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LCD vs. LED: Which TV Technology Is Better?

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  Published in Science and Technology on Wednesday, September 24th 2025 at 6:11 GMT by CNET
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LCD vs LED: A Comprehensive Breakdown of Today’s TV Technologies

When you walk into a TV‑shop and see the same acronyms—LCD, LED, OLED, QLED—on every poster and in every product spec, the confusion can quickly become real. A recent feature from CNET takes a deep dive into one of the most frequently mixed‑up pairings: LCD versus LED. While the headline suggests a simple comparison, the article actually unpacks a broader spectrum of display science, the history of the terms, and practical buying advice that goes beyond the “just pick the most expensive” mantra.

1. The Origins of the Acronyms

At the core, LCD stands for liquid crystal display. This is the type of panel technology that has been used for decades in everything from computer monitors to smartphones. What most people forget is that the “backlight” that illuminates the crystals is the part that really determines the look and feel of a TV.

LED refers to the type of light‑emitting diodes that provide that backlight. In other words, LED is a subset of LCD. Every LED TV is an LCD TV, but not every LCD TV is an LED TV (though in practice almost all modern flat‑panel TVs use LEDs).

CNET explains the terminology confusion: many manufacturers, and consumers alike, use the terms interchangeably. The article points out that the only true difference is the backlighting, and that LED backlights are far more energy‑efficient, brighter, and thinner than older CCFL (cold‑cathode fluorescent lamp) backlights that were used in older LCD panels.

Link Note: In the article’s sidebar, a link to CNET’s “How LED TVs Work” article elaborates on the physics behind LED backlighting and the two main LED backlight architectures—edge‑lit and full‑array.

2. LED Backlight Architecture: Edge‑Lit vs Full‑Array

Edge‑Lit LEDs

The cheapest and thinnest TVs use edge‑lit LEDs. A strip of LEDs runs along the edges of the panel, and diffusers spread the light across the screen. This design keeps costs low and allows for ultra‑thin profiles, but it has several drawbacks:

• Uneven brightness – The edges tend to glow brighter, leading to “halo” effects around dark objects on a bright background.
• Limited local dimming – Edge‑lit panels can dim small portions of the screen but struggle to achieve deep blacks.

Full‑Array LEDs

Full‑array panels place LEDs directly behind the screen, in a grid that covers the entire backlight. Combined with local dimming (the ability to dim individual zones), full‑array LEDs can deliver:

• Higher contrast ratios – Deeper blacks and more vivid highlights.
• Better uniformity – More even brightness across the entire screen.

However, full‑array panels are heavier, consume more power, and cost more to manufacture.

CNET’s article gives a handy visual comparison, illustrating how the placement of LEDs impacts picture quality. It also links to a “Full‑Array LED vs Edge‑Lit” feature that contains real‑world benchmark data.

3. Picture Performance: Brightness, Contrast, and Color

CNET’s writers highlight that the most noticeable difference comes in high‑light performance. In a full‑array TV, a bright HDR scene will appear more vibrant without “bleeding” into the surrounding dark areas. Edge‑lit models can still deliver HDR, but the effect is often muted.

The article also touches on color gamut and the ability to reproduce wide‑color spaces. Both LED types can be coupled with quantum dot or mini‑LED enhancements (QLED, Mini‑LED) that widen the color spectrum, but the base LED technology determines the maximum achievable brightness.

4. Energy Efficiency & Heat Management

Because LEDs consume less power than older CCFL backlights, modern LCD TVs are generally more energy‑efficient. Full‑array LEDs, however, draw more power due to the higher density of LEDs. The article quantifies this by showing typical annual electricity costs:

• Edge‑Lit 55” TV – ~$70–$90/year
• Full‑Array 55” TV – ~$110–$140/year

The higher power draw also generates more heat, which can be a concern in small, enclosed rooms. The article’s link to a CNET Energy Guide article provides a quick way to estimate your household’s energy usage for different TV models.

5. Size, Price, and Market Positioning

In the CNET article, the authors present a price‑performance curve:

They explain that most budget‑to‑midrange TVs are edge‑lit because manufacturers can keep prices low while still offering decent picture quality for the average living‑room environment. For cinephiles or gamers who demand high dynamic range and perfect blacks, a full‑array panel is usually worth the extra expense.

6. Future Directions: Mini‑LED, OLED, and Beyond

The article doesn’t stop at LCD vs LED. It briefly touches on emerging competitors:

• Mini‑LED – A refinement of full‑array that uses thousands of tiny LEDs for even finer local dimming. Mini‑LED TVs blend the best of full‑array brightness and the deeper blacks of OLED.
• OLED – Each pixel emits its own light, yielding perfect blacks and unparalleled contrast. OLEDs are pricier but are often favored for their color fidelity and wide viewing angles.
• QLED – A marketing term from Samsung that pairs quantum dots with LED backlights to improve color gamut.

The CNET writers link to a separate “OLED vs LCD” feature for readers who want a deeper dive into the competition.

7. Buying Tips for the Informed Consumer

1. Define Your Usage – If you mostly watch TV shows in a dim room, an edge‑lit model is sufficient. For HDR gaming or movie watching in a bright room, go full‑array.
2. Check Local Dimming – Even an edge‑lit TV can offer decent contrast if it uses advanced local dimming. Look for “full‑array local dimming” in the specs.
3. Look for 120 Hz or 240 Hz Panels – Especially for gaming, higher refresh rates reduce motion blur.
4. Read Reviews on Real HDR Performance – Manufacturers often quote peak brightness that is only achievable in short bursts. Independent reviews give a more realistic impression.
5. Compare Energy Consumption – If you’re energy‑conscious, use the Energy Guide link provided in the article to estimate your yearly cost.

8. Bottom Line

CNET’s “LCD vs LED” article distills a complex, jargon‑laden topic into clear, actionable information. The key takeaway? LED is a subset of LCD that brings higher brightness, thinner designs, and energy efficiency. Within LED, full‑array panels outperform edge‑lit ones in contrast, uniformity, and HDR performance—at a higher price point. For the majority of consumers, an edge‑lit LED TV offers excellent value for everyday viewing, while cinephiles and hardcore gamers might justify the extra cost of a full‑array or even a Mini‑LED panel.

By following the article’s links to deeper dives on LED technology, energy consumption, and competing display types, readers can arm themselves with the knowledge needed to make a decision that balances budget, performance, and future‑proofing. Whether you’re upgrading your living room or finally investing in a dedicated gaming monitor, the insights in this CNET feature provide a solid foundation for choosing the right TV technology for your needs.