How does a TV panel work? We explain LED, OLED, and QLED technology.

1. LED Matrix – the standard choice for most users

LED (Light Emitting Diode) technology is currently the most common type of matrix in televisions. In fact, LED TVs are an evolution of older LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) screens, with the difference that they use LED diodes as a light source.

How does LED work?

• Backlighting: LED diodes are located behind or around the liquid crystal matrix (edge-lit LED). They emit light that passes through the layers of liquid crystals.
• Image creation: Liquid crystals control how much light passes through the pixels, allowing for the display of different colors and shades.
• Image quality: LED TVs are characterized by good brightness and relatively low energy consumption. However, their contrast and black depth leave something to be desired, especially compared to more advanced technologies.

Advantages of LED:

• Affordable price
• Good performance in bright rooms
• Wide availability on the market

Disadvantages of LED:

• Limited contrast
• Uneven backlighting in cheaper models

2. OLED Matrix – pure black and excellent contrast

OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) is a technology that is revolutionizing the television market. Unlike LED, OLED matrices do not require an external light source. Each pixel emits light independently, allowing for precise control of brightness and complete turning off of individual pixels.

How does OLED work?

• Organic diodes: Pixels in OLED matrices are made of organic compounds that emit light when an electric current flows through them.
• Perfect black: Thanks to the ability to completely turn off pixels, OLED TVs offer infinite contrast. Black is absolutely deep, significantly improving image quality.
• Flexibility: OLED matrices can be very thin and flexible, allowing for the creation of innovative designs, such as curved screens or rollable TVs.

Advantages of OLED:

• Infinite contrast
• Wide viewing angles
• Fast response time (ideal for gaming and sports)

Disadvantages of OLED:

• Higher price
• Risk of pixel burn-in (so-called burn-in)
• Somewhat lower brightness compared to LED and QLED

3. QLED Matrix – improved LED with better colors

QLED (Quantum Dot LED) is a technology developed by Samsung, which is an evolution of standard LED matrices. QLED uses so-called quantum dots – nanoparticles that improve color reproduction and increase brightness.

How does QLED work?

• LED backlighting: Similar to LED TVs, QLED uses LED diodes as a light source.
• Layer of quantum dots: A layer of quantum dots is placed between the backlight and the LCD matrix, which precisely modulates the light, enhancing image quality.
• Brightness and colors: Quantum dots allow for more saturated colors and higher brightness levels, making QLED TVs perform excellently in brightly lit rooms.

Advantages of QLED:

• Higher brightness compared to OLED
• Better color reproduction than standard LED
• No risk of pixel burn-in

Disadvantages of QLED:

• Limited contrast compared to OLED
• Black depth not as perfect as in OLED
• Higher price than standard LED

4. Which technology to choose?

The choice of matrix technology depends on individual needs:

• If you are looking for a TV at an affordable price with good parameters in bright rooms – LED will be suitable.
• For home cinema enthusiasts who value black depth and infinite contrast, the best choice is OLED.
• If you want a TV with high brightness and excellent colors, especially in sunny rooms – consider QLED.

Summary

Matrix technologies in televisions – LED, OLED, and QLED – have their unique features that affect image quality and usage. LED is a universal and budget option, OLED offers perfect contrast and depth, while QLED impresses with colors and brightness. It is worth carefully analyzing your needs to choose a device perfectly suited to your expectations.