Display technologies have evolved dramatically, from large CRT TVs to heat-generating plasma TVs. A full HD TV was once considered a luxury, but with the introduction of 4K and 8K TVs, it now feels entry-level. New TV technologies such as OLED and QLED have also grown in popularity due to their superior picture quality. Prices have dropped in recent years, making them more affordable to the general public.
When it comes to buying a television, the number of options and technologies available can be overwhelming. Every technology is unique, with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. As the price difference between high-end and mid-range TVs narrows, selecting the right TV technology becomes more difficult. We can assist you because we have simplified all of the current TV technologies, and this guide can assist you in selecting the best one for you.
LED’s are also based on LCD Technology
Most people believe LED TVs have replaced LCD TVs, but this is only partially true. LED TVs are simply a new type of LCD TV. They are based on LCD technology, which consists of a liquid crystal solution sandwiched between two sheets of polarising material. When an electric current passes through these liquid crystals, they align to pass or block light, resulting in the image displayed on the screen. The distinction between these two technologies begins with their backlighting solutions.
LCD televisions use CCFL (Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamp) backlighting. Since they are generally larger than LEDs (Light-Emitting Diodes), LCD TVs were larger than current-generation LED TVs. LEDs are smaller, use less power, and have higher levels of brightness than CCFLs. They last longer, making LED TVs more dependable in the long run.
Backlighting Technology
When purchasing an LED TV, it is also important to consider the backlighting technology. These days, the most common LED solutions are edge-lit and full array. To render the image, edge-lit LED TVs have LEDs placed along the screen’s edge, facing towards the centre. Such televisions are typically inexpensive, but their placement on the side results in poor contrast and black levels.
Higher Image Quality in LED
Full-array televisions have numerous LEDs placed along the back of the screen. Most full-array televisions support local dimming, which means that the LEDs can be individually brightened or dimmed depending on the content. This allows the TV to produce deeper blacks, brighter highlights, and higher image quality.
While this technology was previously limited to high-end TVs such as the Sony 55X90K, it is now available in mid-range TVs such as the Hisense 55U6G priced under Rs. 50,000*. Some models may also be labelled with Direct-lit LED panels. This technology is similar to full array LEDs but lacks the local dimming feature.
Most LED TVs now have an IPS panel, but when shopping for gaming monitors, you may come across VA panels as well. VA panels have higher contrast levels but poor viewing angles. IPS displays have more vibrant colours and wider viewing angles, but they are often more expensive.
The New Quantum Realm
If you’re in the market for a new television, you’ve probably come across QLED models. The “Q” in QLED stands for Quantum, which sounds futuristic and high-tech. While the technology is appealing to hear and show off, it is essentially the same as traditional LED TVs, however with some advantages. The additional Quantum Dot filter improves colour accuracy and brightness.
The larger changes in a QLED TV begin with the backlighting. Whereas regular LED TVs have a white backlight, QLED TVs have a blue backlight. This blue light collides with the Quantum dot filter, which is made up of red and blue dots. To render images on the screen, the RGB light from the Quantum filter passes through an LCD filter and a colour filter glass. These dots allow for more precise light control, which results in better colour rendition. They also provide higher brightness levels without sacrificing content colour saturation.
QLED Technology
Sony first introduced QLED technology in 2013, but Samsung made it widely available. Samsung has also formed a licencing agreement with other television manufacturers in order to make this technology more affordable. This collaboration appears to be working, as more QLED TVs are now available from low-cost TV manufacturers such as TCL and Hisense.
Mini LED TV’s
The recently introduced Mini LED TVs are the next step in QLED technology. They have even smaller LED backlighting, enabling them to produce even higher levels of brightness. These televisions provide more targeted and precise backlighting control for improved contrast and black levels. TCL, for example, already sells QLED Mini-LED TVs with high-end features like 120 Hz refresh rates. As technology progresses, we may see more affordable Mini LED TVs in the future.
OLED is the clear Winner
An OLED display functions similarly to an LED display, but in a slightly different way. OLEDs do not require a backlighting setup to produce light, whereas LED TVs do. All of this is made possible by specially designed OLED diodes with organic properties. When a current is passed through these diodes, light is produced, resulting in a clear picture. OLED TVs are significantly thinner than LED TVs due to the lack of a backlit setup.
When necessary, an OLED TV can control its pixels individually and completely shut down. As a result, the blacks are darker, the contrast is higher, and the colours are more vibrant. However, OLEDs are not without flaws.
Which one should you choose?
Choosing the right TV technology is heavily influenced by your personal preferences and budget. Traditional LED TVs are typically less expensive and ideal for casual TV viewing. Full HD models start at Rs. 20,000*, and as your budget grows, you can even find some outstanding models with 4K resolution. QLED televisions are a more balanced option between LED and OLED televisions. They have better picture quality than traditional LED TVs and don’t have screen burning issues like older OLED TVs.
OLEDs, without a doubt, provide absolute perfection. Their picture quality is unrivalled, and their prices have dropped significantly in recent years. If money isn’t an issue and picture quality is a top priority, OLEDs are the only way to go, plus you should always buy the extended warranty plans for your TV, to keep it safe for a long time.
