Currently, for the production of consumer monitors, two of the most basic, so to speak - root, matrix manufacturing technologies are used - LCD and LED.
- LCD is an abbreviation of the phrase "Liquid Crystal Display", which in translation in all understandable Russian means a liquid crystal display, or LCD.
- LED stands for "Light Emitting Diode", which in our language reads as light emitting diode, or simply - an LED.
All other types are derived from these two pillars of display construction and are modified, modernized and improved versions of their predecessors.
Well, let's now consider the evolutionary process that the displays went through when they became at the service of humanity.
Types of monitor matrices, their characteristics, similarities and differences
Let's start with the most familiar LCD screen. It includes:
- The matrix, which at first was a sandwich of glass plates interspersed with a film of liquid crystals. Later, with the development of technology, thin sheets of plastic began to be used instead of glass.
- Light source.
- Connecting wires.
- Body with a metal frame that gives rigidity to the product
The point of the screen responsible for the formation of the image is called pixel, and consists of:
- Two transparent electrodes.
- Interlayers of active substance molecules between the electrodes (this is the LC).
- Polarizers, the optical axes of which are perpendicular to each other (depending on the design).
If there were no LCs between the filters, then the light from the source, passing through the first filter and polarizing in one direction, would be completely delayed by the second, because its optical axis is perpendicular to the axis of the first filter. Therefore, no matter how we shine on one side of the matrix, on the other side it remains black.
The surface of the electrodes touching the LC is processed in such a way as to create a certain order of arrangement of molecules in space. In other words, their orientation, which has the property of changing depending on the magnitude of the voltage electric current applied to the electrodes. Further, technological differences begin, depending on the type of matrix.
Tn matrix stands for "Twisted Nematic", which means "Twisting threadlike". The initial arrangement of the molecule is in the form of a quarter of a reverse spiral. That is, the light from the first filter is refracted so that, passing along the crystal, it hits the second filter in accordance with its optical axis. Therefore, in a calm state, such a cell is always transparent. 
By acting on the electrodes with voltage, it is possible to change the angle of rotation of the crystal up to its complete straightening, at which light passes through the crystal without refraction. And since it was already polarized by the first filter, the second will completely delay it, and the cell will be black. Changing the voltage value changes the angle of rotation and, accordingly, the degree of transparency.
Advantages
disadvantages- small viewing angles, low contrast, poor color rendering, inertia, power consumption
TN + Film Matrix
It differs from simple TN by the presence of a special layer designed to increase the viewing solution in degrees. In practice, a value of 150 degrees horizontally is achieved for best models... It is used in the vast majority of budget TVs and monitors.
Advantages- low response time, cheapness.
disadvantages- viewing angles are very small, low contrast, poor color rendition, inertia.
TFT matrix
Acronym for "Think Film Transistor" and translates as "thin film transistor". The name TN-TFT would be more correct, since this is not a type of matrix, but the manufacturing technology and the difference from pure TN is only in the way of controlling the pixels. Here it is implemented using microscopic field-effect transistors, and therefore such screens belong to the class of active LCDs. That is, it is not a type of matrix, but a way of managing it.
IPS or SFT matrix
Yes, and this is also a descendant of the most ancient LCD plate. In fact, it is a more developed and modernized TFT, as it is called Super Fine TFT (very good TFT). The viewing angle of the best products reaches 178 degrees, and the color gamut is almost identical to natural
.
Advantages- viewing angles, color rendering.
disadvantages- the price is too high compared to TN, the response time is rarely below 16 ms.
Ips matrix types:
- H-IPS - Increases image contrast and decreases response time.
- AS-IPS - the main quality lies in the contrast enhancement.
- H-IPS A-TW - H-IPS with "True White" technology, which enhances the white color and its shades.
- AFFS - increasing the electric field strength for large viewing angles and brightness.
PLS matrix
Modified, in order to reduce costs and optimize response time (up to 5 milliseconds), the IPS version. Produced by the Samsung concern and is an analogue of H-IPS, AH-IPS, which are patented by other electronics developers.
You can learn more about the PLS matrix in our article:
VA, MVA and PVA matrices
This is also a manufacturing technology, and not a separate type of screen.
- - abbreviation for "Vertical Alignment", in translation - vertical alignment... Unlike TN matrix VA, in the off state, light is not transmitted
- MVA matrix... Modified VA. The optimization was aimed at increasing the viewing angles. The response time was reduced thanks to the use of OverDrive technology.
- PVA matrix... Is not a separate species... Represents MVA, patented by Samsung under its own name.
There is also an even greater number of various improvements and improvements that an ordinary user is unlikely to encounter in practice - the maximum that the manufacturer will indicate on the box is the main type of screen and that's it.
In parallel with the LCD, LED technology has developed. Full-fledged, pure-blooded LED screens are made from discrete LEDs either in a matrix or cluster method and are not found in household appliances stores.
The reason for the lack of full-weight ICE on sale lies in their large dimensions, low resolution, and coarse grain. The lot of such devices is banners, street TV, media facades, creeping lines.
Attention! Don't confuse the marketing name like "LED Monitor" with a real LED display. Most often, this name will hide the usual LCD type TN + Film, but the backlight will be made using an LED lamp, not a fluorescent one. This is all that such a monitor will be from LED technology- backlight only.
OLED displays
A separate segment is OLED displays, representing one of the most promising areas:
Dignity
- small weight and dimensions;
- low appetite for electricity;
- unlimited geometric shapes;
- no need for backlighting with a special lamp;
- viewing angles up to 180 degrees;
- instant matrix response;
- the contrast exceeds all known alternative technologies;
- the ability to create flexible screens;
- the temperature range is wider than other screens.
disadvantages
- short service life of diodes of a certain color;
- the impossibility of creating durable full-color displays;
- very high price, even compared to IPS.
For reference. Perhaps we are read by amateurs too mobile devices, therefore, we will also touch on the sector of portable technology:
AMOLED (Active Matrix Organic Light-Emitting Diode) - combination of LED and TFT
Super AMOLED - Well, here, we think everything is clear!
Based on the data provided, it follows that the matrix of monitors are of two types - liquid crystal and LED. Their combinations and variations are also possible.
You should know - the matrices are divided by the ISO 13406-2 and GOST R 52324-2005 standards into four classes about which we will only say that the first class provides for the complete absence of dead pixels, and the fourth class allows up to 262 defects per million points.
How do I know which matrix is in the monitor?
There are 3 ways to verify the matrix type of your screen:
a) If the packing box and technical documentation have been preserved, then there you can probably see a table with the characteristics of the device, among which the information of interest will be indicated.
b) Knowing the model and name, you can use the services of the manufacturer's online resource.
- If you look at the color picture of a TN monitor from different angles from the side-top-bottom, you will see color distortions (up to inversion), fading, yellowness of the white background. It is impossible to achieve completely black - it will be deep gray, but not black.
- IPS can be easily identified by the black picture, which takes on a purple tint when the gaze is deviated from the perpendicular axis.
- If the listed manifestations are absent, then this is either a more modern version of IPS, or OLED.
- OLED is distinguished from all others by the absence of a backlight lamp, so the black color on such a matrix is a completely de-energized pixel. And even the best IPS has a black color that glows in the dark due to BackLight.
Let's find out what she is - best matrix for the monitor.
Which matrix is better, how do they affect vision?
So, the choice in stores is limited to three technologies TN, IPS, OLED.
It has a low cost, has acceptable time delays and constantly improves the image quality. But due to the low quality of the final image, it can only be recommended for home use - sometimes watching a movie, sometimes driving a toy and working with tex from time to time. As you remember, the response time of the best models reaches 4 ms. Disadvantages in the form of poor contrast and unnatural colors cause eye fatigue.
IPS this, of course, is a completely different matter! Bright, rich and natural colors of the transmitted picture will provide excellent working comfort. Recommended for printing work, designers or those who are willing to pay a big price for convenience. Well, it will not be very convenient to play due to the high response - not all copies can boast even 16 ms. Accordingly - calm, thoughtful work - YES. Cool to watch a movie - YES! Dynamic shooting games - NO! But the eyes do not get tired.
OLED... Eh, dream! Such a monitor can be afforded either by well-to-do people, or by those who care about the state of their vision. If not for the price, then we could recommend to everyone and everyone - the characteristics of these displays have the advantages of all other technological solutions. In our opinion, there are no drawbacks, except for the cost. But there is hope - the technology is improving and, accordingly, it becomes cheaper so that a natural decrease in production costs for manufacturing is expected, which will make them more affordable.
conclusions
To date, the best matrix for a monitor is, of course, Ips / Oled, made on the principle of organic light-emitting diodes, and they are quite actively used in the field of portable technology - mobile phones, tablets and others.
But, if there are no excessive monetary resources, then you should opt for simpler models, but without fail with LED lamps backlight. The LED lamp has a longer resource, luminous flux stability, a wide range of backlight control and is very economical in terms of energy consumption.
Matrix type is one of the most important parameters of modern LCD monitors. This is the technology behind the display. The LCD matrix is a flat plate pack made of glass, between which there are liquid crystals or a substance based on polymer materials.
Among all the variety at present, matrix-type monitors classified thus:
- TN(twisted nematic)
- IPS(in-plane switching)
- Pls(plane-to-line switching)
It is worth noting that there are others, but they are in currently not as popular as the ones listed above. In physical performance, these technologies differ geometry of surfaces, front electrode, polymer and control plate.
Which matrix to choose
Let's take a closer look at what these 3 types are, Benefits and limitations each of them. Let's give recommendations than you need to be guided by when choosing a particular monitor for purchase.
Monitors with Tn Matrix
Most simple technology and the most widespread... The percentage of monitors with this matrix currently exceeds 80%. The reason for this is cheapness their production, because their cost is the lowest.
But this is not the only plus. Such displays durable, their Energy consumption relatively low. Many gamers will appreciate response time- from 2 ms, this figure is unattainable for other types. They possess high frequency characteristics, which can also come in handy in some dynamic games.
Now about cons- there are quite a few of them. At first, picture quality these monitors leave much to be desired - you will not be able to get perfect color reproduction. For those with very sensitive eyes, these displays are clearly will not fit- eyes will get tired quickly. In addition, such screens have smallest angles review.
Summing up results, this type of matrix is suitable if you want save your budget, spend a short time at the computer, and watch movies more often in low resolution. Whether it is worth saving depends on your needs and the thickness of your wallet.
IPS technology
Picture quality in this case the maximum realistic... A huge number of displayed flowers and shades- over one billion. There are many varieties IPS, all of them are united by the best contrast and maximum viewing angle in comparison with TN.
The picture shows a clear difference between the matrix TN(on the left of IPS(on right).
Increased response time in dynamically changing images will give, possibly, the presence of loops. Cost price production above, hence - high price... But it's worth it - IPS screens can already compete with plasma panels.
Screens with PLS matrix
Pls is modification IPS matrices. Designed by Samsung as its alternative.
What has changed? Thanks to higher density pixels maximum brightness and color rendering increased. Power consumption comparable to TN. The response time is higher than IPS, but still falls short of TN. But in general difference PLS and IPS, other things being equal (diagonal, aspect ratio, resolution, backlight type) little perceptible... Concerning prices then pls several cheaper.
Summarizing the above, if you are avid gamer, professional photographer or designer or strive to be so, that is, it makes sense to spend money and buy a monitor with IPS or PLS matrix. If the computer is used for standard office tasks and drawing graphics - take a closer look at the displays based on TN technology... Be guided by personal preference and make the right choice.
In-Plane Switching(also Super Fine TFT) is a technology for manufacturing liquid crystal displays.
IPS or SFT (Super Fine TFT) technology was developed by Hitachi and NEC in 1996 as an alternative to TN (Twisted Nematic) technology.
These companies use these two different names for the same technology - NEC uses "SFT" and Hitachi uses "IPS". The technology was intended to get rid of the shortcomings of TN + film. Although IPS was able to achieve an increase in viewing angle of up to 178 °, as well as high contrast and color reproduction, the response time remained low. TN-matrix has generally better response than IPS, but not always. So, when transitioning from gray to gray, the IPS matrix behaves better.
This matrix is also pressure-resistant. Touching a TN or VA matrix results in "excitement" or a certain reaction on the screen. The IPS matrix has no such effect.
In addition, ophthalmologists confirm that the IPS matrix is more comfortable for the eyes.
Thus, the IPS-matrix gives a bright and clear picture regardless of viewing angles, optimal for working on the Internet, watching movies. But the most important thing is for image processing and photo viewing.
At the moment, matrices made using IPS technology are the only LCD monitors to convey full depth RGB colors- 24 bits, 8 bits per channel.
Previously, IPS technology was used exclusively for professional monitors, since the most adequate of all technologies for the production of LCD panels allows you to reproduce the color gamut. However, LG has taken a revolutionary step in bringing it to the mass market.
As of 2012, many monitors on IPS matrices (e-IPS produced by LG Displays) with 6 bits per channel have already been released. Older TN matrices have 6-bits per channel, just like the MVA part.
IPS has now been superseded by H-IPS technology, which inherits all the advantages of IPS technology with a simultaneous decrease in response time and an increase in contrast. The color of the best H-IPS panels is not inferior to conventional CRT monitors. H-IPS and the cheaper e-IPS are actively used in panels from 20 ". LG Display, Dell, NEC, Samsung, Chimei remain the only panel manufacturers using this technology.
Types of IPS matrices
IPS (Super TFT)... it a basic level of technologies. The advantage is wide viewing angles. Most panels also support realistic color reproduction (8-bit per channel).
S-IPS (Super-IPS)... This type of matrix inherits all the advantages of IPS technology while reducing response time.
AS-IPS (Advanced Super-IPS)- Developed by Hitachi Corporation. The improvements were mainly related to the contrast level of conventional S-IPS panels, bringing it closer to that of S-PVA panels. This type of matrix improves mainly the contrast with the extended color gamut of traditional S-IPS panels to a level at which they have become second after some S-PVA panels.
H-IPS (Horizontal IPS)... An even greater contrast and a visually more uniform screen surface are achieved.
H-IPS A-TW (Horizontal IPS with Advanced True Wide Polarizer)- developed by LG Display for NEC Corporation. It is an H-IPS panel with a TW (True White) color filter to make the white color more realistic and increase viewing angles without image distortion (eliminates the effect of the LCD panels glowing at an angle - the so-called "glow effect") ... Advanced True Wide Polarizer technology is based on NEC polarizing film to achieve wider viewing angles and eliminate glare when viewed from an angle. This type of panel is used to create high quality professional monitors.
IPS-Pro (IPS-Provectus)... IPS Alpha panel technology with a wider color gamut and contrast comparable to that of PVA and ASV displays without cornering.
AFFS (Advanced Fringe Field Switching, unofficial name - S-IPS Pro)... The increased power of the electric field made it possible to achieve even greater viewing angles and brightness, as well as to reduce the inter-pixel distance. AFFS-based displays are mainly used in tablet PCs, on matrices manufactured by Hitachi Displays.
e-IPS (Enhanced IPS) uses cheaper backlight lamps in production, with lower power consumption. Improved diagonal viewing angle, response time reduced to 5ms.
P-IPS (Professional IPS) provides 1.07 billion colors (30-bit color depth). More possible orientations for the subpixel (1024 versus 256) and better true color depth.
AH-IPS (Advanced High Performance IPS)... Improved color reproduction, increased resolution and PPI, increased brightness and reduced power consumption.
PLS technology
PLS Matrix (Plane-to-Line Switching) was developed by Samsung as an alternative to IPS and was first demonstrated in December 2010.
Advantages:
- higher pixel density compared to IPS (and similar to * VA / TN);
- high brightness and good color rendering;
- large viewing angles;
- full coverage of the sRGB range;
- low power consumption comparable to TN.
Disadvantages:
- response time (5-10 ms) comparable to S-IPS, better than * VA, but worse than TN;
PLS and IPS
Samsung did not give a description of the PLS technology. Comparative microscopic examinations of the IPS and PLS matrices made by independent observers did not reveal any differences. The fact that PLS is a type of IPS was indirectly acknowledged by Samsung itself in its lawsuit against LG: the lawsuit alleged that the AH-IPS technology used by LG is a modification of PLS technology.
For electronic gadgets last generation two types of liquid crystal displays are used for assembly: IPS (In-Plane Switching) or TN (Twisted Nematic). Both matrices are endowed with a list of properties that emphasize the originality of each technology. To have an idea about the future device, you should know the features of this or that choice.
TN Displays
The most widely used LCD panels are built on TN technology, such as the lp156wh4 matrix. The choice is justified for a number of advantages:
- Fast response time (from 2 ms);
- Low power consumption;
- Inexpensive price range.
TN displays perform well in dynamic computer games, as well as when watching movies. For example, a first person shooter might require high frequency screen refresh (up to 5 ms), which is no longer available for an IPS matrix. Long response times can lead to visual artifacts, such as a colored trail when objects move quickly on the screen.
Also, if we consider a monitor for watching movies in 3D format, then "TN" is more suitable, since some models have frequency characteristics up to 120 Hz. And this is a prerequisite for watching 3D video with stereo glasses.
The TN technology has several obvious disadvantages:
- Small viewing angles (130 degrees on average);
- Insufficient contrast ratio;
- Failure to correctly display all colors of the RGB spectrum.
It turns out that such a display is hardly suitable for photo editors or video editors, since it will not be possible to achieve an ideal picture. Although the expensive TN models eliminate almost all the drawbacks, a clear confirmation of this is the display of the MacBook Retino from Apple.
IPS Displays
As you can imagine, this is the opposite of the technology discussed above. And here the following advantages are found:
- Higher ratio of contrast ratio;
- Accurate reproduction of the RGB color spectrum;
- Unlimited viewing angle (almost 180 degrees).
An excellent option for professionals of photo and video editing, where the realism of the picture is valued, and deviations are an error in the work.
Among the disadvantages of the IPS standard, one can confidently single out:
- Long response time (from 8 ms);
- High cost of complete devices.
The screen on the "IPS" technology is hardly suitable for virtual battles or watching new items in 3D. And the price of laptops and tablets with such a display can be one and a half times higher than their counterparts.
TN + film technology
Twisted Nematic + film (TN + film). The "film" part in the name of the technology means an additional layer used to increase the viewing angle (approximately up to 160 °). This is the simplest and cheapest technology. It has been around for a long time and is used in most monitors sold over the past few years.
Advantages of TN + film technology:
- low cost;
is the minimum pixel response time to a control action.
Disadvantages of TN + film technology:
- medium contrast;
- problems with accurate color reproduction;
- relatively small viewing angles.
IPS technology
In 1995, Hitachi developed In-Plane Switching (IPS) technology to overcome the disadvantages of TN + film panels. Small viewing angles, very specific colors and unacceptable (at that time) response time pushed Hitachi to develop new technology IPS, which gave a good result: decent viewing angles and good color reproduction.
In IPS matrices, the crystals do not form a spiral, but rotate when an electric field is applied all together. Changing the orientation of the crystals helped to achieve one of the main advantages of IPS-matrices - the viewing angles were increased to 170 ° horizontally and vertically. If no voltage is applied to the IPS matrix, the liquid crystal molecules do not rotate. The second polarizing filter is always rotated perpendicular to the first, and light does not pass through it. Black display is ideal. If the transistor fails, the "broken" pixel for the IPS panel will not be white, as for the TN matrix, but black. When a voltage is applied, the liquid crystal molecules rotate perpendicular to their initial position, parallel to the base, and transmit light.
Parallel alignment of liquid crystals required combing electrodes on the bottom substrate, which significantly degraded the contrast of the image, required more powerful illumination to set the normal sharpness level, and resulted in high power consumption and significant time. Therefore, the response time of an IPS panel is generally longer than that of a TN panel. IPS-panels made using the technology turn out to be much more expensive. Subsequently, Super-IPS (S-IPS) and Dual Domain IPS (DD-IPS) technologies were also developed on the basis of IPS, however, due to the high cost, manufacturers could not bring this type of panels to the lead.
For some time, Samsung has produced panels made using Advanced Coplanar Electrode (ACE) technology, an analogue of IPS technology. However, today the production of ACE panels has been phased out. On the modern market, IPS technology is represented by monitors with a large diagonal - 19 inches or more.
The significant response time when switching the pixel between the two states is more than compensated for by excellent color reproduction, especially in panels made using an upgraded technology called Super-IPS.
Super-IPS (S-IPS)... LCD monitors with S-IPS panels are a reasonable choice for professional color work. Alas, S-IPS panels have exactly the same problems with contrast as IPS and TN + Film - it is relatively small, since the black level is 0.5-1.0 cd / m2.
Along with this, the viewing angles, if not ideal (if deviated to the side, the image loses contrast noticeably), they are very large compared to TN panels: sitting in front of the monitor, it is impossible to notice any unevenness in color or contrast due to insufficient viewing angles.
Currently, the following types of matrices are known that can be considered derived from IPS:
Advantages of S-IPS technology:
- excellent color rendering;
- larger viewing angles than TN + Film panels.
Disadvantages of S-IPS technology:
- high price;
- significant response time when switching a pixel between two states;
- a faulty pixel or subpixel on such matrices remains permanently in an extinguished state.
This type of panel is well suited for working with color, but at the same time, monitors on S-IPS panels are quite suitable for games that are not critical to the response time of 5-20 ms.
MVA technology
IPS technology turned out to be relatively expensive, this circumstance forced other manufacturers to develop their own technologies. Fujitsu's Vertical Alignment (VA) LCD panel technology was born, followed by Multidomain Vertical Alignment (MVA), providing the user with a reasonable compromise between viewing angles, speed and color reproduction.
So, in 1996, Fujitsu proposed another technology for making VA LCD panels - vertical alignment. The name of the technology is misleading because liquid crystal molecules (in a static state) cannot be completely vertically aligned due to bulging. When an electric field is created, the crystals are aligned horizontally and the backlight cannot pass through the various layers of the panel.
MVA technology - Multi-Domain Vertical Alignment - came about a year after VA. The M in MVA stands for Multi-Domain; many areas in one cell.
The essence of the technology is as follows: each subpixel is divided into several zones, and the polarizing filters are directional. Fujitsu currently manufactures panels in which each cell contains up to four such domains. With the help of protrusions on the inner surface of the filters, each element is divided into zones so that the orientation of the crystals in each specific zone is most suitable for looking at the matrix from a certain angle, and the crystals in different zones move independently. Thanks to this, it was possible to achieve excellent viewing angles without noticeable color distortions of the image - the brighter zones in the field of view when the observer deviates from the perpendicular to the screen in the field of view will be compensated by the darker ones nearby, so the contrast will drop slightly. When an electric field is applied, the crystals in all zones are aligned so that a point with maximum brightness is visible practically regardless of the viewing angle.
What has been achieved as a result of the application of the new technology?
First, good contrast - the black level of a high-quality panel can drop below 0.5 cd / m2 (exceed 600: 1), which, although it does not allow competing on equal terms with CRT monitors, is definitely better than the results of TN- or IPS- panels. The black background of the monitor screen on the MVA-panel in the dark no longer looks so distinctly gray, and the uneven backlighting affects the image much less.
Moreover, MVA panels also provide quite good color reproduction - not as good as S-IPS, but quite suitable for most needs. "Broken" pixels look black, the response time has become approximately 2 times less than for IPS and old TN-panels. Thus, there is an optimal compromise in almost all areas. What's in the bottom line?
Advantages of MVA technology:
- short reaction time;
- deep black color (good contrast);
- the absence of a helical structure of crystals and a double magnetic field led to minimal power consumption;
- good color rendering (somewhat inferior to S-IPS).
However, two spoons of tar somewhat spoiled the existing idyll:
- when the difference between the initial and final states of the pixel decreases, the response time increases;
- the technology turned out to be quite expensive.
Unfortunately, the theoretical benefits of this technology have not been fully realized in practice. 2003, all analysts predict a bright future for LCD monitors equipped with an MVA panel, until AU Optronics introduced a TN + Film panel with a response time of just 16ms. In terms of other parameters, it was no better, and in some ways even worse than the existing 25 ms TN panels (reduced viewing angles, poor color rendering), but the low response time turned out to be an excellent marketing bait for consumers. In addition, the low cost of technology amid the ongoing price wars, when every extra dollar per panel was a heavy burden on the manufacturer, bolstered the financial and marketing campaign. TN panels are still the cheapest today (much cheaper than both IPS and MVA panels). As a result of the combination of these two factors (a good consumer appeal of fast response times and low cost), monitors on non-TN + Film panels are currently available in limited quantities. The only exceptions are the top Samsung models on PVA and very expensive monitors on S-IPS panels, designed for professional work with color.
The developer of the MVA technology, Fujitsu, considered the LCD monitors market not interesting enough for itself and today is not developing new panels, transferring the rights to them to AU Optronics.
PVA technology
Following Fujitsu, Samsung has developed Patterned Vertical Alignment (PVA) technology, in general terms repeating the MVA technology and differing, on the one hand, with slightly larger viewing angles, but on the other hand, with worse response times.
Apparently, one of the development goals was to create a technology similar to MVA, but free from Fujitsu patents and associated license fees. Accordingly, all the disadvantages and advantages of PVA panels are the same as those of MVA.
Advantages of PVA technology:
- excellent contrast (the black level of PVA panels can be only 0.1-0.3 cd / m2);
- excellent viewing angles (when evaluating viewing angles according to the standard contrast ratio drop to 10: 1, it turns out that they are not limited by the panel, but by the plastic frame of the screen protruding above it - the latest models of monitors on PVA declared angles of 178 °);
- good color rendering.
Disadvantages of PVA technology:
- monitors on PVA panels are of little use for dynamic games. Due to the long response time, when switching a pixel between close states, the image will be noticeably blurred;
- not the lowest cost.
Of great interest to this type of matrix is their widespread availability on the market. If a monitor on a good 19-inch MVA matrix is almost impossible to find, then with PVA their developer (Samsung) tries to regularly release new models for sale. To be fair, it should be noted that other companies produce monitors on PVA matrices a little more willingly than on MVA, but the presence of at least one serious manufacturer, such as Samsung, already gives PVA matrices a tangible advantage.
A PVA-based monitor is almost an ideal choice for work due to its characteristics that are closest to CRT monitors among all types of matrices (if you do not take into account the slow response time, the only serious drawback of PVA). 19-inch models based on them are easy to find on sale, and at quite reasonable prices (in comparison, say, with monitors on S-IPS matrices), so when choosing a work monitor for which behavior in dynamic games is not too important, be sure to pay attention to PVA.
Last year, Samsung introduced Dynamical Capacitance Compensation, DCC (Dynamic Capacitance Compensation) technology, which engineers claim is capable of making the switching time of a pixel independent of the difference between its final and initial states. If DCC is successfully implemented, PVA panels will be one of the fastest among all types of panels currently existing, while retaining their other advantages.
Conclusion
There are significantly fewer LCD panel manufacturers than monitor manufacturers. This is due to the fact that the production of panels requires the construction of expensive (especially in conditions of constant competition) high-tech factories. Manufacturing a monitor based on a ready-made LCD module (usually an LCD panel is supplied complete with backlight lamps) comes down to ordinary installation operations, which do not require either ultra-clean rooms or any high-tech equipment.
Today, the largest panel manufacturers and developers are a joint venture between Royal Philips Electronics and LG Electronics called LG.Philips LCD and Samsung.
LG.Philips LCD primarily specializes in IPS panels, supplying them to third-party large companies such as Sony and NEC. Samsung is better known for TN + Film and PVA panels, mainly for monitors of its own production.
It is possible to determine exactly on whose panel a particular monitor is assembled only by disassembling it, or by finding unofficial information on the Internet (the panel manufacturer is rarely indicated officially). In this case, information about any specific model applies only to this model and does not affect other monitors from the same manufacturer in any way. For example, in different models Sony monitors at various times used panels from LG.Philips, AU Optronics and Chunghwa Picture Tubes (CPT), and in NEC monitors, in addition to the listed ones, also Hitachi, Fujitsu, Samsung and Unipac, not counting NEC's own panels. Moreover, many manufacturers install different panels in monitors of the same model, but with different release times - as newer panel models appear, the old ones are simply replaced without changing the monitor labeling.
