It seems like just yesterday the battle between LCD and plasma technology was in full swing. And not long before that, TV display manufacturers were still pumping out CRT TVs and wavering on the edge of diving into the newest display technologies. Well, LCDs and plasmas did indeed take over CRTs, with most of the big names in display technologies not producing this older technology any longer. And although a winner has yet to be declared, LCDs are out-selling plasmas even in the large screen market, traditionally dominated by the ailing PDP technology. So as the industry moves at its typically lightning-fast pace, what’s on the horizon for home theater enthusiasts, videophiles and families looking to make a little entertainment investment?

The latest display technology appears to be Light Emitting Diode, or LED TV technology. Although not yet a prolific force in the market, the big names like Sony and Samsung are investing heavily into this energy-efficient, crisp and clear display technology. It offers many benefits over LCD and plasma displays, such as increased life-span and reduced energy consumption. However, LEDs are still quite expensive and can be a tricky technology due to the more controlled heat and current management that they require. So what’s all the fuss about LEDs anyway?

Those who have been able to visually compare LEDs to their flat panel cousins, LCD and plasma, will tell you that there is a noticeable difference between the displays. And it isn’t necessarily the overall picture quality. LED screens tend to be clearer than others because of the fast switching that each LED is capable of. This means that any camera pan, whether in a high-action sequence or a panoramic mood shot, will appear crystal clear and have no motion blur. The screens themselves are able to be built much thinner than LCD or plasmas, which is another great selling point.

Some manufacturers have been able to produce a hybrid form of LED display by using it in combination with LCD technology. Samsung, for instance, came out with one of the first LED-backlit LCD TVs back in 2004 to resounding accolades from the display industry. The addition of LEDs as backlights means that the life of the display can be extended, motion blur can be reduced and colors can be enhanced. You can read all about the Samsung 40-inch LED-backlit LCD TV and its award-winning technology by visiting GizMag.com. Keep in mind that these TVs still use LCD technology as the main image production, and LEDs as backlight.

Another application of LED technology is in the innovative Organic Light Emitting Diode display technology. This is still in its infancy, with very little consumer products available. A single OLED display measuring just 11-inches across will set you back about $2,500 from Sony, and very few other manufacturers even have them for sale yet. Although this technology has its roadblocks, such as a quick deterioration, if it is developed more fully it might send LCD and plasma running to the hills. OLEDs require far less power than LEDs or LCD technology, and they do not need a backlight so the screen can be ultra-thin. The color from an OLED display will be much brighter and vivid than a similar LCD display, because each little diode is emitting light. This will also make any viewing angle a “sweet spot”.

Keep your eye on the growing research and development put into LED and OLED technology. This appears to be the direction that the industry is moving, and if you plan on upgrading your home theater in a few years, you might be just in time to test drive the latest displays.

Lauren is a contributing author for HD Envy’s blog. If you’ve considered redecorating or adding a touch of sophistication to your home theater, HD Envy’s custom TV frame options might be just what you’re looking for. The custom TV frame solutions at HD Envy can be designed by you to match your home theater. You can choose from any number of styles, materials and colors to produce the custom TV frame that’s right for you. And you can be confident that the experts at HD Envy will create a custom TV frame that is unique, easy to install and affordable for everyone. A custom TV frame from HD Envy is based on industry standards, so each custom TV frame will fit that LCD, plasma or even the OLED display you’ve got in your home.