LCD vs. LED

[OHMatt]

Calling these TVs "LED" is kind of inaccurate, they are actually LED-backlight LCD televisions. They both use liquid crystal (LCD) screen. What varies is how the screen is back-light; most LCDs use Cold Cathode Florescent Light Bars but "LED TVs" use arrays of LEDs around the perimeter. Manufacturers can produce better blacks on LCD TVs because a few LEDs can be fired instead of powering up a whole light bar.

There are also two types of LED Backlighting: Edge or RGB Dynamic. Each has benefits and drawbacks. The model you are looking at, since you mentioned it is paper-thin is probably Edge light.

LEDs have a longer life span than Fluorescent bulbs, and if an individual LED fails, you are likely not to even notice it; however the control circuitry for LED arrays will surely be more complicated than the bulb - I say reliability is probably a crap shoot between them..

Originally Posted by Blueface

My 32" Samsung LCD in my bedroom is taking a fit.
Some shadow like lines/markings are showing up on my picture that appear to be permanently burned in.
At times it is becoming annoying so I have been looking around to replace it and just go bigger to a 40".

I recently saw the LED version of mine and the image is unreal as compared to an LCD. Not to mention the TV is supposed to be much more energy efficient and is practically just slightly thicker than paper.

I am a member of Consumer Reports and searched but can't find too many LED models and can't find the Samsung 40" I am looking at.

Anyone know if aside from a much better picture, if LED is more reliable? I can't phantom buying another TV for over $1,000, to see the price later drop by 2/3's, to then have it break down. I guess that is what modern technology is all about.