Buying a TV these days can feel like learning a new language. Just what is LED and is it somehow related to OLED, is QD-OLED or mini-LED the same thing? What does it all mean?
The good news is it is not that complicated you just need to learn a little about the way flat screen TV panels are constructed these days and it should all become clear.
The difference between LCD/LED and OLED & QD-OLED
There are two core technologies that comprise most TVs on the market today, LED, also known as LCD, and OLED. Each have their advantages and disadvantages. But first, what are they and how do they work?
LCD and LED
LCD stands for Liquid Crystal Display and it is the front part of the TV panel. It doesn’t display images on its own though, for that it needs a back panel, the LED or Light Emitting Diodes that project the pixels forward and through the LCD to create images. In effect, this becomes a “LED-backlit LCD TV”. Since the two technologies go hand in hand LCD TVs are mostly referred to as LED TVs today.
OLED
Because the names look alike you might think that the technology behind LED and OLED TVs are the same, or at least similar, but in fact they are very different. OLED stands for Organic Light-Emitting Diode and the panels of these TVs are made up of OLED pixels that turn off and on producing their own light and color.
Thanks to this OLED TVs can reproduce the “true blacks” of Dolby Vision extremely well and generally have incredible contrast ratios. Since each pixel produces its own light and color they simply turn off when creating the color black.
Now that we’ve provided you with a rundown of the various technologies and how they work, let’s see which one is right for you and your space.
Recommendations
Starting with LCD/LED TVs, there are a number of good reasons why it might be the right choice for you. Traditionally, LCD displays have been brighter than OLED displays but at the cost of contrast, making them a great option for brightly lit rooms or for outdoor use. LCDs also have great color representation when viewed head on and are usually a lower-cost option for the budget-minded shopper.
When it comes to OLED there are many reasons why this might be the right choice for you. One of the biggest attractions for most people is the amazing contrast OLED can provide, with the ability to turn off individual pixels for those pure, inky blacks. OLED also have near perfect color consistency at almost any viewing angle.
With the recent advancements in QD-OLED (Quantum Dot) helping solve some of the concerns around brightness and OLED, and mini-LED solving some of the contrast concerns around LCD, no matter which direction you choose to go, there are many fantastic product offerings to complete your home entertainment setup.
How to find entertainment in Dolby
Whichever TV resolution technology you choose to go with you want to make sure that you get the full Dolby experience you need to first make sure you are engaging with content created in Dolby. You can find entertainment in Dolby on any number of popular streaming services such as Apple TV+, Netflix Premium, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+ worldwide. As well as network services such as Sky and BT Sport in the UK and Paramount+, ESPN, and CBS All Access in the US – with more on the way. Be sure to look for the Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos logos on the title pages of your favorite entertainment.