Understanding the difference between Edge-Lit, Direct-Lit and Full-Array LED TVs.
A crime drama is playing on television. It happens to be a dark hallway and all of a sudden, it’s all grey. The face of the actor is barely visible, and the light from a nearby window seems to be very bright.
Now think about viewing that same shot on another TV. The shadows are darker, the actor’s face is more pronounced, and the bright window doesn’t distract from the overall image.
What’s making the difference?
Possibly the technology used in the backlighting of the TV.
Most people in India look for the qualities of screen size, 4K resolution, smart features and price when purchasing a new television. The type of LED backlight might also have an impact on image performance, however especially when viewing films with dark scenes or content with high contrast.
Knowing the difference between edge-lit, direct-lit and full-array LED TVs can help you make a better choice. And, with Haier India’s LED, QLED and Mini LED lineup of TVs, there are a number of display technologies to explore.
LED Backlighting in TVs – What is It?
An LED TV is typically made up of a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel with light-emitting diodes (LEDs) underneath.
A conventional LED TVs must have a light source behind or around the LCD panel while OLED televisions do not need an additional light source because each pixel emits its own light.
The light source is referred to as the backlight.
The LCD regulates the amount of light that passes through various portions of the image, and the backlight is used to illuminate the images so they can be viewed.
There are three common ways to set up backlighting:
- Edge-Lit LED: LEDs that are attached to the edges of the display.
- Direct-Lit LED: LED lights mounted behind the LCD.
- Full Array LED: LEDs are placed on the back of the screen, usually in a matrix of local dimming zones that allow for more accurate brightness control.
The arrangement is important because it affects the evenness of the light on the screen and the performance of the TV in bright and dark spots.
What is Edge Lit LED Technology?
Suppose you put a line of light along the rim of a window glass and diffused the light throughout the window glass.
Edge-lit technology is similar in working.
Often, manufacturers will put the LEDs along certain edges of the screen rather than behind the whole screen. They are lighted by a light-guide plate which spreads the illumination over the display.
Why are Edge-Lit TVs Attractive?
There are a number of practical benefits to edge-lit technology.
- Thinner TV designs: The lighting setup can help with the slim design of televisions.
- Slim displays: Slims can be used in wall-mounted entertainment systems.
- Lower manufacturing costs if implemented (potentially): Edge-lit designs may require fewer LEDs than they do in other designs.
- For news, serials and everyday entertainment, a well-designed edge-lit TV will do the job.
But the technology has its limitations.
Light is travelling from the edges to the centre so sometimes the light may look non-uniform. Bright spots can be visible on some displays around the edges, especially in dark scenes.
The same applies to the convincing black levels when the backlight is not able to regulate different picture areas.
Not all edge lit TVs are bad. Even panel quality, light-guide design and image processing remain important.
So what is a Direct-Lit LED TV?
Direct-lit technology is different.
It doesn’t install LEDs on the sides of the LCD, it installs LEDs behind the LCD panel. Light is diffused in layers to light up the screen in a forward direction.
This setup may be able to produce more even lighting, but will depend on how many LEDs are used, where they are placed, and on the optical design of the TV.
Why does it make sense to have direct-lit TVs in Indian homes?
Think of the typical Indian household and the use of televisions in it.
In the afternoon, a person could be watching cricket with the curtains opened. Later the family comes together for a movie. The TV in a dimly lit bedroom is playing a web show.
Direct lit TVs can provide a viable compromise between performance and cost.
Its advantages include:
- Replacing the backlighting throughout the back of the display.Replacements of backlighting throughout the back of the display.
- Consistent illumination of larger screen areas potentially.
- Practical performance for normal television programmes.
- Availability through various television groups and prices.
An important difference should be noted.
Direct-lit doesn’t equal local dimming.
A backlight is a type of illumination that is found in some direct-lit televisions, and works mostly as a single piece. As a result, they can’t dim the screen in small patches.
That’s why two televisions that are both DLED can have vastly different picture quality.
What is the difference between Full-Array LED and Direct-Lit LED?
That brings us to the errors of terms that are common in television.
Direct-lit TVs and full-array TVs have LEDs behind the LCD panel.
The difference lies mostly in the complexity of the lighting and its control.
Full-array televisions usually employ a matrix of LED zones behind the screen, which permit individual groups of LEDs to be turned on or off.
This capability is known as full-array local dimming (FALD).
Why should one care about local dimming?
Imagine a situation at night with a lighted street lamp and a dark sky.
The sky looks greyish when the streetlamp is backlit by a conventional backlight, which may cover a large part of the screen.
Effective full-array local dimming means the TV can use the local dimming as a means of turning up the brightness of the area where the lamp is located, while turning down the brightness of darker spaces.
The outcome may be:
- Blacks are richer and darker, particularly in dark scenes.
- Improved separation between highlights and shadows.
- Improved perceived contrast.
- When backed by adequate brightness and processing, more convincing HDR performance.
However, local dimming is not without its drawbacks.
If there is a bright object on a dark background, there can be a faint glow around it. This phenomenon is called blooming and is dependent on the number of dimming zones and the accuracy of the TV operation of these zones.
The more zones, the more precise, but the number of zones does not equal picture quality.
What is Better: Edge-Lit, Direct-Lit, or Full-Array LED
It’s easier to understand these differences when you think about how each technology performs when actually used during viewing.
| Feature | Edge-Lit LED | Direct-Lit LED | Full Array LED with Local Dimming technology |
| LED placement | Along screen edges | Behind the LCD | Across the rear |
| Screen uniformity | Varies by design | Can be more consistent | Requires control over an array and a zone |
| Black levels | Often limited | Depends on backlight control | Provides a good degree of dimming control (usually better) |
| TV thickness | Can be slimmer | May require more depth | Varies by construction |
| HDR potential | Model-dependent | Model-dependent | May be more powerful with adequate light |
| Best suited for | General viewing and slim designs. | Everyday family entertainment | Films and focus-based watching |
The best LED placement depends upon the specific design.
In some situations, a skilfully designed direct-lit TV can outperform a poorly designed full-array TV.
The obvious solution is to consider the whole display, not just the backlight indicator.
What about QLED and Mini LED TVs?
When it comes to LED backlighting, two terms are often used, QLED and Mini LED.
They are alike, but they refer to different aspects of the technology of television.
Is the QLED type of the Backlight?
Not exactly.
The nano crystal is employed to enhance colour reproduction in QLED televisions. They still use a backlight to light the LCD screen.
Therefore, a direct-lit or another compatible LED backlighting can be used in a QLED television.
So, what is the difference between Mini LED and OLED?
The mini LED technology puts in significantly smaller amounts of LEDs than the traditional LED back light technology.
They are small in size, which means that in appropriate designs, the manufacturers can place a greater number of LEDs behind the screen and, in ideal designs, a smaller number of zones for local dimming.
This can enhance brightness control and contrast.
But Mini LED is not synonymous with an LCD TV with individual dimming zones. It is important for buyers to look into the individual model’s specification.
How Does Haier India Make Two Display Technologies a Part of Your Home?
Haier India has a range of televisions to suit the varying requirements of viewers, ranging from small smart TVs to QLED and Mini LED televisions.
Two TVs demonstrate the effects of display technology on the purchase decision.
1. Haier QLED 109 cm (43) 4K TV: For Richer Colours & 4K Viewing
For families that love 4K movies, streaming videos and colourful images, the Haier S80G QLED 109 cm (43) Google TV (H43S80GUX) presents another option.
It integrates 4K UHD resolution and QLED display technology with a D-LED panel.
Highlights include:
- 3840 × 2160 resolution.
- HDR10 and HLG support.
- Google TV and Google Assistant.
- Dolby Audio with stereo speakers.
- MEMC technology.
- Built-in Chromecast.
- Support for Variable Refresh Rate (VRR).
- 2GB RAM and 32GB ROM.
- Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity.
- HDMI 2.1 eARC support.
The QLED colour technology and 4K resolution make this model attractive for those who desire more detail, vibrant colours and an immersive entertainment experience. Features such as MEMC and VRR also enhance motion smoothness for compatible content and gaming.
Most importantly, QLED refers to the display technology that enhances colour reproduction, while D-LED refers to the backlight technology used in the TV.
2. Haier M70 Series 109 cm (43), Mini LED Google TV: For More Advanced Picture Processing
If you’re more of a detail-oriented type, the Haier M70 Series 109 cm (43) Mini LED Google TV (43M70UHMINI LED) should be considered.
This TV features Mini LED display technology, AI picture processing and HDR functions.
It has some outstanding characteristics:
- 4K UHD resolution.
- The mini LED display technology.
- Micro Dimming technology.
- AI Picture Quality optimization.
- Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos.
- MEMC for seamless movement.
- Google TV with Gemini.
- 30W audio output.
- Hands-free voice control.
According to Haier, Micro Dimming technology is a method of optimising brightness in various regions of the screen, thereby enhancing the contrast and picture detail.
The published specifications also list local dimming as “No”. Buyers should not expect this particular model to have independently dimmable full-array local zones.
Nevertheless, with its Mini LED technology, Dolby Vision, and Artificial Intelligence picture processing, it is a worthy consideration for an upgrade over an old LED television set.
What type of LED Backlight do you need?
Consider what it is that you really watch before committing to a decision.
A traditional direct-lit TV might be good enough for daily news, TV serials, and the occasional viewing.
If you’re viewing in colour and want 4K then consider a QLED TV.
For dark-scene and HDR contrast, seek out a TV with robust image processing, brightness controls and local dimming.
Here are a couple of checks that can aid:
- View a black scene from a dark movie to investigate black levels.
- Show a bright scene to determine screen uniformity.
- See if local dimming is truly supported.
- Don’t just look at the HDR logo, compare HDR performance instead.
- Take into account the light levels and distance of vision in your room.
Also keep in mind that a larger TV that has poor contrast does not necessarily equal a better TV than a smaller one with better picture technology.
Enjoy the best of the Picture for Your Home Series by Haier India
The specifics of edge-lit, direct-lit, and full-array LED televisions are not only about the positioning of the lights. It’s about the ability of the TV to present the scenes you love to watch.
Directing to the different resolutions, colour technology, smart features and picture processing, Haier India’s S80 QLED, and M70 Mini LED televisions provide different options.
Visit the Haier India official website and learn about the various television models, and then select the one that fits your home, entertainment taste and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is direct-lit LED better than edge-lit LED?
Direct-lit technology can offer more uniform illumination because LEDs sit behind the display. However, overall picture quality depends on the panel, backlight design, and processing.
2. Is a full-array LED better for watching movies?
Full-array LED televisions with effective local dimming can offer deeper blacks and better contrast, making them particularly suitable for films with dark scenes.
3. Does a QLED TV use LED backlighting?
Yes. Conventional QLED televisions use LED backlighting alongside quantum-dot technology to improve colour reproduction.
4. Is Mini LED better than regular LED?
Mini LED technology can support more precise lighting control, but actual improvements depend on the television’s implementation, including whether it supports local dimming.
5. Which Haier TV should I consider for 4K entertainment?
The Haier S80 QLED 109 cm (43) Google TV and Haier M70 Series 109 cm (43) Mini LED Google TV both offer 4K UHD resolution. The M70 adds features such as Dolby Vision, AI Picture Quality, and Mini LED technology.