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LCD or LED?
Choosing a display has become like entering a candy store recently. There are numerous display technology options available, each appearing equally impressive. Additionally, there are technical terms to navigate, such as LED display, LCD display, transparent display, double-sided display, OLED display, and more.
It may seem like you need to be a tech expert just to showcase your new products or upcoming events in your retail store window. However, the dilemma lies in deciding between an LCD or LED display screen. Although they may sound similar, they are vastly different. Many retail stores are transitioning from LCD displays to LED displays due to the countless benefits LED screens offer.
At LA Visual, we provide both LED and LCD displays and acknowledge the advantages of each. For more information, make sure to explore our guide on buying an LED display. In this article, we will clarify the disparities between LED and LCD display technology and determine which one is superior.
First of all, all LED displays are just LCDs. Both use liquid crystal display (LCD) technology and a series of lights placed on the back of the screen to generate the images we see on the screen. LED screens use light-emitting diodes as backlights, while LCDs use fluorescent backlights.
To answer the question ‘which is better- LCD or LED displays?’, we need to evaluate them on various factors that make a display better or worse.
Let us go through these factors one by one and understand which technology wins in each criterion:
LED displays are generally brighter than LCD displays, as they produce their own light. This makes them more suitable for outdoor use, as they can be easily seen in bright sunlight.
LED displays are more energy-efficient than LCD displays, as they consume less power. This is because they only produce light where it is needed, while LCD displays require a backlight to illuminate the entire screen.
LED displays have a higher contrast ratio than LCD displays, which means they can display deeper blacks and brighter whites. This is because they can turn off individual LEDs to create true black, while LCD displays can only block light from the backlight.
LED displays have a wider viewing angle than LCD displays, which means they can be viewed from more angles without losing image quality. This is because the light from the LEDs is emitted directly from the display, while the light in an LCD display has to pass through layers of liquid crystals and polarizers.
LED displays have a faster response time than LCD displays, which means they can display fast-moving images without blurring. This is because the LEDs can turn on and off quickly, while the liquid crystals in an LCD display take longer to change state.
LED displays are the winner in terms of longevity. On average, LED displays last for 100,000 hours, whereas LCD displays offer a lifespan of 50,000 hours.
LED displays, being a superior and more advanced technology, typically come with a higher price tag compared to LCD displays. However, this cost difference only applies to the initial purchase. When taking into account factors like lifespan and maintenance, the long-term expenses associated with an LED display are actually lower than those of an LCD display.
LED displays use numerous smaller diodes, allowing for individual replacement if any of them get damaged. On the other hand, LCD displays require the entire bulb to be replaced in the event of damage. Consequently, maintaining an LED display is both simpler and more cost-effective compared to an LCD display.
Overall, LED displays are generally considered to be superior to LCD displays in terms of brightness, energy efficiency, contrast, viewing angle, and response time. However, LCD displays are still widely used in many electronic devices due to their lower cost and versatility.
You’ve probably noticed by now that LEDs win the battle against LCDs without a doubt. This is because the LED display has advantages in all the important factors when considering the purchase, except the price.
Even factoring in price, you will find that while LED technology costs more, it offers better value for money in the long run. This is because LED displays have a longer service life and are easier to maintain.
So, if you are thinking about buying a display screen for yourself, then you should have no hesitation in choosing an LED display screen.
