Flat screen televisions have not taken too long to be the accepted as normal in many of our houses. The battle has gone on for several years between LCD and plasma televisions, with LCD coming out on top due to their longer life span and more affordable prices. However, the days of the LCD may well be numbered, with the latest generation being released through the new LED television.

It is not at all surprising that this change is driven by the major players in the electronics, and most certainly monitor and TV screen industry. However, a quick look at the new technology demonstrates that they are certainly a step forward; rather than simply be a way to get the consumer to part with more cash.

To appreciate this however, it is necessary to understand where LED television technology differs from what has gone before. In the most basic of levels, LED technology is simply a progression from LCD; it uses the self same screens for a start; and works in much the same the way. The difference lies in how light is sent to the screen; with LEDs, this is done through backlighting or side lighting.

LED television technology, (light emitting diode), also allows for these lights to be controlled completely independently of each other. This allows for a greater spectrum of colors to be seen, whilst blacks are the blackest and purest yet seen by an artificial image production. And it is here that a television is really measured by the industry, (and increasingly the consumer following clever marketing in certain quarters).

This is all fantastic of course, but what are the downsides to LED television technology? Increased power? Short Lifespan? Surprisingly, the opposite of each of these is true. The technology use less energy and, just as importantly uses this energy well with minimal wastage, which in itself drives up how long the TV itself will last for. Indeed, estimates suggest they could go on indefinitely if looked after well.

The depth of the TVs is also thinner than what is presently available. Amazing as this may sound, it is quite true. The depth of LCD and plasmas are presently given in inches, an LED television will be measured in millimetres; with somewhere around 9 or 10 being the standard, though screens of just 6mm are available now.

There is of course a catch when looking to buy yourself a shiny new LED television. And that is of course the initial price. Even the smaller sized screens command prices in the five, six and seven hundred dollar region. For this price, you could buy a forty six inch regular LCD TV in some areas. You will not be able to buy an LED television equivalent of this size for much less than two thousand five hundred dollars.

In summary then LED TVs are just a natural progression from LCDs. It gives us better pictures, less operating costs and space saving abilities. The prices are really the only issue presently.

But these prices will fall as demand picks up and we really recognize the benefits of LED television technology, (and as newer technologies come on line of course!)