* VA (Vertical Alignment) The first matrix of this type, so called "VA", was developed by Fujitsu. Later these matrices were improved and produced by a number of companies. They are characterized as a kind of compromise in most characteristics (including cost and power consumption) between TN and IPS, as well as the latter leave a faulty pixel or subpixel in an extinguished state. Their main advantage is high contrast in combination with good color rendering (especially in the latter versions), but unlike IPS, they have a negative feature, expressed in the disappearance of details in the shadows when viewed from a perpendicular view and the dependence of the color balance of the image on the angle of view.
- MVA - Multi-domain Vertical Alignment. The first widespread type of matrix from this family
- PVA (Patterned Vertical Alignment) - develop * VA technology, proposed by the company, is characterized primarily by increased image contrast.
- S - PVA (Super- PVA) from,
- S - MVA (Super MVA) from Chi Mei Optoelectronics,
- P-MVA, A-MVA (Advanced MVA) from AU Optronics. Further development of * VA technology from various manufacturers. The improvements were mainly reduced to a decrease in the response time by manipulating the application of a higher voltage at the initial stage of changing the orientation of the subpixel crystals (this technology is called either "Overdrive" or "Response time compensation" in different sources) and the final transition to full-fledged 8-bits encoding color in each channel.
- IPS Pro (developed by IPS Alpha) is used in Panasonic LCD TVs.
- AFFS - compact matrices manufactured by Samsung for special applications.
- ASV - matrices produced by Sharp Corporation for LCD TVs.
To work with office applications, any LCD monitor is perfect for you, so you can safely choose based on design, device price and other considerations. The only remark is that if you buy a monitor with a large diagonal - 20 "and above, it is desirable that it be connected via the DVI interface, because when working with texts and tables, the maximum possible image clarity is desirable. (When buying a cheap monitor for gaming and watching movies, availability digital input not so critical.)
To work with raster graphics (photo processing, etc.), as well as video editing, and any other applications where accurate color reproduction is critical, you should choose models with a matrix of the IPS family or, which is somewhat worse in this case, * VA.
In many situations, a monitor with an IPS matrix can also be very good choice for the house, since the only significant drawback of modern ones of this type is the relatively high price. And the response time, although it exceeds that of the best TN monitors, does not impose any restrictions on the use of such monitors in games.
Probably the best option as a universal home monitor for many users may be the option with a modern * VA matrix, since it provides a much more comfortable viewing of movies and photos than the cheaper TN options, and the speed characteristics will be sufficient for most except the most notorious users gamers.
If the monitor is bought mainly for 3D games (especially shooters and simulators), a TN matrix can be an adequate choice; when used in games, the main disadvantages of this technology are not so noticeable. Plus, these monitors are the cheapest. (If we compare models with the same diagonal).
Also, modern monitors differ in the aspect ratio of the screen - ordinary, with an aspect ratio of 4: 3 or 5: 4 and widescreen, with an aspect ratio of 16:10 or 16: 9.
Since the binocular field of view of a person has an aspect ratio much closer to those of y, then, other things being equal, it is theoretically more comfortable to work behind them and they are gradually displacing them with the "usual" aspect ratio. Some problems can only be with old games that do not support video modes with the appropriate aspect ratio, but practice shows that adaptation to a “flattened” image in such cases occurs very quickly and this fact does not cause discomfort. So we recommend choosing the aspect ratio of the monitor based on your own preferences, although a widescreen monitor is definitely more convenient for home.
We also recommend relying on your own subjective impressions when choosing the type of coverage for the monitor - a "glossy" coating makes the image visually more contrasting (especially on cheap matrices), but glare much more and more unpleasantly, in contrast to matte.
We remind you that very often overestimated can be caused not only by the use of an expensive and high-quality matrix in it, but also by features that are not related to the actual performance of the monitor of its main function, i.e. the presence of specific peripherals (speakers, subwoofers, web cameras), additional inputs (digital, for example, a second DVI or HDMI, and analog, like S-Video or component input) or unique design solutions.
A side-by-side comparison of the effect of viewing angles (photographs taken at an angle of 50 °) on the image characteristics of monitors with different types matrices:
& nbsp & nbsp & nbsp & nbsp Indicative table of comparative user characteristics depending on the type of matrix used:
Fundamentals of Monitor Science. Matrix types: IPS
Quite a long time has passed since the creation of the first monitor on liquid crystals, when the world realized that it could not continue this way - the quality produced by TN technology was clearly not enough. The innovations that were designed to correct the shortcomings of TN matrices (and are discussed in detail in previous articles) saved the situation only partially. Therefore, by the mid-90s of the last century, an active search for new solutions began that could bring the quality of LCD monitors to a fundamentally new level.
It just so happens in the world of technology that some are looking for solutions to emerging problems by modernizing existing developments, while others are not afraid to start from scratch. The proud Japanese under the auspices looked at all this noise for a long time, then they sighed, rolled up their sleeves and in 1996 showed the world their own development, devoid of the minuses of TN technology. It was named IPS (In-Plane Switching), which can be translated as "in-plane switching". It differed from the standard TN matrix in that, firstly, the crystals in the matrix were not twisted, but were located parallel to each other in the same plane (hence the name). And secondly, both contacts for supplying voltage were located on the same side of the cell.
Schematic representation of a cell in an IPS matrix
What is the result? In IPS matrices, in the absence of voltage, the light did not pass through the polarizers, therefore, unlike TN technology, the black color here was exactly black. The first versions were distinguished by one more feature - when looking at the screen from the side, the black color gave a purple tint (this problem was later solved). In the off state, the matrix did not transmit light, so now, if a pixel fails, then, unlike TN matrices, a black point appears instead of a luminous point. In addition, the quality of color rendering has increased by an order of magnitude.
But, as is usually the case in such cases, solving old problems gave rise to new ones. Due to the peculiarities of the "design", it took much more time to rotate the crystals, and accordingly the matrix became much "slower". Further, since both contacts were located on the same side, this reduced the usable area (slightly, but nevertheless), which, in turn, led to a decrease in the brightness and contrast of the panels created using this technology.
But that's not all. Energy consumption has also increased - both due to technical solutions and due to the use of more powerful lighting sources. As a result, the price of these matrices is quite high.
In any case, the image quality has become much higher, which has allowed several companies to actively rush to search for upgrades in order to reduce "harmful" parameters and improve benefits. Simultaneously with Hitachi, this same technology began to be used in (only now they called it Super Fine TFT, or SFT).
Already in 1998, Hitachi upgraded the IPS matrices, reducing the response time. The technology that was named S-IPS, were immediately adopted by such giants as and. It should be noted that today it is in the direction of IPS that there are most modifications that have gone far from the original version. And although the general points regarding these matrices remain, in many modifications some parameters have been greatly improved.
For a long time I was tormented by the question: what is the difference between the image modern monitors with TN, S-IPS, S-PVA, P-MVA matrices. My friend ne0 and I decided to compare.
For tests, we took two 24 "" monitors (unfortunately, they did not find anything on S-IPS :():
- on a cheap TN matrix Benq V2400W
- on the P-MVA matrix of the middle category Benq FP241W.
Characteristics of candidates:
Benq V2400W
Matrix type: TN + FilmInches: 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: 16ms / 6ms GTG
Trends in recent years
TN (TN + film) matrices improve color rendering, brightness and viewing angles.* VA (S-PVA / P-MVA) matrices improve response time.
How far has progress come?
Already now you can watch films on TN matrices (TN + Film), work with color in editors.* VA play games without motion blur.
But there are still differences.
Brightness
Benq V2400W (TN) has its initial color settings (RGB) 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 a lower brightness than its competitors (alas, we could not compare :)), but I can say with confidence that the brightness * of VA monitors will be higher than that of TN monitors.In Benq FP241W (* VA), black is also bright due to the brightness of the backlight. For TN, black remained completely black when we compared the on and off states of the monitors. This may not be present on other * VA models and is present on TN. (I am waiting for comments with verification of this statement :))
The black color * VA does not interfere in the work at all and is associated with black (glory to our accustomed eyes :) and a good contrast ratio of 1000: 1 monitor). And the difference in black brightness is visible only in comparison (when one monitor is placed next to another).
Due to the high brightness, colors on * VA appear a little more saturated, and whites are whiter on * VA on TN, in comparison, it appears gray.
You yourself noticed such an effect when, for example, you switched the color temperature on the monitor from 6500 to 9300, when your eyes were already accustomed to a different color temperature (probably here most of the habra people 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 TN monitors and * VAs can be well calibrated (so that the grass is green, the sky is blue, and the skin colors in the photographs are not yellow).On TN monitors, the difference between bright and dark colors close to each other is worse (for example, bright blue with white, on the clouds, close to black (4-5%) and white (3-5%)). The differences in these colors also change depending on the viewing angle, turning into negative, or disappear. But it seems due to this on TN monitors, black is really black.
* VA shows the full spectrum of colors - on a good video card and settings, all color gradients from 1 to 254 are visible, regardless of the viewing angle.
Photos looked good on both monitors and had reasonably rich colors.
Both monitors have 16.7M colors (not 16.2 like some TNs) - the gradients looked identical without color gaps.
Viewing angles
The first major difference between TN and * VA is the viewing angles of the monitors.If you look at the TN monitor directly in the center, then the top and bottom of the screen begins to distort (darken) the colors a little. This is noticeable in bright colors and dark colors - dark colors turn black and bright colors turn gray. On the left and right, the darkening from the corner is noticeably much less - which most likely pushes manufacturers to make monitors with a large diagonal widescreen :). Plus, due to this effect, some colors begin to fade into others and merge.
It is difficult to look at the TN monitor from above and especially from below - low-contrast colors become distorted, become faded, inverted and merge very strongly.
On * VA monitors, color distortion (or rather brightness) is also present. If you look at the monitor in the center at a distance of less than 40 cm, then on white color you can see small fading in the corners of the monitor (see figure), which cover about 2-3% of the corners. Colors are not distorted. That is, if you look at the monitor from the largest tilt angle, the picture will not lose its colors, it will just be a little overexposed.
Due to the lack of distortion * VA monitors are made to rotate 90 degrees.
Viewing video on TN from the sofa is possible, but only it must be directed exactly at the viewers (vertically). With * VA, there are no problems with rotating the screen towards the viewer, the film can be viewed from almost any angle. Distortion is not significant.
Response time
The second major difference is response time. The former.Already now, overdrive systems are striding at full speed - and if earlier it played main role, now faded into the background.
TN monitors in this direction are in the lead and are considered the best for gamers. Trails on them have not been seen for a long time. In the photographs, the square flying into the corner doubled.
* VA monitors look at the TN heel. Having played Team Fortress 2, W3 Dota, Fallout 3, no distortions and blurry trails (blur effect) were noticed. Watching the video was also a success. In the photographs, the square flying into the corner has tripled.
Visually, in the test, if you look closely, the running square on the * VA matrix had only 1.1 times larger loop.
Which one would I choose?
If you are trying to choose between S-IPS or * VA matrices and do not know what to choose, then I recommend * VA, which you will be very happy with. * VA is great for working with color - overpay twice for the name of the matrix and large angles s-IPS review, in comparison * VA is not worth it - the difference in quality is not worth the money.For games, office / Internet affairs, viewing photos, basic editing of pictures, photos and videos, and watching movies alone - TN is perfect. Even with the necessary skill + specific SuperBright (Video) modes, you can watch movies on TN on the couch with insignificant, imperceptible color distortions (and why would they be for a movie :)).
For processing photos, working with color in video (you can also mount it on TN in the right places, huh?), Drawing on a tablet, * VA is better suited. As a bonus, you can perfectly watch movies on it, lounging in an armchair (high brightness to help). And playing and doing Internet / office affairs on it is just as convenient as on TN.
P.s. After purchasing * VA, I immediately noticed a purple gradient on the "Welcome screen" in Windows XP on the bottom left :), which I did not notice on old TN.
Technology does not stand still, and LCD production is no exception. However, due to the constant development and release of new technologies in the manufacture of screens, as well as due to special marketing approaches to advertising, many buyers when choosing a monitor or TV may have a question that better IPS or TFT screen?
To answer the question posed, you need to understand what is IPS technology and what is a TFT screen. Only by knowing this, you will be able to understand what is the difference between these technologies. This in turn will help you do right choice screen that will fully meet your requirements.
1. So what is a TFT display
As you may have guessed, TFT is the abbreviated name for the technology. It completely looks like this - Thin Film Transistor, which means a thin-film transistor in Russian. Basically, a TFT display is a type of liquid crystal display that is based on an active matrix. In other words, it is a conventional active matrix liquid crystal display. That is, the control of the liquid crystal molecules is carried out using special thin-film transistors.
2. What is IPS technology
IPS is also short for In-Plane Switching. It is a kind of active matrix LCD. This means that the question is that better TFT or IPS is erroneous since they are essentially the same thing. More precisely, IPS is a type of FTF display matrix.
The IPS technology got its name due to the unique arrangement of electrodes, which are located on the same plane with the liquid crystal molecules. In turn, liquid crystals are located parallel to the plane of the screen. This solution made it possible to significantly increase the viewing angles, as well as increase the brightness and contrast of the image.
Today, there are three most common types of active matrix TFT displays:
- TN + Film;
- PVA / MVA.
Thus, it becomes obvious that the difference between TFT and IPS lies only in the fact that TFT is a type of LCD screen with an active matrix, and IPS is the same active matrix in a TFT display, or rather one of the types of matrices. It should be noted that such a matrix is \u200b\u200bthe most common among users all over the world.
3. What is the difference between TFT and IPS displays: Video
The common misconception that there is a difference between TFT and IPS has arisen from the marketing gimmicks of sales managers. In an effort to attract new customers, marketers do not disseminate full information about the technology, which creates the illusion that a completely new development is coming into the world. Of course, IPS is a newer development than TN, but it is impossible to choose which TFT or IPS display is better for the above reasons.
TFT and IPS matrices: features, advantages and disadvantages
IN modern world we regularly come across displays of phones, tablets, PC monitors and TVs. Technologies for the production of liquid crystal matrices do not stand still, and many people have a question, which is better to choose TFT or IPS?
In order to fully answer this question, it is necessary to thoroughly understand the differences between the two matrices, highlight their features, advantages and disadvantages. Knowing all these subtleties, you can easily choose a device whose display will fully meet your requirements. Our article will help you with this.
TFT matrices
Thin Film Transistor (TFT) is a liquid crystal display manufacturing system based on an active matrix of thin film transistors. When voltage is applied to such a matrix, the crystals rotate towards each other, which leads to the formation of a black color. Turning off the electricity has the opposite result - crystals form a white color. Varying the applied voltage allows you to form any color on each individual pixel.
The main advantage of TFT displays is the relatively low cost of production in comparison with modern counterparts. In addition, such matrices have excellent brightness and response time. Due to this, distortion when viewing dynamic scenes is invisible. TFT displays are most commonly used in budget TVs and monitors.
Disadvantages of TFT displays:
- low color rendering. The technology is limited to 6 bits per channel;
- spiral arrangement of crystals negatively affects the contrast of the image;
- image quality decreases markedly when the viewing angle is changed;
- high probability of the appearance of "broken" pixels;
- relatively low power consumption.
The disadvantages of TFT matrices are most noticeable when working with black. It can be distorted to gray, or vice versa, be too contrasting.
IPS matrices
The IPS matrix is \u200b\u200ban advanced continuation of TFT displays. The main difference between these matrices is that in TFT the liquid crystals are arranged in a spiral, while in IPS the crystals lie in the same plane parallel to each other. In addition, in the absence of electricity, they do not rotate, which has a positive effect on the display of black.
Advantages of IPS matrices:
- viewing angles, at which the image quality does not decrease, are increased to 178 degrees;
- improved color rendering. The amount of data transmitted on each channel has been increased to 8 bits;
- significantly improved contrast;
- reduced energy consumption;
- low probability of “broken” or burnt-out pixels.
The image on the IPS matrix looks more lively and saturated, but this does not mean that this technology is devoid of drawbacks. Compared to its predecessor, IPS has significantly reduced image brightness. Also, due to the change in the control electrodes, such an indicator as the response time of the matrix suffered. The last, but no less significant disadvantage is the relatively high price for devices that use IPS displays. As a rule, they are 10-20% more expensive than those with a TFT matrix.
Should you choose TFT or IPS?
It should be understood that TFT and IPS matrices, despite significant differences in image quality, are very similar technologies. They are both based on active matrices and use liquid crystals of the same structure. Many modern manufacturers give their preference to IPS matrices... Largely due to the fact that they can compete more effectively with plasma matrices and have significant prospects in the future. Nevertheless, TFT matrices are also developing. Now on the market you can find TFT-TN and TFT-HD displays. They are practically not inferior in image quality to IPS matrices, but at the same time they have a more affordable cost. But at the moment there are not many devices with such monitors.
If image quality is important to you and you are ready to pay a little extra, then a device with IPS display is the best choice.
