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Difference between LCD and LED
LCD and LED are popular technologies used to display texts and images. Both LCD and LED are extensively used in display screens in various electronic devices such TVs, computers, laptops, smartphones, etc. There are many differences between LCD and LED displays, where one of the major difference is that LCD uses the liquid crystal and cold cathode fluorescent lamp for the formation of image on the screen, whereas the LED uses a PN junction diode which emits light when the current passes through it that is used as backlight in the display.
In this article, we will explain the various differences between LED and LCD. Also, we have added a brief description of LED and LCD for your reference.
Note − Here, we are differentiating the LCD and LED in context of the display technology.
What is LCD?
LCD stands for Liquid Crystal Display. The LCD is a combination of solid state and liquid state of matter which is used to produce display effect. It uses the liquid crystals for the formation of a visible image. The LCDs are super-thin technology displays which are commonly used in screens of TVs, laptop, smartphones and computer, etc. The LCD consumes less electricity and includes millions of colors.
However, the LCDs require extra-light sources as they do not produce light itself. Also, the LCD is a slow device and needs more switching time.
What is LED?
LED stands for Light Emitting Diode. The LED is a specially designed PN junction diode which is capable for emitting light when electric current passes through it. This emitted light is then used in display technologies as backlight.
The LED is constructed by joining a P-type semiconductor with an N-type semiconductor. Basically, the LED is a heavily doped PN junction diode. When an electric current is passed through the LED, the recombination of holes and electrons takes place at the PN junction and light is emitted in this process.
The color of emitted light by an LED depends upon the semiconductor material used and the amount of doping. The LEDs have very long life and requires less maintenance. However, they are costlier than LCD. In the display technology the LED is used as the backlight and such a display is known as LED display.
Difference between LED and LCD
Both LED and LCD are types of display technologies used for showing the texts and images. However, there are several differences between LCD and LED displays, which are highlighted in the following table −
Basis of Difference | LCD | LED Display |
|---|---|---|
Full form | LCD stands for Liquid Crystal Display. | LED stands for Light Emitting Diode. |
Definition | The ‘LCD’ is a combination of solid and liquid states of matter which is used to display the information in the form of texts and images. | The ‘LED’ is a PN junction diode which emits visible light when the electric current flows through it. This light is then used as the backlight for displaying the information in the form of texts and images. |
Backlight | LCD uses cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL) as backlight. | LED display uses light emitting diode (LED) to provide the backlight. |
Switching speed | LCD is slower than LED. | The switching speed of LED is more than LCD. |
Response time | LCD has high response time, hence their switching speed is less. | The response time of LED is less than LCD, thus the LED is better than LCD in terms of response time. |
Material | The liquid crystals and glass electrodes are used for manufacturing of LCD. | In case of LED, the gallium arsenide phosphide is used for manufacturing |
Power consumption | LCD consumes less power than an LED. | LED consumes relatively more power |
| Cost | The cost of LCD is less. | LEDs are costlier than LCDs. |
| Picture quality | The picture quality of LCD is good. | The picture quality delivered by LED is relatively better than LCD. |
| Color accuracy | LCD delivers good color accuracy. | The color accuracy for LED is better than that of LCD. |
| Resolution | The resolution of LCD is low. | LED has high resolution. |
| Viewing angle | In LCD, the viewing angle decreases by 30° from the centre of the image. | LED has a relatively wider viewing angle as compared to LCD. |
| Effect of direct current | The direct current reduces the lifespan of LCD. | The direct current does not affect the LED. |
| Effect on environment | Mercury is used in LCDs which causes harm to the environment. | No mercury is used in LEDs, thus they are environment friendly. |
Conclusion
The most significant difference between LCD and LED display is that the Liquid Crystal Display uses Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamp to provide backlight while the LED Display uses Light Emitting Diode to provide the backlight for displaying the information.
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