Is LED backlighting necessary?

[JohnJSal]

I'm comparing these two monitors, and that's one of the big differences:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236059
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236288

What exactly does LED backlighting do?

Also, the "newer" and seemingly better of the two has a brightness of 250 cd/m2, as opposed to the other one at 300. Is lower better, or does this mean the older monitor is actually brighter? Or do these numbers not matter much?

Thanks.

 

[voyagerfan99]

LED backlights last longer than standard LCD backlights. It also provides a sharper picture and better colors. I prefer LED over LCD.

 

[Virssagòn]

LED backlights last longer than standard LCD backlights. It also provides a sharper picture and better colors. I prefer LED over LCD.

Me too, it's also better for your eyes and use less power.

 

[JohnJSal]

It seems like all the LED screens I'm looking at have a brightness of 250 cd/m2, as opposed to 300 cd/m2 for the non-LED screens. Is there a connection here? Are the LED screens less bright, somehow?