The debate between LCD vs LED For Gaming is a long-standing one, with proponents of each technology claiming their choice is the best. LCD monitors use a liquid crystal display to create an image, while LED monitors use light-emitting diodes to do the same. So which one is the best for gaming?
What is LCD? How does it work?
Liquid Crystal Displays (or LCDs) use thousands of tiny squares (otherwise called pixels) to display light that we perceive as imagery. Each pixel has multiple layers with liquid crystals in the middle.
Here’s a quick overview of how your LCD monitor functions, including all layers within the panel.
The first layer is made up of a polarizing sheet film. This layer filters the light waves from behind it and allows the horizontal light waves to pass through.
The second layer is a combination of three layers. Two of these are protective glasses that contain liquid crystals. This protects the crystals and helps to keep them in place.
The third layer is another type of polarization sheet. It filters out horizontal light waves and not vertical waves. In a moment, this will become less confusing.
The last layer is where color changes take place. Each pixel has three light filters. These filters offer red, green, and blue.
The liquid crystals twist and turn 90 degrees when there is no electricity. This allows light to flow through the crystals. This causes the light to bend along the same path as before, which will enable it to flow through the second filter.
This causes the light from behind to become visible. It will then pass through the red, green, or blue light filter.
The liquid crystals in the vicinity of the electricity can return to their original position and block the light from the back. This effectively turns off your pixel.
An LCD screen can show multiple pixels working together. You can see individual pixels or groups of pixels on your LCD screen if you look closely (not recommended).
It can be described as pointillism art, a type of painting that uses distinct dots to create an image. Pixels are tiny dots of color that form visible pictures when gathered in large numbers.
What is LED? How does it work?
The working principle of LEDs is similar to other LCDs. LEDs can be considered a subcategory. One difference between LCDs and LEDs is that LEDs use light-emitting diodes (LED) backlighting.
LED monitors work, as expected, by light-emitting diodes. These are an alternative to traditional LCD monitors that use fluorescent lighting. The display can have a more excellent quality and detail thanks to LEDs.
Three different lighting options are available for LED monitors.
Full-array lighting can be used in the same way as the LCD, but it allows for controlled regional dimming to adjust the brightness of the entire display.
Direct lighting is similar to a whole range but uses fewer LEDs overall, making them more cost-effective and less responsive to dimming.
Although edge lighting is not as dimmable as full-array and direct lighting, it does allow for a slimmer and lighter screen that can be produced at a lower cost.
Full-array LCD monitors are more expensive than LED monitors. Unfortunately, they tend to be less expensive than LED monitors. Edge-lit monitors are generally cheaper but not as good for gaming due to the uneven lighting. This can make it difficult to play from different angles (e.g., sitting backward or with two players) and maybe more expensive.
Differences between LCD vs LED For Gaming
1. Display the thickness
Due to the technology used, an LED TV has a thinner screen and sharper edges. An LCD TV’s two-layer screen technology adds weight.
2. Backlight
There is a big difference between LED and LCD TVs in the backlight. There are two types of LED backlighting for TVs: complete array lighting or border lighting. An LCD TV uses CCFL (cold-cathode fluorescent lamps), but most LED TVs use ‘light guides’ to project images onto the screen. The latest LED Sony TV and LG TVs border with neighborhood dimming technology for bright visuals.
3. Brightness
An LED TV is the clear winner compared to LCD and LED in brightness. It is because it uses a single backlighting and pairing method. This makes projections more precise, transparent, and closer to reality than LCD.
4. LED Light Control
LED TVs offer superior contrast control and brightness over fluorescently lit LCDs. Because LEDs are designed for faster darkness, lightness management allows for more vivid blacks and brighter whites. You can dim the LEDs separately so that there is little light transmitted to any region. On the other hand, it should darken the elements of the LCD screen by blocking light from the back rather than dimming the bulb.
5. Quality of the Picture
The LED screen’s image quality is superior to that of an LCD. The LED screen uses an RGB comparison, making the images almost come to life on the TV screen, giving the viewers a unique experience.
These advantages make LEDs the first choice, but it is essential to emphasize that LEDs can be expensive. LEDs are worth the investment because of their durability, superior image quality, energy-saving features, and eye security technology.
This is in contrast to smaller, lower-quality LCD screens. You don’t have to settle for less when you can get a better product at a lower price. This offers many benefits to the consumer. Although the LED is more expensive, it’s worth it.
6. Contrast with color
LED TVs are more black than LCDs and have dynamic contrast mechanics. LED TVs can provide more color precision.
7. Viewing Angles
Although LCDs can project images at up to 165 degrees, projections tend not to be as clear. LED TVs can provide greater clarity from all angles.
8. LED or LCD Lifespan
LCD TVs last for approximately 75,000 hours. LED TVs can last up to 100,000 hours. This is a common assertion. This is 25% more than the average lifespan of LCD TVs, so LEDs are likely to be the clear winner.
You can read our LED guide to learn more about LED technology and what to look out for when buying an LED TV or screen.
9. Energy Efficiency
LED TVs consume less energy than backlight LCDs. LED televisions can be programmed to recognize light and dark, making them more energy-efficient than backlight LCDs. To reduce costs, LEDs are slowly being added to other display technologies.
10. Use Cases
Flexible screen options are available with LED. You can display LED video walls indoors and outdoors due to the many IP options. Many internal mechanisms can be used to build LED video walls. Fast refresh rates and double power backup make LED video walls look great on camera. Different pixel pitches can ensure the correct settlement in the proper context.
LCD is more straightforward and more user-friendly than other products. Although LCD is suitable for wall applications, it can also be used on mobile phones and computer displays. The consumer has the final say. LCD is less customizable than other options, but it’s cheaper. LCD is not suitable for outdoor use and has a limited size and shape.
11. Cost
The Purchase Price for LED TVs is higher than LCD TVs due to the technology available. An example: To buy an LED TV with HD Ready, you will need to spend at least Rs. You will need to pay at least Rs. 10,000. The price will rise due to the increase in technology and display size. For example, bright TVs have a higher price.
12. Size
An LED TV’s best feature is its ability to match your distance. Depending on your available space, you can buy LCDs measuring between 13 and 56 inches and LEDs measuring up to 90 inches.
LED vs LCD: Which one is best for gaming monitor?
Depending on the device, reasons for preference can vary. These include resolution, refresh rate, and size. The most important of these features is panel type. It determines the price, refresh rate, response time, and viewing angle. This is all you need to know before buying a game monitor. Because of their differences in panel systems, choosing between LCD and LED is essential.
Let’s begin with a comparison. What are the advantages of LED screens? LED screens use multiple backlights, so they respond almost instantly to light. CCFL systems take some time to heat up. LED screens are lighter, thinner, and more energy-efficient than CCFL systems. A LED screen offers better contrast, color, and brightness.
However, evenly distributed backlighting can make whites brighter or darker and cause eyestrain if you play good games. The advantage of LCD screens is their lower prices than LED screens. In the long term, LCDs are a better choice for gaming monitors than LED screens. HUD elements, in particular video games, can create ghostly permanent images on the monitor if they are left in place for too long. This is known as a burn-in and is much less familiar with LCDs.
LED screens offer better contrast, brightness, energy efficiency, faster response times, and better contrast. On the other side, LCD screens are cheaper and have lower response times, higher contrast, brightness rates, and more chances to prevent any burn-in. Overall, LED screens are a better option.
When used as gaming monitors, the disadvantages of LED screens can be devastating. High contrast and high brightness levels can make it difficult to see what’s on the screen. This can cause permanent damage and tire your eyes. The LCD screen’s lower brightness and contrast can benefit gamers.
This is because it is easier on the eyes and may provide better vision, as most games are darker or lighter. An LCD screen has a lower risk of sustaining severe burn-in, which is likely permanent.
While LED screens are more appealing to gamers because they have faster response times, that is not a problem that cannot be fixed. An active matrix screen has recently been added to LCD panels. They allow the current in an active matrix display to be turned around again and more quickly, reducing the time it takes for the screen to refresh.
LCD screens are a great alternative to gaming computers because of this feature. This feature is evident in a new model by Asus, for example. This panel uses an IPS panel with a high refresh rate and low response time. It provides stunning pictures and speedy response times.
Additional Things to Consider when Buying a Monitor
While the type of display is the most important aspect when choosing a gaming monitor, it’s not the only one. Many other components go into choosing the right hardware.
Sizing. Digital Trends recommends that your monitor be large enough to see comfortably without making you squint or hunch. If you have limited desk space, they suggest that you work from a baseline of 24inches.
Resolution. Quality imagery has a complete solution of 1080p. This would result in significant compression and loss. 4k is the current industry standard for quality imagery. It has become much cheaper in recent years.
Setup of the screen. Curved monitors are becoming more popular in recent years. They make large screens more accessible without compromising quality. However, they can cause images to appear slightly blurred. Flat screens are more practical and economical unless your monitor is greater than 27 inches.
Consider what other features you’d like to see on your monitor. You can also consider whether the monitor has built-in speakers, stand-alone speakers, and a webcam (which is essential for streamers).
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