Televisions, especially LCD and LED models, rely on backlighting to display vibrant, clear images. One of the most important components of this system is the backlight strip. In this article, we’ll explain what TV backlight strips are, how they work, why they sometimes fail, how to choose good ones, and where you can get reliable quality—like from StarSharp.
A tv backlight strip (or LED backlight strip) is a row of LEDs mounted on a bar or strip that is part of the TV’s internal lighting system. These strips sit behind (or sometimes at the edge of) the LCD panel, shining light through diffusers, optical films, and the liquid crystal layer so the image can be bright and visible.
There are two main layouts:
Direct/Full-array backlight: LED strips are placed directly behind the whole LCD panel. This offers more even brightness and allows for local dimming zones (parts of the screen can darken independently).
Edge-lit backlight: LEDs are placed along the edges of the screen; light is guided through light guides to spread across the panel. This design is thinner and lighter but may have less uniformity in brightness or less strong contrast in dark scenes.
Light source: LEDs on the strip emit light, usually white (though sometimes RGB or tunable white).
Diffusion and optics: A diffuser sheet, prism sheets, or light guide plate helps spread the light evenly over the panel. Without that, you’ll see bright spots or lines.
Liquid crystal layer: This layer modulates how much light comes through for each pixel.
Control & power: The strip is connected to a power board and sometimes to a dimming control system. In direct‐backlight designs, the controller may turn off or reduce power to specific zones to improve contrast in HDR content.
Backlight strips can weaken or stop working due to:
LED burnout: Individual LEDs may fail due to heat or overcurrent.
Connector issues: Solder joints or connectors can corrode or become loose.
Power supply / driver problems: If the power board fails or delivers incorrect voltage, strips may dim or flicker.
Ageing: LEDs gradually lose brightness over time (lumen depreciation), and optical films may yellow or degrade.
Environmental stress: High heat, moisture, or vibration can accelerate failure.
Dark spots, bands, or uneven brightness across the screen
Flickering or dimming
One side or part of screen much dimmer
Complete loss of backlight (picture still present but very dim / almost invisible)
When replacing or buying new ones, consider:
| Factor | What to Check |
|---|---|
| Compatibility | Size (e.g. 32-inch, 55-inch), LED count, strip length, mounting hole positions, connector type |
| LED type & brightness | High quality LEDs, consistent brightness, proper color temperature |
| Material & optics | Good diffusion, minimal color shift, low heat build-up |
| Certifications | Safety (e.g. UL, CE), RoHS compliance, ISO standards |
| Warranty & service | Replacement parts, support in case of issues |
Uniform brightness: Direct backlight tends to produce more even lighting, especially in large TVs.
Better contrast & black levels: Local dimming in direct LED setups allows darker areas to be truly dark.
Bulk & cost: Direct backlight modules are thicker and more expensive to manufacture. Edge‐lit units are thinner and often cheaper, but trade-offs exist in performance.
Replacing a backlight strip usually involves:
Disassembling the TV panel layer by layer (frame, diffuser sheets, etc.).
Removing the old LED strip(s) and disconnecting power / connectors.
Installing the new strip(s) in exact alignment.
Testing for brightness uniformity and safe operation.
If you're not experienced, professional repair is safer. Mistakes can damage the screen or cause electrical hazards.
If you are looking for reliable and high‐quality backlight strips, StarSharp is a strong option. Some reasons to consider them:
They are a manufacturer specialized in TV backlight products, having over 10 years of research, development, production, and sales.
Their production capacity is significant: annual output and sales exceed 26 million units.
They offer a wide variety—over 5,000 product specifications and models—so you’re more likely to find a strip that matches your TV’s exact dimensions and requirements.
Quality standards are strong: ISO9001, ROHS, patents, and rigorous testing.
Global reach: StarSharp exports to more than 60 countries and supplies parts for major TV brands. This tends to imply experience with various standards and compatibility needs.
TV backlight strips are essential for producing the image you see on screen. Whether you're comparing direct type vs edge type, diagnosing failure, or choosing a replacement, understanding how strips work and what to look for (compatibility, brightness, quality, certifications) is key. For dependable quality and a broad selection, a manufacturer like StarSharp offers strong choices that meet rigorous standards.
