LED vs LCD Monitor

There was an age when the only type of TVs and computer monitors in use were CRT (cathode ray tube) types, which made an imposing presence. The domination of CRTs is over today with the arrival of LCD, Plasma, DLP and LED TVs and monitors. I had heard about LED-based light fixtures but LED monitors took me by surprise. That is when I decided to dig deep and know more about what LED monitors are and how do they work. I discovered that they have a lot of similarities with LCD TVs and monitors. In fact, I found that there is a lot of confusion regarding LED (Light Emitting Diode) and LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) monitors that needed clarification. That's what led me to present a LED vs LCD comparison to clear out all the doubts.

LED Vs LCD Monitor Review

Let me begin this comparison between LED and LCD monitors with an explanation of fundamental differences between these two types.

LED Vs LCD Monitor: Basic Difference
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 truer 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. You might want to check out the best LED TV on the market, and LED TV vs LCD TV before choosing your new television set.

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 more slimmer than conventional LCDs.

LED Vs LCD Monitor: Power Consumption
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 more 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.

LED Vs LCD Monitor: Cost
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 costlier 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, refer to LCD vs LED vs plasma comparison or a LCD vs plasma vs DLP comparison.

Hope this LED vs LCD monitor comparison has left no doubt in your minds about how these two technologies are different. It will take time for the manufacturing costs of this technology to lower down but when it does, it will surely replace conventional LCD monitors in large numbers.

By Gray Pilgrim
Published: 8/13/2010

I think LED is more GOOD for more Advanced users!!!

Good but maybe it should have been in technology section