Types of Televisions
Quantum Light-Emitting Diode
Just a few years old, quantum light-emitting diode (QLED) displays are the next generation of LCDs. Tiny nanoparticles called quantum dots are emended in the LCD, which dramatically improves color and brightness. OLEDs still have better contrast ratios over QLEDs, but QLED screens can be larger, last longer, and are not susceptible to burn-in. Plus, QLED TVs are more affordable than OLED TVs, ranging between LCDs and OLEDs in price.
Organic Light-Emitting Diode (OLED) Display
An organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display contains an organic compound that emits light in response to electricity. The organic compound, which can be small molecules or polymers, is situated between two electrodes, at least one transparent for viewing the fluorescent compound. Unlike LCDs, no backlighting is required since the compound itself is light-emitting, so OLEDs can display deeper blacks than LCD screens and generally display more excellent contrast ratios in ambient light. They can also be even thinner and lighter than LCDs because filter layers are not required.
LED TVs
Sony X900H 75 Inch TV: 4K Ultra HD Smart LED TV with HDR and Alexa Compatibility – 2020 Model with Home Theater Surround An LED TV is an LCD TV that’s backlit with light-emitting diodes (LEDs) instead of standard cold-cathode fluorescent lights (CCFLs) [source: Cnet.com), so it’s not all that much of a different type of television, but because it’s marketed as LED instead of LCD, we include it as a separate entry.
This TV technology has been around since 2007 but is still widely available and a trendy TV tech.
Why go with the LED backlighting? Because with this tech, the manufacturers can make the televisions thinner, and it’s more efficient than fluorescent lighting. While popular, they cost more than the regular LCD TVs, usually by a few hundred when all other specs are the same.
Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)
Liquid Crystal Display TVs are the most common TV type available today. First conceived in the 1960s LCD technology uses a unique state of matter called liquid crystals. In this state, molecules are fluid but retain a specific crystal structure such that they are all oriented the same way . For LCDs, each display pixel contains several precisely oriented liquid crystal molecules that are aligned between two electrodes and two polarizing filters. When the screen is inert, no light can pass through.
But when an electric field is applied, the liquid crystals rotate to a degree dependent on the voltage applied, which lets a corresponding amount of light pass through the screen at that pixel. So, can be viewed as an image. by applying different voltages to different pixels across the screen , Most LCD TVs today are backlit with LED lights and are sometimes just referred to as LED TVs.
Digital Light Processing (DLP)
Digital Light Processing (DLP) TVs were invented by Texas Instruments in the 1980s, using a completely novel technological approach. DLPs use an optical semiconductor chip with over 1 million mirrors that process digital signals by tilting to varying degrees, reflecting light in deferent directions to create an image. The resulting smooth viewing experience has advantages over the cathode-ray tube and plasma TVs, including longer lifespans, lighter weight, and 3D projection compatibility.
However, newer technologies that are thinner, quieter, have faster response rates, and use less energy have also caused the shutdown of DLP TV production as of 2012. Used and refurbished models are available, with costs comparable to similarly dated plasma TV models and television
Plasma Panels
In the 1990s plasma display panel TVs became the first flat-screen alternative to cathode-ray tube technology. Plasma displays are designed as a cellular grid with pixels that contain the plasma, an ionized gas that responds to electric fields. The plasma layer is flanked by electrodes, with glass panels front and rear. Plasma TVs use similar phosphor screens as cathode-ray tube TVs, making the color depth similar in both technologies. However, plasma screen technology has a considerably faster frame response over cathode-ray tubes, refreshing up to 600 times a second (600 Hz). Plasma TVs are also easily scalable — the first flat, extensive screen systems were all plasma displays
Direct TV
Direct View TVs are rebranding the classic century-long dominance of the cathode-ray tube TVs. Unfortunately, if you’re looking to buy a new direct-view TV, you’re probably out of luck. Most TV manufacturers have ceased production on these models in most countries in favor of newer technologies. However, don’t completely disregard the cathode-ray tube TV as an option to keep around. If you’re into gaming, especially older gaming, having a direct view TV may be necessary.
developed many classic video games specifically for the cathode-ray tube technology. Older games played on newer TVs can look torn or lag in ways that aren’t a problem with direct view TVs. Nintendo’s Zapper light gun used with Duck Hunt works by detecting the modulating electrons on the projected ducks to determine a hit or miss. These can be modified to work with other technologies but require extensive modifications.
Cathode-ray tube TV technology may feel outdated now, but in the future may be reclassified as vintage and enjoy a resurgence. And while you can’t get new direct-view TVs anymore, there are still plenty of used options around for super cheap.
