TV and monitors are starting to see the introduction of a new method of lighting which is enhancing the picture quality. The use of LEDs in lighting is replacing fluorescent lights in LCD displays. The advances in this area have improved pictures, energy efficiency and made them more slim-line. Manufacturers such as Sony and Samsung have seen impressive sales figures of LED Televisions.

Don?t be fooled by the terminology that manufacturers are using to describe it. Though there are definite benefits to be had, LED TV is simply an LCD television that uses LEDS as its light source. The LEDs are what have brought about the improvements, replacing the inferior fluorescent lighting that has been used in LCD televisions up to this point.

For this reason Britain?s Advertising Standards Authority questioned some of the marketing associated with LED TVs. The ASA pointed out that using LED TV to describe these new models was misleading as they are essentially still LCD TVs. The result of this was clarification was made to point out that LEDs are used to light these screens. Some manufacturers have also pointed out that a more accurate description would be to call them LED-lit LCD TVs.

At this point Samsung, Sony, Philips and LG have their own variations of LED televisions on the market. All have their own unique features and the result is that the new TVs produce a better picture quality, are thinner, lighter and are more energy efficient. On the down side as is to be expected with new technology, they are still more expensive than standard LCD TVs.

In LCDs televisions and displays up to this point, the lighting was provided by fluorescent strips. Replaced by light emitting diodes, screens can now be manufactured to produce some of the slimmest sets we have ever seen. Sony has a model that is a mere 10mm at its thinnest point. Samsungs sets measure about 3cm in thickness. Both a big improvement in what we have seen on the market up to now. With LED TVs individual LEDs can be controlled, we are seeing improved contrast controls meaning the levels of lightness and darkness are much brighter and darker.

The colours are claimed to be further enhanced with LED lighting. This can be explained by the fact that LEDs produce a full spectrum of light when compared to fluorescent lights. The contrast control is also improved.

All forms of LED displays that utilize LEDs for lighting also benefit from improved lifespan. Fluorescent lighting does not last as long as LEDs. Over time fluorescent lights degrade and the LCD display becomes duller. Once this happens the lights can?t be replaced, it usually takes 3-4 years to become noticeable.

An added benefit with the use of LED technology in TVs and monitors is that LEDs are also far more efficient that fluorescent lighting. This has the effect that LED TVs can be up to 40% more energy efficient than an equivalent LCD displays and up to 50% more efficient than plasma TVs.