LED Backlit TVs Achieve 40% Power Reduction

Samsung's LED TV

LCD TV manufacturers are introducing a lower power LCD TV with Samsung leading the way, marketing  what they are calling an "LED TV".  The primary difference between LED TV and previous generations of LCD TV is that the CCFL backlight has been replaced by LEDs.  The LED TV promises a 40% reduction in power consumption over last year's LCD TV models, making the new technology a greener alternative.  They also offer higher light output and very high contrast ratios.

Samsung has been heavily criticized by competitors regarding its' choice of terminology because the TV is LED-backlit, not a true LED TV. There is a different (more advanced, more $$) technology called Organic LED (OLED) that is truly an LED TV.  An OLED panel is constructed using different materials and there is no need for backlighting;  thus very low power.  The pixels are made of organic compounds that react to electric current causing individual pixels to light up.  Sony unveiled the first consumer OLED screen last fall but the display measures only 11 inches and it sells for $2,499.  Sony may produce a living room-sized model later this year, but don't expect it to be affordable. A large screen OLED TV is several years away from consumer mass production.

How Green is the LED TV?

To verify power consumption Techtree.com performed measurements on a 46" LED TV using a power meter with different levels of Energy saving.  The measured power usage was between 72W and 116W depending on energy savings level.  In contrast, LG's 42" plasma TV consumed between 150W and 255W depending on the Eco mode.

In terms of the ecological footprint there is still some debate.  LED-backlit LCD TVs have a longer life and better efficiency than other high definition displays.  LEDs also don't utilize mercury, resulting in fewer problems with TV disposal.  But they do use two undesirable substances, gallium and arsenic in the manufacture of the LED emitters.

Other LED-Backlit TVs

Another flavor of LCD TV is the Bravia, produced by Sony.  The Bravia uses Edge LED backlighting, meaning that the LED's are mounted on the side rather than using a backlight array. Doing so allows the Bravia to achieve a very slim profile.

Toshiba offering in the LED-backlight arena is expected to hit the store shelves this month.  The REGZA SV670 series incorporates the company's FocaLight Full Matrix LED with local dimming insteado of edge LED lighting.  This allows individual groups of LEDs to be independently controlled, achieving deep blacks without sacrificing peak brightness.  This TV will apparently deliver a dynamic contrast ratio of 2,000,000:1.