What Is the Difference between LED Displays and LCD Monitors?

commercial grade monitors

LED and LCD monitors share a lot of the same scientific qualities. For instance, they each consist of liquid crystals that are used to emit light through a screen and present specially designed images to the human eye. But the way in which these different technologies execute this objective is where they differ from one another. Depending on their main applications, industrial computer monitors can feature either LEDs or LCDs. Keep reading to learn the differences between the two, so you can determine which one is suitable for your specific commercial or industrial applications.

Are LEDs and LCDs the Same Thing?

The relationship between LED and LCD monitors is a little bit complex. All LEDs are technically LCDs. LCDs aren’t the same as LEDs. However, both have similar technical properties even though they’re not entirely the same thing and can each be used for various applications.

Which One Is Better for Your Eyes?

Eyestrain is one of the most serious and pervasive health risks associated with and caused by ongoing computer and technical device usage. Whether you spend most of your time working at a desk, gaming, or mindlessly scrolling through social media, staring at a screen for endless hours can cause fatigue, blurred vision, headaches, watery or dry eyes, and a string of other physical symptoms.

Both LED and LCD monitors utilize liquid crystals to present images on a screen with the main difference being the type of backlighting that they use. LCD monitors feature fluorescent backlighting, whereas LED monitors use light emitting diodes. The latter has been proven to significantly reduce symptoms of eyestrain by providing a much wider viewing angle and more adjustability. This improves user comfort for long periods of time without causing image distortion.

Is LCD or LED Better for Gaming?

By far, LED monitors are a lot more suitable for gaming. Just avoid LED screens with edge lighting, as these are very monolithic and don’t allow for any adjustability whatsoever. You have to be sitting directly in front of the screen the entire time for optimal visibility, which can put a lot of strain on your neck shoulders, back, and eyes. Opt for a full-scale LED monitor that’s customizable and adjustable according to your sitting position, height, and optimal viewing angles instead. 

OLED vs. QLED Monitors

OLED, which stands for organic light-emitting diode, plays up the energy efficiency aspect of regular LEDs by allowing individual pixels to be shut off at any given time. OLEDs are also more space efficient than their LED predecessors as they can be made in a much thinner design and the pixels only use power when they’re in use.

QLED, which stands for quantum light-emitting diode, consists of quantum dots. These miniscule phosphor particles become illuminated when a backlight is shone directly on them, which enhances the brightness capabilities of a regular LED.

LCD and LED Backlighting

LCD and LED industrial and commercial monitors consist of liquid crystals and some form of backlighting. Fluorescent backlighting found in industrial LCD monitors consume a lot of energy and place a great deal of strain on the eyes.

Commercial LED displays, on the other hand, softer light-emitting diodes that reduce energy consumption even when they’re turned on for long periods of time and reduce the rate of eyestrain without compromising the video and image quality.

Nauticomp Inc. is a world-renowned designer and distributor of high-efficiency, low energy consumption, and durable LED and LCD displays that are capable of withstanding all kinds of weather conditions and applications. Contact us today to learn more about our products.