Edge-lit vs Direct-lit vs Full Array for TV Backlighting
TVs have come a long way since the days of cathode-ray tubes. Now, we have flat-screen TVs of different types, sizes, and features. But, have you ever wondered how your TV produces such stunning, crisp, and colorful images?
The backlighting technology used in a TV significantly affects its picture quality. Edge-lit, direct-lit, and full array are the three main types of backlighting technologies used by TV manufacturers.
Edge-lit
Edge-lit backlighting is the most common type of backlight found in modern-day TVs. It uses LED lights placed at the edges of the screen to illuminate the entire display. The lights are usually placed in strips around the TV's edges.
Edge-lit technology allows manufacturers to make thinner TVs since they do not need as many LEDs as a full array backlighting. However, the downside is that it results in lower contrast levels, uneven illumination, and color inaccuracies.
Direct-lit
Direct-lit technology fixes the problems of uneven illumination and low contrast in edge-lit TVs by placing LED lights directly behind the screen. The direct-lit method uses more LEDs than edge-lit, resulting in better brightness uniformity, improved contrast levels, and deeper blacks.
But, this method is more expensive and thicker than edge-lit technology, making it less popular in the mainstream market.
Full Array
Full array backlighting is the most expensive and advanced type of backlight used in modern-day TVs. It uses a large number of LEDs placed behind the screen for better illumination and contrast. The LEDs are divided into different zones, which can be dimmed or brightened independently to produce deeper blacks, better contrast, and colors.
Full array technology is commonly used in high-end OLED and QLED TVs but can be found in some LCD TVs. It provides image quality that is unparalleled, but it is expensive to manufacture, resulting in higher prices for consumers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, each backlighting technology has its strengths and weaknesses. Edge-lit technology is the cheapest and thinnest, but it has lighting and contrast problems. Direct-lit technology improves on edge-lit with better contrast levels and uniformity but is thicker and more expensive. Full array backlighting is the most advanced with the best contrast, uniformity, and colors but is expensive.
So, which TV should you choose? It depends on your budget, display needs, and preferred viewing experience. An edge-lit TV is good enough for most people's needs but lacks the superior quality of direct-lit and full array.
References: