It was not too long ago that we were arguing the case for and against LCD and plasma televisions. And though LCD TV eventually came out the victor, due to its superior all round function and practicality, its crown is now under threat. That this threat comes from its sibling the LED television, is all the more intriguing.
Cynics out there, (of which I am a fully paid up member of the club), will snort at such an announcement and claim it is nothing more than a money making exercise. And while this holds some water; the technology in an LED television is a step in the right direction, so should not be dismissed too readily.
To appreciate this, however, it is necessary to understand where LED television technology differs from what has gone before. In the most basic of levels, LED technology is simply a progression from LCD; it uses the self same screens for a start; and works in much the same the way. The difference lies in how light is sent to the screen; with LEDs, this is done through backlighting or side lighting.
Sending light to the screen in this way allows for far greater control over the picture quality, definition and brightness. Each diode can be controlled independently, allowing for smoother flow through the image projected onto the screen. Deeper colors and blacks are the result, delivering a far truer picture that feels as if you are looking at something through the human eye.
This is all fantastic of course, but what are the downsides to LED television technology? Increased power? Short Lifespan? Surprisingly, the opposite of each of these is true. The technology use less energy and, just as importantly uses this energy well with minimal wastage, which in itself drives up how long the TV itself will last for. Indeed, estimates suggest they could go on indefinitely if looked after well.
They are also a great deal thinner than there predecessors. While regular LCD TVs are very slim; at just mere inches, an LED television will be measured with a depth given in millimetres. Indeed, the leading manufacturers are producing units that are a mere 6mm in depth.
There is of course a catch when looking to buy yourself a shiny new LED television. And that is of course the initial price. Even the smaller sized screens command prices in the five, six and seven hundred dollar region. For this price, you could buy a forty six inch regular LCD TV in some areas. You will not be able to buy an LED television equivalent of this size for much less than two thousand five hundred dollars.
The benefits then are quite significant with this new technology; better pictures, better lighting; better control, and all while having a positive impact on the environment. Indeed, the only downside remains the price.
The good news for LED television detractors then is that the prices will inevitably fall; and the benefits will still be there, (and probably improved upon even more). However, it is also likely that new technologies will just about be ready to launch by this point, as the wheels of progress continue to turn.
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