What type of screen to choose: IPS or TFT? Is the IPS or TFT display better? What's better pls or ips

We all use computers, of which monitors are an indispensable part. From right choice  The monitor depends on the preservation of one hundred percent of view, and the level of comfort when working. In no case should not save on the monitor, because the vision for any money you can not buy.

When choosing a monitor for yourself, it’s worth starting with determining the type matriceson the basis of which your future monitor will be assembled. Stoti remember that different types of matrices are better suited for a particular type of work. Next you should decide on diagonal  screen. Much depends on the amount of free space on the desktop, which you can take to the monitor. You should not get too large a diagonal (it’s still not a TV set), but there is no need to have a small job either - you just have difficulty reading a small text. This is especially true for users with poor eyesight.

As for the manufacturers of monitors, there are quite a lot of them on the market; they offer models of different quality and design. It all depends on personal preferences and availability in the range. In addition, you can always read on the Internet reviews of specific models of monitors.

We start by choosing the matrix types. There are a huge number of matrix types on the basis of which monitors are created, but the main ones are TN, IPS  and VA. All the others are their various modifications. Also recently gaining popularity Pls  matrices, but they are still unreasonably expensive.

TN matrices

The simplest and oldest type of matrix, but also the cheapest. TN matrix monitors have low viewing angles. This is expressed in the following: the picture is distorted at the slightest deviations from viewing at a right angle. But then with such matrices minimum response timei.e. dynamic picture does not leave loops.

IPS matrix

Monitors assembled on IPS matrices have much more high-quality color reproduction, compared with TN matrices. Also for such matrices characteristic maximum viewing angles. But with all these advantages, there are a number of disadvantages. Namely: increased response time  (presence of loops in dynamic scenes) and high cost  production, respectively, the price.

VA matrix

MVA / PVA matrices are a kind of compromise between TN and IPS matrices. There are also more advanced matrix types: Premium MVA  and S-PVA. Monitors on such matrices have a very close to IPS color rendering, large viewing angles, short response time  (slightly more than TN). As for the contrast and brightness, they are the maximum against the background of all existing this moment  matrix types (except PLS). But still, such monitors are not suitable for professional work, since with a minimal deviation of the direction of gaze from the monitor perpendicular, an experienced eye is already able to notice deviations in the midtones of colors. For most average users, this will seem trivial.

PLS matrices

In principle, PLS is in some sense the development of IPS-matrices, but a somewhat cheaper version. They have such advantages as high brightness and good color renderingenough wide viewing angles. Naturally, it was not without flaws. The response time of PLS ​​matrices is slightly worse.than TN, but better VA.

Summing up according to matrix types, let's say: if you have a limited budget, or you are a gamer, choose monitors on TN matrices. For professional photographers and designers, as well as watching movies, it makes sense to spend money on S-ips. Well, for office work and drawing graphics definitely look towards MVA / PVA.

Now we will define the diagonal of our future monitor. In principle, it is quite enough for comfortable work. 24 inches. Less pointless to take, because when resolving Full HD (1920x1080)  The text on the screen becomes too small.

Monitor resolution

Full HD resolution has become traditional long ago - 1920x1080. But there are models with higher resolution. Such may be required for gamers. Accordingly, your video card should support such high resolutions.

Such parameters as brightness, contrast, dynamic contrast do not make much sense at all, since each manufacturer measures them according to its technology.

pay attention to connectorslocated on the back of the monitor. Currently the most relevant is the combination DVI + HDMI. VGA  can only be useful for old cars.

3D technology support

Dubious, but still very expensive. Get better 3D TV  inches diagonal on 50   - in this case, the costs will be justified completely.

Any loudspeakers built into the case, USB ports are completely useless too. Pay attention to the stand. It should be reliable enough to be able to turn / tilt. You may also need to use the monitor in portrait  mode - not every model of the monitor has the ability to adjust the height.

The main points to which you should pay attention, I listed. As for the design, everything is strictly individual. Similarly with manufacturers.

Greetings to all, dear readers of the blog site. This small note will be the answer to the question of which matrix for the monitor is better, TN or IPS, or maybe * VA? To answer this question you need to know the pros and cons of each type of matrix. And each type of matrix has them, these pros and cons, so you have to ask a leading question - “for what purposes do you need a monitor?”.

If you need a monitor for games, then ideal TN matrix, it has the lowest response time (delay), which has a very positive effect on the sensations of the gameplay. Another indisputable advantage of such matrices is their low cost, these are the cheapest of all types of matrices and therefore the most common. Disadvantages are very modest viewing angles, in which the image is not yet inverted (fades), mediocre (compared to IPS, * VA) color reproduction, low contrast, the inability to obtain perfect black.

If you are a photographer / designer, do video editing, just love natural colors when working at a computer - then IPS or * VA would be an excellent choice. Monitors with such matrices are much more expensive, but in return you get what no TN matrix can give. IPS and matrixes of the * VA family (PVA or MVA) are very similar, they all have high viewing angles and decent color reproduction, but there are still differences and they are quite significant.

To begin with, the average IPS has a worse response time than * VA. Although there are variations, such as: E-IPS (increased viewing angles, reduced response time to 5 ms), AH-IPS (improved color reproduction and reduced minimum pixel size), and many other varieties. One more iPS deficiency  is the impossibility of obtaining a realistic black color, as well as TN, the black color in them is more like dark gray. But despite all this monitors with IPS matrices  (and their varieties) are suitable for gaming and watching movies.

As for the * VA matrices, they are somewhere between TN and IPS, they are usually cheaper than IPS, but they can boast the best time  response, greater uniformity of the backlight on a black background, and the black color on * VA is truly black. However, not everything is so smooth. The viewing angles on such matrices are worse than in IPS, as is the color rendition, but it’s far from a fact that these differences will be noticeable to the eye, at least not to all. As in the case of IPS, * VA also has variations in which some indicators are improved, compared to the usual * VA. The most popular of them are MVA (the problem with displaying color when viewing video at an angle has been solved) and PVA (pixel response time has been reduced). * VA monitors are also great for games and movies.

Currently there are a large number of types or monitor typeshaving differences in the technology of the screen, and as a result, the quality of image reproduction and application in various fields of activity. We list the main types of monitors  and give a brief description:

Electron beam monitors. Historically the very first. They consist of a vacuum electron tube in which electron beams, using a magnetic deflection system, are formed and controlled. These electron beams bombard the phosphor layer on which the image is projected, a glow appears and, as a result, an image appears. Since these monitors are almost extruded everywhere, we will not consider them in more detail.

The main disadvantages of these monitors:

Large dimensions associated with the principle device of the cathode ray tube.

Large mass associated with the first characteristic.

Distortions of the image at the periphery of the monitor, associated with the physical device of the electron-beam tube and the fundamental impossibility of producing flat monitors using this technology.

The constructive necessity of using high voltage, up to 50 kVolt, which does not affect the best images on energy-saving characteristics, as well as safety.

LCD monitors or LCD in English. The effect of changing the position of a liquid crystal molecule under the action of a voltage has been known for a long time. The practical effect was obtained in the early 60s of the last century. Then for the first time miniature displays appeared in wristwatches, calculators, and various indicators. Over time, technology has improved, a good impetus was the emergence of laptops and other portable computers.

The use of this technology in the production of monitors made it possible to completely solve the problems that their predecessors, electron beam monitors, had. Dimensions significantly decreased tenfold. Now there is no need to specifically allocate a large place under the monitor. In this regard, the weight of the monitor itself has significantly decreased. Now, by weight, it is comparable to a laptop. Naturally, this applies to not very large monitors. The distortions characteristic of electron-beam monitors have disappeared, because the screen of the liquid crystal matrix is ​​really flat.

However, liquid crystal monitors have their own drawbacks, which manufacturers try to overcome by introducing new technologies. These disadvantages include lower contrast and color saturation of the image. The response time of the matrix (a new characteristic for the LCD appeared) at first was long, this led to the fact that dynamic scenes were shown with image artifacts. This is due to the inertia of switching the state of liquid crystals. Small viewing angles, when one and the same picture, when viewed from the side, above or below, begins to distort or invert colors.

To overcome these shortcomings, the manufacturers began to improve the technology of liquid crystal arrays, which led to the creation of the following types of monitors, which differ in the technology of manufacturing the matrix:

Historically, the first liquid crystal matrix, in which the crystals are arranged one behind the other, but are located relative to the plane of the display or view in a spiral. When voltage is applied, this coil is “twisted” by an amount depending on the voltage. A pixel is painted in one or another color.

Developed by Hitachi, the crystals are not twisted into a spiral, but lined up one after another in parallel. This allows you to get better colors, but the response time increases, because you need more time to rotate the entire array of crystals.

Fujitsu has developed yet another technology that eliminates the disadvantages of the color rendering technology of TN and reduces the response time compared with S-IPS technology. For this, it was necessary to significantly complicate the structure of both the matrix and the filter polarizers. Samsung has developed its own PVA technology to avoid paying licensing fees. These technologies are similar, and the difference is in greater contrast of the image.

The technology developed by Samsung, is positioned in the ability to give a more contrast image compared to S ‐ IPS technology, and 10% cheaper than it. Manufacturing technology and device matrix is ​​unknown. Until recently, this type of matrix was used in mobile devices.

in English. The effect of glowing inert gases under high voltage is used. This technology is free from the inherent flaws of the liquid crystal matrix. The brightness and contrast of the picture is high, and since the matrix elements are quite large, which affects the resolution not in the best way, it is almost invisible. Images of dynamic scenes are also transmitted without distortion. The viewing angles are large, the picture is visible without loss of color from any direction. The thickness of the screen has become even smaller compared to LCD monitors.

or monitors with a matrix of organic LEDs. Are receivers of liquid crystal monitors. Benefits include extremely low power consumption, since these LEDs glow on their own. No need for a backlight. Extremely high contrast, high speed, response time is measured in microseconds, unlike milliseconds in liquid crystal monitors. The depth of the OLED monitor is even thinner than that of a plasma monitor. And the viewing angles are 180 degrees, since we are looking at the LEDs themselves, and not at the filters, like in liquid-crystal monitors.

Despite such outstanding performance, there are drawbacks. This fragility of the OLED-matrix with the high cost of such monitors is a decisive factor in low demand for them. And this affects the speed of implementation of the development, because firms suffer losses. Why spend more resources on unprofitable business?

But despite this, the developers do not give up trying to solve these problems, as OLED technology allows you to do fantastic things: roll up the screen into a tube, create transparent boards, use in a wide range of temperatures, etc. For lovers of such things are sold OLED-monitors, worth about $ 8000, with a screen diagonal of about 60 cm.

Today it is the most common types of monitors, with the exception of the very first and last in our list. The times of the first have already passed, and the last is still ahead. Let us consider in more detail the manufacturing technology of matrix monitors.

Matrix technology.

The TN + film liquid crystal matrix consists of the following elements:

Pixel in the liquid crystal matrix is ​​formed from 3 cells or dots of blue, red and green colors. Turning on and off these points, combining these states, get one or another color. The matrix is ​​controlled pixel-wise. Here lies a big lack of data of passive matrices: until the signal reaches the last pixels, the brightness of the first, due to loss of charge will decrease. Yes, and to build a matrix with a large diagonal on a similar technology is also inappropriate. It will be necessary to increase the voltage, which will lead to an increase in noise.

To overcome these obstacles, a TFT (Thin Film Transistor) technology or thin film transistor was developed. Since the transistor is an active element, respectively, the matrix became active. The use of such transistors made it possible to control each pixel separately, which made it possible to significantly increase the reaction time and produce large-sized liquid crystal arrays.

In each cell of a particular color that is part of a pixel, there are molecules of liquid crystals. In the TN + film technology, they are lined up one after the other, but are turned relative to each other in a helix in such a way that the outermost molecules are rotated relative to each other by 90 degrees. These molecules are located in special grooves, which create such an arrangement on a glass substrate.

Electrodes are connected to the ends of this spiral, to which a voltage is applied that controls the pixel. In response to this, depending on the voltage, the spiral begins to shrink. Thus, in the absence of voltage, the light passes through the first filter ‐ polarizer, then the liquid crystal molecules turn the light 90 degrees so that it is in the same plane with the 2 filter and passes through it. Thus we get a white pixel.

If the maximum voltage is applied, the crystal molecules will occupy a position in which the light will be absorbed completely by the second filter-polarizer. Accordingly, the pixel will turn black. With variations in the applied voltage, the light will be partially absorbed by the polarizer due to the location of the crystals. Pixel will be painted in gray shades, which means the light will go through part and absorbed.

Since the matrix made by this technology has a small viewing angle, a special film is used, superimposed on top and a widening view. It turned out the technology TN + film, which, when changing the viewing angle, the color intensity does not change so dramatically. This technology is used now because it is the cheapest. But for working with graphics, it is not suitable.

high speed matrix;

low cost;

Disadvantages of technology:

small viewing angles;

low contrast;

color quality;

The S-IPS technology is based on the same principles, the difference is that the molecules line up one after another in parallel, rather than twisting into a spiral, as in the TN + film technology. Electrodes are located on the bottom substrate. In the absence of voltage, the light does not pass through the 2 polarization filter, the polarization plane of which is located at an angle of 90 degrees. Thus it turns out a rich black color. The viewing angles of the matrices made by this technology are up to 170 degrees horizontally and vertically, which distinguishes these monitors from previous ones very favorably.

wide viewing angles horizontally and vertically;

high contrast;

Technology flaws;

large response time, since it is necessary to expand the molecules to a larger angle;

more powerful lamps to illuminate the panel;

more powerful voltages are needed to turn the molecules, since the electrodes are in the same plane;

high price;

Based on the characteristics of the matrices made by this technology, it is best to apply them in design tasks, where high performance of dynamic scenes is not required, but high-quality color reproduction is required.

The compromise between the high color rendering of S-PS technology and the speed of TN + film was MVA technology. The essence of this technology is that the molecules are located parallel to each other, and with respect to 2 filters at an angle of 90 degrees. The second filter has a complex structure, it consists of triangles, to the sides of which the molecules of the crystals are deployed in this way. Getting to the second filter through the molecules, the light is polarized by 90 degrees (the work of the crystal molecules) and is absorbed by 2 filters, which does not let such light through. The result is a black light.

By applying voltage, the molecules begin to turn and thereby direct the light to the 2 filter already at an angle other than 90 degrees. As a result, the light begins to pass through filter 2 with an intensity proportional to the applied voltage. This technology, voluntarily or involuntarily, divides the screen into 2 parts, according to the directionality of the molecules to the 2 filter, it turns out that being in relation to the screen from the side, for us the molecules of the other side's crystals do not work. We see only the area that is closer to us and that color does not distort. The use of this technology significantly complicates the construction of filter polarizers and the matrices themselves, since each point of the screen is duplicated from 2 zones.

Samsung did not want to pay for the license and developed its PVA technology, very similar to MVA, and having even greater contrast. Therefore, often in the characteristics of monitors indicated MVA / PVA.

wide viewing angles;

good color and contrast;

Disadvantages of technology:

the complexity of making matrix;

response time is longer than matrices technology TN + film

This concludes the review of the liquid crystal matrix technologies. As regards the PLS technology (Plane-to-Line Switching), which was relatively recently implemented by Samsung, it is most likely the development of S-IPS technology. In the case of the case, outside experts examined the PLS and S ‐ IPS matrices under a microscope, but did not reveal any differences. Moreover, Samsung filed a lawsuit against LG, in which it claimed that LG's AH-IPS technology was a modification of PLS, which indirectly confirms the above.

Plasma monitors are now widely used due to the fact that production technology has fallen in price. Monitors with a large diagonal are produced, since it is technologically difficult to produce with a small diagonal. Therefore, their prices may be higher than on widescreen ones.

The plasma monitor matrix consists of cells, the walls of which are coated with phosphorus, and the cells themselves are filled with an inert gas: neon or xenon. When voltage is applied to the cell, a discharge occurs, the inert gas begins to emit photons, which in turn bombard the phosphorus coating of the cell. Phosphorus, in turn, begins to emit photons of light. Everyone knows how phosphor luminesces even in daylight.

The cells of the plasma matrix have 3 colors: red, green, blue, and in this composition they form a pixel. Accordingly, by applying voltages of different intensity and combining the colors, get at the moment the color that is needed. The principle is the same as that of liquid-crystal matrices, just cells with an inert gas are used instead of crystals. Moreover, each pixel cell is controlled separately, which in the best way affects the color rendition and contrast.

In general, the plasma matrix screen consists of 2 glasses, external and internal, between which there are 2 dielectric layers with electrodes. One dielectric layer is adjacent to the outer glass. Supply electrodes or screen electrodes are built into this dielectric. After the dielectric layer is a thin layer of magnesium oxide or a protective layer. And then the layer itself with inert gas cells.

From the side of the inner glass there is also a dielectric layer in which electrodes are embedded, which are called address or control ones. Thus, when a voltage is applied between the supply and the address electrode, a gas-discharge current arises, which leads to the emission of photons in a separate cell and the entire plasma panel as a whole, according to the required plot.

As can be seen from this description, the matrix technology of plasma monitors is somewhat simpler than liquid crystal. Consider now the pros and cons of this technology.

wide viewing angles;

unmatched color quality and contrast, the saturation of the transmitted color;

absolutely flat screen and its small thickness;

short image regeneration time;

Every technology has any limit, so its:

viewing angles are the largest compared to other technologies;

the highest contrast among existing technologies;

response time is measured in microseconds, and liquid crystal matrices in milliseconds;

the absence of a backlight lamp means lower power consumption;

screen thickness is even smaller;

can be used in a wide range of temperatures;

the lifetime of organic LEDs;

the need for careful sealing of the matrix from moisture;

high cost;

Prospects for the development of different display technologies.

At this stage, there is an interesting picture: there are several technologies for manufacturing display matrices, and all of them are actively developing and eliminating shortcomings. With all this, there is no hard confrontation between products manufactured using different technologies.

If you need a large screen, then choose a plasma matrix, if less, respectively, the liquid crystal. Need to solve design problems? Choose a S ‐ IPS liquid crystal display. Need a picture with more or less high definition  and low response time? We choose the MVA / PVA technology. Do not want to pay big money? Then choose TN + film. Want something like that? OLED monitors are already on the way, but for big money.

Since each technology has in fact found its niche, accordingly there is a demand for it and it will develop further, getting rid of shortcomings. But as soon as any of them turns out to be similar or surpasses the other in terms of technological and consumer characteristics, it will displace the competitor accordingly.

The newest OLED technology is very promising, it can displace plasma displays and press down liquid crystal displays, but not before the issue is resolved with increasing the lifetime of an organic LED and cheaper technology.

LCD monitors are the cheapest now and they also get rid of their shortcomings, but by definition they cannot surpass plasma monitors in terms of the quality of colors, viewing angles, screen thickness, response time and diagonal size.

Accordingly, plasma monitors cannot replace the rest in the class of medium and small monitors, and, accordingly, in the degree of image detail. Small details, and even on a small monitor will look poor quality.

Therefore, work on improving the performance of matrices manufactured using different technologies is being carried out continuously, but it is not necessary to speak about the decisive superiority of any technology. Surpassing in some characteristics, each of them is inferior to rivals in others. Therefore, the conclusion is the same: all these technologies will develop, and therefore they are all promising.

We looked at what exists types of monitors  now and the device of their matrices. In the following articles we will continue to review the technical characteristics of monitors.

With the development of display production technologies, users increasingly have questions when choosing the right monitor. In addition to its physical dimensions, in particular, the diagonal of the visible area, it is necessary to choose the type of matrix and the accompanying parameters - contrast, color reproduction, response time, and so on. Selecting a monitor, understanding all these subtleties, will not be difficult if you first study the principles of its operation and the main characteristics of its main component, the matrix, which will be discussed below.

   Comparison of matrix types at different viewing angles

Understanding Displays and Their Components

The computer monitor, for all its seeming simplicity, is a very technically complex component that, like the rest of the hardware, has many different parameters, manufacturing techniques, and characteristics. Almost all PC displays consist of the following parts:

• case in which all electronic stuffing is concluded. The case also has mounts for mounting the display on vertical or horizontal surfaces;
• matrix or screen - the main component of the monitor, which determines the output of graphic information. In modern devices, various matrixes are used for monitors, differing in many parameters, among which resolution, response time, brightness, color rendition and contrast are of primary importance;
• the power supply is the part of the electronic circuit that is responsible for current conversion and power supply for the rest of the electronics;
• electronic components on special boards that are responsible for converting the signals coming to the monitor and their subsequent display on the display for display;
• other components, among which may be low-power acoustic system, USB hubs and more.

The set of basic parameters of the display, on the basis of which it is made, predetermines the scope of its use. Inexpensive consumer monitors can be equipped with screens with not the most impressive characteristics, since such devices are often inexpensive and are not required to work in professional graphic applications. Displays for professional gamers should first of all have a minimal display delay, as this is critically important in modern games. Displays for graphic editors used by designers are distinguished by the highest brightness indicators, level of color rendition and contrast, because the exact picture transfer plays the most important role here.
Nowadays, several types of matrixes are usually used in displays on the market. In the technical descriptions of the monitors you can find a large number of them, but the basis of this diversity can be based on the same basic technologies, improved or slightly modified to improve their performance. These main types of screens include the following.

1. "Twisted Nematic" or matrix TN. Previously, the prefix “Film” was added to the name of this technology, which means an additional film on its surface, which increases the viewing angle. But this designation is less and less common in descriptions, since most of the matrices produced today are already equipped with it.
2. “In-Plane Switching” or IPS matrix type, as a more common name in abbreviated form.
3. "Multidomain Vertical Alignment" or MVA matrix. A more modern incarnation of this technology is referred to as the VA matrix. This technology also has its own advantages and disadvantages and is something between the above.
4. "Patterned Vertical Alignment". A variety of MVA technology that was developed as a competitive response to its creators — Fujitsu.
5. Plane-to-Line Switching. This is one of the newest types of matrixes for displays, which was developed relatively recently - in 2010. The only disadvantage of this type of matrix, with other characteristics superior to competing technologies, is a relatively long response time. Also PLS matrix has a very high cost.

Matrix TN, TN + film

The type of TN matrix is ​​one of the most common, and at the same time it is very outdated by modern standards technology of their manufacture. It is from this type of matrix that the victorious march of liquid crystal shift to the electron beam tubes began. It is worth noting that their only undeniable advantage is an extremely short response time and in this parameter they surpass even more modern counterparts. The other parameters that are critical for the monitor are the image contrast, its brightness and permissible viewing angles, alas, this type of matrix does not differ. In addition, the cost of monitors based on this development is low and we can say that this is another plus of the technology "Twisted Nematic".
The reason for the main disadvantages of “Twisted Nematic” lies in the technology of their production and the structure of optical elements. In TN matrices, the crystals between the electrodes (each of which represents a separate pixel of the visible zone) are arranged in a spiral when voltage is applied to them. The amount of light passing through it depends on the degree of its rounding, and from the set of such elements a picture is formed on the screen. But due to the uneven formation of the spiral in each element of the matrix, the level of contrast of the image displayed on it is very low (Fig. 1). And given that the refraction of light as it passes through the formed spiral is very different from the direction of sight, the viewing angle of this matrix is ​​very small.

   Fig. 1. Comparison iPS matrices  and TN

VA / MVA / PVA Displays

The VA matrix was developed as an alternative to TN, which was popular at the time, and which has already won the commitment of users, although it is not yet so common on the IPS market. Its main competitive advantage was positioned by developers as a response time, which was about 25 ms at the time of introduction to the market. Another important advantage of the new technology was the high level of contrast, which outpaced that in the TN and IPS technologies.
  This technology, which was originally called “Vertical Alignment”, also had a very significant drawback in the form of relatively small viewing angles. The problem was hidden in the structure of the optical elements of the matrix. The crystals of each element of the matrix were oriented along the voltage lines or parallel to them. This led to the fact that the viewing angle of the matrix was not only small, so also the image could differ depending on which side the user was looking at the screen. In practice, this led to the fact that the slightest deviation of the angle of view led to a strong gradient filling of the image on the screen (Fig. 2).

   Fig. 2. Viewing angles of the monitor with MVA technology

It was possible to get rid of this drawback with the development of technology in Multidomain Vertical Alignment, when groups of crystals inside the electrodes were organized into a kind of “domain”, as is shown in the title. Now they began to be placed differently within the limits of each domain of which the whole pixel consists, therefore the user could look at the monitor from different angles and the image from it practically did not change.
Today, displays with MVA screens are used to work with text and are practically unsuitable for dynamic images, which distinguish any modern game or movie. High contrast, as well as viewing angles allow you to work with confidence to those who work, for example, with drawings, prints and reads a lot.

Do not confuse the contrast of the matrix and such a thing as the dynamic contrast of the monitor. The latter is an adaptive technology for changing the brightness of the screen depending on the displayed image and uses for this the built-in backlight. The latest models of monitors with LED backlight have excellent dynamic contrast since the LED on time is very short.

IPS screen

The TFT IPS matrix was developed taking into account the elimination of the main disadvantages of the previous technology - “Twisted Nematic”, namely, small viewing angles and poor color transmission. Due to the peculiar arrangement of the crystals in the TN matrix, the color of each pixel varied depending on the direction of gaze, so the user could observe the “iridescent” image on the monitor. The TFT IPS matrix consists of crystals that are located in a parallel plane to its surface, and when voltage is applied to the electrodes of each element, they turn to a right angle.
  The subsequent development of technology led to the emergence of such types of matrices as Super IPS, Dual Domain IPS and Advanced Coplanar Electrode IPS. All of them, one way or another, are based on the same principle with a difference only in the arrangement of liquid crystals. At the dawn of its appearance, the technology was distinguished by a significant minus - a long response time of up to 65 ms. Its main advantage is its amazing color rendition and wide viewing angles (Fig. 1), in which the picture on the screen was not distorted, inverted, and an undesirable gradient did not appear.
  Monitors with IPS matrix today are in great demand and are used not only in PC displays, but also in portable devices - tablets and smartphones. They are also used mainly where the color of the picture and the most accurate transfer are important - when working with graphics software, in design, photography, and so on.

Often, many users confuse the abbreviations IPS or TFT, although in fact, these are fundamentally different concepts. "Thin Film Transistor" is a common technology for creating liquid crystal arrays that can have various embodiments. In-Plane Switching is a concrete implementation of this technology, based on a kind of construction of individual elements of the matrix and the location of liquid crystals in it. TFT matrix can be made on the basis of technology TN, VA, IPS or others.

Matrix pls

The PLS matrix type is the cutting edge of technology development. Samsung, which is the developer of this unique technology, set as its goal the production of matrices that significantly exceeded the competing technology - IPS and in many ways it succeeded. The undoubted advantages of this technology include:

• one of the lowest current consumption;
• high color rendering, completely covering the sRGB range;
• wide viewing angles;
• high density of individual elements - pixels.

Among the shortcomings, it is worth highlighting the response time, which does not exceed the similar indicators in the “Twisted Nematic” technology (Fig. 3).

   Fig. 3. Comparing PLS (right) and TN (left)

Important! Choosing which type of monitor matrix is ​​better is to first determine the tasks, since in many cases the purchase of the most modern display may be economically unreasonable. The latest developments, characterized by high response time, will be useful for professional games or viewing dynamic scenes in the video.

WATCH THE VIDEO

Monitors with high level  color rendering is suitable for designers and artists. And if you need an inexpensive monitor for surfing the net and working with text, then suitable options are based on old, but time-tested technologies.

For a long time I was tormented by the question: what is the difference between the image of modern monitors with matrices TN, S-IPS, S-PVA, P-MVA. My friend and I decided to compare.

For tests, we took two 24 "monitors (unfortunately, we did not find anything on S-IPS :():
   - on cheap TN matrix Benq V2400W
   - on the P-MVA matrix of the middle category Benq FP241W.

Candidate Characteristics:

Benq V2400W

Matrix type: TN + Film
Inches: 24"
Resolution: 1920x1200
Brightness: 250 cd / m2
Contrast: 1000:1
Response time: 5ms / 2ms GTG

Benq FP241W

Matrix type: P-MVA (AU Optronics)
Inches: 24"
Resolution: 1920x1200
Brightness: 500 cd / m2
Contrast: 1000:1
Response time: 16 ms / 6 ms GTG

Trends in recent years

  TN matrices (TN + film) improve color reproduction, brightness and viewing angles.
  Matrices * VA (S-PVA / P-MVA) improve response time.

What progress has reached?

  You can already watch movies on TN matrices (TN + Film), work with color in editors.
  On * VA play games without the effect of blurring (motion blur).

But there are still differences.

Brightness

  In Benq V2400W (TN), the initial color settings (RGB) are set to almost maximum. At the same time, in terms of brightness (at maximum settings), it does not reach * VA (at medium settings). In comparison with other TN monitors, they indicate that the V2400W has lower brightness than its competitors (alas, we could not compare :)), but I can say with certainty that the brightness of * VA monitors will be higher than TN monitors.

In Benq FP241W (* VA) due to the brightness of the backlight - black is also bright. In TN, black remained absolutely black when we compared the on and off states of monitors. Perhaps this is absent on other models * VA and is present in TN. (I am waiting for comments with verification of this statement :))

The black color * VA does not interfere at all in work and is associated with black (thank our addictive eyes :) and a good 1000: 1 contrast ratio of the monitor). And the difference in brightness of black is visible only in comparison (when one monitor is placed next to another).
  Due to the high brightness, the colors on * VA seem a bit richer, and the white color is whiter than * VA - on TN, by comparison, it appears gray.
  You yourself noticed this effect when, for example, you switched the color temperature on the monitor from 6500 to 9300, when your eyes got used to a different color temperature (probably most of the habra people here climbed to change the temperature :)). But when the eyes get used again, on TN the white becomes white again :), and the other temperature is either bluer or yellower.

Colors

  The colors of the TN monitors and * VA can be calibrated well (so that the grass is green, the sky is blue, and the colors in the photos are not yellow).

On TN monitors, bright and dark colors close to each other (for example, bright blue with white, on clouds close to black (4-5%) and white (3-5%)) are worse. More differences of these colors vary depending on the viewing angle, turning into a negative, or disappear. But it seems that due to this, on the TN monitors, black is really black.

At * VA you can see the full range of colors - on a good video card and settings you can see all the color gradients from 1 to 254, regardless of the viewing angle.

Photos on both monitors looked good and had rather saturated colors.

Both monitors have 16.7 Million colors (rather than 16.2, like some TN) - the gradients looked identical without color “slips”.

Viewing angles

The first major difference between TN and * VA is the viewing angles of the monitors.

If you look at the TN monitor right in the center, then from above and below the screen begins to slightly distort (dim) the colors. This is noticeable in bright colors and dark colors - dark colors become black and bright ones turn gray. On the left and right, the blackout from the corner is noticeably much smaller - which most likely encourages manufacturers to make monitors with a large diagonal widescreen (wide) :). Plus, because of this effect, some colors start to change into others and blend.
  It is difficult to look at the monitor from above and especially from below - the low-contrast colors are distorted, become faded, inverted and merge very strongly.

On VA monitors, color distortions (or rather brightness) are also present. If you look at the monitor to the center at a distance of less than 40 cm, then on the white color small blanches are visible at the corners of the monitor (see figure), which capture about 2-3% of the angles. Colors are not distorted. That is, if you look at the monitor from the largest angle of inclination, the picture will not lose its colors, it will just be lit a little.
  Due to the absence of distortion * VA monitors are rotated 90 degrees.

Watching a video on TN from the couch is possible, but only it needs to be directed exactly at the viewers (vertically). With * VA, there are no problems with rotating the screen on the viewer, the film can be viewed from almost any angle. Distortion is not significant.

Response time

  The second major difference is the response time. The former.
  Already now, overdrive systems are striding in their entirety - and if it used to play a major role, now it has faded into the background.

TN monitors in this direction lead and are considered the best for gamers. Loops on them are not visible for quite some time. In the photos - a square flying to a corner doubled.

* VA monitors look at TN heels. Having played in Team Fortress 2, W3 Dota, Fallout 3, no distortions and blurred loops (blur-effect) were noticed. Watching the video was also a success. In the photographs - the square flying to the corner has tripled.

Visually, in the test, if you look closely, the running square on the matrix * VA had only 1.1 times the larger loop.

What would I choose?

  If you are trying to choose between S-IPS or * VA matrices and do not know what to choose, then I advise * VA, with whom you will be very pleased. * VA is great for working with color - overpay 2 times more for the name of the matrix and large viewing angles S-IPS, compared to * VA is not worth it - the difference in quality is not worth the money.

For games, office / internet affairs, viewing photos, the simplest editing of pictures, photos and videos, and watching movies alone - TN is perfect. Even with the necessary skill + specific modes SuperBright (Video), you can watch movies on TN on the couch with minor, imperceptible color distortions (well, why should they film :)).

For processing photos, working with color in the video (in the right places, you can also mount on TN, huh?), Drawing on the tablet, * VA is better suited. As a bonus, you can perfectly watch movies on it, lounging in a chair (high brightness to help). And to play and do internet / office affairs on it is just as convenient as on TN.

P.s. After buying * VA, I immediately noticed a purple gradient on the “Welcome Screen” in Windows XP on the left :), which I did not notice on the old TN.