If you were recently searching for new HDTV and saw LED, don't worry -- the store didn't make a typo. There is a new category of HDTVs known as "LED TVs." However, LED and LCD HDTVs share a lot more than two common letters.
Unless you're talking about the enormous TVs found at football stadiums and other venues, then a so-called "LED TV" is actually an LCD TV. The difference is that LED TV models use LED backlights instead of the typical fluorescent tubes found on an LCD in order to light up that big screen. While it may all seem like semantics, there are noticeable differences. For instance, LED TVs boast better brightness and contrast, better colors, and are more efficient. Another nifty perk is because of the backlighting technology, LED TVs can be even thinner than most of the flat screens you've seen before.
Dissecting LED TVs
Before you go talking to your local retailer like the LED master, you must know one teeny tidbit: There are actually two basic types of LED TVs.
Edge-lit LED TVs use a row of LEDs around the edges of the panel. These lights shine into a multi-layered diffusor panel in order to provide a uniform light source behind the LCD panel. Because the lighting elements are around the perimeter and not behind the screen, it allows for some seriously slim HDTVs.
Full-matrix LED TVs use a full array of LED lighting elements across the back of the display. These also use a diffusor panel in order to make the backlight more uniform. Many (but not all) full matrix LED models offer "local dimming," which allows certain lighting elements to be shut off or dimmed while other areas are at full brightness, as the picture content requires. The end result is exceptionally good contrast as this overcomes LCD's traditional weakness with poor overall black levels.
It's important to know that not all full-matrix LEDs offer local dimming, and many vendors use their own names for the technology. VIZIO calls it "Smart Dimming" and Toshiba calls theirs "FocaLight." Even some edge-lit models have their own variation of the feature, though there are fewer dimmable zones than with a full matrix LED. For instance, Samsung has a local dimming feature on edge-lit models called "Precision Dimming" and it's available in their C6800 and C8000 series. For a peek at which type of LED to look for, as well as some other nifty LED TV features, check out what the manufacturers are offering for 2010.
LG
The LX9500 will be LG's first 3D-ready series.
In January, LG announced its INFINIA series, which features new Full LED Slim and LED Plus models. The LE8500 and LX9500 fall under the Full LED Slim line, which boasts local dimming of up to 240 addressable segments (on the 55-inch LX9500), promising a sweet image in a super-slim cabinet. Other features include TruMotion 480Hz technology, THX Display certification, as well as the THX Bright Room setting, which optimizes the contrast based on the room's lighting conditions. Both also feature a "Magic Wand" remote, which uses Wii-like movements for changing channels, controlling components, and even playing embedded games. Also extremely noteworthy is the fact that the LX9500 will be LG's first 3D-ready series, and will come in 47- and 55-inch sizes.
On the LED Plus side, the LE5500 and LE7500 feature TruMotion 120Hz technology and dimming of up to 16 addressable segments. The 7500 series comes in 42-, 47- and 55-inch sizes, while the LE500 comes adds in 22- and 26-inch models.
The new models feature wired networking capabilities with wireless networking optional via an add-on USB/WiFi dongle. That really comes in handy since they can all (except 22- and 26-inch units) access LG's own NetCast service, which features on-demand content from Skype, Netflix, VUDU, YouTube, Napster, Yahoo! Widgets and more. If your new set has NetCast, it also features options to stream Full HD 1080p content wirelessly, using a media hub and receiver adapter (sold separately). That means you can connect Blu-ray players, high definition set-top boxes or gaming consoles without all the wire clutter to your TV.
For a few less frills, LG is offering the LE5400 and LE5300. Both are available in five different sizes, with TruMotion 120Hz technology. The LE5400 models do support NetCast and are Wi-Fi-ready. All of those models also display 1080p, while the three smaller 5300 sizes (19, 22 and 26 inches) provide a 720p HD picture.
LG LE5300 Series:
LG LE5400 Series:
LG LE5500 Series:
LG LE7500 Series:
LG LE8500 Series:
LG LX9500 Series:
Mitsubishi
The Diamond 265 series has a built-in 18-speaker 5.1 surround sound system.
In April, Mitsubishi unveiled its third generation of Unisen Immersive Sound LED TVs. Three new series feature a total of six sizes, ranging from 40 to 55 inches. Featuring edge-lit imagery, each one promises the 16-speaker 5.1 surround sound system, a variable subwoofer output and Center Channel mode, True120Hz technology, Plush 1080p 5G 12-bit Digital Video Processing, a USB media input, and four HDMI connections.
Another new feature for all is StreamTV content. This service promises over 100 different streaming applications straight to the TV. Partners include VUDU, Pandora, Flickr, Facebook, Twitter, and more.
The 154 series has all of the above available in just one size:
Each of the three models in the MDEA 164 series has all of the above, as well as integrated wireless web access, Bluetooth audio streaming, EdgeEnhance, DeepField Imager and Advanced Video Calibration.
Both of the units in the Diamond 265 series have many of the same features. However, these units crank the integrated sound system up to 18 speakers. Other additional features include True240Hz technology, Plush1080p 5G 18-Bit Digital Video Processing, an iPhone app for remote control, ISFccc video adjustments, NetCommand features, a wired IR input, and the new Thin Depth Design with Blue Light Accent.
Panasonic
Panasonic's new LEDs come with a proprietary Universal Dock for iPod.
Although better known for their plasma TVs, Panasonic is offering their first LED TV models in 2010. The only two models offered will be the 37-inch TC-L37D2 and 42-inch TC-L42D2, which are both under the VIERA LED-LCD D2 umbrella.
Both units use an IPS panel, which promises big colors, enhanced contrast and greater viewing angles from a thinner package. Each unit features a 1080p picture, 120Hz motion picture Pro 4 technology, and a rated 178-degree viewing angle. Other perks include the VIERA Image Viewer for photos, VIERA Link (HDMI-CEC) for unified control of multiple devices, a PC input and four HDMI connections. One other noteworthy feature is the proprietary Universal Dock for iPod, which allows viewers to easily dock their iPods to the TV, charging the iPod while it plays back audio and video through the TV. Control and selection of iPod-based media is all managed via the TV's integrated remote and an on-screen GUI (Graphical User Interface).
Samsung
Samsung's C9000 comes with a remote that streams content to its 3-inch touchscreen.
Samsung is all about LED this year, with a total of eight series in sizes ranging from 19 to 65 inches. As mentioned above, Precision Dimming is being put into the C8000 and C6800 units. This uses a combo of LED edge lighting with a simplified form of local dimming to create "diamond-shaped areas" of light on the panel. This technique allows Samsung to achieve higher contrast performance than you see with typical edge-lit LED TVs but without the "ringing" around edges that can occur on some local-dimming sets.
The C8000, along with the C7000 and C9000, all also include Real240Hz refresh rate technology, as well as a built-in 2D to 3D processor for a 3D effect from standard 2D programming. As with all other Samsung 3D TV purchases, buy one of these and a BD-C6900 Blu-ray 3D player, and you'll get a free 3D Starter Kit, which includes a Blu-ray 3D version of Monsters vs. Aliens and two pairs of Samsung 3D Active Glasses.
The C9000 also comes with a 3-inch touchscreen remote, which features a QWERTY keyboard, earphone jack and Twin View for watching TV or a Blu-ray DVD titles on the remote or TV at the same time. That means you can step away from the big game without actually missing any of the action. If you opt for the C7000 or C8000, the remote can be added for another $350, but without the Twin View features.
Each of the C6500, C6800, C7000, C8000 and C9000 LED models also feature wireless connectivity via Allshare - a system that allows you to connect certain Samsung devices, such as cameras and camcorders to your TV easily, and without wires. This is not the same as WiFi networking which can be added to many of these models via an optional USB/WiFi dongle. That makes connecting to Samsung's Internet@TV very easy. This integrated service promises on-screen access to The Associated Press, Netflix, Pandora, Twitter, USA TODAY, VUDU, and more.
C4000 Series:
C5000 Series:
C6000 Series:
C7000 3D Series:
C8000 3D Series:
C9000 3D Series:
Sharp
The LC-68LE920UN features Sharp's new four-primary-color technology, which adds a yellow sub-pixel into the mix.
This year, Sharp is planning LED TVs in big and small sizes, all under the AQUOS brand name. Each one utilizes edge-lit LED, as well as Sharp's new four-primary-color technology, which adds a yellow sub-pixel into the mix -- and promises about a trillion colors for viewers.
The LE920 series features three sizes, including the mammoth 68-incher. All deliver a 1080p image, and include AquoMotion 240 technology and a USB media player for adding photos, video and photos with ease.
LE920 Series:
Other big sizes come in the LE820/810 series, which adds another eight units. Each one is very similar to the LE920 series, but offers 120Hz frame rate conversion, an RS-232C input, and four HDMI inputs with Instaport. All of the larger models also include AQUOS Net, which features access to streaming Netflix and AQUOS Advantage Live real-time customer support.
LE820 Series:
LE810 Series:
The smaller sizes have a few less bells and whistles, but can pack a nice image into tighter spaces. Available in 22- and 32-inch sizes, the LS510 series delivers a 1080p image, while the LS410 is the smallest at 19 inches. All three also use an edge-lit LED backlight system, feature a depth of only 1.49 inches, and have HDMI, PC and USB inputs.
LS410 Series:
LS510 Series:
Sony
The LX900 will play 3D out of the box, via Sony's active shutter glasses and a built-in transmitter.
Sony announced 38 new LED TVs for the year, all featuring Sony's Edge LED backlight.
The LX900 series includes four models, offering 3D out of the box, via Sony's own active shutter glasses and a built-in 3D transmitter. The HX900 and HX800 series are 3D-capable, meaning you'll have to buy the transmitter and glasses separately. Each one features a 1080p image, Motionflow PRO 240Hz technology, the BRAVIA Engine 3 full digital video processor, and BRAVIA Sync.
The LX900 also has Sony's new OptiContrast panel, as well as Sony's Intelligent Presence Sensor with face detection. This nifty new feature will dim the set's backlight if a snack break has gone on too long. If that popcorn turns into nachos and a side sandwich (in another room), the set will turn off after an extended period.
All also offer built-in Wi-Fi, which provides easy access to BRAVIA Internet video and BRAVIA Internet Widgets. Those on-screen services include Netflix, Pandora, Twitter, YouTube, Flickr and dozens of other applications. At press time, no pricing had been announced for any of the 3D models, which should start popping up this spring.
BRAVIA KDL-HX800 3D-Ready Series:
BRAVIA XBR-HX900 3D-Ready Series:
BRAVIA XBR-LX900 3D Series:
Sony did have plenty to say about non-3D models, however. The EX40B, EX500, EX600, EX700, NX700, and NX800 series all feature 1080p edge LED LCDs.
The NX700 and NX800 each have the Monolithic Design, built-in Wi-Fi support and USB and DLNA photo/music/video playback. The NX800 has Motionflow 240Hz, while the NX700 has Motionflow 120Hz.
Both of those also offer access to BRAVIA Internet Video and BRAVIA Internet Widgets, as does the EX700 and EX40B series. The EX700 one has Motionflow 120Hz technology, as well as presence and ambient sensors. The EX400, EX600 and EX500 all have the ambient sensor and a USB port for photo, music and video playback. The EX40B also throws in a built-in Blu-ray player. The EX600 and EX500 have the Motionflow 120Hz technology.
BRAVIA KDL-EX400 Series:
BRAVIA KDL-EX40B Series:
BRAVIA KDL-EX500 Series:
BRAVIA KDL-EX600 Series:
BRAVIA KDL-EX700 Series:
BRAVIA KDL-NX700 Series:
BRAVIA KDL-NX800 Series:
Finally, both the EX308 and BX300 models offer a 720p image, BRAVIA Sync and the BRAVIA Engine (3 for the 308, 2 for the 300). The EX308 also comes with a Wi-Fi adapter, which can access the goodies from BRAVIA Internet Video and BRAVIA Internet Widgets.
BRAVIA KDL-BX300 Series:
BRAVIA KDL-EX308 Series:
Toshiba
The UX600 will be the first of Toshiba's 2010 LED models.
First up will be Toshiba's newly announced UX600 LED TV, which is coming this month. Three models all feature Wi-Fi out of the box, via an included adapter. That means you can immediately addict yourself to NET TV, Toshiba's on-screen digital content delivery service. Partners include Facebook, Twitter, Pandora, VUDU, Flickr, and others. Aside from a 3,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio and CrystalCoat for a better contrast, the series also includes AutoView to adjust the picture based on ambient room light, and DynaLight, which adjusts backlight intensity based on content.
Later this year, Toshiba will add another LED into the mix -- one with 3D capabilities. The ZX900 CELL TV will come in 55- and 65-inch sizes, boasting the CELL Broadband Engine, KIRA2 dimming technology, and Net Resolution+ for noise reduction. Other nice perks include a built-in 1TB hard drive, built-in Wi-Fi, and TriVector 2D to 3D Conversion.
VIZIO
Many of VIZIO's new LEDs include extra content through the VIA service.
Everything VIZIO is planning for the year falls under the LED umbrella -- and it's a pretty big umbrella. The company started shipping some new models at the beginning of this year, and by the time they are finished this summer, we should see 37 different models.
The top of the heap is the XVT Pro Series, which will display SENSIO 3D images in 47-, 55- and 72-inch sizes. Each model features Smart Dimming circuitry (local dimming), which controls hundreds of zones of LEDs on each screen. Other features include 480Hz SPS Smooth Motion technology, built-in Wi-Fi, VIA (VIZIO Internet Apps) and Wireless HDMI, which allows the TV to hook to various devices without a mess of wires.
One unique XVT Pro model that we saw at CES that we hope it makes it out of the concept stage and into reality is VIZIO's ultrawide 21:9 HDTV display. This model features a 2.35:1 spect ratio which makes it ideal for viewing CinemaScope movies. If you're using it for regular old 16:9 HDTV viewing, then you can use the extra screen real estate for your VIA widgets, such as real-time Yahoo! Finance stock tickers and Yahoo! Sports scores.
The XVT TruLED series drops the Pro part, without sacrificing features. The company announced two XVT models in early June. Both include 3D features, as well asTruLED with Smart Dimming, a 480Hz SPS high frame rate with Smooth Motion technology, integrated 802.11n WiFi, and an integrated WirelessHD receiver.
The non-3D XVT TVs drop the refresh rate to 240Hz SPS. This group features TruLED backlighting technology with over 120 zones of Smart Dimming, a rated "10,000,000:1" dynamic contrast ratio, and built-in Wi-Fi support. Two of the models, the XVT3D474SV and XVT3D554SV, also throw in 3D features.
The two models in the XVT Razor series each feature edge-type LED technology with 16 zones of Smart Dimming, as well as ambient light sensing, 120Hz Smooth Motion technology, a 1,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, built-in Wi-Fi, and a profile that's less than 2 inches. One of the Razor models, the XVT3D424SV, also features 3D, with an additional boost of 480Hz SPS high frame rate technology and Smooth Motion.
All of the above XVT models also include VIZIO Internet Apps (VIA), which offer on-screen entertainment through VUDU, Pandora, Twitter, Facebook, Flickr, Netflix, and other partners.
The XVT Razor series also comes in 19- and 23-inch models. Neither one has VIA access, but does include a bezel just 1.7 inches deep, making this series perfect for small spaces. Using edge-type LED backlights, other features include a 20,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio and integrated USB port.
The M Series 120Hz LEDs come in 42-, 47- and 55-inch sizes. All use edge-type backlighting, with up to 16 zones of Smart Dimming. Packed inside a 2-inch profile, there's a VIZIO's Ambient Light Sensor for a better contrast and deeper blacks. The two larger sets include VIA with built-in Wi-Fi, and dynamic contrast ratios of 1,000,000:1 (100,000:1 for the 42-incher).
The bulk of this year's models are grouped into the M Razor series. One of the units has a 720p image (E320VP), with the rest projecting 1080p. Other features include 60Hz refresh rates and dynamic contrast ratios of up to 100,000:1.
The smaller M Razor units come in sizes ranging from 16 to 26 inches. All have 60Hz refresh rates, with a mix of 720p and 1080p images. The M261VP and the M220NV are also the smallest screen sizes you can get with wireless and VIA access. At 26 and 22 inches, respectively, that's some serious entertainment in a small package.
Westinghouse
Westinghouse's flagship LED TV is the 55-inch LD-55F970Z.
Westinghouse wants to save you money and space this year -- so they are focusing on an affordable line of LED TVs. Screen sizes on the eight models range from 24 to 55 inches. The one thing each of those units has in common is a super-slim profile that's about one-inch thick. Aside from the thin package, each edge-lit unit has a glossy black frame with red accents, as well as a stand that lights a nice red glow (if you want it to).
The flagship is the company's largest, the 55-inch LD-55F970Z. Aside from a 1080p image, the unit promises a 120Hz refresh rate, 3D noise reduction, and three HDMI ports. The same perks are also features on the LD-46F970Z, which is 46 inches.
Smaller models include the 32-inch LD-3255VX (720p) and LD-3285VX (1080p), the 24-inch 1080p LD-2455VX, as well as two 26-inch models, the LD-2655VX (720p) and the LD-2685VX (1080p). All boasts big energy savings from a small package.
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