Difference Between Edge Lit and Backlit


Edge-lit and backlit lighting technologies are used in modern displays such as televisions, monitors, and advertising panels. The primary difference between the two is how light is spread across the screen. Edge-lit technology refers to a display with LEDs located around the panel's edges. Backlit technology refers to displays with LEDs located behind the screen.

Read this article to find out more about Edge Lit and Backlit and how they are different from each other.

What is Edge Lit?

Edge-lit technology is a type of display lighting technology in which the LEDs are placed along the panel's edges. These LEDs emit light towards the screen's centre, and the light is distributed across the screen through a series of diffusers called light guides.

The LEDs in an edge-lit display are typically arranged in a pattern along the display's edges. Depending on the manufacturer and the size of the display, this pattern may differ. A series of reflectors or light guides direct the light emitted by the LEDs towards the centre of the screen. Light guides are frequently made of transparent plastic with ridges or bumps on the surface to help distribute light evenly across the screen.

Edge-lit displays have various advantages over other types of lighting. One of its primary advantages is its slim design. The overall thickness of the display can be lowered by placing the LEDs along the edges of the panel. Edge-lit displays are therefore suitable for use in thin and lightweight devices such as laptops, tablets, and smartphones.

Edge-lit displays are frequently thinner and more energy-efficient than other types of displays since they operate with fewer LEDs and less electricity. However, given that the light leaks, there may be some issues with brightness and contrast uniformity on occasion.

What is Backlit?

Backlit display lighting technology is a type of display lighting technology in which the LEDs are located behind the screen. These LEDs emit light directly towards the viewer, and the light is spread evenly across the screen using a diffuser layer.

LEDs are often arranged in a grid pattern behind the screen in a backlit display. The light emitted by the LEDs is directed towards the screen through a diffuser layer, which is usually made of a clear plastic material with a surface pattern of ridges or bumps. This diffuser layer helps in the uniform distribution of light across the screen, resulting in enhanced contrast and brightness.

Backlit screens have various advantages over other types of lighting. One of the primary advantages is their greater light dispersion uniformity. Backlit displays produce more contrast and brightness than edge-lit displays because the LEDs are positioned behind the panel and are equally dispersed. Backlit displays are therefore suitable for use in applications requiring color accuracy and image quality, such as graphic design, photography, and video editing.

Backlit screens frequently provide better image quality than edge-lit displays because they offer more uniform brightness and higher contrast ratios. They can be bigger and heavier than edge-lit displays, which may be a disadvantage in particular applications even if they can be made at a higher cost.

Difference between Edge Lit and Backlit

The following table highlights the major differences between Edge Lit and Backlit −

Characteristics

Edge Lit

Backlit

Light Source

LED lights placed along the edges of the display

A grid of LED lights placed directly behind the display panel

Light Direction

Light is directed towards the centre of the screen through light guides and diffusers.

Light shines directly onto the back of the display panel and is diffused and spread evenly across the screen.

Thickness

Generally thinner

Generally thicker

Cost

Less expensive

More expensive

Uniformity

May have issues with uniformity of brightness and contrast.

Provides more uniform brightness and better contrast ratios.

Power consumption

Lower power consumption

Higher power consumption

Color accuracy

May suffer from color accuracy.

Better color accuracy and image quality

Contrast ratio

Lower contrast ratio

Higher contrast ratio, deep blacks

Light distribution

Light is directed towards the centre.

Light is evenly distributed.

Location of LEDs

Along the edges of the panel

Behind the screen

Conclusion

In conclusion, edge-lit displays use LED lights placed along the edges of the display and are generally thinner and less expensive, but may have issues with uniformity. Backlit displays employ a grid of LED lights positioned behind the display panel to provide more even brightness and greater contrast ratios, although they are often bulkier and costlier. The individual requirements and priorities of the user or application will decide which option is best.

Updated on: 22-Aug-2023

116 Views

Kickstart Your Career

Get certified by completing the course

Get Started
Advertisements