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What Is an Edge-Lit LED TV?

Edge-lit describes an LCD TV’s LED backlight placement. Learn what that means and how it compares with direct-lit, full-array, and OLED screens.
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An edge-lit LED TV is an LCD television with LEDs positioned along the edge of the screen to provide its backlight. The LCD panel forms the picture; “LED” describes how that panel is illuminated, not a screen made of LED picture pixels.

What does edge-lit mean on a TV?

In an edge-lit design, LEDs sit around the display’s edge and direct light toward the center. That light passes through the LCD layers to create the image. LG’s screen technology explainer distinguishes LED-backlit LCD televisions from OLED, whose pixels produce their own light and do not need an LCD backlight.

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Putting the light sources at the edges can make a TV slimmer. It does not, on its own, establish how good the picture will look: results and features vary by model.

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How does edge-lit compare with other TV types?

Type Where the light comes from What that means
Edge-lit LED/LCD LEDs along the display’s edge Can allow a slimmer design. If dimming is available, it generally controls larger screen sections than full-array local dimming.
Direct-lit LED/LCD LEDs behind the display Backlighting is behind the panel, but do not assume the TV has local dimming; check the individual model’s specifications.
Full-array LED/LCD LEDs distributed behind the screen in zones Local dimming can adjust light in more targeted areas, helping dark regions appear darker alongside bright regions.
OLED Each pixel emits its own light There is no LCD backlight; pixels can turn off to display black.

These are general design distinctions, not a guarantee of a particular TV’s performance. LG’s comparison of edge-lit, direct-lit, and full-array TVs describes the relative lighting arrangements and dimming trade-offs; check the specifications of the exact model you are considering.

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Is edge-lit better than full-array?

Neither label settles which TV is better for you. Edge lighting can support a slimmer set, while full-array backlighting with local dimming can control light more precisely across the screen and improve black levels in dark scenes. Local dimming is a separate feature, not something to assume from “edge-lit” or “LED” alone.

When comparing TVs, look up the manufacturer’s specifications for backlight type and local dimming rather than relying only on the broad “LED TV” label. Sony Support also lists edge-lit, direct-lit, full-array local dimming, and OLED as distinct backlighting categories in its backlighting systems overview, last modified March 3, 2021.

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New Remote Control VR15-0980-0306-0302 Fit for VIZIO LCD LED TV
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New Remote Control VR15 for VIZIO Class Edge Lit Razor LED LCD HDTV; Do not need any program, only put into new battery can work well.
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INSIGNIA 32' Class F40 Series 1080P Full HD Direct LED Smart Fire TV, Voice Remote with Alexa, Free & Live TV
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New XRT010 Remote Control fit for Vizio Edge LIT Razor LED LCD HDTV E191VA
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New XRT010 Remote Control compatible with Vizio EDGE LIT RAZOR LED LCD HDTV.; We sold is replacement infrared remote control, only put into new battery will work.
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Best Value
New XRT010 Remote Control fit for Vizio Edge LIT Razor LED LCD HDTV E191VA
  • New XRT010 Remote Control compatible with Vizio EDGE LIT RAZOR LED LCD HDTV.
  • We sold is replacement infrared remote control, only put into new battery will work.
  • The Replacement Remote Control Can Operate Below Knowing Models: E191VA E221VA E261VA E240AR E320AR E420AR E500AR E321VT E390VL D43-C1 E241-A1 E291-A1 E320-A0 E370-A0 E370VLE E390-A1 E390-B0 E390-B1 E390-C0 E400-B2 E420-A0 E420-B1 E461-A1 E470-A0 E480-B2 D48N-E0 D39H-C0 E471VLE E420VSE D24HN-D1 D28HN-D1 D32hn-D0 D32HN-E0 D39HN-D0 D39HN-E0 E390-B1E E471VLE-B E420VSE-NA
  • Please note: if not work, please change BRAND NEW ALKALINE BATTERY instead of rechargeable battery to try, and make nothing is blocking the front of your device.
  • If your tv model number is not listed on our model list, please email to us before you order it, we will help you find the right remote control.
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New Remote Control VR15-0980-0306-0302 Fit for VIZIO LCD LED TV
  • New Remote Control VR15 for VIZIO Class Edge Lit Razor LED LCD HDTV
  • WORKS WITH Vizio Class Edge Lit Razor LED LCD HDTV SIZES FROM 19" ~ 47" Compatible with: E421VL E551VL E420VL E470VL E550VL E470VLE E421VO; E420VO E370VL E321VL E371VL E320VP E320VL E320VL E420VL E370VL E420VO E320VL-MX E320VP E421VL E371VL E321VL E421VO E470VLE
  • Do not need any program, only put into new battery can work well.
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  • Note: if the remote you received can not work with your TV, please contact us, we will reply to you! Thank you!

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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