Mini LED vs. Standard LED
Mini LEDs work similarly to the LEDs used in LED TVs, QLED TVs, and most PC monitors but are much smaller. The standard-size LEDs used in LCD TVs and PC monitors are about 1,000 microns (0.04 inches) in size. Mini LEDs measure about 200 microns (0.02 inches). The Mini LEDs’ smaller size means several thousand can be placed on a backlight panel (depending on the TV’s screen size) instead of tens or hundreds of standard-sized LEDs. However, like standard-size LEDs, Mini LEDs don’t contain image content. Mini LEDs send light through LCD chips (pixels) containing the image information. Color is added after the light passes through LCD chips to a layer of red, green, and blue filters before reaching the screen surface. At the manufacturer’s discretion, LEDs or Mini LEDs can be brightened or dimmed (a process called local dimming) in small groups (dimming zones) in synchronization with the image information.
How Local Dimming and Dimming Zones Work
Local dimming determines how even black-and-white levels display across the screen surface when using LEDs as the light source. If LEDs always remain on and not dimmed, black levels are more like a dark gray. The result is a narrow contrast and color range. However, if the LEDs are brightened and dimmed according to the light and dark properties of the image content, objects that are supposed to be dark will look darker. Areas that are supposed to be white will look whiter. This also helps extend the color range. The precision at which this can be accomplished results from grouping one or more LEDs into a zone. When more zones can be dimmed independently at any given time, images with multiple objects displayed in different parts of the screen can be made brighter or darker as needed.
The Importance of Mini LED
Mini LEDs are important to TV viewers because they add precision to the local dimming process. Other tech advancements, such as 4K and HDR, 8K, and expanded color gamut, create more controllable dimming zones. These factors allow Mini LEDs to make images look even more realistic with light and shade across all objects. Since light and shade also affect color, Mini LEDs provide more accurate color intensity in both light and dark areas of an image.
Mini LED vs. Micro LED
While Mini LEDs are extremely tiny (approaching microscopic size), Micro LED is an even smaller LED solution. Micro LEDs are much smaller than Mini LEDs (100 microns/.004 inches or less) and serve an expanded role. When used for TV or other video display applications, Micro LEDs are more than microscopic-sized light bulbs. Each Micro LED produces the light, displays the image, and adds color without the need for LCD chips, additional color filters, or layers. A Micro LED pixel is made up of red, green, and blue subpixels. Micro LEDs can be brightened or dimmed individually or in groups and can be turned on or off rapidly. Micro LEDs closely match the performance of the OLED technology used in select TVs marketed by LG, Sony, Panasonic, and more. Micro LEDs are more expensive to make than LEDs or Mini LEDs. As a result, Micro LEDs are currently applied in high-end applications, such as self-illuminating home video walls, cinema screens in select theaters, and digital signage.
The Bottom Line
Mini LED is seen as an improvement over the standard LEDs used in TVs and PC monitors. It’s a more affordable performance solution than TVs and monitors with Micro LED or OLED technology. Several TV makers offer TVs with Mini LED backlighting, including TCL, Acer, and Asus.
