What does the LED prefix mean on TVs? What is LED backlighting? Types of lighting. Type of matrix backlight for LED TV

Today, the variety of television equipment is very high. All of them differ in the principle of image formation, the technology of its illumination, as well as the presence of additional technological delights. Despite this, the choice in favor of one type of TV or another is becoming easier to make, as pass-through types such as plasma and projection are becoming a thing of the past. The dominant position in the market began to be occupied by LCD TV, although just a few years ago the debate around which was better - LCD or plasma, was very heated, but with the development of LCD technology, the operating principle of which is based on polarization luminous flux, the controversy faded away, and plasma models faded into oblivion, giving way to LCD TVs.
LED or LCD?

Choose a good option

Often, when we go to a store, we choose a device primarily by size and price. But there are many other factors that also need to be taken into account.

So let's figure out which option to choose - led or lcd, what possibilities are hidden behind the abbreviation, led TVs - what does this actually mean, why have they become so popular in Lately.

The essence of this question is to find out which TV is better, but this approach to comparison is fundamentally wrong, since LED denotes the matrix backlight technology, and LCD is, in fact, the matrix itself, inside which the image is formed. A similar, erroneous attempt to compare is that an inexperienced buyer is trying to understand what is better - LCD or ice.

Partially understanding the difference will help to understand the terminology. The abbreviation LCD comes from the English Liquid-Crystal Display, which means “liquid crystal display”, and LED (light emitting diode) translates as "light-emitting diode". Therefore, it is inappropriate to compare a screen and a light bulb, especially since the concepts of lcd and led are related, do not contradict each other and coexist perfectly in most modern models. Moreover, LCD matrices with backlighting other than LED are becoming increasingly rare.

Such a false comparison in the minds of ordinary people did not arise by chance - it is the result of the planting of a marketing idea. It was she who promoted LED as a fundamentally different type of technology, leaving behind the scenes that, in fact, it is only a fundamentally different type of backlight, which replaced the fluorescent backlight in the same LCD TV.

Undeniable advantages allow ice lighting to differ from fluorescent lighting, otherwise it would not have become so widespread. After all, LED TV backlights have not only supplanted fluorescent ones, they have practically driven them out of the market, not least because LEDs are cheaper to produce.

Another undeniable advantage in receiving the title “best” is environmental friendliness: LED TVs, or rather LEDs, do not contain mercury, which fluorescent lamps cannot boast of.

A very strong argument in favor of purchasing LED equipment is the presence of much higher performance characteristics compared to models with the old type of backlighting. One of the differences is that LEDs burn longer and do not dim during operation. As a result, such a TV works without loss of image quality. And the service life of the device is a significant factor in the choice.

Important nuances when choosing a TV

Separately, you need to dwell on how to choose a LED TV. Despite the seeming obviousness and simplicity of choosing the type of device, you need to understand that LEDs are different, and in order to choose the right one, it doesn’t hurt to understand what qualitative differences characterize such TVs and how they are expressed.

The main factors that you should pay attention to when choosing an LCD TV are:

The principle of screen illumination with LEDs

This is directly related to how the technology is implemented. It is impossible not to mention how LCD TVs differ from fundamentally different technology - OLED (organic light-emitting diodes).

The difference between models with OLED displays is that the LEDs here do not illuminate the matrix with white light, thereby illuminating the image, but rather form the image themselves. The matrix of such a display consists of many LEDs, each of which emits the desired color of a certain intensity. This fundamentally affects not only the quality of the picture, which is a level higher here, but also the cost, which in turn constrains mass distribution this technology. In addition, OLED displays have much more short term service, approximately 2–3 years, which is also a limiting factor for its spread. At the same time the service life LED TV ov is about seven years.

On this moment OLED technology is distinctive feature premium segment of TVs, and here each buyer, based on his budget, decides which one to get - LED or OLED.

Illumination Uniformity

Depends on the number of LEDs.
Of course, you won’t be able to count them, but before purchasing you should pay attention to the degree of uniformity of the screen’s glow. It is advisable to check this not on beautiful picture high resolution, and on solid colors - then it will be easier to see highlights. However, on TV from famous brands, even in budget segment, this practically never happens; it is mainly the manufacturers of Chinese brands who are guilty of this.

On high-definition televisions price segment so-called carpet lighting is used, which is characterized by the fact that the LEDs are located immediately behind the display, and are evenly and fairly densely distributed over its entire area. In addition to uniformity, this method also allows you to control the brightness of the glow in a particular area on the screen. In practice, this allows you to reduce the intensity of the glow in those areas of the screen where you want to achieve deeper blacks. It must be said that this is a very uncommon technology, and not all brands implement this approach well. The most commonly used schemes are those in which LEDs are placed in two garlands, one each at the top and bottom of the display, or in several such garlands, symmetrically distributed directly behind the screen.

Glow brightness

This determines how well the screen will be visible when daylight. Many people probably know what it’s like to watch a movie or a program when the entire picture is illuminated by the sun. Therefore, it is worth paying attention to this point if you plan to use the TV in brightly lit rooms, or if it will be located opposite a window. In any case, the brightness, if it is excessive, can be reduced.
Guided by these points, you will already know exactly how to choose the right LED TV.

SMART TV

It is also worth mentioning such a concept as smart, with which the era of smart television began.

It does not relate to quality and does not affect the picture, however, a buyer choosing an LED TV will inevitably encounter this term when he comes to the store to make a purchase, and therefore it is better to be aware of whether it is necessary to spend money on buying a smart device , or you can do without it. In fact, a smart TV contains additional module, which is used to access the Internet and acts only as a monitor.

A smart TV is distinguished by the ability to access the Internet, provided that an Internet cable is connected to it. The result is a kind of symbiosis between TV and computer.

In general, when buying a TV, you need to understand that watching television channels at home and watching a promotional video in a store are not the same thing. A TV can produce the best quality only if you watch TV channels in high definition or HD content.

Thus, knowing how LCD differs from OLED and smart, you can consciously approach the choice of a TV with the required technical characteristics.

Today, many people strive to improve their home, fill it with beautiful furniture, exquisite accessories and modern innovative appliances. Innovation latest generation is a modern LED TV. Not everyone knows what this means. It has a display backlit with innovative LEDs. They create bright radiation when passing through the device electric current. As a result, the user can watch high-quality, clearest and brightest cartoons, various films and television programs at home.

Latest generation LED technology

Its main difference from LCD displays is the principle of screen backlighting. Currently, the two most common types are lateral and posterior. The first type is used in cheaper and simpler models household appliances, while the second is in expensive functional devices. OLED backlighting consists of colored elements installed behind the plasma panel. LEDs acquire a certain shade, depending on the color of the picture. As a result of this effect, a person can watch three-dimensional and realistic films.

LED technology allows you to achieve high contrast and brightness of the image on the screen with an immersive effect. This feature distinguishes this device from many similar models. As a result, a person can enjoy watching films, cartoons and documentary series in high resolution and quality.

Do you want to know what an LED TV is? This is a device that has several advantages:

Small thickness of the screen, which makes it easy to hang the device on the wall;
Highest contrast and clarity of the transmitted image;
LED lamps can reduce energy consumption by 40 percent;
There is no mercury in the display structure;
High functionality. Many modern devices have many special connectors and interfaces for connecting a computer and other digital technology.

Many buyers are faced with a choice high-quality equipment are faced with the question of what an LED TV is and how it differs from similar models. Its main advantage is its innovative LED lighting. Diodes make it possible to improve the quality of the image on the screen, and also increase contrast, brightness, color rendition and depth of dark color. These are devices newest generation, therefore they are significantly ahead in their technical equipment of all their predecessors.

Thus, the best choice is LED TV. What does this mean for the buyer? Savings electrical energy, functionality, aesthetics and environmental friendliness, since mercury and other hazardous substances are not used in the production of the matrix for this product. The diodes in the display are distributed in a checkerboard pattern, resulting in more uniform illumination.

OLED TVs – what are they?

Currently, another new product on the household appliance market is OLED plasma TVs. What is this functional device, not everyone knows. It has an even thinner display, which distinguishes it from many similar models. As a result, the equipment will fit perfectly into any corner of the apartment - a small bedroom or living room, and will also become a natural extension of the wall.

The screen of this innovative multimedia device includes three layers, one of which is a special film. Each pixel in it has an unusual design with built-in organic LEDs. When an electric current passes through them, they themselves emit a bright glow. As a result, this structure eliminates the need to install a backlight in the screen, which makes it possible to reduce the thickness of the display.

Recently, OLED TVs have gained widespread popularity. What does this mean for the buyer? Maximum contrast, wide viewing angle, no screen glare, low weight, low power consumption, no need to install additional lighting, as well as fast response. These advantages make the equipment the best choice for those who prefer quality and functionality.

TV is the most popular household appliance. Almost every family has it, and even if it doesn’t exist at the moment, it’s probably in the plans to buy it. However, buyers are always faced with the question of which model to choose, what is better, and how not to make a mistake? After all, on store shelves there are a huge variety of different options, and even types of TVs - TFT, plasma, LCD, LED, and so on. So many different names, abbreviations, that you can simply get confused. This article will talk about what an LED TV is.

Many buyers get lost in the selection process, seeing the large names LED, IPS, TN+Film, and so on. However, this is all just a commercial move. So, to understand what LED is, you should disassemble the device and operating principle of an LCD TV.

1. LCD matrix design

So, what is a liquid crystal matrix? The technology of its operation is the use of a special substance called liquid crystals. The substance got its name thanks to unique features. It simultaneously has optical properties similar to crystals, but is also liquid.

Another feature is that when this substance is exposed to electricity, the liquid crystal molecules change their position, thereby changing the refraction of light. Thus, with the help of electricity it is possible to control polarization - refraction visible spectrum light radiation.

As you probably already guessed, the technology of an LCD matrix includes the need for a source of artificial light, the radiation of which will pass through the molecules of liquid crystals. The downside of the first TFT TVs is that they used fluorescent lamps. However, they have relatively big sizes and not bright enough radiation.

1.1. LCD backlight

So we get to the question of what LCD TVs are. This regular TVs with LCD matrices, but used for backlighting new technology LED. As you may have guessed, this is an abbreviation that literally means the following – Lite-emitting diode. What the Russian translation says is a light-emitting diode.

Thus, it becomes clear that the answer to the question, what are LED LCD TVs - these are ordinary TVs with liquid crystal matrices that have LED backlighting.

1.2. Advantages of LED backlighting

Now you know that the abbreviation LED only means backlight technology, which does not affect the screen resolution. Of course, thanks to LEDs, the brightness and contrast of the image have increased significantly. This, in turn, had a positive effect on the accuracy of the picture.

In addition, LEDs consume much less energy, but at the same time emit significantly brighter light. This makes LED TVs less consuming. LEDs also have smaller size than fluorescent lamps, which allows them to be installed both along the edge of the matrix (around the entire perimeter) and on the back side (rear location). It is worth noting that this backlight technology made it possible to achieve more uniform lighting screen, which means better image quality - clearer and deeper colors.

2. Is it possible to use an LCD LED TV as a PC monitor?

Many buyers, when choosing LCD TVs, ask the question: is it possible to use an LCD LED TV instead of a monitor? It is difficult to answer this question, since each model has unique characteristics. Only taking into account all the possibilities and indicators specific model you can tell whether it can be used as a monitor or not.

It is worth noting that modern technologies make it possible to make inexpensive, but at the same time fairly high-quality matrices with many capabilities. Every modern LCD LED TV can be connected to a computer and used instead of a monitor. However, not every model will produce the same good quality and image accuracy.

The fact is that liquid crystal matrices can have different resolutions. In order to use a TV instead of a monitor, it must have a high resolution(1920x1080 – Full HD). But such models have a fairly high cost. Of course, it will be quite suitable normal screen with HD resolution (1366x768). It is worth considering that the picture will be slightly stretched.

Of course, if you use a TV instead of a monitor to watch movies, you can buy any model, since in the vast majority of cases movies have low resolution (HD - 1366x768). It should be understood that the higher the resolution, the better quality Pictures. Therefore, when choosing a screen, you need to take into account the characteristics of LCD LED TVs and choose them depending on your requirements.

As a rule, any modern model has various connectors for connecting various equipment, such as:

DVD player;
Satellite receiver;
Audio system (home theaters, etc.);
Memory storage devices (flash drives, mobile hard drives, etc.);
Computers, laptops, tablets and smartphones, and much more.

All this allows you to connect your laptop to your TV at any time and watch movies or photos. LCD LED TV technology allows you to display even small parts, however, it is worth considering that the larger the diagonal, the further it should be located from the screen.

3. How to choose an LED-backlit LCD screen

Everyone understands that when choosing TVs, you first need to look at the characteristics of the device. Of course, the image quality is mainly affected by the matrix, or more precisely, the technology by which it is made. Today there are several types of matrices, but domestic market two types predominate:

TN+Film.

Both of them have their advantages and disadvantages. But they are insignificant, therefore, if the screen is purchased for viewing programs and films, then you Any will do option.

In addition, the backlight technology affects the image quality. Now, knowing what an LED LCD TV means, it is not difficult to make a choice, since the LED backlight has undeniable advantages. This means that LED-backlit matrices have best characteristics than conventional models with fluorescent lamps.

You need to understand that not all LED-backlit LCD matrices have the same parameters. They may also differ from each other. Therefore, when choosing, you should look at how the LEDs are installed and whether their glow is visible against a dark background.

4. Advantages of Samsung LED TVs: Video

5. Advantages of LCD TVs with LED backlighting

Now you know what LED TVs are and their characteristics. Their obvious advantages can be highlighted, the list of which includes the following:

They can be used instead of a monitor;
Deeper and more natural colors;
High level of color saturation;
High brightness and contrast;
Higher image clarity;
Low power consumption.

With all these advantages, LEDs have a low cost. This means that a good LCD TV with LED backlight can be purchased at a lower cost. Moreover, it can be used instead of a monitor.

Now you know the answer to the question, LED TV, what it is, and how to choose it. Remember that technology does not stand still; every year new models appear, more modern and quality TVs, therefore, in order to make the right choice when purchasing a device, you should clarify all the details with the seller.

Models of LED-backlit TVs dominate the market and deservedly so. In this article we will look at the types of LED backlights modern TVs and evaluate their effectiveness.

LED TVs

Let's start with the fact that LED TV is not a new type of HDTV . Unlike plasma and OLED TVs, which are manufactured on the basis of emitting technologies, where each pixel is a separate light source, in liquid crystal models, each pixel of the LCD matrix requires lighting (from behind or from the side through a lens system). So LED HDTV models are the same liquid crystal (LCD or LCD) TVs, but they have a built-in light-emitting diode (LED) backlight, which replaces the standard one fluorescent lamps ah cold cathode (abbreviated CCFL).

2 types of LED backlight according to design: matrix and side

LED backlighting with local dimming. First, televisions with LED backlight, used to illuminate the cells of the LCD matrix " full array"(full array) of LEDs, similar to standard TVs based on backlighting using CCFL lamps. But to change the thickness of TVs downward, the developers abandoned the use of a full array LEDs behind the screen, installing the light source lines on the side of the LCD panel. Thus, the distribution of light from LED sources over the entire screen area is carried out using specially shaped LEDs. Model data LCD TVs called TV with side or regional LED backlight, which still dominate today.

LED lighting with local dimming system allows you to automatically reduce the brightness or turn it off completely separate groups backlight sources. Most modern LCD TVs with LED backlighting are equipped with a full array of LED sources placed behind the LCD panel. dynamic backlight technology also called local or local dimming. Using local dimming, certain areas The overall array of backlight LEDs become darker or lighter depending on the brightness and color of the corresponding part of the image on the screen.

The ability to darken a specific area of the screen can reduce the amount of light that passes through the closed pixels of the LCD panel, which has a positive effect on the rendering of blacks, which become darker and more realistic. Because black levels are critical to contrast, the perception of depth on black surfaces, full-color images become more vibrant and clear. Local dimming technology has the only drawback - the effect of local dimming, which is formed when part of the light from brighter zones leaks into neighboring darker ones, which subsequently brightens the border dark color. It is quite difficult to notice the clouding effect on most models, since the disadvantage is directly related to the number of local dimming zones behind the screen, and manufacturers do not always provide such information.

When using standard backlighting using CCFL lamps and in most LCD TVs with edge LED backlighting, all backlight sources brighten or dim at the same time (the so-called " global dimming"), but among the models Samsung TVs and LG, displays with side LED backlighting are rare, which can also operate on the principle of local dimming (“precision dimming” for Samsung and “LED Plus” for LG). To put it simply, this is a local dimming sham.

Thin models with side LED backlight Of course, they suffer from uneven screen illumination, but not everyone. Main feature of TVs with side LED backlighting– a thin body, therefore it is difficult to ensure uniform distribution of the light flux over the entire plane of the screen. When purchasing a TV, play an image of the white surface on the edge-lit LED display screen to check that there are no brighter areas around the edges of the screen. Likewise, when the screen is filled with a black field, the edges should not appear lighter (gray).

It is also worth noting that LED backlighting, regardless of the type, does not improve the viewing angles of the LCD panel. Black level in use LED backlight and a possible shift in the angle of view by 1-2 meters to the left or right falls.

We must not forget about the energy efficiency of LED backlighting. Of course, the consumption of any model is significantly affected by the size of the screen and the brightness of the backlight sources. LCD TV models of both varieties of LED backlights are much more energy efficient compared to plasma models.

LED backlights for LCD displays are divided into categories according to the following criteria:

glow color: white or RGB;
lighting uniformity: static or dynamic;
design: matrix or side (this is described in more detail above)

RGB backlighting is used to fine-tune the light spectrum. In addition, additional compensation for changes in the emission spectrum of LEDs over time is often applied. LED TVs with RGB LED backlighting light up different areas of the screen depending on the color of the picture. Colored backlighting provides enhanced contrast and deep blacks, as demonstrated by many Sony LED TVs.

Edge LED: Better Color Rendering

Sony in new flagship models TVs - for example, the W905 line - uses Triluminos technology. The LED backlight (Edge LED) built into the frame of the TV on all sides of the screen is complemented by so-called quantum dots - fragments of a semiconductor several hundred atoms in size that emit light in a strictly specified range. Triluminos technology is designed to minimize color distortion and provide enhanced red and green tones. This will allow you to achieve an extremely uniform and natural image with a significantly wider color gamut. Tests of the first devices with Triluminos support did not disappoint us: color gamut Sony models KDL-46W905A is comparable to the coverage of solutions based on organic LEDs(OLED) and is not achievable by LED-backlit LCD TVs. The W805 and W605 series devices, which also went on sale this year, do not use Triluminos, making their cost significantly lower. In the future, manufacturers will be able to completely abandon LED backlighting in favor of quantum dots.

OLED TVs: brightness and color at their best

TVs with OLED screens have already reached stores, and developers have rushed to release new models with concave displays. Last year, LG planned to introduce a 55-inch OLED TV to the market, but it only went on sale this summer. In Russia, the 55EM9600 model and its improved analogue 55EM9700 will cost the buyer 500,000 rubles. In addition, the device is sold in Europe, the USA and some other countries.

Advantages of OLED TVs: it is not a type of backlight, but a different technology

accurate color reproduction
greater brightness margin compared to other technologies
high contrast compared to LCD models (another imaging technology).
absence of an LCD matrix and LED backlight - their place was taken by a matrix made of light-emitting organic diodes.

Samsung and LG independently developed OLED TVs with concave screens (Curved OLED). This design is designed to minimize distortion at the edges of the image and increase detail. New items are still available in limited quantities in South Korea, USA and some European countries. 55-inch Samsung model KN55S9C is priced by the manufacturer at $9,000 (300,000 rubles).

Of particular interest is also Multi-View technology, implemented in many models of OLED TVs with both flat and concave screens. Due to the extremely short response time similar devices allow you to simultaneously demonstrate two or four programs in format high definition(Full HD) or two different films in 3D format. Shutter glasses are used to separate the image. Each viewer, using controls located on the glasses, can select individual program to view. At the same time, thanks to the built-in headphones, playback of the soundtrack corresponding to the film is ensured.

Choosing suitable model TV, many consumers are faced with new terms and modern technologies. For example, not everyone knows what a TV with LED technology is and what principle its operation is based on. Despite this, today this type of flat devices is most popular among buyers, so they are considered a completely familiar attribute in the home. Before you do it, you should still figure out what the abbreviation LED means, how such TVs differ, and what advantages they have over other types of TV.

If translated literally, then LED – light emitting diode. However, it is reasonable to believe that full definition it cannot serve. In fact, modern led tv is a representative of long-known liquid crystal panels. The main component is an LCD matrix with many luminous dots - pixels. But if the usual LCD devices used fluorescent lamps as backlight, then the devices in question use LEDs, that is, TVs with such backlighting are more advanced options LCD-models.

Developers were the first to use this technology Samsung. As a marketing ploy, the new TVs were given the name LED TV, which is still used today.

LEDs here act as light sources, and are not the actual unit of the image being formed. Therefore, it would be more correct to call such panels LCD TV with modern LED backlighting.

Types of LED backlight

In order to understand what the fundamental feature of such equipment is, you need to understand the types of TV backlighting. Today, several systems are used; they differ in color and arrangement.

By color of light sources

White led or single color system(white LEDs). It is considered a budget solution, but still outperforms fluorescent lamps. LEDs are more energy efficient and do not contain mercury. As for color rendering and coverage depth, LED TVs with this type of backlight are not much different from LCDs; the difference is more significant in the next option.
RGB or multi-color system. Their color palette is much wider. Due to this, color rendition improves. But it is worth noting that models with a similar backlight option are more expensive, which is not commensurate with the achieved effect. Such models require powerful GPU, and they consume more electricity. Since such HDTVs are not affordable for every group of consumers, leading companies decide to abandon RGB backlighting and continue to search for analog technology.
QD Vision or mixed backlight option. Based on LEDs purely of blue color and a special film with quantum dots that have green and red colors. This technology makes it possible to emit a strictly limited and tuned spectrum of optical waves. Due to this, it expands color palette and intensity of colors, at the same time, technology in contrast to RGB LEDs more energy efficient. A striking example of a mixed backlight option is the line of Bravia TV panels, the leading manufacturer of Triluminos Sony.

In fact, the question of using the first and second backlight options continues to find many controversial opinions. For example, the famous digital technology developer Toshiba claims that white TV backlighting is much more effective than RGB. So why spend a ton of money when you can save millions?

According to the lighting placement option

There are 2 options here.

Along the perimeter of the LCD matrix(Edge LED). This is a one-color system (White led), which can be located on one side (most often from the bottom), on parallel sides (on the sides) or along the entire perimeter. The method of organizing side lighting depends on the size of the screen diagonal. The disadvantages of such backlighting include “flares” at the edges of the TV screen and an insufficient level of contrast (compared to the second type). But this technology makes it possible to create panels only a few millimeters thick.
Directly behind the LCD matrix(Direct LED). It is based on the uniform distribution of diodes over the entire area. In terms of price, it is more expensive than edge lighting. The main advantage of such a system is the ability to use local black dimming technology. Both white and color LEDs can be used here; they significantly improve image quality.

If you already own such a TV and have problems with the image, you may find information about

Advantages of LED TVs

These panels have significant advantages, which is why they are popular among consumers. Of the main advantages, the following factors should be noted.

Case thickness. It is through the use of LEDs that the production of ultra-thin models has become possible. This TV can be easily mounted on the wall using a bracket;
Contrast and image clarity. LED TV is the main competitor to other types of TVs because it has excellent quality image reproduction, adjusting the contrast level. Remembering when problems with the perception of moving objects were observed, it can be noted that with modern ice screens such problems will not arise.
Energy efficiency. Energy savings are perhaps the main point that attracts many buyers. Compared to its predecessors, the LED device consumes 40% less resources.
Wide range of models not only in functionality, but also in appearance. Such a panel will decorate absolutely any interior without any problems. Leading manufacturers have great amount models that include both classic solutions and interesting shapes and colors.
Durability. Thanks to the use of fade-resistant LEDs, TVs have more long term operation.

But the improvement of such television panels does not end there. Already appearing on store shelves todayOLEDTV, the illumination of which is based on organic light-emitting diodes. They have an even thinner body, light weight (relative to their diagonal), a wide viewing angle, the absence of flare and glare, and excellent color rendition. However, this does not mean that other lower class models will lose demand. Innovative technologies this format is not cheap, but financial opportunities Most consumers will not allow such a widescreen panel in their home. Therefore, the demand for simple models modern LED TVs are unlikely to go down anytime soon. Detailed comparative characteristics of both types are given in the article