer lifespan than CCFLs, contributing to the overall longevity of the display.
Environmental Considerations: LED-backlit displays are considered more environmentally friendly because they don't contain mercury, which is present in some CCFLs.
When shopping for a new display, consider the specific type of LCD technology being used (CCFL or LED) and additional features like resolution, refresh rate, color accuracy, and other factors based on your preferences and requirements. In most cases, LED-backlit LCD displays are the more modern and preferred choice for their advantages in energy efficiency, design, and overall performance.