Plasma -v- LCD -v- LED TVs

[stevenjonas]

I had understood that my choice was between LCD TVs & (for larger TVs) plasma screens. I'm told that LCD TVs were generally being replaced by LED TVs - which apparently give better blacks. Does anyone have any views on this? If correct, should What Hi-Fi Sound & Vision's TV tables be extended to include LED in its Type column?

Should I be wary of 3D 'compatable'? What does 'compatable' mean?

 

[professorhat]

LED is a type of LCD screen - it essentially just uses LED lighting instead of standard CCFL lighting for the backlight. The reason why it can offer better blacks is, on full LED screens, it's possible to dim the lights behind certain areas of the screen instead of just blocking the light as is done in traditional LCD screens which can lead to issues such as backlight bleed amongst others.

 

[andy_s]

I see that this issue on LCD/LED continues to confuse the general public and leads them to believe that they are actually buying a LED set, the fact of the matter is you are still buying an LCD tv !, the difference is in the backlight behind the LCD screen which is lit by LED's, this comes in two standards one is EDGE LED which the LED's are positioned around the outside edges of the LCD screen and the other is FULL ARRAY where the LED's are positioned in blocks on the rear of the LCD screen creating a uniform backlight, the better blacks come from the ability to switch on and off the LED's which is also known as local dimming, which is better of the two is arguable and down to personal preference, all in all you are still buying an LCD tv its just the backlight thats LED, hope this clarifies it a bit better.

 

[bigboss]

Should I be wary of 3D 'compatable'? What does 'compatable' mean?

3D compatible simply means that the TV is capable of displaying 3D images, either on its own or by buying an optional accessory.