>> I believe that's the construction of backlit
>> alphanumeric LCDs
>
>Most of the ones I've seen use an array of LEDs behind the LCD, not
>lighting from the sides. Cheap digital clocks use side-lighting, but all
>the alphanumerics I've seen use array backlighting. There is a piece of
>diffuse white plastic in between to even out the light from the LEDs.

I have a cheap stereo system that used filament bulbs to edge light the LCD 
that displays the radio channel and input selections. They must have been 
low voltage ones wired in series, and one burnt out after a short time. I 
replaced them with a string of orange LEDs salvaged from an old fax machine. 
Has been working for something like 15 years continuous. 

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