Samsung LCD Television with LED Light Source

Another advance in LCD flat panel television technology is the use of LED backlighting. Samsung was one manufacturer that presented an extensive committment to the incorporation LED backlighting technology in its higher-end LCD flat panel television sets.

Since LCD chips don't generate their on light, a external light source, referred to as a backlight, is needed to light up an LCD flat panel television screen. CDFL's (Cold Cathode Flourescent Light), which are similar to the standard flourscent lights in common use, have been traditionally employed for this function. However, after years of development, backlighting generated by LED's (Light Emitting Diodes) is becoming practicle for use in LCD flat panel televisions.

There are several potential benefits to this technology including: Lower power consumption, deeper blacks, and enabling an even slimmer cabinet design (descreasing overall weight) than is already possible with standard LCD flat panel sets. In addition, LED's do not contain mercury, which is commonly used in CCFLs.

Shown in the above photo is one of the several LED-based LCD televisions on display at the Samsung booth at CES 2009.

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