What is the Difference between LED and LCD?

A question that is often asked is what the difference is between the LED and LCD screen as the difference is something that is so subtle. Within the more recent LED and LCD screens there are more and more features which are used to grab the audience’s attention and this post is going to help show the differences between those features.

LCD Screens: How do They Work?

A Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) cannot produce its own light so they use external lights from behind the screen that are shone through tiny coloured liquid crystal cells in order to create an image. Different signals are used to control each cell individually, either blocking light or allowing it to pass. This means that varying amounts of colour can be let through, building up to the picture.

The principle of an LCD depends upon the properties of polarising filters and light itself. Natural light waves are orientated at random angles whereas, polarising filter is a set of incredible fine parallel lines and act as a net, potentially used to block out all light waves apart from those orientated parallel to the lines. A second polarising filter with lines organised at 90 degrees to the first polariser would therefore completely block the already polarised light. Light would only pass through the second polariser if the lines were to be exactly parallel to the first, or, if the light had been twisted to match the second polariser. An LCD display screen is composed of two parts: the liquid crystal display and a light source placed at the back of the screen. However, a light diffuser is located in between the backlight and the LCD screen enabling the source of light to form evenly across the screen.

LED Screens: How do They Work?

LED screens use standard LCD technology but with one major difference, the external lights that are used in an LCD screen are replaced by a greater number of light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The light-emitting diodes are much smaller, meaning LED screens can be narrower. Energy is released in the form of light (photons) which is emitted from the LED screen. The LED display screen is then able to produce a spectrum of colours in high quality and effortlessly with very little energy consumed/needed with the help of the process – the passing between the electrons and “holes” – which ultimately creates the colour of the light, utilising less power in comparison to their CCFL counterparts which means that they can be manufactured much thinner. 

Summary

Both types of display screens use liquid crystals which controls where the light is displayed on the screen, and both have good reputations for their playback and gaming quality. In comparison to the LED technology, LCD's use cold cathode fluorescent lamps which help provide a backlight. On the other hand, LEDs use smaller and energy efficient light emitting diodes which help illuminate the screen. Both display screens have good resolution levels creating a good quality picture and with a high refresh rate for the LED screen and the LCD screen, you will have no ghosting or flickering. They come lightweight and compatible: suitable and manufactured with rental market in mind.

ITR have a wide range of LED and LCD technology available for hire. If you would like more information you can call us on 01952 686900 or join in the conversation with @itrEvents on Twitter.