LED Vs. LCD ..... Is it Worth the Extra Money?

If your in the market for an new HDTV television, you're timing could not be better. Between the gradual drop in prices the past couple years, and an economy that struggles to attract consumers dollars, this just might be the best time to finally reward yourself with a brand new HDTV. But should you buy an LCD TV, or take the plunge on the latest greatest invention, the LCD HDTV.

This article will bring to light some of the major differences between the LCD, and the newer LED models.

Back Lighting- Both the LCD and the LED technically use the same display,
Liquid Crystal Display. The major difference is the back lighting. The LCD sets use fluorescent bulbs, the LED sets use light emitting diodes to light up their screens. The arrangement and number of fluorescent bulbs (LCD) and light emitting diodes (LED) varies by manufacturer. The LED sets have the advantage here because light emitting diodes tend to last longer than fluorescent bulbs, and don't change color hue over time.

Power Consumption- Light Emitting Diodes a.k.a. LED is more efficient than the fluorescent bulbs used on the LCD models. According to Samsung, the LED sets use 40% less power than the LCD sets. So in that case you would recoup some of that extra money spent on the LED over the less expensive LCD models.

Contrast Ratio-The LED televisions have a clear advantage when it comes to contrast ratio and black levels. They have the ability to control the back lighting, thus allowing the LEDs to be dimmed in dark areas of the picture, resulting in darker blacks as well as a much better over all picture detail. In order to create the blacks on the standard LCD TV, the light coming from the fluorescent bulb is blocked altogether resulting in a lower contrast ratio and less picture detail. Although the LED is the clear winner here, you won't notice this difference nearly as much on tv's under 40". However if a you go for one of the larger sets (over 40"), the LCD models don't keep up!

Refresh Rate- Whether you stick with the LCD or shell out a little extra for the LED, the refresh rates will vary model by model. The LCD sets come with refresh rates from 60Hz, 120Hz, up Twp 240Hz. The LEDs are either 120Hz, or 240Hz. If you love to watch sports or fast paced action movies, you'll likely want at least a 120Hz refresh rate. Personally I could not tell the difference between the 120Hz and the 240Hz, other than the price which goes up quite a bit! Since refresh rates vary from tv to tv, there is no advantage to either the LCD or the LED.

Viewing Angle-Although LCDs have been getting better with time, they still lose contrast when you view them from angles beyond 30 degrees of center. Because of the improved back lighting on the LED models, the viewing angles are much better. Bottom Line, the LEDs clearly have the advantage here.

Availability and Cost- LCDs are available in a wider range of sizes, anywhere from 21" to 70" +. The LEDs start at 32" and go up to 55" at the present time. As far as price goes, the LCDs have the advantage. The LEDs tend to cost 20% more as it's the latest and greatest technology.

In the end whether you end up with an LCD or an LED TV, you'll be paying less money than even 6 months ago. For most of us it boils down to the money. The good news is, there is lots of competition in the television department, so do your homework! If you can stomach spending 15 to 20% more, the LED is worth it, especially if your looking at models over 40" in size. Below that you can get away with an LCD model. Setting money aside, the LED has the overall advantage in the HDTV world.