LED backlighting of LCD HDTVs delivers some significant improvements over conventional Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamp (CCFL) lit LCD. LED backlit LCDs remain few in number however, due to higher manufacturing costs (20 to 25 percent more retail). Local dimming is considered as a feature worth having as it delivers significant improvement to contrast ratios, black levels and picture quality through the ability to control backlighting in segments rather than overall as with conventional LCDs.

All models have very fast response times with the Samsung B8500 coming in fastest at 2ms. Plasma HDTVs of course still lead by a factor of thousands. All models have 120Hz displays for motion blur reduction with the Sony BRAVIA XBR10 and Samsung leading with a higher 240Hz frequency. At 7,000,000:1 the Samsung B8500s are well ahead for a high dynamic contrast ratio which is a basis for picture quality giving more detail in both lighter and darker areas.

LED LCDs give some viewing angle improvement (less color shift and dimming) over conventional fluorescent lit LCD HDTVs. Also improved over conventional LCDs, is color accuracy through delivery of a larger color gamut. It should be noted however, that video processing has a significant influence on final color quality.

Our overviews of each LED LCD HDTV are given in the order that we rank them with the most favoured first.

Samsung B8500 1080p 240Hz LED HDTV

55 inch UN55B8500 and 46 inch UN46B8500

Samsung’s combination of LED backlighting and local dimming has produced a LCD HDTV which has a leading and stratospheric dynamic contrast ratio combined with notably deep black levels. These attributes deliver exceptional picture quality which explains why Cnet have referred to the Samsung B8500 as the best performing LCD HDTV they have tested. The B8500 models have an excellent feature whereby de-juddering can be controlled separately from motion blur reduction (refresh rate – frequency). The Samsung has the full content connectivity expected of high end LCD HDTVs including an Internet based online content service. There is an extensive range of picture control adjustments available for producing an optimised picture. Analogue connections are not as well catered for as digital ones although one had to expect that this sort of reduction was bound to occur at some point.

LG LH90 1080p 120Hz LED HDTV

42 inch 42LH90, 47 inch 47LH90 and 55 inch 55LH90

LG’s LH90 models feature local dimming and deliver excellent black levels and picture quality. Being THX certified gives customers assurance that these HDTVs have been independently evaluated to published criteria. Along with the THX mode (THX calibration), the LH90 models have extensive picture adjustment features. Notable is the extent of color management mode options.

Sharp AQUOS LE700 1080p 120Hz LED HDTV

46inch LC46LE700UN, 40 inch LC40LE700UN and 32 inch LC32LE700UN

The Sharp LE700 models should be noted for their miserly 90KW power draw which is significantly below the other LED LCD HDTVs examined. The Sharp LE700 models at 3.7 inches are the thickest of the LED LCD models looked at. The LE700 can boast of a significant picture quality improvement over conventionally backlit (CCFL) LCD HDTVs. Sharp rightly make note of the lighting uniformity produced by a full LED array.

Sony BRAVIA XBR10 1080p 240Hz LED HDTV

52 inch KDL-52XBR10 and 46 inch KDL-46XBR10

Sonys XBR10 is notable for its separate media box which uses wireless transmission meaning the only cable required for a wall mounted HDTV is the power cable. Combined with the thin 1.4 inch depth, wall mounting makes a very sensible option. As well as the premium price, buyers should be also note that the XBR10 has the highest power draw by far at over twice that of the miserly Sharp LE700 models. While the XBR10 has the highest available frequency (240Hz) for motion blur reduction one would have expected local dimming to be included for the price.

LED LCD HDTV Side-by-side Feature Comparison

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