Saturday, 22 October 2022 11:41

LCD vs LED - what is the difference?

LCD vs LED LCD vs LED pixabay

With the rapid growth of technology, it should come as no surprise that some people confuse the most common terms.

One of the most mistaken pairs is the LCD vs LED. Let’s learn more about both of these display technologies and their main uses.

What is an LCD display?

Let’s start with LCD, which is perceived as the earliest and cheapest display technology, still seen today in calculators, digital clocks, printers, medical devices, microwaves, basic watches, utility meters, etc. LCD is short for Liquid Crystal Display and is a type of flat panel display technology that uses liquid crystals and polarizer the light to produce images. The LCD technology is also known as Passive Matrix LCDs and mostly consists of monochrome displays. 

Today, when we talk about LCDs often seen in TVs, computer monitors, laptops, smartphones, and tablets, we actually mean TFT LCD displays, which are types of active-matrix LCDs. This combination provides high quality images, good view angles, and excellent contrast. LCD screens can’t produce light themselves, so they have a backlight that emits a light source to each pixel in a grid. On top of that, every pixel is equipped with an RGB subpixel. Its Red, Green and Blue can be adjusted to create a wide range of color combinations. TFT LCD technology comes with many benefits as it offers thin and light devices with low power consumption. It’s often used in laptops, smartphones, tablets, and TVs. Of course, it also has some drawbacks, and in order to combat those shortcomings, other technologies such as OLED and AMOLED came onto the scene.

What is LED technology?

Another popular technology, often confused with LCD, is LED, also known as Light Emitting Diode. The main difference between LCD vs LED is the fact that LCDs can’t produce their own light and rely on the presence of backlights. On the other hand, LEDs can be used as backlights, and not long ago, there were actually one of the three most popular LCD backlights, along with CCFL (Cold-Cathode Fluorescent Lamps) and EL (Electroluminescent). Currently, LED backlights are the most sought-after backlight types, thanks to the quick progress of this technology. 

Of course, technology moved along, and nowadays, we have on the market more LEDs options, such as OLED and AMOLED. OLEDs are part of emissive display technology often used in high-end applications. They don’t need a backlight, and their light is created when the current is applied. They’re known for high contrast, flexibility, great viewing angles, and high quality images. AMOLED displays are another new technology that emerged on the market around 2007. They’re driven by a TFT (Thin Film Transistor) that has a storage capacitor focused on maintaining the line pixel states. AMOLEDs can be used in various sizes and resolutions. It’s worth mentioning they’re more costly to produce, so we see them most often in high end consumer products, including TVs, mobile phones, tablets, laptops, and cameras. 

 
  • Family Adventures on the Adriatic - Creating Unforgettable Memories with Boat Rentals in Krk
    Family Adventures on the Adriatic - Creating Unforgettable Memories with Boat Rentals in Krk

    The crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic Sea surrounding Krk Island offer families a unique opportunity to bond, explore, and create lifelong memories. For parents seeking an alternative to crowded beaches and generic resort activities, renting a boat in Krk or Punat provides unparalleled freedom to craft a personalized maritime adventure.

    Written on Thursday, 24 April 2025 15:33 in Business Read more...
  • Is Cosmetic Surgery in Turkey Truly Worth the Risk? Exploring Why an Increasing Number of Patients Prefer Poland
    Is Cosmetic Surgery in Turkey Truly Worth the Risk? Exploring Why an Increasing Number of Patients Prefer Poland

    Turkey has become one of the most popular destinations for cosmetic surgery, particularly due to attractive package deals, influencer marketing, and low prices. Thousands of patients from the UK travel there each year in search of affordable treatment. However, recent developments have led to growing concerns about patient safety, regulation, and aftercare.

    Written on Friday, 18 April 2025 15:30 in Work Read more...
  • Beyond Templates - The Value of Custom Web Development for Croatian Businesses
    Beyond Templates - The Value of Custom Web Development for Croatian Businesses

    In Croatia’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, a business’s website is often its first impression—and its most powerful tool for growth. While template-based websites offer a quick and budget-friendly solution, more and more Croatian companies are discovering that custom web development delivers the flexibility, performance, and brand distinction needed to thrive in a competitive market.

    Written on Thursday, 17 April 2025 16:45 in Business Read more...
  • Handsome Onur Osman and the new generation in Fashion
    Handsome Onur Osman and the new generation in Fashion

    Businessman Onur Osman is part of the new generation of young Romanian entrepreneurs with international recognition who built the ONUR OSMAN™ brand from the ground up. He didn’t receive help from anyone, didn’t use government funds to promote himself (unlike most Romanian designers, who are promoted using public money—meaning ours), and he has never accepted anything for free, taking pride in always paying for what he received.

    Written on Thursday, 17 April 2025 16:35 in Company Read more...
  • Free vs. Paid eBay Templates – Pros, Cons, and Key Criteria
    Free vs. Paid eBay Templates – Pros, Cons, and Key Criteria

    Creating professional and high-converting eBay listings is about more than just uploading product images and writing a description. The way your listing looks — how it’s structured, how information is presented, and how easily buyers can navigate it — plays a big role in whether someone decides to buy from you or move on to another seller. That’s where eBay templates come in.

    Written on Monday, 07 April 2025 11:13 in Business Read more...
  • Split System vs. Ducted Air Conditioning - Which One is Right for You?
    Split System vs. Ducted Air Conditioning - Which One is Right for You?

    Ever walked into a perfectly cooling room on a hot day? That comfort comes from the right air conditioning system. But with so many options, how do you choose? Split system aircon and ducted air conditioning are the two main choices, each offering unique advantages in energy efficiency, installation costs, and performance.

    Written on Thursday, 13 March 2025 15:34 in Economy Read more...
  • Why storing gold offshore is a smart choice
    Why storing gold offshore is a smart choice

    Gold has long been regarded as one of the safest investment options. In times of economic uncertainty and rising inflation, investors increasingly turn to stable assets to protect their wealth. One of the most effective strategies is purchasing and storing gold offshore.

    Written on Thursday, 13 March 2025 10:29 in Business Read more...
  • Make Your Own DE - A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
    Make Your Own DE -  A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

    Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) is an essential component for reducing harmful emissions and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. Learning to make your own def can save costs, provide better control over production, and promote sustainability.

    Written on Sunday, 09 March 2025 12:36 in Business Read more...