LCD TV: Should You Upgrade?

If you are the kind of person that wants to know anything and everything there is to know about something before you buy it, this article should help out a lot. The main points we want to touch on in this article will be whether or not it is worth purchasing an LCD TV or upgrading to the new LED backlit technology. There are definite pros and cons to both sides. In the end it's not a simple decision, but it’s always good to know both sides of the story before you make any final decisions. One thing to note is that both LED and LCD TVs use the exact same liquid crystals; the only main difference is the type of lighting used.

LCD TVs
Now that we understand the types of lighting, let’s talk about the pros and cons of LCD (liquid crystal display) TVs with CFL lighting.

Pros: LCD TVs have been out for a number and years and thus the price for a standard 55-inch is right around $1,000, which is significantly cheaper than any LED TV on the market today. Many people think that LCD TVs are not 3D-compatible but in fact they are just as capable at producing 3D images.

Samsung has shown us that an LCD TV can have just as many picture adjustments as what you would find on an LED TV. All of the high end LCD Models will offer some sort of online content which is always a huge plus.

Cons: LCD TVs are almost always at least 3 inches thick because of the compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) that are used to light the screen. In most cases they're too big to hang on the wall and must be used with a stand. Because of the type of lighting used in LCD TVs, they will never have as high of a contrast ratio as LED TVs, so their picture won't be nearly as vibrant. While this is most important for those planning on putting their TV in a home theater room, it can make a big difference anywhere in your house. CFLs aren't capable of local dimming because they are too large in size and can only be turned off or on.

LED TVs
Now that we understand a little more about CFL lighting, let’s look at the advantages and disadvantages of LED lighting.

Pros: LED lights are much smaller than CFLs and thus have the capability of being placed on the side of the screen (edge-lit) or behind the screen (local dimming). Both types allow the TV to be much thinner in size and produce much brighter whites and much darker blacks. LED TVs of any type are also thin enough and much lighter which makes them perfect for hanging on your wall if desired. Most LED TVs have some type of internet capability which allows for live streaming, social networking and other such extras. Backlit LED TVs will have a very clear display even when viewed from off angles. Edge-lit LED TVs use less power than LCD TVs.

Cons: The biggest drawback when purchasing an LED TV will always be the cost. Most LED TVs range from out $1,500 to $4,000 dollars depending on all the extras included. LED TVs with local dimming (backlit) also use a lot more energy and are comparable to that of a plasma screen TV. Edge-lit TVs on the other hand do not use nearly as much energy but have about 30 percent more picture fade than LCD TVs when viewing from off angle.

As you can see, both types have their advantages and disadvantages. If you're looking to save some money and don’t mind the slightly larger size, an LCD TV will most likely be the better choice until LED TVs drop in price. However, if you want an ultra-thin TV and don’t mind spending a little more for the power consumption found on backlit LED TVs then, an LED TV is the best choice. Both types of TV have benefits and drawbacks, but we hope this article will make choosing a little easier.

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