Is the “Full-Array” label on a Direct-Lit TV justified?

You would have noticed TVs labeled “full-array” having a huge variation in prices.

Some cost two or even three times more than others with the same label.

So, why such a big difference if they’re claiming to use the same tech?

Let’s break it down.

Full-Array: The truth behind the label

In this article, we’re going to dive into the different types of TVs that are all tagged as “full array”.

We’ll also see how they stack up against other technologies like edge-lit and OLED.

By the end, you’ll have a clearer idea of what each one offers, so you can pick the right TV for your needs.

Alright, let’s kick things off with the first so-called full-array TV.

Direct-Lit TVs

You might come across some TVs labeled as “full-array” that are actually cheaper than many edge-lit TVs.

Normally, you’d expect full array TVs to cost more than edge-lit models and that’s usually true.

But in this case, those so-called full-array TVs don’t have local dimming at all.

Yes, they do have LEDs spread out across the entire back panel, but they can’t control brightness in specific zones.

So, even though the layout is technically full-array, without local dimming, they function more like basic direct-lit TVs.

Some brands use the “full-array” label as a bit of a marketing trick, tagging even their lower-end models that just happen to have LEDs across the back.

That way, they can make them sound like their premium full array local dimming (FALD) models, which also carry the same label — even though the performance difference is pretty significant.

Yes, these TVs do have some advantages, like decent picture uniformity at a lower price but their contrast usually isn’t good.

Edge-lit TVs, even though they only have LEDs around the edges, can still use really efficient light guides.

So, while they might have a few issues with uniformity, they often deliver much better contrast, which matters a lot more for picture quality.

Plus, edge-lit TVs usually look sleeker and more modern compared to the full-array TVs, which have LEDs spread out across the whole back panel.

Also, just because a TV is labeled full-array doesn’t mean it’s densely packed with LEDs.

Sometimes, they may just place a few dozens of them across the back.

On the other hand, edge-lit models might have more LEDs packed tightly around the edges, which can actually lead to better control over lighting.

That’s why you’ll often see edge-lit TVs priced higher than some of those so-called full-array ones.

FALD TVs

FALD stands for “Full-Array Local Dimming”, and these are the real deal when it comes to the label of “full-array” TVs.

They’ve got a number of LEDs spread out evenly across the entire back of the screen, not just around the edges.

These LEDs are grouped into clusters called “dimming zones”.

Each zone lights up a small part of the screen and can dim or brighten on its own.

So, when a certain part of the screen needs to be dark, only the LEDs in that area dim while the rest stay bright.

This makes the contrast between dark and bright areas way more noticeable, which is why FALD TVs offer much better contrast and black levels than regular LCD TVs.

Types of backlights used in FALD TVs

Not all full-array TVs are created equal.

TVs from different brands can perform differently depending on their audio and video processing and many other features.

Still, the biggest benefit of full-array local dimming is the improved contrast.

However, even among full array TVs, the contrast can vary quite a lot from one model to another, which mainly depends upon the type of backlighting being used.

Most brands use one of these two types of backlights in their full-array TVs.

Normal LED backlight

These are basic full-array TVs that use standard-sized LEDs for backlighting.

They typically have hundreds of LEDs, which are grouped into a few dozen local dimming zones.

As a result, their contrast performance is generally superior to most edge-lit TVs, but still significantly behind OLEDs.

That said, they are typically priced similar to the best edge-lit models, though are still much affordable than OLEDs.

Mini-LED backlight

These are high-end full-array TVs that use mini-LEDs for backlighting.

Unlike standard LEDs, mini-LEDs are much smaller, so thousands of them can be packed in the same space, allowing for the creation of several hundred local dimming zones.

This significantly enhances contrast compared to full-array TVs with regular LEDs.

These TVs can deliver very deep blacks and come close to OLEDs in contrast.

Moreover, they come with high brightness levels and mostly use some other cutting edge features too, like quantum dot technology to achieve a wide color gamut.

As a result, they are priced at a premium, comparable to top-tier OLEDs, which they directly compete with in terms of the overall picture quality and HDR performance.

Which Full-Array TV should I buy?

First, consider your budget.

If a full-array labeled TV is priced lower than a typical edge-lit TV, then be careful.

It’s likely just a direct-lit model with a few dozens of LEDs spread across the backlight.

If you’re on a tighter budget, a slimmer edge-lit TV with good contrast should be a better choice.

For true FALD (full-array local dimming) TVs, pay attention to the LCD panel type, whether it’s IPS or VA, along with the number of dimming zones.

Generally, a VA panel with a good number of dimming zones outperforms standard edge-lit and direct-lit TVs.

Keep in mind, mini-LED TVs are FALD by default, but not all FALD TVs are mini-LED. Mini-LED models outperform both regular FALD and edge-lit TVs but tend to be premium and expensive.

That all being said, if you want one of the best LCD TVs, aim for a FALD model with mini-LED backlighting, though the type of LCD panel used will still impact performance.