If it’s been a while since you bought a TV, you might be feeling a bit overwhelmed. Technology, screen size, resolution, brand, and price are just a few of the many factors to consider.

In this post, we’ll offer some advice for consumers who are trying to decide between an LED or LCD TV.

LED has gained market share lately

A recent study of 461 consumers found that the majority of people (60%) today choose LED (light-emitting diode) systems over any other type of display.

Why? Well, there are a number of factors to consider. Here are some thoughts:

• LED is an extension of LCD technology: According to DigitalTrends.com, “an LED TV is just a different type of LCD TV. The correct name would actually be ‘LED-backlit LCD TV’.”
• Better Picture Clarity – Without getting into a highly scientific explanation, LED TVs can deliver a sharper picture than non-LED LCD panels. This has to do with the backlighting of the LED panels. By using “local dimming”, LED displays can provide a dramatically improved viewing experience.
• Availability: If you walk into your local Best Buy or Walmart, you’re likely to see an overwhelming selection of LED TVs. Since they hit the market, LED TVs have been extremely popular (as evidenced by our recent study findings). The more popular an item is, the more available it also becomes, compounding the success of an item. On Amazon alone, there are over 1,400 1080p LED TVs. Talk about lots of options!
• Thinner screen: Given advances in backlight technology, LED systems require much less depth to provide an incredible viewing experience. As such, LED TVs are known for their super-thin screens.
• Price: The price of upgrading from a traditional LCD panel to an LED screen is not prohibitive for most consumers. In fact, if you look at enough bargain sites, chances are you’ll be getting an LED HDTV at a rock-bottom price.

How to find the best deals on LCD and LED TVs

When asked to identify the best process for finding a great price on HDTVs, our recent survey participants offered some interesting advice, including:

• Check Amazon, Google.com and other online retailers: Most consumers (54%) had an initial impulse to check prices on the various search engines and online retail sites, including Amazon.com.
• Consider going to your local electronics stores: A sizeable group (28%) feel that going to a local electronics store is effective in identifying the best product at the best price.
• Use an online price comparison website: 17% of respondents enjoy online price comparison websites. These websites help consumers compare prices between many different retailers with just a few clicks.

Are you ready to join the 60% of consumers who prefer LED technology? Or maybe you are thinking of bidding on an LCD panel? Before you buy anything, check out our free buyer’s guide to buying TVs.