Questionable LED claim

[Lincoln6Echo]

In a few months, I'm thinking by May or June of 2010, I'm thinking of buying the LG-42LH90, a 42" 240 Hz LED 1080p TV to replace my then 3 year old 42" Sharp Aquos which has developed some ghostly backlight bands that are noticeable during certain color spaces in scenery and mostly when the camera pans horizontally.

Anyway, one of the reviews for this TV kind of struck me as total bullshit or at least highly questionable. The reviewer states that due to the high contrast levels that LED-backlit TVs have, in this case, 2,000,000:1, that it has damaged his eyesight. Yeah, that's what I thought. He claims because we're looking directly into the LED backlight that it's just as damaging as looking directly into LED flashlights, for example. And so I'm thinking, SURELY someone in the TV manufacturing world would have thought of this potential problem before putting such dangerous technology out on the market.

So has anyone else heard these concerns/complaints before, or what this guy just full of it?

[Blu-Dog]

Originally Posted by Lincoln6Echo

In a few months, I'm thinking by May or June of 2010, I'm thinking of buying the LG-42LH90, a 42" 240 Hz LED 1080p TV to replace my then 3 year old 42" Sharp Aquos which has developed some ghostly backlight bands that are noticeable during certain color spaces in scenery and mostly when the camera pans horizontally.

Anyway, one of the reviews for this TV kind of struck me as total bullshit or at least highly questionable. The reviewer states that due to the high contrast levels that LED-backlit TVs have, in this case, 2,000,000:1, that it has damaged his eyesight. Yeah, that's what I thought. He claims because we're looking directly into the LED backlight that it's just as damaging as looking directly into LED flashlights, for example. And so I'm thinking, SURELY someone in the TV manufacturing world would have thought of this potential problem before putting such dangerous technology out on the market.

So has anyone else heard these concerns/complaints before, or what this guy just full of it?

I've never heard of this, but it sounds like complete nonsense. Unlike a laser, which emits coherent light and can be extremely dangerous, LED's are simply diodes that emit light. It's a low-energy light bulb. Unless this guy was looking at a pure white screen 24 hours a day, I can't figure out where he's coming from with this claim.

[Rob J in WNY]

First off, real-world TV contrast ratios don't even come close to 2 million to 1 (there's no doubt the "reviewer" will use this "spec" to support his claim. Secondly, real-life contrast perception (the world seen through your own eyes) far exceeds TV contrast ratios.

I have never heard of anything like this, either. It sounds pretty bogus. The light produced even with a fully white screen is nary enough to illuminate the room it's in very well.

It did make me chuckle a bit, though.

[My_Two_Cents]

That statement is so filled with ignorance and stupididty that I don't even know where to start. Let's just say it's complete BS, and leave it at that. Also:

- Dynamic contrast ratios (e.g., 2MM:1) are also complete BS and mean absolutely nothing as far as the quality of the TV. ANSI CR is much more descriptive, but manufacturers don't list them because 1) the numbers are low, and 2) they are usually pretty bad for LCD. LED backlit sets, though, have better ANSI CR than edge lit.
- 240Hz is another marketing ploy designed to separate you from your money. 120Hz is more than enough to enjoy a decent image. Save some $$, and look at other options.

[The Dragon]

Originally Posted by Lincoln6Echo

... The reviewer states that due to the high contrast levels that LED-backlit TVs have, in this case, 2,000,000:1, that it has damaged his eyesight. Yeah, that's what I thought. He claims because we're looking directly into the LED backlight that it's just as damaging as looking directly into LED flashlights, for example...

Zatoichi, The Blind Swordsman

Originally Posted by Lincoln6Echo

... So has anyone else heard these concerns/complaints before, or what this guy just full of it?

[neos_peace]

Sounds like total Bull Crap to me. First off I know this as a fact. LED's can have a blinding affect, however it has to be a super bright contrast coming form a very high powered devise. The ploce departments in some states are experimenitng with a LED gun's that push out a light that is suppose to slow down and stop peopel drivbing cars like in chases, HOWEVER they stated that it is in no way able to blind them, it is only a light so bright that it affects your veiwing once the light is directed away form the light your fine again, you might have a residual affect, like having the spots after a flash photgraphy but thats it.

this guyz claim's are bogus simply put.

[curse]

think the guy has LED confused with laser diodes. Sounds like a toolbag.

[Sharpie]

LED Incapacitator.jpg

led_incapacitator_xsection.jpg


I read an article about this some time ago and it is called an LED Incapacitator and is used by DHS. The article said that it would make you throw up if i was aimed at you from a certain distance. Read the article here(..bottom of page).