LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and LED (Light Emitting Diode) are two common display technologies that are widely used in electronic devices. Despite their similar names, they are actually different technologies. This article will delve into the technical principles, features, and differences between LCD screens and LED screens.
LCD screens use liquid crystals as the basic display element. Liquid crystals are special organic compounds that can control the degree of light transmission by using an electric current to change the arrangement of their molecules. LCD screens generally consist of a backlight, a liquid crystal layer, and a color filter.
Backlight: There is usually a backlight behind an LCD screen that provides brightness, originally using a cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL), which has been gradually replaced by LEDs in recent years.
Liquid crystal layer: The liquid crystal layer is located between the backlight and the color filter, and the current regulation of the liquid crystal affects the degree of light transmission.
Color filter: The color filter is responsible for adjusting the color of the light that passes through so that the screen displays the color image we see.
Thinner: LCD screens are relatively thin, making them suitable for use in thin and light devices such as laptops, tablets, etc.
Lighter: Since LCD screens are manufactured using lightweight materials, they are relatively lightweight and mobile-friendly.
Limited viewing angles: LCD screens may have some limitations in terms of angle, and if you are doing so from a very oblique angle, you may experience color distortion or a drop in brightness.
LED screens get their name by using light-emitting diodes (LEDs) as backlights. An LED is a semiconductor device that emits light when an electric current is passed through it. LED screens are usually made up of three basic colors of LEDs, i.e., red, green, and blue, through which various colors are produced through their combinations.
Direct LED and Edge LED: LED screens can be divided into two types: Direct LED and Edge LED. Direct LED is the LED is placed directly behind the whole screen, while the edge LED is placed on the edge of the screen to propagate the light to the whole screen through reflection or light guide plate.
High contrast: LED screens have a higher contrast ratio and are able to display deeper blacks and brighter whites, providing clearer images.
Wider viewing angles: LED screens are usually wider in angles, and all angles of the screen are able to maintain better color and brightness.
More energy-efficient: LED screens are more energy-efficient than traditional CCFL backlit LCD screens, and the LED has a longer lifespan.
LCD: Initially a cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL) was used as a backlight, and later LED was also used.
LEDs: Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are used as backlights, and are available in direct and edge types.
LCD: Relatively thin and relatively light.
LED: Thinner and lighter due to the use of LEDs as a backlight.
LCD: Older LCD screens can be more power-hungry, **LCD with LED backlight is more energy efficient.
LEDs: More energy efficient and have a longer lifespan.
LCD: *Angle is limited, color distortion may occur at oblique angles.
LED: *Wider angles, color and brightness are consistent at different angles.
Budget considerations: LED screens are generally more expensive, but they are better in terms of energy efficiency and performance.
Application requirements: If you need a lightweight, low-profile device, an LCD may be a good choice. If you're looking for better image quality and energy efficiency, LEDs are a better fit.
*Environment: If you usually use the device at different angles, an LED screen may be more suitable as it is able to provide a wider viewing angle.
Upgrading: With the continuous advancement of technology, ** displays are almost all based on LED technology. If you have more than one style to choose from, it is recommended to choose an LED screen.
LCD screens and LED screens have their own characteristics and applicable scenarios. When choosing a screen that suits your needs, you need to consider many factors such as budget, purpose, and environment. Whether you choose LCD or LED, you can get an excellent display according to your personal preferences and actual needs. In the ever-evolving field of technology, display technology will continue to advance to provide users with a better visual experience.