Which monitor matrix is better: VA or IPS. What types of matrices are there in the modern world? Which one to choose IPS or TN

There are a huge number of types of matrices on the basis of which monitors are made. The basic ones are TN, IPS, PLS, VA. All other types are built on the basis of these four and are only their modifications. When choosing a matrix, you should spare no expense and choose the one you like, because if you go cheap, you will regret it after a while. Remember to look at it like a mirror every day!

Matrix type IPS

Today, monitors based on these matrices are the most expensive and considered the best. IPS matrices s, have better color rendering and preserve the color palette as much as possible. Monitors based on such matrices have maximum viewing angles and are also easier to perceive by the human eye. A Full HD monitor based on such a matrix is capable of conveying all the delights of the image as subtly as possible. Disadvantages: increased response time, high price.

Matrix type PLS

In fact, PLS is the same type as IPS, only cheaper. Was developed by Samsung. It has such advantages as: brightness, color rendition, large viewing angles. Just like IPS matrices, it has similar disadvantages: the response time is worse than that of the TN type but better than that of the VA.

Matrix type VA

MVA/PVA/VA matrices represent the middle ground between TN and IPS matrices. Monitors based on such matrices have fairly close color reproduction to that of IPS. Also among the advantages are a large viewing angle and a short response time. As for contrast and brightness, they exceed everything as much as possible existing types matrices with the exception of PLS. Such monitors are not suitable for professionals, since the slightest deviation from the perpendicular to the angle of view and a professional will be able to notice the deviation color range. For a regular user this shortcoming will seem trivial.

Matrix type TN

This technology for manufacturing matrices is the simplest and oldest, respectively, tn type matrices are the cheapest. They have weak viewing angles; this can be noticed at the slightest deviation of the eye from the direct viewing angle of the monitor. The picture will immediately begin to distort. The only advantage of these matrices is the minimum response time, which allows a dynamic picture not to leave trails.

The superiority of IPS matrices

Unlike TN-type matrices, in IPS the crystals do not form a spiral, but rotate if an electric field acts on them, and they rotate synchronously. Changing the structure of the crystals made it possible to achieve such a parameter as the maximum viewing angle, which is equal to 178° vertically and horizontally. If the IPS matrix is not under voltage, the LCD molecules do not rotate. The second filter is always turned perpendicular to the first, which prevents light from passing through it. Black color display is close to ideal. If the transistor breaks down, the “broken pixel” will look black, unlike TN matrices in which it will be white. When voltage is applied, the LC molecules rotate perpendicular to their initial position, thereby transmitting light. Despite the fact that color temperature remains unchanged throughout the entire spectrum, the colors match the image as closely as possible and convey the most correct colors from any digital media. In the picture, the IPS matrix most accurately conveys colors across the entire spectrum at different viewing angles. As we know, TN type matrices have better response than IPS type, but not always. When transitioning from gray to gray, the IPS matrix has a better response than TN. Also, IPS type matrices are pressure resistant and, unlike TN and VA type matrices, do not “blur”. We can say that monitors produced on IPS matrices are integral equipment for such professions as photographers and designers.

In 2018, TVs and monitors based on VA matrices are in great demand and popularity because they are cheaper than IPS and are inferior in quality only in viewing angles. Therefore, it would be wiser for the average user to give preference to models based on VA type.

If you are involved in professional e-sports, especially if it is a shooter, then you are recommended to buy a monitor based on a TN matrix. Since they have a minimum response time and you will already be ahead of your competitors on the device, which will give you superiority.

If you are professionally involved in design, photography, etc. then you probably have several monitors to compare the color and quality of your work, and you will definitely need a monitor based on an IPS matrix if you do not have one.

In monitors, manufacturers install matrices made using various technologies, used following types matrices TN, IPS, VA with various modifications. In the figure below you can see how the picture changes to various screens when viewing an image at an angle.

TN matrix

TN+film- the first TFT panels are still produced in quality inexpensive screens, the advantage is low cost of production. The disadvantage is small viewing angles, decreased brightness and contrast when viewed from the side. At first there were TN matrices, then a special film was added to improve color rendering, a kind of filter, and the matrices began to be called TN+film.

Matrices made using IPS technology.

IPS Generations Summary (Hitachi)
PLS- Plane to Line Switching (Samsung)
AD-PLS-Advanced PLS (Samsung)
S-IPS -Super IPS (NEC, LG.Display)
E-IPS, AS-IPS- Enhanced and Advanced Super IPS (Hitachi)
H-IPS - Horizontal IPS (LG.Display)
e-IPS (LG.Display)
UH-IPS and H2-IPS (LG.Display)
S-IPS II (LG.Display)
p-IPS- Performance IPS (NEC)
AH-IPS- Advanced High Performance IPS (LG.Display)
AHVA-Advanced Hyper-Viewing Angle (AU Optronics)

IPS- one of the first production technologies TFT screens, was invented in 1996 (Hitachi) as an alternative to TN displays, has wide viewing angles, deeper blacks, good color rendition, disadvantage big time response, which made them unsuitable for games.

PLS— (Plane-to-Line Switching) samsung translated the panel name as "switching-from-plane-to-line" it turned out to be complete gobbledygook, literal translation “ By plane to the switching line" also doesn't make any sense. Most likely, under this slogan they wanted to show that the monitor has a high response time and can switch the picture at the speed of an airplane. PLS is essentially an IPS matrix only manufactured by another company that came up with its own designation and its own production technology. The advantages include:

response time is 4 miles second (GTG). GTG is the time required to change the brightness of a pixel from minimum to maximum brightness.
Wide viewing angles without loss of picture brightness.
Increased display brightness

AD-PLS- the same PLS panel, but as Samsung says, the production technology has been slightly changed, as many experts say, this is just PR.

S-IPS- improved IPS technology in this direction is being developed by NEC A-SFT, A-AFT, SA-SFT, SA-AFT, as well as LG.Display ( S-IPS, e-IPS, H-IPS, p-IPS). Thanks to improvements in technology, response times have been reduced to 5 miles of seconds, making these displays suitable for gaming.

S-IPS II- next generation S - IPS panels, reducing energy intensity.

E-IPS, AS-IPS— Enhanced and Advanced Super IPS, developments (Hitachi) one of the improvements in IPS technology is increased brightness and decreased response time

H-IPS— Horizontal IPS, (LG.Display) in this type of matrix the pixels are arranged horizontally. improved color rendering and contrast. Big half modern IPS panels have a horizontal arrangement of pixels.

e-IPS — (LG.Display) The following improvements in matrix production are cheaper to manufacture but have the disadvantage of slightly lower viewing angles.

UH-IPS and H2-IPS— second generation H-IPS technology, improved matrix, increased panel brightness.

p-IPS— Performance IPS is the same as H-IPS, the marketing name for the matrix from NEC.

AH-IPS— modification of the matrix for displays with high resolution(UHD), similar to H-IPS.

AHVA— Advanced Hyper-Viewing Angle is the designation received by the company’s displays (AU Optronics) The company was formed from the merger of Acer Display Technology and the display division of BenQ Corporation.

PVA matrices - Patterned Vertical Alignment

S-PVA- Super PVA
cPVA
A-PVA-Advanced PVA

PVA matrices were developed by Samsung and have good contrast, but have a number of disadvantages, the main loss of image contrast when viewed at an angle. In order to periodically update the production line, after a certain period of time it was released new model screen, so there are the following types of VA screens.

S-PVA— Super PVA improved matrix due to changes in production technology.
cPVA- simplified production technology; screen quality is worse than S - PVA
A-PVA— Advanced PVA small absolutely insignificant changes.
SVA- another modification.

VA - Vertical Alignment

MVA— Multi-Domain Vertical Alignment (Fujitsu)
P-MVA- Premium MVA
S-MVA- Super MVA
AMVA-Advanced MVA

Production technology TFT displays(VA) was developed by Fujitsu in 1996 as an alternative to TN matrices; screens made using this technology had the disadvantages of long response times and small viewing angles but had significantly best characteristics chromaticity. To overcome the shortcomings, production technology has been improved.

MVA - the next version of the technology in 1998, the difference was that the pixel consisted of several parts, this made it possible to achieve a higher quality image.

P-MVA, S-MVA— improved color rendering and contrast.

AMVA - next generation manufacturing, faster response time, better color rendering.

We all use computers, an indispensable part of which are monitors. From the right choice The monitor depends on the preservation of one hundred percent vision and the level of comfort when working. Under no circumstances should you skimp on a monitor, because no amount of money can buy you vision.

When choosing a monitor for yourself, you should start by determining the type matrices, on the basis of which your future monitor will be assembled. It's worth remembering that different types matrices are better suited for one type of work or another. Next you need to decide diagonally screen. Here a lot depends on the quantity free space on the desktop, which you can place under the monitor. You shouldn’t buy too large a diagonal (it’s not a TV after all), but there’s also no need to waste time on trifles - you’ll simply have difficulty reading small text. This is especially true for users with poor vision.

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

Let's start by choosing matrix types. There are a huge number of types of matrices on the basis of which monitors are created, but the main ones are TN, IPS And V.A.. All others are their various modifications. Also in lately are gaining popularity PLS matrices, but they are still unreasonably expensive.

TN matrix

The simplest and oldest type of matrix, at the same time the cheapest. Monitors on TN matrices have small viewing angles. This is expressed in the following: the picture is distorted at the slightest deviation from viewing at a right angle. But for such matrices minimum response time, i.e. The dynamic picture leaves no trails.

IPS matrices

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

VA matrices

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

PLS matrices

In principle, PLS is, in a sense, a development of IPS matrices, but a somewhat cheaper option. They have such advantages as high brightness and good color rendition, enough large viewing angles. Naturally, there were some drawbacks. Response time PLS matrices a little worse than TN, but better than VA.

Summarizing the types of matrices, let's say this: if you have a limited budget, or you are a gamer, choose monitors with 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 should definitely look towards MVA/PVA.

Now let’s decide on the diagonal of our future monitor. In principle, it is quite enough for comfortable work 24 inches. It makes no sense to take less, because with permission Full HD (1920x1080) The text on the screen becomes too small.

Monitor resolution

Full HD resolution – 1920x1080 – has long been traditional. But there are models with higher resolution. These may be required for gamers. Accordingly, your video card must support such high resolutions.

Parameters such as brightness, contrast, dynamic contrast do not make much sense at all, since each manufacturer measures them using its own technology.

Please note connectors located on the back of the monitor. Currently, the most relevant is the combination DVI+HDMI. VGA may only be useful for older machines.

3D technology support

A dubious, and also very expensive pleasure. Better buy 3D TV inches diagonal 50 - in this case, the costs will fully justify themselves.

Any speakers or USB ports built into the case are also completely useless. Pay attention to the stand. It should be quite reliable and be able to rotate/tilt. You may also need to use the monitor in portrait mode – not every monitor model has the ability to adjust the height.

I have listed the main points that are worth paying attention to. As for design, everything here is strictly individual. It's the same with manufacturers.

The first thing you need to decide for what purposes the monitor will be used to a greater extent. Here we cannot do without a superficial acquaintance with existing species matrices of liquid crystal monitors. There are at least three main types of LCD 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 are 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 matrix to produce, it is characterized by minimal response time, relatively poor color reproduction, small viewing angles with noticeable color distortion when changing the viewing angle (especially vertically - “negative effect”), low contrast, gray "black. Well suited for dynamic games, if, of course, the color rendering 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, at a price more expensive than TN . You could say golden mean, suitable for everything and has a relatively low price.

3) S-IPS - longer time matrix response than on VA and, accordingly, TN, but at the same time excellent color rendering, almost ideal viewing angles (virtually without visible color distortion when viewing angle is reduced), good contrast, very expensive. In the best possible 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 is also suitable for demanding applications (games), however, at a fairly high, sometimes unreasonably price.

Using the Monitor

1. Monitor for games. The optimal type of matrix is TN, taking into account the pixel response time. Work professionally with graphic programs it is not recommended. 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 “trail”, that is, smearing of the picture in dynamic scenes (games and watching movies). Minimum acceptable pixel response value for modern games equal to 7–8 milliseconds, optimal 2–5 ms, that is, for games, the lower this number, the better. Accordingly, the lower this number, the more expensive the monitor. Although, I cannot help but say that in fact our eye no longer perceives the difference between 2 ms and 5 ms, so in this case one may 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 quite enough for games and watching movies.

2. Monitor for working with graphics programs(there is also a definition – monitor for “static”). This type of monitor is adapted to to a greater extent for working with static objects and, to a lesser extent, for watching movies and games. In most cases, it is purchased by designers, artists, photographers, and people working with static graphics. The optimal type of matrix is S-IPS (also PVA, but to a lesser extent). As already mentioned this type S-IPS matrices the slowest and probably the worst for gaming 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 games and graphic work, but it should be noted that finding the optimal middle can be quite difficult. It’s still a matter of sacrificing something, deciding what’s 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 arbitrary, since each model has its own parameters, which should be taken into account when choosing a monitor.

Main technical indicators of the monitor.

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

2. Response time (matrix reaction time) - the minimum time required for a pixel to change its brightness; the shorter it is, the better. Defined 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. Point size (pixel size) - the distance between the centers of adjacent pixels. Directly related to physical resolution.

5. Screen aspect ratio (proportional format) - width to height ratio (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 (the so-called dynamic) does not apply to a static image.

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

8. Viewing angle is the maximum angle from which the viewer is able to distinguish clear image on the LCD monitor screen.

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

The article will be updated.

In order to understand which matrix is best to buy a TV with, you need to study its varieties and characteristics, as well as the main disadvantages and advantages of each type. Today, LCD TV manufacturers use three main technologies:

In the production of LCD TVs, the TN matrix began to be used earlier than others. Due to its simple technology, it is most often used in inexpensive TV models, as well as in screens with a small diagonal. This option is suitable for buyers with a small budget.

The TN matrix consists of liquid crystals, some of which are parallel to the screen plane, others are perpendicular to each other or arranged in a spiral. Due to the fact that the crystals rotate unevenly, the image at different angles is distorted. This is one of the main disadvantages of this type of matrix. TVs with TN also cannot boast of good color reproduction: the colors are not bright enough and may not correspond to reality. Another disadvantage of this type of matrix is the possibility of “dead” pixels appearing in the form of dots on the screen that do not display the picture.

To increase the viewing angle to the TN matrix, some models use a special coating - Film.

TN advantages:

low cost;
high response speed;
minimal power consumption.

IPS: pros and cons

When developing IPS technology, manufacturers took into account all the disadvantages of the TN matrix. This allowed us to obtain a higher quality product. All IPS crystals are in the same plane - parallel to the screen, and rotate simultaneously.

large viewing angle;
high level of image brightness and clarity;
deep color supply;
long service life;
low level effects on the eyes.

Cons of IPS:

high cost;
in some models it is observed low speed response;
black color is not deep enough;
low contrast level.

There are several types of IPS matrices. The most common:

E-IPS;
AS-IPS;
P-IPS;
H-IPS;
AH-IPS;
S-IPS.

The most expensive are AH-IPS and P-IPS. They have the most high quality images. Most cheap option– E-IPS.

Another type of matrix developed according to the IPS principle is PLS. It has higher light transmittance and consumes less electricity. The downside of PLS is the lowest contrast level among all existing matrices.

V.A.

VA matrix is a compromise between TN and IPS. It is a popular type of matrix and is used in many modern models LCD TVs. In VA, the liquid crystals in the off state are perpendicular to the screen plane. This allows for rich blacks that cannot be achieved with TN and IPS. The crystals are able to move freely, so the shades are not distorted when changing the viewing angle. TVs that use VA technology are suitable for rooms with low lighting.

VA matrices are superior to TN in image quality, but they are not good enough compared to IPS. However, in the production of VA, new technologies are gradually being introduced to correct many of the shortcomings of this type of matrix. These technologies include MVA and PVA.

Which matrix is better to choose?

The choice of a specific type of matrix for a TV depends on the buyer’s budget and his needs. If you need an inexpensive option with minimum requirements in terms of image quality, then TV will do with TN. Models of such TVs are no larger than 32 inches diagonally. This option will be successful for a summer house, kitchen, office. A TN TV can be used as a gaming monitor. Fans of special effects and dynamic scenes in films will also appreciate this type of matrix.

Well-known TV manufacturers mainly use IPS and VA technologies. IPS is ideal for home theater, where it will gather large number people. It allows you to display high-quality video of any format from any viewing angle. Also, such TVs can be used to demonstrate presentations where high-definition graphics and photos are required. TV models with VA matrix are slightly inferior in image quality, but are in a lower price category. This model is quite suitable for private viewing of a small family.

What types of matrix do famous brands use?

Toshiba, a well-known Japanese manufacturer, uses IPS technology in its TVs.

Sony, Sharp, Panasonic use their own developed improved version of VA in most of their models. Sharp produces a unique matrix in limited quantities - UV 2 A. It is considered the best among the developments of the VA type.

70% of LG and Samsung TVs have VA matrices. Other models use IPS. Samsung has also developed its own version of VA-S-PVA. They are used in televisions high class. This type of matrix guarantees more wide angle visibility and deep black color.

Philips uses Sharp and LG developments in its production.

How can you independently determine the type of matrix on your TV?

There are several tips that will help you determine the type and quality of the matrix on your TV:

You can press lightly on the matrix. If the image is distorted, then the TV uses VA or TN technology.
Look at the image from different viewing angles. If, when viewed from the side, the picture changes its colors, then this also indicates a TN matrix.
When buying a TV, you should definitely check the different operating modes. Special demo versions are used in stores. In this mode it is difficult to detect flaws.
It is necessary to test for “broken” pixels. To do this, you can bring with you a USB drive with recorded files. The files are backgrounds of different colors: red, blue, green and black. The test is passed when there are no dots on the screen that differ in color from the main background.
To test the response, you can use videos with quick changes of actions. At high speed response, the image remains clear and does not double. You can record special test videos on a flash drive.
You should check the gradation level gray. The quality of dark scenes in films will depend on this indicator. The more shades of gray the matrix shows, the better the quality of the dark picture will subsequently be. This test takes place in the “Cinema” mode.
View contrast and brightness levels in different modes settings.
Make sure there are no green or pink spots that may appear on the white background. Such spots are normal for some types of matrices, but can cause slight discomfort when watching TV.
When buying a TV in an online store, look for videos with an overview of the selected model.