Comparison of tft and ips. Main types of computer monitor matrices. Main advantages of TN

When choosing a monitor, you should approach it very responsibly. After all, it is he who serves as the main object of information transfer from the computer to the user. Definitely, no one would want a monitor with uneven backlighting, dead pixels, incorrect color reproduction and other shortcomings. This material will help explain some criteria that will help you understand what exactly you need from a monitor.

The choice of a good monitor is determined by the sum of such characteristics as: type used matrices, backlight uniformity, matrix resolution, contrast(including dynamic), brightness, aspect ratio, screen size, communication ports And appearance . Also, those factors that negatively affect eye health will be mentioned.

To begin with, it is worth understanding how the color sensation occurs when looking at the monitor.

RGB (Red,Green,Blue) - the number of color gradations and varieties visible to the human eye, which can be composed of basic colors (red, green, blue). Also, these are all the primary colors that a person can see. Monitor pixels consist of red, green and blue pixels, which at a certain brightness intensity can be more than complex colors. Therefore, the more advanced the monitor matrix, the more color gradations it can display, and the more possible gradations it has for each of the red, green and blue pixels. The accuracy of color display and the level of static contrast depend on the quality and type of matrix.

Liquid crystal matrices consist of quite a few layers and b O a larger number of liquid crystals, which can build more combinations, each turning at a different angle, or changing its position in a certain angle. This is why simpler matrices work faster. This happens due to the fact that to occupy the required position, you need to perform fewer actions and with less accuracy than more complex matrices.

Let's take everything in order.

Type of LCD matrix.

What type of matrix should I choose?

It all depends on the tasks assigned to the monitor, the price and your personal preferences.

Let's start with the simplest ones and end with the more complex ones.

(twistednematic) matrix.

Monitors with this matrix are the most common. First invented LCD monitors were based on technology TN. From 100 monitors in the world, approximately 90 have TN matrix. Are the cheapest and simple to produce and therefore the most widespread.

Capable of transmitting color 18 -and or 24 -x bit range ( 6 or 8 bits per channel RGB), which although is a good indicator in comparison with the first LCD monitors on TN, nowadays this is not enough for high-quality color rendition.

TN matrix monitors have the following advantages:

• High response speed.

• Low price.

• High level of brightness and the ability to use any backlight.
  

Faster matrix response time – has a positive effect on the picture in dynamic scenes of films and games, making the picture less blurry and more realistic, which improves the perception of what is happening on the screen. In addition, when the frame rate drops below a comfortable value, this is not felt as pronounced as on slower matrices. For slow matrices, the updated frame is superimposed on the next one. This causes blinking and a more obvious “slowdown” of the image on the screen.

Production TN matrices are cheap, so they have a more attractive final price than other matrices.

However, monitors with a TN matrix have the following disadvantages:

• Small viewing angles. Color distortions up to inversion when viewed from an acute angle. Especially pronounced when looking from bottom to top.
  

• Quite poor contrast level.

• Incorrect, inaccurate color rendering.

Based on TN monitors can be considered more environmentally friendly in comparison with monitors on other LCD matrices. They consume the least amount of electricity due to the use of low-power backlights.

Also, backlit monitors are becoming increasingly common. LED diodes, which are now equipped with most TN monitors. Significant advantages LED The backlight does not provide, except for lower power consumption and longer service life of the monitor backlight. But it's not suitable for everyone. Budget monitors are equipped with cheap low-frequency PWM, which allow backlight blinking, which has an adverse effect on the eyes.

Prefix TN+film, indicates that another layer has been added to this matrix, which allows you to slightly expand the viewing angles and make the black color “blacker”. This type matrices with additional layer, has become a standard and is usually indicated simply in the characteristics TN.

(In Plane Switching) matrices.

This type of matrix was developed by companies NEC And Hitachi.

The main goal was to get rid of shortcomings TN matrices Later, this technology was replaced by S—IPS(Super-IPS). Monitors with this technology are produced Dell, LG, Philips, Nec, ViewSonic, ASUS And Samsung(PLS). The main purpose of these monitors is to work with graphics, photo processing and other tasks that require accurate color reproduction, contrast and compliance with standards. sRGB And Adobe RGB. Mainly used in the areas professional work with 2D/3D graphics, photo editors, pre-press specialists, but also popular among those who simply want to please their eyes with a high-quality picture.

The main advantages of IPS matrices:

• The world's best color rendering among TFT LCD panels.

• High viewing angles.

• Good level of static contrast and color accuracy.

These matrices (most) are able to reproduce color in 24 bit a (by 8 bit for each RGB channel) without ASCR. Of course not 32 bits like CRT monitors, but pretty close to ideal. Moreover, many IPS matrices ( P-IPS, some S-IPS), already know how to convey color 30 bits, however, they are much more expensive and are not intended for computer games.

The disadvantages of IPS include:

• Higher price.

• Typically larger in size and weight compared to TN matrix monitors. Greater energy consumption.

• Low pixel response speed, but better than *VA matrices.
  

• On these matrices, more often than on others there are such unpleasant moments as glow, « wet rag"and tall input-lag.

Monitors on IPS matrix have a high price due to the complexity of their production technology.

There are many varieties and names created by individual matrix manufacturers.

To avoid confusion, we will describe the most modern types of IPS matrices:

AS -IPS – improved version S—IPS matrix, in which the problem of poor contrast was partially eliminated.

H—IPS – contrast has been further improved and flare has been removed purple when looking at the monitor from the side. With its release in 2006 year, now I have practically replaced the monitors with S—IPS matrix. Might have like 6 bit, yes 8 And 10 bits per channel. From 16.7 million to 1 billion colors.

e—IPS – variety H-IPS, but a matrix that is cheaper to produce and provides standard for IPS color gamut in 24 bits(By 8 to RGB channel). The matrix is ​​specially highlighted, which makes it possible to use LED backlights and less powerful CCFL. Aimed at the middle and budget sector of the market. Suitable for almost any purpose.

P—IPS – the most advanced IPS matrix up 2011 years, continued development H-IPS(but essentially a marketing name from ASUS). Has a color gamut 30 bit(10 bits per channel RGB and is most likely achieved through 8 bits + FRC), better response speed compared to S-IPS, enhanced contrast levels and best-in-class viewing angles. Not recommended for use in games with low frame rates. The stuttering becomes more pronounced and interferes with the response speed, which causes blinking and blurriness.

UH-IPS- comparable to e-IPS. Also highlighted for use with LED backlights. At the same time, the black color suffered a little.

S-IPS II- similar in parameters to UH-IPS.

PLS - variation IPS from Samsung. Unlike IPS, it is possible to place pixels more densely, but the contrast suffers (the pixel design is not very good for this). Contrast is not higher 600:1 - the lowest rate among LCD matrices Even TN matrices this indicator is higher. Matrices PLS can use any type of backlight. According to characteristics, they are more preferable than MVAPVA matrices.

AH-IPS (since 2011) — most preferred IPS technology. The maximum color gamut of AH-IPS for 2014 does not exceed 8 bit+FRC, which gives a total of 1.07 billion colors in the most advanced matrices. Technologies are used that make it possible to produce matrices with high resolutions. Best color reproduction in class (highly depends on the manufacturer and purpose of the matrix). A small breakthrough has also been achieved in viewing angles, thanks to which, AH-IPS matrices came almost on par with plasma panels. The light transmittance of the IPS matrix has been improved, which means maximum brightness, coupled with a reduced need for powerful backlighting, which has a beneficial effect on the energy consumption of the screen as a whole. Contrast has been improved compared to S-IPS. For gamers, and in general, you can add significantly improved response time, which is now almost comparable to .

(Multi-domainPatterned Vertical Alignment) matrices(*VA).

The technology was developed by the corporation Fujitsu.

Is a kind of compromise between TN And IPS matrices. Price of monitors for MVA/PVA It also varies between prices for TN and IPS matrices.

Advantages of VA matrices:

• High viewing angles.
  

• The highest contrast among TFT LCD matrices. This is achieved thanks to the pixel, which consists of two parts, each of which can be controlled separately.
  

• Deep black color.

Disadvantages of VA matrices:

• Quite high response time.
  

• Distortion of shades and a sharp decrease in contrast in dark areas of the picture when viewed perpendicularly to the monitor.

The fundamental difference between PVA And MVA No.

PVA- is a proprietary technology of the corporation Samsung. Actually it's on 90% the same MVA, but with a changed arrangement of electrodes and crystals. Explicit advantages of PVA over MVA does not have.

If you are sparing money for a high-quality matrix on IPS technology, perhaps the best option for you, there will be a monitor on xVA matrices.

Or you can look away e-IPS matrix, which is very similar in characteristics to MVA/PVA. Although e-IPS still preferable, since it has best time response and has no problems with contrast loss when viewed directly.

Which monitor matrix should I choose?

Depends on your requirements.

TN

TN is suitable for:

• Games
• Internet surfing
• Thrifty user
• Office programs
  

TN is not suitable for:

• Watching movies(poor viewing angles + unclear blacks + poor color rendition)
• Working with color and photos
• Professional programs and pre-press preparation
  

IPS

IPS is suitable for:

• Watching movies
• Professional programs and prepress preparation
  
• Working with color and photos
• Games(+-; only for E-IPS, S-IPS II, UH-IPS)
• Internet surfing
• Office programs
  

IPS is not suitable for:

• Games(for P-IPS, S-IPS)
  

*VA

PVA/MVA suitable for:

• Watching movies
• Professional programs and pre-press preparation
• Working with color and photos
  
• Internet surfing
• Office programs
  

PVA/MVA is not suitable for:

• Games(too much low speed response)

Monitor resolution, diagonal and aspect ratio.

Undoubtedly, the higher the resolution, the clearer and smoother the picture. More fine details are visible and less pixels are visible. Everything gets smaller, but this is not always a problem. Almost any operating system, you can customize the scale and size of all elements, from font size to icon sizes and drop-down menus.

It's another matter if you have vision problems or you don't want to adjust anything, it is not recommended to use a very small pixel. Optimal diagonal For FullHD (1920x1080) — 23 —24 inches. For 1920x1200 — 24 inches, for 1680x1050 — 22 inches, 2560x1440 — 27 inches. By maintaining these proportions, you should not have any problems with reading, viewing images and small interface controls.

The most popular and common aspect ratios are 4:3 , 16:10 , 16:9 .

4:3

Currently the aspect ratio is square ( 4:3 ) is being withdrawn from the market due to its inconvenience and lack of versatility. This format is not convenient primarily for watching films, since films are in a wide format 21.5/9 , which is as close as possible to 16:9 . When viewing, large black bars appear at the top and bottom, and the image becomes much smaller in size. When using 4:3 Visible vision in games is also reduced, preventing you from seeing more. In addition, the format is not natural for human viewing angles.

16:9

This format is convenient because it is more standardized for HD films, and monitors of this format, often have permission FullHD (1920x1080) or HDready (1366x768).

This is convenient, because films can be viewed almost in full screen. The stripes still remain, since modern films have a standard 21.5/9 . Also, on such a monitor it is very convenient to work with documents in several windows or programs with complex interfaces.

16:10

This type of monitor is as practical as 16:9 monitors, but not as wide. Suitable for those who haven't had one yet widescreen monitors, however, it is intended for professionals. Professional monitors mostly have this format. Most professional programs are “tailored” specifically to the 16:10 format. It is wide enough to work with text, code, building 3D/2D graphics in several windows. In addition, it is also convenient to play on such monitors, watch movies, and do office work, just like on 16:9 monitors. At the same time, they are more familiar to human viewing angles and can be taken as a compromise between 4:3 And 16:9 .

Brightness and Contrast.

High contrast needed in order to better display blacks, shades and halftones. This is important when working with a monitor during daylight hours, since low contrast has a detrimental effect on the image in the presence of any light source other than the monitor (although brightness has a greater effect here). A good indicator is static contrast - 1000:1 and higher. It is calculated by the ratio of maximum brightness (white) to minimum (black).

There is also a measurement system dynamic contrast.

Dynamic Contrast – this is an automatic adjustment of the monitor lamps to certain parameters that are currently displayed on the screen.

Let's say a dark scene appears in the film, the monitor lamps begin to burn brighter, which increases the contrast and visibility of the scene. However, this system It does not work instantly, and often incorrectly due to the fact that the entire scene on the screen does not always have dark tones. If there are light areas, they will be overexposed. Good indicator at the moment 2012 year is an indicator 10000000:1

But don't pay any attention to dynamic contrast. It is very rare that it brings tangible benefits or even works adequately. Moreover, all these huge numbers do not show the real picture.

Why is the dynamic contrast ratio always significantly higher on a monitor with than on a monitor with?

Because LED The backlight can turn on and off instantly. The measurement starts with the backlight completely turned off, so the indicator will be huge, plus add here the high brightness of the LEDs and white background as an end point. CCFL backlight required more than 1 second to turn on, so the measurement takes place with the backlight turned on in advance on a black background.

First of all, you should pay attention to static contrast rather than dynamic contrast. No matter how much you like such huge values ​​in the characteristics. It's just marketing ploy .

Monitor brightness - not the best important parameter. Moreover, this is a double-edged sword. Therefore, we can say briefly that a good indicator of brightness is 300 cd/m2.

Why it’s a double-edged sword will be discussed below, in part "Monitor and Vision".

Communication ports.

When choosing a monitor, you should not rely on the manufacturer at this point. Most common mistake it happens - buying a monitor with an analog input and a screen resolution higher than 1680x1050. The problem is that this aging interface is not always capable of providing desired speed data transfer for resolutions higher than 1680x1050. Cloudiness and blurriness appear on the screen, which can spoil the impression of the monitor. *to put it mildly

There must be an or port on board the monitor. Availability DVI And D-Sub this is the standard for modern monitor. It's nice to also have a port HDMI, sometimes it can be useful for viewing HD video receiver or external player. If there is, but no DVI- Everything is fine. DVI And HDMI compatible through an adapter.

Types of monitor backlights. Monitor and its impact on vision.

What can you recommend to make your eyes less tired from the monitor?

Backlight brightness– one of the most important factors that affects the fatigue of your eyes. To reduce fatigue, reduce the brightness to the minimum comfortable value.

There is another problem and it is inherent in monitors with . Namely, if you reduce the brightness, it may appear visible flicker , which has an even greater effect on eye fatigue than high brightness. This is due to the peculiarity of adjusting the backlight using. IN budget monitors cheaper, low-frequency ones are used PWM, which create flickering diodes. The rate of light attenuation in a diode is much higher than in lamps, which is why LED backlight it more noticeable. In such monitors, it is better to maintain a golden mean between the minimum brightness and the beginning of visible flickering of the LEDs.

If you have any problems with eye fatigue, then it’s better to look for a monitor with CCFL backlight, or LED monitor with support 120 Hz. IN 3D monitors, more high-frequency frequencies are used PWM regulators than on regular ones. This applies to both LED backlights and CCFL.

Also, to make your eyes less tired, you can set the monitor to more soft And warm tones. This will help you spend more time working on the computer and help your eyes to better “switch” to the real world.

Do not forget that the monitor must be strictly at eye level and stand steadily, without swaying from side to side.

Eat myth what's more high-quality matrices give less fatigue for the eyes. This is not true, matrices in no way can't influence it. Fatigue is only affected by intensity And quality of implementation monitor backlight.

Conclusions.

Let us repeat once again the most important characteristics that you should pay attention to when choosing a monitor for yourself.

Modern electronic devices are practically universal. For example, a smartphone copes excellently not only with calls (receiving and making them), but also with the ability to surf the Internet, listen to music, watch videos or read books. A tablet is suitable for the same tasks. The screen is one of the most important parts of electronics, especially if it is touch-sensitive and serves not only to display files, but also for control. Let's get acquainted with the characteristics of displays and the technologies used to create them. Let's pay special attention to what an IPS screen is, what kind of technology it is, and what its advantages are.

How does an LCD screen work?

First of all, let's figure out how it is designed and equipped with modern technology. Firstly, it is an active matrix. It consists of microfilm transistors. Thanks to them, the image is formed. Secondly, this is a layer of liquid crystals. They are equipped with light filters and create R-, G-, B-subpixels. Thirdly, this is the screen backlight system, which allows you to make the image visible. It can be fluorescent or LED.

Features of IPS technology

Strictly speaking, the IPS matrix is ​​a type of TFT technology used to create LCD screens. TFT often refers to monitors produced using the TN-TFT method. Based on this, they can be compared. To get acquainted with the intricacies of choosing electronics, let’s figure out what technology is IPS screen what does this concept mean? The main thing that distinguishes these displays from TN-TFT is the arrangement of the liquid crystal pixels. In the second case, they are arranged in a spiral, at an angle of ninety degrees horizontally between the two plates. In the first (which interests us most), the matrix consists of thin-film transistors. Moreover, the crystals are located along the screen plane parallel to each other. Without voltage applied to them, they do not turn. In TFT, each transistor controls one point of the screen.

The difference between IPS and TN-TFT

Let's take a closer look at IPS and what it is. Monitors created using this technology have many advantages. First of all, it has excellent color rendition. The entire range of shades is bright and realistic. Thanks to wide angle review, the image does not fade, no matter from which point you look at it. Monitors have higher, crisper contrast due to the fact that blacks are reproduced simply perfectly. You can note the following disadvantages that the IPS screen type has. That this is, first of all, high energy consumption, a significant disadvantage. In addition, devices equipped with such screens are expensive, since their production is very expensive. Accordingly, TN-TFTs have diametrically opposed characteristics. They have a smaller viewing angle, and when the point of view changes, the image is distorted. They are not very convenient to use in the sun. The picture gets dark and glare interferes. However, such displays have fast response, consume less energy and are affordable. Therefore, such monitors are installed in budget electronics models. Thus, we can conclude in which cases an IPS screen is suitable, that this is a great thing for lovers of cinema, photography and video. However, due to their less responsiveness, they are not recommended for fans of fast-paced computer games.

Developments of leading companies

The IPS technology itself was created by the Japanese company Hitachi together with NEC. What was new about it was the arrangement of the liquid crystals: not in a spiral (as in TN-TFT), but parallel to each other and along the screen. As a result, such a monitor produces colors that are brighter and more saturated. The image is visible even in the open sun. The viewing angle of the IPS matrix is ​​one hundred and seventy-eight degrees. You can look at the screen from any point: below, above, right, left. The picture remains clear. Popular tablets with IPS screen releases Apple company, they are created on an IPS Retina matrix. One inch uses increased pixel density. As a result, the image on the display is grain-free and colors are rendered smoothly. According to the developers, the human eye does not notice microparticles if the pixels are more than 300 ppi. Nowadays, devices with IPS displays are becoming more affordable, and budget electronics models are starting to be equipped with them. New types of matrices are being created. For example, MVA/PVA. They have fast response, wide viewing angles and excellent color rendition.

Devices with multi-touch screen

IN lately Electronic devices have become very popular touch control. And it’s not just smartphones. They produce laptops, tablets, which touch screen IPS, used for managing files and images. Such devices are indispensable for working with videos and photographs. Depending on the type, there are compact and full-format devices. multi-touch is capable of recognizing ten touches simultaneously, that is, you can work on such a monitor with two hands at once. Small mobile devices, such as seven-inch smartphones or tablets, recognize five touches. This is quite enough if your smartphone has a small IPS screen. Many buyers of compact devices have appreciated that this is very convenient.

will not fall in the near future, Fujitsu has found a way out of the situation by offering another new technology production of LCD matrices. This new type matrices was named V.A. (vertical alignment). It was supposed to be a kind of compromise between the quality of IPS and the cost of TN technologies, but due to some shortcomings, its entry into the market was almost immediately closed.

As the name suggests (and it can be translated as “vertical positioning”), in VA matrices the crystals were not located parallel to the polarizers, but vertically - that is, perpendicular to the filters. Thus, in the basic state, polarized light passed freely through the crystals and did not leave the matrix, being blocked by the second polarizer, which resulted in a deep black color (accordingly, dead pixels look like black dots).

When voltage was applied to the contacts, the crystals deviated from the vertical axis and part of the light passed through the second filter. A serious drawback The first matrices based on this technology were the fact that the slightest change in the horizontal viewing angle led to completely unacceptable color distortion.

Roughly speaking, imagine that you are looking at a slightly rotated crystal from above. Shifting horizontally to one side, you will observe the light that has passed through the entire crystal and exited through top part. And moving to the other, you will see the light that came out through the side surface. Because of this effect, it turned out that the shade of the color depended on which side you were looking at the screen, and the “correct” color was visible only from one single position. And something had to be done about this.

The solution was found a couple of years later by the same company. And it consisted in the transition to the so-called “multi-domain structure” (Multi-Domain). Now in each cell the crystals were duplicated and, when voltage was applied, they were simultaneously deflected in two opposite directions, thereby neutralizing the above effect. In addition, the polarizing filters themselves have become somewhat more complicated. This technology was called MVA (Multi-Domain Vertical Alignment), and already with this addition it has taken its rightful place in the market.

Schematic representation of a cell in a *VA matrix

True, in fairness it is worth noting that it was not possible to completely get rid of this minus. Still, with horizontal deviation, a slight color shift is observed in MVA matrices, especially in the shadow area. However, it is not so critical as to be considered a serious disadvantage. Moreover, in later upgrades this effect is almost invisible.

One more point should be mentioned here, because you will definitely encounter it. After MVA technology appeared on the market, the company released a very similar matrix with the abbreviation PVA (Patterned Vertical Alignment), which is characterized by better contrast and lower price. Contrary to popular belief that Samsung simply didn't want to pay competitors to use the patent, many experts argue that the technology is distinctive enough to deserve its own place. Anyway, now this fact written as MVA/PVA. So just know that MVA is a "pure" technology and PVA is Samsung's brainchild.

The further development of this direction turned out to be not as vigorous as in the case of IPS matrices, but nevertheless deserves special mention. Overdrive technology played a major role here. Briefly, its essence is this: if it is known that in the next cycle it will be necessary to activate a certain part of the matrix (even just one pixel), then the increased voltage, causing the crystals to turn faster, which will lead to more fast work the entire matrix. Of course, this also has its problems, but thanks to the introduction of this technology, monitors on MVA/PVA matrices have become possible to use in dynamic games.

This new MVA/PVA matrix with Overdrive technology has been developed over time in two versions: Super PVA, or S-PVA, with subsequent modification to cPVA from Sony-Samsung and Super MVA (S-MVA) from CMO (now one of the largest Taiwanese LCD panel manufacturers and known as CMO/Innolux). S-MVA has now been updated to Advanced MVA (A-MVA) by All Optronics. cPVA matrices have wider viewing angles, and in A-MVA, in addition to angles, contrast is also significantly improved.

Enlarged view of the A-MVA matrix

Now, analyzing all the events of the last fifteen years, we can safely say that “the experiment was a success.” MVA/PVA technology has lived up to the expectations placed on it and has confidently taken its place in the LCD panel market.

Considering MVA matrices in the context of the other two types, we can say that these matrices are the golden mean between TN and IPS technologies. Although recent developments have further reduced the response time of MVA matrices, TN matrices are still faster. Brightness and contrast MVA is better than the other two, but in terms of color rendering they do not reach the level of IPS and slightly distort the light when viewed from the side. So it turned out to be a kind of compromise. In any case, these matrices have the best price-quality ratio.

Well, at the end, we will traditionally once again highlight the main pros and cons of this technology.

By and large, minus there is only one thing - a slight distortion of color rendition when deviating horizontally (mainly in the “shadows”). How critical this is is for you to judge, especially since latest models this effect is practically neutralized. As for the price, it is slightly higher than the cost of TN matrices (it is clear that you have to pay for quality), but less than the price of an IPS matrix.

But advantages there is much more here: in addition to the already mentioned price-quality ratio, monitors on this matrix have the best contrast, therefore they are an ideal choice for people working with drawing graphics or text. With viewing angles and matrix response time, everything is also in perfect order here.

Monitor P221W
Universal monitor based on S-PVA matrix

In general, recent developments have improved the image quality of MVA/PVA-based monitors so much that even if you put the same picture on three correctly configured monitors (with TN, MVA/PVA and IPS matrices), a professional will easily identify only the TN matrix . The difference between expensive IPS and cheaper *VA matrices will be so insignificant that without special tests it will be very difficult to determine which type is which.

We will look at the nuances of choice and practical advice in, and concluding this review, we will simply add that if you are looking for a universal home monitor, then be sure to study monitors on *VA matrices. Perhaps among them you will find the ideal solution for your needs, while saving quite an impressive amount.

TFT (Thin film transistor) is translated from English as thin film transistor. So TFT is a type of liquid crystal display that uses an active matrix controlled by these transistors themselves. Such elements are made of thin film, the thickness of which is approximately 0.1 microns.

In addition to their small size, TFT displays are fast. They have high contrast and image clarity, as well as a good viewing angle. These displays do not have screen flicker, so your eyes don't get tired as much. TFT displays also do not have beam focusing defects, interference from magnetic fields, or problems with image quality and clarity. The energy consumption of such displays is 90% determined by power LED matrix backlight or backlight lamps. Compared to the same CRTs, the energy consumption of TFT displays is approximately five times lower.

All these benefits exist because this technology refreshes the image at a higher frequency. This is because the display dots are controlled by individual thin film transistors. The number of such elements in TFT displays is three times greater than the number of pixels. That is, there are three color transistors per point, which correspond to the main RGB colors– red, green and blue. For example, in a display with a resolution of 1280 by 1024 pixels, the number of transistors will be three times larger, namely 3840x1024. This is precisely the basic operating principle of TFT technology.

Disadvantages of TFT matrices

TFT displays, unlike CRTs, can show a clear image in only one “native” resolution. Other resolutions are achieved by interpolation. Another significant disadvantage is the strong dependence of contrast on the viewing angle. In fact, if you look at such displays from the side, top or bottom, the image will be greatly distorted. This problem never existed in CRT displays.

In addition, transistors on any pixel may fail, resulting in dead pixels. Such points, as a rule, cannot be repaired. And it turns out that somewhere in the middle of the screen (or in the corner) there may be a small but noticeable dot that is very annoying while working at the computer. Also, for TFT displays, the matrix is ​​not protected by glass, and irreversible degradation is possible if the display is pressed hard.

When choosing a monitor, TV or phone, the buyer is often faced with choosing the type of screen. Which one should you prefer: IPS or TFT? The reason for this confusion is the constant improvement of display technology.

All monitors with TFT technology can be divided into three main types:

1. TN+Film.
2. PVA/MVA.

That is, TFT technology is active matrix liquid crystal display, and IPS is one of the varieties of this matrix. And a comparison of these two categories is not possible, since practically they are the same thing. But if you still understand in more detail what a display with a TFT matrix is, then a comparison can be made, but not between screens, but between their manufacturing technologies: IPS and TFT-TN.

General concept of TFT

TFT (Thin Film Transistor) translates as thin film transistor. The LCD display with TFT technology is based on an active matrix. This technology involves a spiral arrangement of crystals, which, under conditions of high voltage, rotate in such a way that the screen turns black. And in the absence of high power voltage we see white screen. Displays with this technology produce only a dark gray color instead of perfect black. That's why TFT displays They are popular mainly in the manufacture of cheaper models.

Description of IPS

IPS (In-Plane Switching) LCD screen matrix technology implies parallel arrangement of crystals along the entire plane of the monitor. There are no spirals here. And therefore the crystals do not rotate under conditions of strong stress. In other words, IPS technology is nothing more than an improved TFT. It conveys black color much better, thereby improving the degree of contrast and brightness of the image. This is why this technology costs more than TFT and is used in more expensive models.

Main differences between TN-TFT and IPS

Wanting to sell as many products as possible, sales managers mislead people into thinking that TFT and IPS are perfect different types screens. Marketing specialists do not provide comprehensive information about technologies, and this allows them to pass off an existing development as something that has just appeared.

Looking at IPS and TFT, we see that it's practically the same thing. The only difference is that the monitor with IPS technology are a more recent development compared to TN-TFT. But despite this, it is still possible to distinguish a number of differences between these categories:

1. Increased contrast. The way black is displayed directly affects the contrast of the image. If you tilt a screen with TFT technology without IPS, it will be almost impossible to read anything. And all because the screen becomes dark when tilted. If we consider the IPS matrix, then, due to the fact that the black color is transmitted perfectly by the crystals, the image is quite clear.
2. Color rendering and number of shades displayed. Matrix TN-TFT Not in the best possible way conveys colors. And all due to the fact that each pixel has its own shade and this leads to color distortion. A screen with IPS technology transmits images much more carefully.
3. Response delay. One of the advantages of TN-TFT screens over IPS is high-speed response. And all because it takes a lot of time to rotate many parallel IPS crystals. From here we conclude that where the drawing speed has great value, it is better to use a TN matrix screen. Displays with IPS technology are slower, but this is not noticeable in everyday life. And to reveal this difference This can only be done by using technological tests specifically designed for this purpose. As a rule, it is better to give preference to displays with an IPS matrix.
4. Viewing angle. Thanks to the wide viewing angle, the IPS screen does not distort images, even when viewed from an angle of 178 degrees. Moreover, this value of the viewing angle can be both vertical and horizontal.
5. Energy intensity. Displays with IPS technology, unlike TN-TFT, require more energy. This is due to the fact that in order to rotate parallel crystals, you need high voltage. As a result, it goes to the battery more load than when using a TFT matrix. If you need a device with low power consumption, then TFT technology will be an ideal option.
6. Pricing policy. In the majority budget models electronics use displays based on TN-TFT technology, since this type of matrix is ​​the most inexpensive. Today, monitors with IPS matrix, although they are more expensive, are used in almost all modern electronic models. This gradually leads to the fact that the IPS matrix is ​​practically replacing equipment with TN-TFT technology.

Results

Based on all of the above, we can draw the following conclusion.