Backlit TV Versus SideLit TV

Magic_Moments

Some Flat screen Televisions seem to Have BackLit and others SideLit. What is the diffference and what are the advantages and disadvantages. Does it depend whether the position is on the wall or if it is positioned on a stand for eye level. Some manufacturers have mainly Sidelit like Samsung but LG seem to have more Backlit. Any feedback or advise please.

Fruit_and_Nut_Case

This may help...
Understanding the LED HDTV - Two Different Types of Screen

almillar

Once you've read the above, you'll know that backlit lights the screen from the back, and sidelit from round the sides.
In theory then, backlit can do better, because it can have lots of LEDs behind the screen, that can be INDIVIDUALLY controlled, so for a certain scene with bright parts and dark parts, the bright parts will be bright, and the dark parts dark. This is contrast. LCDs struggled with a scene like the above, because there would be 1 light source, and the dark parts would be grey rather than black, because the pixels weren't able to block the light completely.
With the greater control over the light sources, this is far less of a problem.
Now that you know the theory, know this:
A cheapo LEDLCD screen is not necessarily better than a good CCFL LCD.
A backlit LEDLCD screen is not necessarily better than a sidelit one.
READ REVIEWS.
LOOK AT SCREENS!
Don't be blinded by specifications and marketing guff!
None of the above is relevant to placement on the wall. Sidelit screens can potentially be thinner (but wider) - think about where the lighting will be situated.
Any screen should be good at eye level. Some can be poor 'off angle' (not looking straight at it). You'll often get horizontal viewing angles quoted (row of people sitting beside each other) but vertical ones are quoted less often, and these days are the bigger problem as horizontal ones are usually very good these days. Plasma screens don't have either problem at all BTW, if it's a concern.