LED (Light emmitting diode) in LCD TV's

You will be noticing that the term LED is becoming more a more prevelant  this year . Super thin TVs with all sorts of features. That's because LCD technology is is forging ahead by using LED as a replacement for the traditional cold cathode fluorescent lamps (CCFLs)

Currently used as backlighting CCFL's are bulky and use mercury.They also had an uphill battle when it came to contrast as the ccfl was always going to bleed out white light so blacks were always a problem

Samsung Electronics, Sony and other major TV vendors see a bright future for LED. Globally, LEDs are being increasingly used in a wide array of applications including lighting, notebooks and mobile phones and now TV's 

The advantages of using LED's as back lighting are:

• They last longer
• Are  brighter 
• Don't contain harmful mercury
  
• More control offering more vivid images, with greater contrast and colour range.
• Take up less space 
• Energy efficient
  

Here's what you can expect from an LCD with LED being used as backlighting

Samsung LED TV range - main features

Key features

• 3,000,000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio: the introduction of Samsung's new Mega Contrast technology enables the new TVs to achieve contrast levels like never before. By intelligently controlling the LED's brightness levels, authentic blacks can now be truly represented.

• 200Hz Motion Plus: the premium Series 8 is the first Samsung LED HDTV to feature 200HZ technology - displaying quick, action packed motion minimising blurring or image jarring (the Series 7 and 6 feature Samsung's 100Hz Motion Plus).

• Ultra slim design: by using LEDs, Samsung has been able to shave the TV down to ultra-slim depths. At just over 2.5 cm thick, the sets remain trim without cutting back on connectivity options. Consumers will also be able to purchase a unique and ultra-slim wall-mount solution to significantly reduce the gap between the TV and the wall. This TV is also surprisingly lightweight making wall mounting as easy as hanging a picture.

• Crystal design: bringing a new aesthetic to Samsung's acclaimed Crystal Design colour finish, the new range feature a series of design options. The premium Series 8 has a deep piano black bezel that fades into distinct chrome finish. The Series 7 has a grey crystal bezel and the Series 6, a subtle rose black that highlights how the colour changes depending upon the viewing angle.

• Energy efficiency: lit by LEDs, Samsung LED Full HD TVs, the Series 6, 7 and 8 all increase the power efficiency of large screen TVs significantly. Energy consumption is reduced by 40%+ versus traditional HDTVs of similar size. The Samsung LED HDTVs also include an optimised energy savings mode that adjusts the backlight and picture quality while continuing to produce smoother, more natural images.

• LEDs are also mercury-free.

• Media @2.0: Samsung's Series 8 & 7 offer the next generation of connected features including (not available on Series 6).

• Internet@TV: access the online content from You Tube when you want it, all at the touch of a button. Consumers will even be able to enjoy a growing library of widgets, as the widget development kit will be open to content providers to create an ever expanding range of new offerings. Nine MSN content will be available in widget format from August 2009.

• DLNA Wireless: the TV is and always will be the hub of home entertainment; however with the ever expanding array of entertainment devices, consumers need options. DLNA Wireless capabilities take your multimedia experience to a whole new level by giving you the ability to stream all your movies, photos and music from your PC onto your new Samsung LED TV wirelessly.

• Content Library Flash: From games to recipes, enjoy the benefits of the built-in Content Library Flash. This updated feature now gives you complete control with the option to delete and expand your library with free content downloaded from the web.

• USB 2.0: play video files, view photos, listen to music, and even save your favourites directly onto your TV. This feature supports both flash memory and external hard drives.