What is a TV backlight?

black flat screen tv
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What is a TV backlight?

TV backlights are one of the most essential parts of television, providing the light that makes images on the screen visible. Without backlights, televisions would be much dimmer and harder to see.

There are different types of backlights available for televisions. The most common type is an LED backlight. These backlights use light-emitting diodes to produce light, and they are very energy efficient and provide good image quality. LCD backlights are another type of backlight available. These backlights use fluorescent tubes to produce light. They are not as energy efficient as LED backlights, but they also provide good image quality.

Alghoutg it sounds the exact same as the OG Amblone LED TV Backlights, it actually has nothing to do with it. I just found it funny they both had similar names when…. well you will see how I stumbled upon LED Backlights below…

What are the different types of TV backlights?

There are two main types of TV backlights- LED and OLED. LED backlights are the most common type of backlight used in TVs today. They’re made up of a series of small, light-emitting diodes that evenly illuminate the screen from behind. OLED (organic light-emitting diode) backlights are newer and provide better picture quality than LED backlights. They work by emitting their own light, which means they can be turned off completely when displaying black images or scenes. This results in genuinely infinite contrast ratios and pitch-black levels of darkness.

flat screen tv turned on
Nice bright colors… I am jealous

How do you choose the proper TV backlight for your television?

When choosing a TV backlight, there are a few things to remember. The first is the size of your television. A backlight that is too small will not provide enough light, while a backlight that is too large will be overwhelming. The second thing to consider is the brightness of the backlight. A bright backlight will make it easier to see the screen, but it can also be distracting. The third thing to consider is the color of the backlight. Some people prefer a white backlight, while others prefer a colored backlight. The fourth and final thing to consider is the price of the backlight. A more expensive backlight will usually be higher quality, but this is not always the case. With these factors in mind, you should be able to find the perfect TV backlight for your needs.

Can you DIY a TV backlight?

You can find TV backlights for sale online, but should you attempt to install one yourself? While it may seem like a simple enough task, there are a few things you need to keep in mind before taking on this project.

For starters, make sure you have the right tools for the job. A screwdriver and wire cutters should be all you need, but depending on your specific TV model, you may also need other tools. Consult your TV manual or do some research online to be sure.

Next, take some time to familiarize yourself with the backlight installation process before getting started. This will help ensure that you don’t make any mistakes during the installation. And finally, make sure you have a replacement backlight on hand in case something goes wrong during installation.

wall mounted tv

Honestly, if your tv breaks it has got to the point where it might be more cost-effective to buy a new tv rather than learn how to fix yours, buy the special tools, buy the replacement part, and then hope you have put it all in ( and back together) correctly.

I’m not saying don’t fix it, as I hate waste and the disposable world of electronics that we have built. But if you spend time doing it and then have a new tv anyway, it might save some frustration and money from getting a new tv.

Conclusion: which TV backlight is best for you?

When it comes to choosing a TV backlight, there are a few things to consider. 

First, what is your budget? 

Second, what is the size of your TV? 

Third, what is the level of ambient light in your home?

Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a TV backlight:

-Size: Make sure to measure your TV before purchasing a backlight, and you’ll want one that fits snugly against the back of your television.

-Budget: Various backlights are available at different price points, and consider how much you’re willing to spend before making a purchase.

-Lighting conditions: If you have a lot of natural light in your home, you might want to choose a brighter backlight.

Why did I write this article?

Although it might be odd to see this random post about backlights and TVs, it is because mine just broke. I have had my LG LED tv for seven years now. Yes, this 42-inch, non-smart TV has lasted this long. It hasn’t moved and has been great for my spare room. But it just wouldn’t turn on.

So I spent the better part of a day finding out how to fix it, finding some places that had Junkers with bits I might need, and then figuring out the all-in cost of time and money. I think the final cost was around $300. Not cheap, but this is a very loyal tv that has been great for me.

But then came the reality that even if I had the parts and took them to a place, the labor would add at least $150 without guaranteeing it worked. The special parts would be $50 to take it apart, and then it is on me to fix it and get it to run again. So I am looking at $350 on the low side, $450 on the high, and no guarantee it works. And even if it does work, there is no telling how long it lasts.

So that 42-inch TV selling for $199 is looking pretty good to me right now, but I thought I would share what I have been messing around with this week.