Blowout Prices on LED TVs

As LED becomes more and more mainstream, the question ought to be asked: is an LED TV worth the extra cash? To some, absolutely not. Only price matters. To others, price takes a back seat to the overall viewing experience, and from initial reviews by buyers and critics, the viewing experience is worth every dime.

So what is it about LED TVs that are better?

One of the strong criticisms of LCD TVs has always been the color and contrast. While LCD TVs control a competitive edge over plasma TVs in a lot of areas, the overall black levels of the traditional LCD TV cannot compete. To enhance the experience, manufactures began developing LED LCD TVs that offer a pair of lighting techniques that sharpen up color and contrast levels.

The first, standard edge-lit LED TVs, offer a slightly better lighting technique than a traditional LCD TV in that more powerful, more efficient lights located on the edge of the TV shine inward and diffuse evenly on the screen.

The second, full-matrix LEDs, utilize a technology better known as local dimming that disperse LED light from the back of the TV, instead of the sides, giving it a very even distribution of light. Essentially, the full-matrix technology is able to achieve unmatched color levels and contrast.

The beauty of the LED technology is not just the improved picture quality; LED TVs are more efficient and slimmer than just about any TV on the market. In fact, Samsung’s LED TVs use as much as 40% less power than any equivalent-sized traditionally-lit LCD TV.

Essentially, the best TVs on the market are LED TVs. So, where are the best places to buy the highest-rated LED TVs at the lowest prices?

Highly regarded as one of the best TVs in the last year, the Samsung UN55B8000 55-Inch 1080p 240 Hz LED HDTV has dropped significantly in price as Samsung has already launched many of the enhanced, upgraded C5000, C6000, C7000, and C8000 series models (the C7000 and C8000 are the new 3D LED TVs). Priced as low as $1,823.99, this local dimming model is almost $2,000 less than the suggested retail price, and has moved up to the #1 bestselling LED TV on Amazon.

If 3D LED is the direction you want to go, the Samsung UN55C7000 55-Inch 1080p 240 Hz 3D LED HDTV (Black) has dropped from $3,299.99 to $2,669.00 (more than $600 off a 2010 TV). As mentioned in other Tainted Green reviews, the Samsung 3D LED TVs includes a 2D to 3D converter that instantly changes regular TV into 3D TV. Few large retailers can even get close to this price.

Finally, if value is what you want and you don’t mind a non-Samsung LED TV, Sharp offers the Sharp AQUOS LC40LE700UN 40-Inch 1080p 120 Hz LED HDTV for under $900. The price is right and so far, the reviews have been very positive.

The time is now, when models are changing and prices are dropping, to buy an energy efficient, slimmed down LED TV.

LG First Offer 3D LED TV

Global electronics manufacturer LG is set to offer a first in the burgeoning market of 3D TVs: it will have the first sets with LCD backlighting.

The LX9500 will be the company’s first entry into the 3D market, which has currently become filled by Samsung and Panasonic The LX9500 will be available in both a 47-inch and a 55-inch model.

The 1080p sets will have Skype’s TV platform, USB support, HDMI connections, and support for LG’s USB-powered 3D glasses. It is also decorated with a full backlit display, the first 3D set to do so.

According to the blog Ubergizmo, which translated LG’s Korean press release, the set is planned to be released in Korea next month at around the equivalent of a little over $4,000.

The LX9500 will then make its way to the US and Europe by May.

Early adopters in the 3D TV market have proven that there is significant demand. Panasonic’s first set of 3D TVs sold out across the country within just a week, and Samsung’s sets are also selling through at higher rates than analysts were expecting.

Start Developing Snap-in LED Light

It is said from LED lighting company Bridgelux that out with the Edison screw-in bulb and in with the snap-in lighting module.

The Livermore, Calif.-based start-up said Wednesday it has designed a lighting module called Helieon that combines Bridgelux’s LED lights and a snap-in interconnect system made by Molex, which is based in Lisle, Ill.

The interconnect system will make it easy to install LEDs and upgrade them when more efficient or brighter lights come out, the companies said.

The Helion system, which will be available in May for $20, is aimed at lighting manufacturers that build actual lighting fixtures. The Helion will be available with a light output between 500 and 1,500 lumens, the equivalent of between 40 watts and about 100 watts for incandescent bulbs but will use significantly less electricity.

Bridgelux says that the packaging and efficiency of its lighting system is a step toward making LED lighting more cost-effective when compared with other forms of lighting. “Solid state lighting is poised to displace conventional incandescent, fluorescent and other technologies in many high-volume general lighting applications,” Bridgelux CEO Bill Watkins, who joined the company earlier this year, said in a statement .

Bridgelux has signed on some lighting fixture manufacturers to use Helieon, including architectural lighting company Focal Point. But as it goes after the general lighting market, it faces competition from a number of LED start-ups and established lighting companies.