Televisions have come a long way in recent decades, bringing technological innovations that have changed the way we enjoy video content. In this digital age, display technologies have greatly influenced image quality and viewing experience. Two of the most popular types of TVs today are LED and OLED TVs.

LED TVs vs. OLED: what are the differences? Photo: evomag.ro

While both offer better picture quality compared to older TVs, there are significant differences between the two technologies. In this article, we aim to explore and understand the differences between LED TVs and OLED TVs to help you make the right choice when buying a new TV.

What is an LED TV and how does it work?

LED TV, or light-emitting diode, is a type of LCD TV, that is, a liquid crystal display. It uses LEDs to illuminate the screen, providing superior picture quality compared to traditional LCD TVs. There are two ways to place LEDs: or in full screen (full LED)to be only on the edges (Edge LED). Direct lighting provides a more even distribution of light and better contrast, while edge lighting makes the TV thinner.

To better understand the role of LEDs in imaging, it may be helpful to look at how they work. LEDs emit light that passes through layers of liquid crystals and is filtered to form an image that reaches our eyes. Depending on the power source, the intensity of the LEDs can vary, allowing for more precise control of screen brightness and deeper blacks.

See here a wide range of smart TVs with LED screen, edge LED screen, OLED, VA LED and many other types of screens!

Advantages and disadvantages of LED TVs

LED TVs have gained popularity in recent years due to their advantages. One of the biggest advantages is their durability. LED TVs can have a service life of up to 100,000 hours of operationmeaning they can run at full capacity for over 10 years with average use 8 hours a day. [1]

Another important advantage of LED TVs is energy efficiency. LED TVs consume c 40% less energy than traditional models of fluorescent lamps. This can lead to significant savings on your energy bills in the long run. [2]

Picture quality is also an aspect that differentiates LED TVs from other types of TVs. LED TVs offer superior picture resolution with brighter colors and better contrast than other types of TVs.

However, LED TVs have disadvantages. One of the most common drawbacks of consumers is the price. LED TVs are generally more expensive than fluorescent or plasma TVs.

The viewing angle is another aspect that can be considered a disadvantage as it can be limited at times. This means that the picture may appear distorted if you are not looking directly at the TV.

Finally, uneven lighting is a problem that can be encountered in some models of LED TVs. This means that some parts of the screen may look brighter than others.

What is an OLED TV and how does it work?

OLED TVs, also known as organic light-emitting diodes, are a major innovation in display technology. They are based on a type of organic material that emits light under the action of an electric current. This process is known as electroluminescence. A distinctive feature of OLED TVs is that each pixel emits its own light, which eliminates the need for an external light source.

Unlike LED TVs, which require a light source to illuminate the pixels, OLED TVs can individually control the brightness of each pixel. This means that when a pixel is dark, it is completely black, resulting in higher contrast and brighter colors.

Pros and cons of OLED TVs

One of the main advantages of OLED TVs is the excellent picture quality. Because each pixel is individually controlled and can be completely turned off, you can get pure blacks that provide greater contrast and image depth. This feature allows you to display brighter colors and a wider color spectrum. In addition, OLED TVs have wider viewing angles compared to LED technology, which means that the image remains sharp and vivid, regardless of the angle from which it is viewed.

On the other hand, one of the disadvantages of OLED TVs is high power consumption. Although they offer excellent picture quality, this comes with a higher cost of electricity compared to LED TVs, which can lead to higher energy bills in the long run. This is because each pixel of an OLED screen requires energy to emit light, compared to LED TVs where light is provided by a backlight source.

Another disadvantage of OLED technology is the shorter service life of the screens. Despite the technological advances made in recent years, the blue subpixels in OLED screens degrade faster, which can lead to a shorter lifespan compared to LED TVs. Although manufacturers have taken steps to improve the longevity of OLED screens, they still do not match the lifespan of LED screens.

In terms of cost, OLED TVs are usually more expensive than LED TVs. OLED screens are more expensive to manufacture and the manufacturing process is more complex, which affects the final price of the TV.

Technical differences between LED and OLED TVs

One of the most obvious technical differences between LED and OLED TVs is how they emit light. LED TVs are based on light-emitting diodes (LEDs), which illuminate the pixels of the screen. In contrast, OLED TVs use organic LEDs that emit light when activated by an electrical current.

When it comes to picture quality, OLED TVs are often considered superior. They can display deeper blacks and greater contrast because each pixel emits its own light, allowing for more precise control of brightness and color.

On the other hand, LED TVs are generally more energy efficient than OLEDs. This is because LED TVs only use electricity to illuminate the pixels that are in use, while OLED TVs use electricity for each pixel, whether it is in use or not.

In terms of durability and durability, LED TVs tend to last longer than OLEDs. The organic diodes in OLED TVs degrade over time, which can lead to reduced picture quality. In contrast, LED TVs use inorganic diodes, which are generally more durable and wear-resistant.

In summary, LED TVs and OLED TVs have their own advantages and disadvantages, with the main differences being related to picture quality, lifespan, and cost. LED TVs are more affordable and last longer, while OLED TVs offer excellent picture quality with perfect blacks and impressive contrast. The final decision depends on personal preferences and available budget.

source

[1] Desjardins, Michael, and Lee Neukirk. “What time should your TV be on?” Viewed, Viewed, February 13. 2019, reviewed.usatoday.com/televisions/features/how-long-should-a-tv-last. Checked on November 3. 2023 year.

[2] “How many watts does the TV use? [KWh Energy Usage].” ElectricRate – Compare Electric Companies and Find the Lowest Rate, 25 May 2022, www.electricrate.com/tv-electric-consumption/. Checked on November 3. 2023 year.

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