• Which matrix has wide viewing angles. What is better PLS or IPS

    The first thing to decide is for what purposes, to a greater extent, the monitor will be used. Here, one cannot do without a superficial acquaintance with existing species matrices of liquid crystal monitors. There are at least three main types of liquid crystal matrix monitors.


    The matrix is ​​an array of pixels that transmit and filter light. This is the main part of the LCD monitor and it determines 90% of its quality. Modern LCD monitors equipped with three various types matrices, each type, regardless of specific model has the same advantages and disadvantages in relation to each other, only the severity of these qualities and disadvantages depends on the specific model.


    1) TN - the oldest and cheapest type of matrices in production, it is characterized by a minimum response time, relatively poor color reproduction, small viewing angles with noticeable color distortion when changing the viewing angle (especially vertically - the “negative effect”), low contrast, gray "black color. Well suited for dynamic games, unless, of course, the color rendition of a particular model is at an acceptable level for virtual entertainment.


    2) VA (MVA, PVA and other names with -VA) - pixel response time is longer than on TN, but at the same time quite good color reproduction, large viewing angles without significant color distortion when changing the viewing angle, high contrast, more expensive than TN . You can say golden mean, suitable for everything and has a relatively low price.


    3) S-IPS - more time matrix response than VA and, accordingly, TN, but at the same time excellent color reproduction, almost ideal viewing angles (virtually no visible color distortion when the viewing angle decreases), good contrast, very expensive. The best way suitable for everything where fast pixel response is not important. However, models of S-IPS monitors with a relatively short response time, which use overdrive technology, are already beginning to appear on the market, which, although they are not able to compete with TN and VA (which use overdrive) in terms of response time, but already allow you to comfortably use such a monitor for demanding applications (games), however, and for a fairly large, sometimes unjustifiably price.

    Monitor use

    1. Monitor for games. The optimal type of matrix is ​​TN considering the pixel response time. It is not recommended to work professionally with graphic programs on it. For games (gamers), such a parameter as "pixel response time" is one of the main ones. If the pixel response time is too long, then we will see the so-called “loop”, that is, smearing of the picture in dynamic scenes (games and watching movies). The minimum allowable pixel response for modern games is equal to 7-8 milliseconds, the optimal is 2-5 ms, that is, for games, the smaller this number, the better. Accordingly, the smaller this number, the more expensive the monitor. Although, I cannot but say that in fact our eye no longer perceives the difference between 2 ms and 5 ms, so in this case one can ask the question - why pay more? There is another interesting nuance associated with the far biased parameters indicated in those passports. The fact is that the response time may differ depending on the applied standard. Any company is interested in selling its products at a higher price, while indicating maximum parameters according to favorable standards. As a result, we get that 2-5 ms is enough for games and watching movies.

    2. Monitor for working with graphic programs(there is also a definition - a monitor for "static"). This type of monitor is adapted to more for working with static objects and to a lesser extent for watching movies and games. In most cases, it is bought by designers, artists, photographers, people working with static graphics. The optimal type of matrix is ​​S-IPS (also PVA, but to a lesser extent). As already mentioned this species S-IPS matrices are the slowest and probably the worst for playing games and watching videos (especially in BD and HD quality), it is also the most expensive type of monitor.

    3. Universal monitor Can be used for both gaming and graphic work, but it should be noted that it is quite difficult to find the optimal middle. All the same, to put on something to sacrifice, deciding what is more important, good game and watching a high quality movie or working with graphics. The optimal type of matrix is ​​VA (MVA, PVA and other names with -VA).

    The division of monitors into these three types is conditional, since each model has its own parameters, from which one should build on when choosing a monitor.

    The main technical indicators of the monitor.

    1. Types of matrices - the technology by which the LCD is made; the main ones are TN (TN + film), IPS, MVA / PVA.

    2. Response time (matrix response time) - the minimum time required for a pixel to change its brightness, the smaller it is, the better. Specified in milliseconds (ms).

    3. Resolution - horizontal and vertical dimensions expressed in pixels. Unlike CRT monitors, LCDs have one fixed resolution, the rest are achieved by interpolation.

    4. Dot size (pixel size) - the distance between the centers of neighboring pixels. Directly related to physical resolution.

    5. Screen aspect ratio (proportional format) - ratio of width to height (5:4, 4:3, 3:2 (15÷10), 8:5 (16÷10), 5:3 (15÷9), 16:9 etc.)

    6. Contrast - the ratio of the brightness of the lightest and most dark dots at a given backlight brightness. Some monitors use an adaptive backlight level using additional lamps, the contrast figure given for them (called dynamic) does not apply to a static image.

    7. Brightness - The amount of light emitted by a display, usually measured in candela per square meter.

    8. The viewing angle is the maximum angle from which the viewer is able to distinguish sharp image on the LCD monitor screen.

    9. Monitor diagonal (size) is the length of the diagonal at the outer corners of the screen. Determined in inches - 1 inch = 2.54 cm.

    The article will be updated.

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    Liquid crystal displays (IPS, MVA, PVA technologies)

    Sergey Yaroshenko

    When creating LCD displays, three main technologies are used: TN + film, IPS and MVA. Since TN + film technology was discussed in detail in the previous article, we will focus on its technological competitors.

    TN + film technology

    Twisted Nematic + film (TN + film). The "film" part of the technology name means extra 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;
    - minimum response time of a pixel to a control action.

    Disadvantages of TN + film technology:
    - average 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 good result A: Decent viewing angles and good color reproduction.

    In IPS matrices, the crystals do not form a spiral, but rotate when applied electric field 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, the liquid crystal molecules do not rotate. The second polarizing filter is always turned perpendicular to the first, and no light passes 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.

    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 for the phrase "Liquid Crystal Display", which, translated into understandable Russian, means a liquid crystal display, or LCD.
    • LED stands for "Light Emitting Diode", which in our language is read as a light emitting diode, or simply an LED.

    All other types are derivatives of 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 becoming at the service of humanity.

    Types of monitor matrices, their characteristics, similarities and differences

    Let's start with the most familiar LCD screen. It consists of:

    • 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.
    • Case with a metal frame, which gives rigidity to the product

    The point on the screen responsible for the formation of the image is called pixel, and consists of:

    • Transparent electrodes in the amount of two pieces.
    • Interlayers of molecules of the active substance between the electrodes (this is the LCD).
    • Polarizers whose optical axes are perpendicular to each other (depending on the design).

    If there were no LC between the filters, then the light from the source, passing through the first filter and being polarized in one direction, would be completely delayed by the second, due to its optical axis being perpendicular to the axis of the first filter. Therefore, no matter how we shine on one side of the matrix, it remains black on the other side.

    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 tends to change depending on the magnitude of the voltage of the electric current applied to the electrodes. Further, technological differences begin depending on the type of matrix.

    Tn matrix stands for "Twisted Nematic", which means "Wriggling Threadlike" in translation. The initial arrangement of the molecule is in the form of a quarter-turn spiral. That is, the light from the first filter is refracted so that, passing along the crystal, it enters the second filter in accordance with its optical axis. Therefore, in a quiet state, such a cell is always transparent.

    By applying voltage to the electrodes, 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 one 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

    Flaws– small viewing angles, low contrast, poor color reproduction, inertia, power consumption

    TN+Film matrix

    It differs from simple TN by the presence of a special layer designed to increase the viewing resolution in degrees. In practice, a value of 150 degrees horizontal is achieved for best models. It is used in the vast majority of budget-level TVs and monitors.

    Advantages– low response time, low cost.

    Flaws- viewing angles are very small, low contrast, poor color reproduction, inertia.

    TFT matrix

    Short 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 a manufacturing technology and the difference from pure TN is only in the way pixels are controlled. Here it is implemented using microscopic field effect transistors, and therefore such screens belong to the class of active LCDs. That is, this is not a type of matrix, but a way to control it.

    IPS or SFT matrix

    Yes, and this is also a descendant of that very ancient LCD plate. In fact, it is a more developed and modernized TFT, as Super Fine TFT is called (very good TFT). The viewing angle of the best products is increased to 178 degrees, and the color gamut is almost identical to natural

    .

    Advantages– viewing angles, color reproduction.

    Flaws– the price is too high compared to TN, the response time is rarely below 16 ms.

    Types of Ips matrix:

    • H-IPS - increases image contrast and reduces response time.
    • AS-IPS - the main quality is to increase the contrast.
    • H-IPS A-TW - H-IPS with "True White" technology that improves White color and its shades.
    • AFFS - increase in 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), version of IPS. Launched by the Samsung concern and is an analogue of H-IPS, AN-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.

    • - short for "Vertical Alignment", translated - vertical alignment. Unlike TN matrices, VA matrices do not transmit light in the off state.
    • MVA matrix. Modified VA. The goal of the optimization was to increase viewing angles. Reducing the response time was possible thanks to the use of OverDrive technology.
    • PVA matrix. It is not a separate species. It is an MVA patented by Samsung under its own name.

    There also exists large quantity all sorts of improvements and improvements that an ordinary user is unlikely to encounter in practice - the maximum that the manufacturer indicates on the box is the main type of screen and that's it.

    In parallel with LCDs, LED technology has evolved. Full-fledged, purebred LED screens are made from discrete LEDs either in a matrix or cluster way and in stores household appliances do not meet.

    The reason for the absence of full-weight LEDs on sale lies in their large dimensions, low resolution, and coarse grain. The destiny of such devices is banners, outdoor TV, media facades, a ticker device.

    Attention! Don't confuse the marketing name like "LED monitor" with a real LED display. Most often, this name will hide a conventional LCD of the TN + Film type, but the backlight will be made using an LED lamp, not a fluorescent one. This is all that in such a monitor will be from LED technology- lighting only.

    OLED displays

    A separate segment is OLED displays, which is one of the most promising areas:

    Advantages

    1. small weight and overall dimensions;
    2. low appetite for electricity;
    3. unlimited geometric shapes;
    4. no need for special lighting;
    5. viewing angles up to 180 degrees;
    6. instant response of the matrix;
    7. contrast exceeds all known alternative technologies;
    8. the ability to create flexible screens;
    9. temperature range is wider than other screens.

    Flaws

    • 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 also read by amateurs mobile devices, therefore, we will also touch on the sector of portable equipment:

    AMOLED (Active Matrix Organic Light-Emitting Diode) - a combination of LED and TFT

    Super AMOLED - Well, here, we think everything is clear!

    Based on the data provided, it follows that there are two types of monitor matrices - liquid crystal and LED. Combinations and variations are also possible.

    You should know - the matrices are divided by ISO 13406-2 and GOST R 52324-2005 into four classes, which we will only say that the first class provides for the complete absence dead pixels, and the fourth class allows up to 262 defects per million points.

    How to find out what matrix is ​​in the monitor?

    There are 3 ways to check your screen's matrix type:

    a) If the packing box is preserved and technical documentation, then there for sure you can 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 white background. It is impossible to achieve completely black color - it will be deep gray, but not black.
    • IPS is easy to identify by the black picture, which acquires a purple tint when the eye deviates 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, so the black color on such a matrix is ​​a completely de-energized pixel. And even at her own the best IPS black color glow 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 is low cost, has acceptable time delays and constantly improves image quality. But because of Low quality final image can only be recommended for home use- sometimes to watch a movie, sometimes to drive a toy and from time to time work with texas. As you remember, the response time for the best models reaches 4 ms. Disadvantages in the form of poor contrast and unnatural color causes increased eye fatigue.

    IPS this is, of course, a completely different matter! Bright, juicy and natural colors of the transferred picture will provide excellent comfort of work. Recommended for printing works, designers or those who are willing to pay a tidy sum for convenience. Well, it will not be very convenient to play due to the high response - not all instances can boast even 16 ms. Accordingly - calm, thoughtful work - YES. It's cool to watch a movie - YES! Dynamic shooting games - NO! But the eyes do not get tired.

    OLED. Ah, the dream! Such a monitor can be afforded either by fairly wealthy people, or those who care about the state of their vision. If not for the price, we could recommend it to everyone and everyone - the characteristics of these displays have the advantages of all other technological solutions. In our opinion, there are no drawbacks here, except for the cost. But there is hope - the technology is improving and, accordingly, 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 according to the principle of organic light emitting diodes, and they are quite actively used in the field of portable technology - Cell phones, tablets and others.

    But, if there are no excessive monetary resources, then you should opt for more simple models, but in without fail co LED lamps illumination. LED lamp has a longer life, stability luminous flux, wide range of backlight control and very economical in terms of power consumption.

    Over the years of television development, many changes have taken place in the technologies for displaying images on the screen. The image quality is growing every year, making the recently released brands obsolete. But at the same time, all types of screens, be it TVs, smartphone displays or computer monitors, are built on the basis of matrices. The heroes of this article will be the VA and IPS matrices.

    Most of the characteristics of the display, such as color and resolution, depend on the matrix. Therefore, when choosing your new device, it is better not to rely on random, but to choose after carefully analyzing all possible options.

    This matrix appeared in 1996, represented by the Japanese company Fujitsu. Its name stands for vertical alignment, which literally translates as vertical alignment. Since its appearance on the market, it has gained high popularity and its range of applications are modern LCD TVs.

    Its peculiarity lies in the fact that its liquid crystals in the absence of power on them are located perpendicular to the screen. This provides her with the main advantage among her kind - a very rich black color. The viewing angle when using this technology is also quite high. As for the disadvantages of such a matrix, first of all it is a long response time. This makes it difficult to use such matrices in monitors designed for frequent image changes, for example, for computer games.

    Also, some inconveniences are added by the so-called "Floating Semitones" expressed in the fact that when shifted from the center of the display, part of the color palette begins to distort. But in most cases it is almost imperceptible. Relatively IPS technology it is intermediate between the previous TN and S-IPS. They are easier to manufacture, due to which they are cheaper, and in terms of characteristics they are close to IPS matrix m. During the creation, several modifications were created, its improvements include:

    1. MVA, the pixel is built from two parts, which adds sharpness to the image.
    2. P-MVA with high contrast and color reproduction.
    3. AMVA- It fixed the main drawback of VA - the response.

    Key features of IPS

    Appeared on the market in 1996, immediately becoming a competitor to VA. Since two manufacturers took part in the creation, it received a dual name In plane Switching from Hitachi and Super Fine TFT from NES. The priority in the creation was to create a display without the typical disadvantages of TN. Among competitors, the factors that distinguish IPS are considered to be a large viewing angle, good performance contrast and high color rendering ability.

    IPS monitors are thicker than those based on other matrices. This design feature appeared due to the need to use lamps with more power. A model with a backlit matrix with increased light transmission ability is often used on tablets and smartphones.

    Main application similar devices found in professional photo editing and rendering 3D models. They are also often used when editing books and collections before publication. They have found their place due to the high characteristics of color reproduction, contrast and the ability to very accurately display all possible shades. It has been modified many times since its release. The most significant were the following modifications:

    • The first modification of the classical scheme was S-IPS matrix. Created in 1998, contrast and response have been improved.
    • The next step was the 2002 matrix - Advanced Super IPS(AS-IPS). The main improvements were to improve the brightness and contrast of the image.
    • In 2007, specially for photographers and designers appeared H-IPS panel, which has been comprehensively redesigned shades of white.
    • In 2010 was developed Professional IPS, it has support for color space up to 102 bits. The number of displayed colors has exceeded 1 billion. Mode has been optimized Truecolor. It was a deeply modified H-IPS matrix.
    • In 2009, they released a version cheaper than other matrices, called Enhanced-IPS. It uses lower quality hardware to reduce the cost of production. At the same time, the response time has improved significantly. Some of the pixels have been trimmed, degrading the quality of the midtones and the number of colors.
    • Also in 2011 Korean manufacturer Samsung was presented new type, which received the technical designation Plane-to-Line Switching. The pixel density in PLS matrices is higher than that of analogs, due to which the brightness increases. Also, when using such a scheme, energy consumption improves. But at the same time, the contrast and color gamut is much lower than that of analogues. PLS is used in tablets, smartphones of this company.

    similarity

    In addition to the function and year of production, these matrices are in no way similar.

    The difference between IPS and VA technologies

    By default, the placement of liquid crystals in an IPS matrix is ​​​​horizontal, while in VA it is vertical, based on this, only horizontal movement of crystals is possible for VA matrices, and vertical for IPS. In the absence of power supply to the crystals, vertically arranged crystals are more densely packed together than provide VA technology with better light blocking. This provides rich black tones.

    In another technology, the crystals, when closed, let in much more light. However, this also distorts the image on TVs with VA technology when deviating from right angles. Conversely, on TVs with IPS matrices, the image will not float even at very large angles. So the main advantages of VA are contrast and deep blacks, while IPS takes its toll on viewing angles.

    The black level in the VA matrix reaches 0.015 nits, while using IPS it is several times higher. Therefore, the image obtained on the VA matrix in darker rooms will differ higher quality. As for the levels of color reproduction, the characteristics of both matrices are approximately equal. However, due to the same black levels and contrast, most viewers find that VA delivers more bright colors.

    What to give preference

    If your home is different big size and you are going to watch TV often in a big company, then advantage of IPS technology will be obvious to you. Viewing angles, without loss of quality, are about twice as high as those of a competing matrix. That will make it possible to watch your favorite shows from anywhere in the room. In addition, screens with this technology consume much less electricity.

    The VA matrix is ​​also suitable for watching movies in the evening, after work in excellent quality. It will always have bright colors and shades. In addition, in production, such matrices will be cheaper than IPS, which will allow you to save a little. However, on this moment both of these technologies have comparable characteristics and therefore it is up to you to decide which matrix advantages are closer to you.

    There are many types of monitors available today. We will talk with you about the main types that are popular in the market. The type of monitor you choose depends entirely on the size of your wallet and the qualities you want from a monitor.

    Answer the question: "Which monitor to choose?", You can after reading this article. You will find out what is the main difference between IPS, PLS, TN monitor matrices.

    Let's start, perhaps, with the cheapest segment of this market - these are monitors with a TN matrix.

    Monitors with TN matrix

    The main advantage of these monitors is their cheapness. The cheapest TN monitor will cost you a maximum of 2000-3000 rubles. But the weak feature of these monitors is their image quality.

    If you have sensitive eyes and they get tired quickly from viewing the monitor - TN monitors are not your choice. You will not be able to look at such a monitor for a long time, since also monitors still have slight glare. Also, TN monitors do not have such rich colors and invert colors at certain viewing angles. With TN monitors, you will never get perfect color reproduction and the ability to experience high quality Pictures. The conclusion is this - if you need a monitor purely for a little pastime at the computer and sometimes watch a movie in low resolution - then TN monitors are your choice.

    IPS monitors

    These monitors are rightfully considered the best at the moment. It is the IPS matrix that transmits the maximum image quality and preserves the color palette. Also, the IPS matrix is ​​easier for the human eye to perceive and makes it possible to look at such a monitor for a long time without eye fatigue. That is, the IPS matrix is ​​perceived by the eye as an ordinary picture that is drawn on an electronic canvas and the eyes get tired less. Very important point- this is the resolution that the IPS matrix has. Best of all, the author recommends buying a monitor with the so-called FULL HD resolution. Then, you will be able to fully experience the beauty of the transmitted picture, whether it is a game or a movie.

    Monitors with PLS matrix

    These monitor models have appeared quite recently and the developer of the PLS matrix is ​​Samsung. Not surprisingly, most Samsung monitors are equipped with exactly pls matrix. In fact, the PLS matrix in terms of perception and feeling is the same as the IPS matrix. The only difference is in the method of manufacturing these matrices. Also, from my point of view, a huge advantage of PLS ​​matrices from Samsung is a technology called Flicker Free. This technology reduces glare and flicker as much as possible, which will allow you to look at the monitor for a very long time without eye fatigue. The author of this article has such a PLS format matrix and he is very pleased with it, since the PLS matrix allows you to work at a computer for a very long time for less eye strain. The color reproduction of the PLS matrix, as already mentioned, is on a par with IPS matrices.

    Therefore, I can conclude that if you decide to take yourself new monitor- you should not skimp on the monitor, as this is the main element through which you perceive the information that is displayed from the computer. The author of the article recommends purchasing Samsung monitors with a PLS matrix. The monitor should have FULL HD resolution and be quite large, based on your preferences.

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