Difference between LCD and LED monitors

Difference between LCD and LED monitors

Basic difference between LCD’s and LED’s

LED and LCD monitors are based on the same basic technology for image display but differ in the kind of backlighting used. While LCD monitors use cold cathode fluorescent lamps for backlighting, LED monitors use light emitting diodes. This is the main difference between the two display technologies. So LEDs are a type of LCD monitors.

Unlike CRT monitors that generate their own light through cathode ray incidence on fluorescent materials, LCD displays have to rely on external lighting as their display is created through manipulation of light passing through polarized liquid crystals. The backlighting affects picture quality substantially and light shed by LEDs offer superior picture quality compared to LCDs.

This is because LEDs offer much more gradation in intensity, giving a much more true color quality. These types of monitors offer a better dynamic contrast ratio too. So if you compare LED vs LCD monitor for gaming and other intensive graphic applications, LED monitors are surely better choices.

There are two types of LED backlighting techniques used. One is RGB dynamic LED and the other one is edge LED. The former type of backlighting uses LEDs placed behind the LCD TV or monitor screens, while the latter uses LEDs placed around the monitor rim, from where light is made to diffuse behind the screen. Since LEDs are placed around the rim on edge LED monitors, they can be a lot slimmer than conventional LCDs.

Power Consumption of LCD’s and LED’s

LED monitors are a very recently introduced technology and they are preferred over LCD monitors because of the amazingly rich picture quality and comfort of viewing. One more advantage that LED monitors have over LCD ones is the power consumption factor. LED monitors require a lot less power to operate than cold cathode fluorescent lamps. This property can be attributed to the inherently low energy needs of an LED.

LED monitors are also a lot softer on the eyes than LCD monitors which make them popular choices for people who work for long hours on their desktop computers. Their power consumption is as much as 40% lesser than conventional LCD monitors. They are also a lot more eco-friendly because mercury is not used in their production.

Cost difference between LCD’s and LED’s

One major factor that has been holding back LED technology from reaching the masses is the high price factor. The manufacturing of these devices is a lot more costly currently compared to LCD displays which have raised their overall price. To get an idea about the complete range of choice available to you while buying new computer monitors or TVs.