The battle between plasma and LCD televisions was won some time ago by LCD of course; providing a comparable picture, at a lower cost, with lower energy consumption and with greater longevity. Job done you would have though then. But things are never that simple, and now we have the LED television to consider.

Initially of course, it may seem just another way for the major players in the world of TV screens to get their hands on more of our hard earned money. But it is more than this; it is a step forward and the benefits to be had are far reaching.

To appreciate this however, it is necessary to understand where LED television technology differs from what has gone before. In the most basic of levels, LED technology is simply a progression from LCD; it uses the self same screens for a start; and works in much the same the way. The difference lies in how light is sent to the screen; with LEDs, this is done through backlighting or side lighting.

Sending light to the screen in this way allows for far greater control over the picture quality, definition and brightness. Each diode can be controlled independently, allowing for smoother flow through the image projected onto the screen. Deeper colors and blacks are the result, delivering a far truer picture that feels as if you are looking at something through the human eye.

Increased image quality then; but where is the catch? With regards the unit itself; remarkably none. These LEDs are able to produce such content, whilst using less energy. More impressive than this, is that the energy consumed is well used; resulting in less heat and light wastage. Great for the environment then and great for your finances. Also an LED television will last a lot longer, and not really succumb to wear and tear, which makes it well worthy of consideration.

The depth of the TVs is also thinner than what is presently available. Amazing as this may sound, it is quite true. The depth of LCD and plasmas are presently given in inches, an LED television will be measured in millimetres; with somewhere around 9 or 10 being the standard, though screens of just 6mm are available now.

Okay, this all sounds excellent but of course, it isn’t all good news. Whilst no limitations exist to the operation of an LED television, there is a limitation regards affordability. It is really no different to the large prices that LCD and most particularly plasmas were tagged with though.

The benefits then are quite significant with this new technology; better pictures, better lighting; better control, and all whilst having a positive impact on the environment. Indeed, the only downside remains the price.

The good news for LED television detractors then is that the prices will inevitably fall; and the benefits will still be there, (and probably improved upon even more). However, it is also likely that new technologies will just about be ready to launch by this point, as the wheels of progress continue to turn.

Wayne Torres writes about full hd tv online and samsung led tv