• The difference between the va matrix and the ips matrix. Buying a monitor: what type of matrix to choose

    What is important when choosing a monitor? Resolution, screen diagonal, refresh rate, response time? Undoubtedly, but it is also important to decide which matrix is ​​needed, because a number of characteristics that directly influence the choice depend on its type. In some cases, the requirements are the same, for which certain monitors are suitable. In other cases, different characteristics are required, and some screens will definitely have to be excluded from the selection. What types of monitor matrices exist, how they differ, what are their differences - we’ll talk about this.

    Modern monitors

    Gone are CRT displays made using a vacuum tube (kinescope). They were bulky, heavy, and, naturally, absolutely not suitable for use in mobile technology. They have been replaced by monitors whose screens are made of liquid crystals, hence the name LCD displays, or in foreign words – LCD (Liquid Crystal Displays).

    I won’t go into detail about the advantages and disadvantages, they are known, and not so important now, that’s not what we’re talking about today. You need to understand what types of matrices are used in monitors, what is their difference, in which cases it is more reasonable to use one type, and in which – another.

    TN (Twisted Nematic)

    One of the oldest types of matrices, still relevant and used. Currently, a modified version of it, labeled TN+film, is used. Its popularity is based on two main advantages: speed (low response time and latency) and low price. Indeed, a response time of about 1 ms is par for the course.

    Even the shortcomings inherent in this screen manufacturing technology cannot put it to rest. And there are enough minuses. These include small viewing angles, poor color rendering, low contrast, and insufficient black depth. Although, if the screen is located directly in front of the owner’s eyes, then the problem with viewing angles somewhat reduces its severity.

    The situation is also worsened by the fact that different matrices from different manufacturers may differ significantly from each other. If in expensive gaming models laptops or gaming monitors can install a quite tolerable screen, then in budget devices The display quality can be quite mediocre.

    How does this work

    The screen itself is a “sandwich” of two polarizing filters, between which there are electrodes on transparent substrates on both sides of the screen, two metal plates and, in the middle, a layer of liquid crystals. WITH outside a filter is installed on the screen.

    Grooves are applied to the glass plates, and in a mutually perpendicular direction, which sets the initial orientation of the crystals. Thanks to this arrangement of grooves, the liquid crystals are twisted into a spiral, which is where the name of the Twisted Nematic technology comes from.

    If there is no voltage on the electrodes, then the crystals arranged in a spiral rotate the plane of polarization of the light so that it passes through the second (external) polarizing filter. If a voltage is applied to the electrons, then, depending on the level of this voltage, the liquid crystals unfold, changing the intensity of the passing light. At a certain voltage, the plane of polarization of the light will not change, and the second filter will completely absorb the light.

    The presence of two electrodes improves energy efficiency, and partial rotation of the crystals has a beneficial effect on the performance of the matrix.

    Due to the fact that in the absence of voltage the crystals transmit light, when defects occur in the matrix (“broken pixels”) they appear as luminous white dot. In other technologies, such dots are dark.

    You can identify the TN matrix “by eye” by looking at the switched-on screen at an angle. And the larger it (the angle) is, the more faded the colors will become, the less contrast the image will become. In some cases, it is even possible to invert colors.

    IPS (In-Plane Switching)

    Monitors with such a matrix are now the most common competitors to monitors with a TN screen. Almost all the shortcomings of the latter were overcome, unfortunately, sacrificing the advantages that the previous technology had. Monitors with an IPS matrix are a priori more expensive and have a longer response time. For gaming systems this may be a significant argument for choosing TN.

    But for those who professionally work with images, who need high-quality color rendition, a wide color gamut, monitors with such a matrix - optimal choice. In addition, there are no problems with viewing angles; the black color is much more similar to black, and does not look like a certain shade of gray, as often happens on TN screens.

    How does this work

    Between the two polarizing filters there is a layer of control microfilm transistors and a layer of liquid crystals with filters of three primary colors. The crystals are located along the plane of the screen.

    The planes of polarization of the filters are perpendicular to each other, therefore, in the absence of voltage, light passing through the first filter and polarized in one plane is blocked by the second filter, producing deep blacks. By the way, this is why if “ dead pixel“On the screen it looks like a black dot, and not white, as is the case with TN matrices.

    When voltage appears on the control electrodes, the crystals again rotate along the plane of the screen, transmitting light. This leads to one of the disadvantages of the technology - longer response time. This is due precisely to the need to rotate the entire array of crystals, which wastes time. But it provides viewing angles up to 178° and excellent color rendition.

    There are also disadvantages to this technology. This is more power consumption, since the location of the electrodes on only one side forced an increase in voltage to ensure rotation of the entire array of crystals. The lamps used are also more powerful than in the case of TN, which further increases energy consumption.

    IPS options

    The technology does not stand still; improvements are being made to it, which have significantly reduced response time and price. So, there are the following options for IPS matrices:

    • S-IPS (Super-IPS). Second generation of IPS technology. The screen has a slightly modified pixel structure, improvements have been made to reduce the response time, bringing this parameter closer to the characteristics of TN matrices.
    • AS-IPS (Advanced Super-IPS). The next improvement to IPS technology. The main goal was to increase the contrast of S-IPS panels and increase their transparency, becoming closer in this parameter to S-PVA.
    • H-IPS. The structure of the pixels has changed, the density of their placement has increased, which makes it possible to further increase the contrast and make the image more uniform.
    • H-IPS A-TW (Horizontal IPS with Advanced True Wide Polarizer). Developed by LG. The basis is an H-IPS panel, to which a TW (True White) color filter is added, which improves white. The use of polarizing film from NEC (Advanced True Wide Polarizer technology) made it possible to get rid of possible glare at large viewing angles (“glow effect”) and, at the same time, increase these angles. This type of matrix is ​​used in professional monitors.
    • IPS-Pro (IPS-Provectus). Developed by BOE Hydis. The interpixel distance has been reduced, viewing angles and brightness have been increased.
    • AFFS (Advanced Fringe Field Switching, sometimes called S-IPS Pro).
    • e-IPS (Enhanced IPS). An increase in light transmission has made it possible to use more economical and cheaper backlight lamps. The response time has decreased, reaching values ​​of 5 ms. Monitors with such matrices usually have a diagonal of up to 24 inches.
    • P-IPS (Professional IPS). Professional matrices with 30-bit color depth, an increased number of possible subpixel orientations (1024 versus 256 for the others), which improved color rendition.
    • AH-IPS (Advanced High Performance IPS). Matrices of this type are distinguished by the largest viewing angles, high brightness and contrast, and short response time.
    • A development from Samsung that makes improvements to the original IPS technology. The company did not disclose details, but it was possible to reduce power consumption and make the response time similar to S-IPS. True, the contrast has deteriorated somewhat, and the uniformity of illumination is not so smooth.

    VA (Vertical Alignment)/MVA (Multi-Domain Vertical Alignment)

    Technology developed by Fujitsu. In many ways, such screens occupy an intermediate position between TN and IPS options. Thus, viewing angles and color reproduction are better than TN, but worse than IPS. The same goes for response time. At the same time, their cost is lower than that of IPS.

    How does this work

    The principle of operation follows from the name (or the name reflects the principle of operation of this technology). The crystals are located vertically, i.e., perpendicular to the substrate. In the absence of voltage, nothing interferes with the passage of light through the crystals, and a second polarizing filter completely blocks the light and provides deep blacks. This is one of the advantages of technology.

    When voltage is applied, the crystals unfold, allowing color to pass through. In the first matrices the viewing angle was very small. This was corrected in a modified version of the technology - MVA, where several crystals were used, located one after another and deflecting synchronously.

    VA/MVA options

    There are several varieties of this technology, to the development of which different companies have had a hand:

    • PVA (Patterned Vertical Alignment). Samsung presented its version of the technology. Details have not been disclosed, but PVA has slightly better contrast and is slightly less expensive. In general, the options are very close and often no distinction is made between them, indicating MVA/PVA.
    • S-PVA (Super PVA). Joint development of Sony and Samsung. Improved viewing angles.
    • S-MVA (Super MVA). Developed by Chi Mei Optoelectronics/Innolux. In addition to increasing viewing angles, contrast has been improved.
    • A-MVA (Advanced MVA). Further development S-MVA from AU Optronics. Managed to reduce response time.

    This option of matrices is the optimal compromise between cheap, but with a lot of shortcomings, TN, and higher quality, but more expensive IPS. Perhaps the only drawback of MVA is the lack of color rendering as the viewing angle increases, especially in midtones. In everyday use this is almost unnoticeable, but professionals who work with images may have doubts about such matrices.

    OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode)

    A technology that is significantly different from those used today. The cost of matrices, especially large diagonals, and the complexity of production have so far prevented the widespread use of this technology in the production of monitors. Those models that exist are expensive and rare.

    How does this work

    The technology is based on the use of carbon organic materials. When energized, they emit a certain color, and when not energized, they are completely inactive. This allows, firstly, to completely get rid of the backlight, and secondly, to provide an ideal depth of black color. After all, nothing glows or is filtered, therefore there can be no complaints about the black color.

    OLED screens provide high brightness and contrast values, excellent viewing angles without distortion. Energy efficiency at high level. The response speed is inaccessible even to TN matrices.

    Still, a number of shortcomings are currently holding back the use of such screens. This is also a short operating time (screens are prone to “burn-in” - an effect that was inherent plasma panels), a complex production process with quite a large number defects, which increases the cost of such matrices.

    QD (Quantum Dots)

    Another promising technology based on the use of quantum dots. On at the moment There are few monitors made using this technology, and they are not cheap. The technology makes it possible to overcome almost all the disadvantages inherent in all other versions of matrices used in displays. The only drawback is that the black depth does not reach the level of OLED screens.

    How does this work

    The technology is based on the use of nanocrystals ranging in size from 2 to 10 nanometers. The difference in size is not accidental, because this is where the whole trick lies. When voltage is applied to them, they begin to emit light, and with a certain wavelength (i.e. a certain color), which depends on the size of these crystals. The color also depends on the material from which the nanocrystals are made:

    • Red color – size 10 nm, alloy of cadmium, zinc and selenium.
    • Green color - size 6 nm, alloy of cadmium and selenium.
    • Blue color – size 3 nm, a compound of zinc and sulfur.

    Blue LEDs are used as illumination, and quantum dots responsible for green and red colors are applied to the substrate, and these dots themselves are not ordered in any way. They are just mixed together. The blue light from the LED hitting them causes them to glow at a specific wavelength, forming a color.

    This technology allows you to do without installing light filters, since the desired color has already been obtained in advance. This improves brightness and contrast, since it is possible to get rid of one of the layers that make up the screen.

    Unlike OLED, black depth is slightly lower. The cost of such screens is still high.

    Comparison of matrices made using different technologies

    The table contains a brief comparison of the described types of matrices, from which it can be clear where certain types of screens are strong and where they fall short.

    Matrix typeTNIPSMVA/PVAOLEDQD
    Response timeLowAverageAverageVery lowAverage
    Viewing AnglesSmallgoodAverageExcellentExcellent
    Color renditionOn a low levelgoodGood, slightly worse than IPSExcellentExcellent
    ContrastAveragegoodgoodExcellentExcellent
    Black depthLowGood-excellentExcellentExcellentSlightly worse than OLED
    PriceLowMedium-highAverageHighHigh

    Conclusion. Types of monitor matrices - which ones to choose?

    not spoiled for choice, in most cases either TN or IPS screens. With the rare exception of any expensive, high-status devices, which use more expensive types of matrices.

    Unless you can choose between average-quality displays “for every day” and higher quality ones, which are suitable for the office and will allow you to edit photos.

    Users regular monitors they can choose whatever their heart desires and their finances allow. To save money when it comes to games or office work, a monitor with a TN screen will do just fine.

    A universal solution is a monitor with an IPS matrix, or, alternatively, MVA. Wide Angles review, black color, more like really black, excellent color rendition is guaranteed. The only question is cost and longer response time than TN. However, gaming monitors they perform excellently on such matrices, and if the goal is to save money at all costs, then it’s definitely worth considering this option.

    Well, professionals in general, in fact, have no alternatives. The choice is between just IPS and again IPS, but with some addition - IPS-Pro, H-IPS, etc.

    Promising options are still poorly represented on the market, but if you really want to have something special, then why not?

    Monitor resolution is the size of the resulting image in pixels. The higher the resolution, the more detailed the image you can get and the higher the cost of the monitor (all other things being equal).

    Typical permissions modern monitors are given below:

    Separately, it is worth mentioning Full HD and 4K resolutions.

    Built-in speaker system

    If you do not have serious demands on the sound quality of your audio system, you should consider purchasing a monitor with built-in speakers. If you connect such a monitor using an HDMI or DisplayPort connector, you will not need a separate cable for audio transmission, which is very convenient.

    Headphone output

    If you use headphones frequently (for example, listening to music at night or in the office), then a monitor equipped with a headphone audio output would be a smart purchase. This will make them more convenient to use.

    3D image support (3D-Ready)

    The 3D format is gradually gaining popularity. First it conquered cinema screens, and now it is penetrating the market. household appliances. Some monitor models already support 3D content. Such monitors have a high screen refresh rate (144 Hz and higher) and can alternately display images for the left and right eyes. To ensure that each eye sees its own picture, the kit includes special glasses with “shutter” technology.

    To summarize, we can roughly divide monitors into several price categories:

    monitors costing from 5,000 to 10,000 rubles. Inexpensive monitors for office or home use. They have a diagonal size from 17 to 21 inches. As a rule, they are equipped with TN-type matrices, or an inexpensive variety of VA or IPS matrices. Maximum resolution is FullHD or less. Equipped VGA connectors or DVI. Additional adjustments to the screen position are rare.

    monitors costing from 10,000 to 20,000 rubles.  Monitors for everyday home use fall into this category. They have a diagonal size from 22 to 27 inches, equipped with good TN, VA or IPS matrices with FullHD resolutions. Equipped HDMI connectors or DisplayPort. May have USB hubs, built-in speakers and screen position adjustments.

    monitors costing over 20,000 rubles.  More advanced monitors with diagonals from 24 to 35 inches and higher, with matrices with resolutions from FullHD to 5K with good response speed and color reproduction. In this category there are models with curved screen or 3D image support. They also have on board a wide range of different connectors for connecting system units and other devices, USB hubs, and audio outputs.

    I hope this small guide will help you choose suitable monitor for your computer.

    It always comes down first of all to choosing the type of monitor matrix. And when you have already decided what type of matrix you need, you can move on to other characteristics of the monitor. In this article we will look at the main types of monitor matrices that are currently used by manufacturers.

    Now on the market you can find monitors with the following types of matrices:

    • TN+film (Twisted Nematic + film)
    • IPS (SFT – Super Fine TFT)
    • *VA (Vertical Alignment)
    • PLS (Plane-to-Line Switching)

    Let's consider all types of monitor matrices in order.

    TN+film– the simplest and cheapest matrix creation technology to produce. Due to its low price it is most popular. Just a few years ago, almost 100 percent of all monitors used this technology. And only advanced professionals who needed high-quality monitors bought devices based on other technologies. Now the situation has changed a little, monitors have become cheaper and TN+film matrices are losing their popularity.

    Advantages and disadvantages of TN+film matrices:

    • Low price
    • Good response speed
    • Poor viewing angles
    • Low contrast
    • Poor color rendering

    IPS

    IPS– the most advanced type of matrices. This technology was developed by Hitachi and NEC. The developers of the IPS matrix managed to get rid of the shortcomings of TN+film, but as a result, the price of matrices of this type has risen significantly compared to TN+film. However, every year prices decrease and become more affordable for the average consumer.

    Advantages and disadvantages of IPS matrices:

    • Good color rendering
    • Good contrast
    • Wide viewing angles
    • High price
    • Long response time

    *VA

    *VA This is a type of monitor matrix that can be considered a compromise between TN+film and IPS. The most popular among such matrices is MVA (Multi-domain Vertical Alignment). This technology was developed by Fujitsu.

    Analogues of this technology developed by other manufacturers:

    • PVA (Patterned Vertical Alignment) from Samsung.
    • Super PVA from Sony-Samsung (S-LCD).
    • Super MVA from CMO.

    Advantages and disadvantages of MVA matrices:

    • Large viewing angles
    • Good color rendering (better than TN+film, but worse than IPS)
    • Good response speed
    • Deep black color
    • Not a high price
    • Loss of shadow detail (compared to IPS)

    PLS

    PLS– a type of matrix developed by Samsung as an alternative to expensive IPS matrices.

    When choosing a monitor, many users are faced with the question: what better pls or IPS.

    These two technologies have existed for quite a long time and both show themselves quite well.

    If you look at various articles on the Internet, they either write that everyone must decide for themselves what is better, or they do not give an answer to the question posed at all.

    Actually, these articles make no sense at all. After all, they do not help users in any way.

    Therefore, we will analyze in which cases it is better to choose PLS or IPS and give advice that will help you make the right choice. Let's start with the theory.

    What is IPS

    It’s worth saying right away that at the moment it is the two options under consideration that are the leaders in the technology market.

    And not every specialist will be able to say which technology is better and what advantages each of them has.

    So, the word IPS itself stands for In-Plane-Switching (literally “in-site switching”).

    This abbreviation also stands for Super Fine TFT (“super thin TFT”). TFT, in turn, stands for Thin Film Transistor.

    To put it simply, TFT is a technology for displaying images on a computer, which is based on an active matrix.

    Quite difficult.

    Nothing. Let's figure it out now!

    So, in TFT technology, the molecules of liquid crystals are controlled using thin-film transistors, this means “active matrix”.

    IPS is exactly the same, only the electrodes in monitors with this technology are on the same plane with liquid crystal molecules, which are parallel to the plane.

    All this can be clearly seen in Figure 1. There, in fact, displays with both technologies are shown.

    First there is a vertical filter, then transparent electrodes, after them liquid crystal molecules (blue sticks, they interest us most), then a horizontal filter, a color filter and the screen itself.

    Rice. No. 1. TFT and IPS screens

    The only difference between these technologies is that the LC molecules in TFT are not located in parallel, but in IPS they are in parallel.

    Thanks to this, they can quickly change the viewing angle (specifically, here it is 178 degrees) and give a better picture (in IPS).

    And also due to this solution, the brightness and contrast of the image on the screen has significantly increased.

    Is it clear now?

    If not, write your questions in the comments. We will definitely answer them.

    IPS technology was created in 1996. Among its advantages, it is worth noting the absence of the so-called “excitement,” that is, an incorrect reaction to touch.

    It also has excellent color rendition. Quite a lot of companies produce monitors using this technology, including NEC, Dell, Chimei and even.

    What is PLS

    Very for a long time the manufacturer did not say anything at all about his brainchild and many experts put forward various assumptions regarding the characteristics of PLS.

    Actually, even now this technology is shrouded in a lot of secrets. But we will still find the truth!

    PLS was released in 2010 as an alternative to the aforementioned IPS.

    This abbreviation stands for Plane To Line Switching (that is, “switching between lines”).

    Let us remember that IPS is In-Plane-Switching, that is, “switching between lines.” This refers to switching in a plane.

    And above we said that in this technology, liquid crystal molecules quickly become flat and due to this, a better viewing angle and other characteristics are achieved.

    So, in PLS everything happens exactly the same, but faster. Figure 2 shows all this clearly.

    Rice. No. 2. PLS and IPS work

    In this figure, at the top there is the screen itself, then the crystals, that is, the same LC molecules that were indicated by blue sticks in Figure No. 1.

    The electrode is shown below. In both cases, their location is shown on the left in the off state (when the crystals do not move), and on the right - when they are on.

    The principle of operation is the same - when the crystals begin to work, they begin to move, while initially they are located parallel to each other.

    But, as we see in Figure No. 2, these crystals quickly acquire the required form- the one that is necessary for the maximum.

    Over a certain period of time, the molecules in the IPS monitor do not become perpendicular, but in the PLS they do.

    That is, in both technologies everything is the same, but in PLS everything happens faster.

    Hence the intermediate conclusion - PLS works faster and, in theory, this particular technology could be considered the best in our comparison.

    But it is too early to draw final conclusions.

    This is interesting: Samsung filed a lawsuit against LG several years ago. It claimed that the AH-IPS technology used by LG is a modification of PLS ​​technology. From this we can conclude that PLS is a type of IPS, and the developer himself admitted this. Actually, this was confirmed and we are a little higher.

    Which is better PLS or IPS? How to choose a good screen - guide

    What if I don't understand anything?

    In this case, the video at the end of this article will help you. It clearly shows TFT monitors and IPS in section.

    You will be able to see how it all works and understand that in PLS everything happens exactly the same, but faster than in IPS.

    Now we can move on to further comparison of technologies.

    Expert opinions

    On some sites you can find information about an independent study of PLS ​​and IPS.

    Experts compared these technologies under a microscope. It is written that in the end they did not find any differences.

    Other experts write that it is still better to buy PLS, but do not really explain why.

    Among all the statements of experts, there are several main points that can be observed in almost all opinions.

    These points are as follows:

    • Monitors with PLS matrices are the most expensive on the market. Most cheap option– TN, but such monitors are inferior in all respects to both IPS and PLS. So, most experts agree that this is very justified, because the picture is better displayed on PLS;
    • Monitors with a PLS matrix are best suited for performing all kinds of design and engineering tasks. This technique will also cope perfectly with the work of professional photographers. Again, from this we can conclude that PLS does a better job of rendering colors and providing sufficient image clarity;
    • According to experts, PLS monitors practically free from problems such as glare and flicker. They came to this conclusion during testing;
    • Ophthalmologists say that PLS will be much better perceived by the eyes. Moreover, your eyes will find it much easier to look at PLS all day than IPS.

    In general, from all this we again draw the same conclusion that we already made earlier. PLS is a little better than IPS. And this opinion is confirmed by most experts.

    Which is better PLS or IPS? How to choose a good screen - guide

    Which is better PLS or IPS? How to choose a good screen - guide

    Our comparison

    Now let’s move on to the final comparison, which will answer the question posed at the very beginning.

    The same experts identify a number of characteristics by which different ones need to be compared.

    We are talking about indicators such as light sensitivity, response speed (meaning the transition from gray to gray), quality (pixel density without losing other characteristics) and saturation.

    We will use them to evaluate the two technologies.

    Table 1. Comparison of IPS and PLS according to some characteristics

    Other characteristics, including richness and quality, are subjective and vary from person to person.

    But from the above indicators it is clear that PLS has slightly higher characteristics.

    Thus, we again confirm the conclusion that this technology performs better than IPS.

    Rice. No. 3. The first comparison of monitors with IPS and PLS matrices.

    There is a single “popular” criterion that allows you to accurately determine which is better – PLS or IPS.

    This criterion is called “by eye”. In practice, this means that you just need to take and look at the two side by side standing monitor and visually determine where the picture is better.

    Therefore, we will present several similar images, and everyone will be able to see for themselves where the image visually looks better.

    Rice. No. 4. Second comparison of monitors with IPS and PLS matrices.

    Rice. No. 5. The third comparison of monitors with IPS and PLS matrices.

    Rice. No. 6. The fourth comparison of monitors with IPS and PLS matrices.

    Rice. No. 7. Fifth comparison of monitors with IPS (left) and PLS (right) matrices.

    It is visually clear that on all PLS samples the picture looks much better, more saturated, brighter, and so on.

    We mentioned above that TN is the most inexpensive technology today and monitors using it, accordingly, also cost less than others.

    After them in price come IPS, and then PLS. But, as we see, all this is not at all surprising, because the picture really looks much better.

    Other characteristics in this case are also higher. Many experts advise buying with PLS matrices and Full HD resolution.

    Then the image will really look just great!

    It is impossible to say for sure whether this combination is the best on the market today, but it is definitely one of the best.

    By the way, for comparison you can see what IPS and TN look like under acute angle review.

    Rice. No. 8. Comparison of monitors with IPS (left) and TN (right) matrices.

    It is worth saying that Samsung created two technologies at once that are used in monitors and in / and were able to significantly outperform IPS.

    It's about Super AMOLED screens, which stand on mobile devices this company.

    Interestingly, Super AMOLED resolution is usually lower than IPS, but the picture is more saturated and bright.

    But in the case of PLS ​​above, almost everything that can be, including resolution.

    Can be done general conclusion that PLS is better than IPS.

    Among other things, PLS has the following advantages:

    • the ability to convey a very wide range of shades (in addition to primary colors);
    • ability to support the entire sRGB range;
    • lower energy consumption;
    • viewing angles allow several people to see the picture comfortably at once;
    • all kinds of distortions are absolutely excluded.

    All in all, IPS monitors perfect for solving common household tasks, for example, watching movies and working in office programs.

    But if you want to see a really rich and high-quality image, buy equipment with PLS.

    This is especially true when you need to work with design/design programs.

    Of course, their price will be higher, but it’s worth it!

    Which is better PLS or IPS? How to choose a good screen - guide

    What is amoled, super amoled, LCD, TFT, Tft ips? Don't know? Look!

    Which is better PLS or IPS? How to choose a good screen - guide

    4.8 (95%) 4 votes

    Good day.

    When choosing a monitor, many users do not pay attention to the matrix manufacturing technology ( matrix is ​​the main part of any LCD monitor that forms the image), and, by the way, the quality of the picture on the screen greatly depends on it (and the price of the device too!).

    By the way, many may argue that this is a trifle, and any modern laptop (for example) provides great picture. But these same users, if you put them on two laptops with different matrices - will notice the difference in the picture with the naked eye (see Fig. 1)!

    Since quite a lot of abbreviations have appeared recently (ADS, IPS, PLS, TN, TN+film, VA), it’s easy to get confused. In this article I want to describe a little each technology, its pros and cons (it will turn out to be something in the form of a small reference article, which will be very useful when choosing: a monitor, a laptop, etc.). So…

    Rice. 1. Difference in the picture when the screen is rotated: TN matrix VS IPS matrix

    Matrix TN, TN+film

    Description technical points omitted, some terms are “interpreted” in their own words so that the article is understandable and accessible to an untrained user.

    The most common type of matrix. When choosing inexpensive models of monitors, laptops, TVs, if you look at the advanced characteristics of the device you choose, you will probably see this matrix.

    Pros:

    1. very short response time: thanks to this, you will be able to watch a good picture in any dynamic games, films (and any scenes with a rapidly changing picture). By the way, monitors with big time response - the picture may begin to “float” (for example, many people complain about the “floating” picture in games with a response time of more than 9ms). For games, a response time of less than 6ms is generally desirable. In general, this parameter is very important and if you are buying a monitor for gaming, the TN+film option is one of the best solutions;
    2. affordable price: this type of monitor is one of the most affordable.

    Cons:

    1. poor color rendering: many people complain about not bright colors(especially after switching from monitors with a different type of matrix). By the way, some color distortion is also possible (therefore, if you need to select the color very carefully, then you should not choose this type of matrix);
    2. small viewing angle: Probably many have noticed that if you approach the monitor from the side, then part of the picture is no longer visible, it is distorted and its color changes. Of course, TN+film technology has somewhat improved this point, but nevertheless the problem remains (although many may object to me: for example, on a laptop this is useful - no one sitting next to you will be able to see exactly your image on the screen);
    3. high probability of dead pixels: Probably even many novice users have heard this statement. When a “broken” pixel appears, there will be a point on the monitor that will not display the picture - that is, there will just be a luminous point. If there are a lot of them, it will be impossible to work behind the monitor...

    In general, monitors with this type of matrix are quite good (despite all their shortcomings). Suitable for most users who love dynamic movies and games. It’s also quite good to work with text on such monitors. For designers and those who need to see a very colorful and accurate picture - this type Not worth recommending.

    Matrix VA/MVA/PVA

    (Analogues: Super PVA, Super MVA, ASV)

    This technology (VA - vertical alignment in English) was developed and implemented by Fujitsu. Today, this type of matrix is ​​not very common, but nevertheless, it is in demand among some users.

    Pros:

    1. one of the best black color renditions: when looking at the monitor surface perpendicularly;
    2. more quality colors(in general) compared to TN matrix;
    3. enough good response time(quite comparable to a TN matrix, although inferior to it);

    Cons:

    1. higher price;
    2. color distortion at large viewing angles (this is especially noticeable professional photographers and designers);
    3. it is possible that small details may “disappear” in the shadows (at a certain viewing angle).

    Monitors with this matrix are good decision(compromise) for those who are not satisfied with the color rendition of a TN monitor and who need a short response time. For those who need colors and picture quality - choose IPS matrix(more on her later in the article...).

    IPS matrix

    Varieties: S-IPS, H-IPS, UH-IPS, P-IPS, AH-IPS, IPS-ADS, etc.

    This technology was developed by Hitachi. Monitors with this type of matrix are most often the most expensive on the market. I think there is no point in considering each type of matrix, but it is worth highlighting the main advantages.

    Pros:

    1. better color rendition compared to other types of matrices. The picture turns out “juicy” and bright. Many users say that when working on such a monitor, their eyes practically do not get tired (the statement is very controversial...);
    2. largest viewing angle: even if you stand at an angle of 160-170 degrees. - the picture on the monitor will be just as bright, colorful and clear;
    3. good contrast;
    4. excellent black color.

    Cons:

    1. high price;
    2. long response time (may not suit some fans of games and dynamic films).

    Monitors with this matrix are ideal for all those who need high-quality and bright picture. If you take a monitor with a short response time (less than 6-5 ms), then it will be quite comfortable to play on it. The main drawback is the high price...

    Matrix PLS

    This type of matrix was developed by Samsung (planned as an alternative to the ISP matrix). It has both its pros and cons...

    Pros: more high density pixels, high brightness, less power consumption.

    Cons: Low color gamut, lower contrast compared to IPS.

    By the way, one last piece of advice. When choosing a monitor, pay attention not only to technical specifications, but also on the manufacturer. I can’t name the best of them, but I recommend choosing a well-known brand: Samsung, Hitachi, LG, Proview, Sony, Dell, Philips, Acer.

    On this note I end the article, good luck to everyone :)