What's the Difference Between LED and LCD TVs?

Let me illuminate you on the differences between LED and LCD TVs. While LED and LCD TVs may seem quite similar on the surface, there are some key distinctions worth highlighting.

LED stands for "light emitting diode" and refers to the type of backlighting used in the TV. Traditional LCD TVs use cold cathode fluorescent lamps (CCFLs) to provide the necessary backlight, while LED TVs use tiny LED bulbs arranged evenly across the back of the screen. LED backlights allow for superior brightness control and contrast, as well as a wider color gamut. They are also more energy efficient and durable.

 

Size matters

LED TVs can be made astonishingly thin due to the small size of LEDs. We've come a long way from the bulky rear-projection and plasma TVs of yore! If you're looking for a TV that disappears into your wall, LED is the way to go. The slim form factor also allows for more screen size options, from compact 32 inches all the way up to a room-dominating 85 inches or more.

 

It's a smart world after all

Most modern LED TVs are "smart" TVs, meaning they offer built-in streaming services and apps. Everything from Netflix to YouTube to Spotify is at your fingertips. Some LED TVs even offer voice control and integration with smart home devices. The smart connectivity and advanced backlighting are what really set LED TVs apart in today's TV marketplace.

 

Which TV is better LED or LCD?

LED TVs are LCD TVs

First things first, LED TVs are actually a type of LCD TV. LED stands for "light emitting diode", and these TVs use LED backlights instead of the traditional cold cathode fluorescent lights used in older LCD TVs. So LED TVs are really just a subset of LCD tVs - but they offer some distinct benefits over the older CCFL LCD TVs.

 

Brighter, More Vibrant Pictures

The main benefit of LED TVs is they can produce a brighter, more vibrant image than traditional LCD TVs. The LED backlights allow for localized dimming - meaning parts of the screen can be darker while others remain bright. This provides better contrast and black levels. The image just looks more dynamic and alive. For most people, the improved picture quality of LED TVs is well worth the price premium over older LCD TVs.

 

Choose Your Lighting

One of the lesser-known benefits of LED TVs is they come in two primary flavors: edge lit and full array. Edge lit LED TVs have lights around the rim of the screen, pointing inward. They are generally more affordable but can sometimes produce uneven lighting and "hot spots". Full array LED TVs are a bit more premium but have LEDs placed all over the back of the screen for the most even, high-quality lighting and best contrast. If budget allows, full array is my recommendation.

 

When it comes to LED vs LCD TVs, LED technology triumphs. You get a far superior picture, more advanced features and sleeker designs. Unless you're on a tight budget, LED TVs are absolutely worth the investment for any movie or sports fan. Your eyes will thank you.

 

The 5 Best LCD TVs

There's no doubt that LCD TV technology has come a long way in recent years. Gone are the days of bulky, cheaply-made screens - today's LCD TVs are sleek, vibrant, and packed with features that would have seemed like science fiction just a decade ago. If you're in the market for a new television, an LCD is an excellent choice. Here are my top recommendations and why they stand out from the crowd.

Samsung NT678U HG50NT678UF 50" Smart LED-LCD TV

Samsung’s ultramodern 50-inch smart television. This creative TV is much more than just a screen in your living room, it’s an artistic canvas that elevates your viewing experience.

A crystal 4K LCD screen that displays vivid colors and rich details. Resolution so stunning, you’ll feel immersed in the action.

Samsung’s PurColor technology analyzes colors in real time and delivers extravagent shades you never knew existed. Lifelike images that seem 3D.

Dynamic Crystal Color produces a wider range of more vivid colors for depth and dimension like you're really there. Your eyes will delight.

Smart TV with built-in Wi-Fi allows you instant access to emerging streaming services, popular apps, games and more. Cut the cable cord without missing a beat.

3 HDMI ports ensure all your favorite devices are connected. Transfer 4K content between devices quickly and easily.

Samsung's refresh rate technology and HDR provide buttery smooth motion and stark contrast for frenzied action scenes and vivid nighttime visuals.

Every artist tries new techniques, experiments fearlessly. Samsung too dares to imagine impossible experiences that move you. A brilliant TV crafted with creative passion for those who see art in everything.

 

LG PUD 75UQ9000PUD 75" Smart LED-LCD TV

This LG PUD 75UQ9000PUD is sure to upgrade your home entertainment in a major way. This massive 75-inch television is packed with innovations that will blow you away.

Vibrant 4K resolution. This 4K TV delivers stunningly sharp and vibrant images with four times the resolution of regular 1080p TVs. You'll notice the difference right away.

Nano Cell Display. LG's Nano Cell LCD technology uses nanoscale materials to produce deeper blacks, brighter colors and a wider range of contrast that makes everything you watch come alive.

Powerful α5 Gen 5 Processor. This means lightning-fast performance for demanding tasks like gaming, streaming 4K video and more.

Best-in-class Viewing Angles. No more choosing seats! The wide viewing angles on this TV mean the picture quality stays fantastic no matter where you sit. Everyone will enjoy an equally awesome view.

webOS Smart Platform. Access thousands of streaming channels and apps at the touch of a button with webOS. It's simple to navigate, learns your favorites and provides recommendations tailored to your tastes.

 

Samsung NT670U HG43NT670UF LED-LCD TV

This TV immerses you so completely in your favorite shows and movies that you'll feel like you've stepped into the scene. Combat will make you jump out of your seat and drama will tug at your heartstrings.

Incredible 4K resolution with over 8 million pixels. See stunning clarity and infinite depth.

60Hz refresh rate and fast response time. Reduced motion blur for sports and action films.

Vibrant HDR enhancements. Expansive contrast and wider color gamut for dazzling high-dynamic range.

Crystal-clear wide viewing angles. Enjoy perfect picture quality no matter where you sit.

Slim, sleek design. Nondescript yet fashionable.

Forget settling for mere 4K and step into a whole new reality with Samsung's NT670U HG43NT670UF LED-LCD TV. With its vivid and moving picture, 60Hz smoothness, wide angle brilliance and undeniably chic style, this Smart TV brings entertainment to life in breathtaking high definition.

VIZIO 65" Class P-Series Premium 4K UHD Quantum Color LED SmartCast Smart TV P65Q9-J01

Welcome to your new home entertainment experience with the VIZIO 65” Class P-Series Premium 4K UHD Quantum Color LED SmartCast Smart TV P65Q9-J01. This amazing television is designed to bring you vibrant visuals, captivating content, and a level of color and contrast you never thought possible.

A 65-inch 4K Ultra HD display with Quantum HDR and wide color gamut for a visually stunning picture. You'll notice the difference immediately.

Quantum color technology produces over 100% more color saturation for deeply vibrant hues and realistic, lifelike images. It's color like you've never seen before.

Fastest processor in its class for lightning-quick responses to your commands. Watching content is a genuinely impressive experience.

SmartCast Home makes it simple to discover your favorite movies, sports, shows, news, podcasts and music. Access thousands of streaming entertainment choices.

Smooth and responsive motion with VIZIO's Motion Interpolation and motionlined motion technology for blur-free action and motion smoothness. No missed moments.

Active Full Array dynamically adjusts the LEDs for optimal black levels and shadow detail across the entire screen. Dark scenes come alive.

LG 50UR640S9UD 50" Smart LED-LCD TV

This LED-LCD TV isn't your average dumb box—it's a smart, savvy set that will surprise and delight you every day.

LG's webOS Smart Platform makes this TV wicked smart. Stream over 5,000 free streaming channels or your favorite shows from Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and more. The on-screen interface is perfectly intuitive, so you'll be browsing content in no time.

TruColor ensures all your content is shown in vivid, lifelike color. Even subtle details and shades will be finely tuned for a picture that's as colorful as nature intended.

20W Stereo Speakers fill your room with vibrant sound that pulls you into the action. Surround Sound lets you experience multi-channel audio like Dolby Digital or DTS Digital Surround.

3 HDMI 2.1 Ports support the latest graphics technologies for enhanced gaming prowess. 4K/120Hz capabilities make fast-moving games super smooth and blur-free.

 

Conclusion

LCD TV technology has never been better. Between advanced features, brilliant picture quality, and smart functionality, there are fantastic options for every budget.

Both LED and LCD TVs can produce gorgeous high-definition images. But LED TVs provide a quantum leap forward in design, features and picture quality that make them my go-to recommendation for anyone looking to level-up their home entertainment.