What is important when choosing a monitor? Resolution, screen size, refresh rate, response time? Undoubtedly, but it is also important to decide which matrix is needed, because a number of characteristics that directly affect the choice depend on its type. In some cases, the requirements are the same for which certain monitors are suitable. In other cases, other 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 the CRT displays, manufactured using a vacuum tube (kinescope). They were bulky, heavy, and, of course, absolutely not suitable for use in mobile technology. They are replaced by monitors, the screens of which are made on liquid crystals, hence the name of their LCD displays, or in a foreign language - LCD (Liquid Crystal Displays).
I will not expand on the advantages and disadvantages, they are known, and they are not so important now, this is not what we are talking about today. We need to figure out 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 in use. Currently, its modified version, 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 the order of 1 ms is in the order of things.
Even the shortcomings inherent in this screen manufacturing technology cannot put it to rest. And there are plenty of cons. These are small viewing angles, and unimportant color reproduction, and 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 worsened by the fact that different matrices from different manufacturers can be very different from each other. If expensive gaming models of laptops or gaming monitors can have a completely tolerable screen, then in budget devices the display quality can be very mediocre.
How it works
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. A light filter is installed on the outside of the screen.
Grooves are applied to the glass plates, and in a mutually perpendicular direction, which sets the initial orientation of the crystals. Due to this arrangement of grooves, liquid crystals are twisted into a spiral, from which, in fact, the name of the Twisted Nematic technology came from.
If there is no voltage on the electrodes, then the crystals arranged in a spiral turn the plane of polarization of light in such a way that it passes through the second (outer) 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 transmitted 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 the 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 are a luminous white dot. In other technologies, such dots are dark.
You can identify the TN matrix “by eye” if you look at the included 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 even color inversion is possible.
IPS (In-Plane Switching)
Monitors with such a matrix are now the most frequent 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 in order to make a choice in favor of TN.
But for someone who professionally works with images, who needs high-quality color reproduction, a wide color gamut, monitors with such a matrix are the best choice. In addition, there are no problems with viewing angles, the black color is much more like black, and does not look like a certain shade of gray, as is often the case on TN screens.
How it works
Between the two polarizing filters there is a layer of control microfilm transistors and a layer of liquid crystals with light filters of three primary colors. The crystals are located along the plane of the screen.
The polarization planes of the filters are perpendicular to each other, so that 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, that is why, in the event of a “broken pixel” appearing on the screen, it looks like a black dot, and not a white one, as is the case with TN matrices.
When voltage appears on the control electrodes, the crystals turn again along the plane of the screen, transmitting light. This leads to one of the drawbacks of the technology - a longer response time. This is due precisely to the need to rotate the entire array of crystals, which takes time. But viewing angles up to 178 ° and excellent color reproduction are provided.
There are other downsides to this technology. This is more power consumption, since the location of the electrodes on only one side forced to increase the voltage to ensure the rotation of the entire array of crystals. The lamps used are also more powerful than in the case of TN, which further increases the energy consumption.
IPS Options
The technology does not stand still, improvements are made to it, which made it possible to significantly reduce the response time and price. So, there are the following options for IPS matrices:
- S-IPS (Super-IPS). Second generation IPS technology. The screen has a slightly modified pixel structure, improvements have been made to reduce the response time, approaching the characteristics of TN matrices in this parameter.
- AS-IPS (Advanced Super-IPS). The next improvement in IPS technology. The main goal was to increase the contrast of the S-IPS panels and increase their transparency, becoming closer in this parameter to S-PVA.
- HIPS. The structure of the pixels has changed, their density has increased, which made 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. Based on the H-IPS panel, which added a TW (True White - "true white") color filter, which improved the white color. The use of NEC's polarizing film (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, to increase these angles. This type of matrix is used in professional monitors.
- IPS-Pro (IPS-Provectus). Developed by BOE Hydis. Reduced pixel spacing, increased viewing angles and brightness.
- AFFS (Advanced Fringe Field Switching, sometimes called S-IPS Pro).
- e-IPS (Enhanced IPS). The increase in light transmission allowed the use of 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 a 30-bit color depth, an increased number of possible subpixel orientations (1024 versus 256 for the rest), which improved color reproduction.
- AH-IPS (Advanced High Performance IPS). Matrices of this type are distinguished by the largest viewing angles, high brightness and contrast, and a short response time.
- A development by Samsung that has made improvements to the original IPS technology. The company did not disclose details, but managed to reduce power consumption, make the response time similar to S-IPS. True, the contrast has deteriorated somewhat, and even with the uniformity of the backlight, everything 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. So, viewing angles and color reproduction are better than TN, but worse than IPS. Likewise with the response time. At the same time, their cost is lower than that of IPS.
How it works
The principle of operation follows from the name (well, or the name reflects the principle of operation of this technology). The crystals are arranged vertically, i.e., perpendicular to the substrate. In the absence of voltage, nothing interferes with the passage of light through the crystals, and the second polarizing filter completely blocks the light and provides deep blacks. This is one of the advantages of the 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 deviating synchronously.
VA/MVA Options
There are several varieties of this technology, to the development of which various companies have "had a hand":
- PVA (Patterned Vertical Alignment). Samsung presented its version of the technology. Details were not disclosed, but PVA has a slightly better contrast ratio and a slightly lower cost. In general, the options are very close and often no distinction is made between them, indicating MVA/PVA.
- S-PVA (Super PVA). Joint development by Sony and Samsung. Improved viewing angles.
- S-MVA (Super MVA). Developed by Chi Mei Optoelectronics/Innolux. In addition to increasing viewing angles, improved contrast.
- A-MVA (Advanced MVA). Further development of S-MVA from AU Optronics. It was possible to reduce the response time.
This matrix option is the best compromise between cheap, but with a lot of flaws, TN, and better, but more expensive IPS. Perhaps the only drawback of MVA is the lack of color reproduction when the viewing angle is increased, especially in midtones. IN everyday use it is almost imperceptible, but imaging professionals may have doubts about such matrices.
OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode)
A technology that is significantly different from those currently in use. The cost of matrices, especially large diagonals, the complexity of production so far hinder the widespread use of this technology in the production of monitors. Those models that are, are expensive and rare.
How it works
The technology is based on the use of carbon organic materials. Under voltage, they emit a certain color, and when it is not, they are completely inactive. This allows, firstly, to completely get rid of the backlight, and secondly, to provide the ideal black depth. After all, nothing glows and is not filtered, and 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 a high level. The response speed is not available even to TN matrices.
Nevertheless, a number of shortcomings have so far hindered the use of such screens. This is a short operating time (screens are prone to "burn-in" - an effect that was inherent in plasma panels), a complex production process with a rather large amount of rejects, which increases the cost of such matrices.
QD (Quantum Dots)
Another promising technology based on the use of quantum dots. On this moment There are few monitors made using this technology, and they are not cheap. The technology allows to overcome almost all the shortcomings inherent in all other options for matrices used in displays. The only drawback is that the black depth does not reach the level that OLED screens have.
How it works
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, an alloy of cadmium, zinc and selenium.
- Green color - size 6 nm, an alloy of cadmium and selenium.
- Blue color - size 3 nm, zinc and sulfur compound.
Blue LEDs are used as illumination, and quantum dots responsible for green and red color are applied to the substrate, and these dots themselves are not ordered in any way. They are just mixed with each other. The blue light from the LED hitting them causes them to glow at a certain wavelength, forming a color.
This technology makes it possible to dispense with the installation of light filters, since the desired color has already been obtained in advance. Thus, brightness and contrast are improved, since it is possible to get rid of one of the layers that make up the screen.
Unlike OLED, the 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 what are strong and what lose certain types of screens.
| Matrix type | TN | IPS | MVA/PVA | OLED | QD |
| Response time | Low | Average | Average | Very low | Average |
| Viewing angles | Small | Good | Medium | Excellent | Excellent |
| Color rendering | On the low | Good | Good, slightly worse than IPS | Excellent | Excellent |
| Contrast | Medium | Good | Good | Excellent | Excellent |
| Black Depth | Low | Good-excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Slightly worse than OLED |
| Price | Low | medium-high | Medium | high | high |
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 some expensive, status devices, where more expensive types of matrices are used.
Users of ordinary monitors can choose whatever their heart desires, and finances allow. For savings, 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, an MVA. Wide viewing angles, black color, more like real black, excellent color reproduction is provided to you. The only question is the cost and greater response time than TN. However, gaming monitors on such matrices show themselves perfectly, and if there is no goal to save money, by all means, then it is definitely worth considering this option.
Well, professionals in general, in fact, have no alternatives. The choice 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?
So far development IPS(In Plane Switch) was used unusually for professional monitors, since it is the most correct of all production technologies that allows you to transfer the color gamut.
Advantages of technology
IPS- development was developed by Hitachi and NEC in 1996 as an alternative to TN technology (Twisted Nematic). In real time, IPS technology matrices are the only ones among LCD monitors that transmit full RGB color depth - 24 bits, eight bits per channel.
Unlike, in IPS matrices the crystals do not form a helix, but rotate when an electric field is applied, all together. Changing the orientation of the crystals helped to achieve one of the main advantages of IPS matrices - an increase in viewing angles up to 178 ° horizontally and vertically. If no voltage is applied to the IPS, the liquid crystal molecules do not rotate. The second filter is always turned perpendicular to the first, and no light passes through it. Therefore, the display of black color is close to ideal. If the transistor fails, the "broken" pixel for the IPS panel will not be white, as for the TN matrix, but black. When an electrical voltage is applied, the molecules of watery crystals in the IPS matrix rotate perpendicular to their initial position and let light through. Due to the constant color temperature across the entire spectrum, the colors are most consistent with the original image and transmit the most adequate colors from any digital media. As you can see in the figure, the IPS-matrix in the entire spectrum most adequately reproduces colors at different viewing angles, with the exception of some positions of colors. TN-matrix has, as it were, a better response than IPS, *Yo *mine* but not always. So, when transitioning from gray to gray, the IPS matrix behaves better. This matrix is also resistant to pressure. Touching the TN- or VA-matrix results in "thumping" or a certain reaction on the screen. At IPS matrices there is no such effect. In addition, ophthalmologists confirm that the IPS matrix is the most comfortable for the eyes. So *Ё *m*ow way, the IPS-matrix brings a bright and clear picture regardless of the angle of view, the best for working on the Internet, watching movies. But most importantly - for image processing and viewing photos.
Existing offers
Today on the market in the main are TN panels. TN is the most elementary and cheapest technology. However, since such monitors suffer from insufficient viewing angles, manufacturers are developing other technologies. Thus, Samsung promotes VA (Vertical Alignment) technology developed by Fujitsu, which is considered a compromise between TN and IPS, both in terms of cost and consumer qualities. Although, in general, this is no longer so obvious in connection with the launch of economical models of IPS monitors from LG. *Yo *mine* In a close turn, they also have good viewing angles - up to 176-178 °, wishing, according to this indicator, they all lag equally behind IPS. As for current offerings, 23-inch professional IPS monitors start at $500, so they're out of competition with LG's new models, which will cost $250 to $300 for buyers.
prospects
It is quite clear that IPS, given the reduction in prices, is able to displace competitive technologies. Certain plans for sales of the latest IPS-monitors are also built by LG, which outlined them as one of the key strategic directions in 2011. And if in 2010 we were talking about hundreds of sales of devices on IPS matrices in Ukraine, because this year, according to the company's representatives, several tens of thousands of such devices will be sold. At the same time, the company does not name exact sales plans. It is obvious that competitors at this time will not doze off. Companies such as NEC, HP and Dell will also bring their budget models, and Samsung will continue to refine and promote VA models. However, it is also quite obvious that LG is able to cut off a serious market share this year already this year. On her side is also a careful approach to the design of new models, advertising initiatives and a price blow to low-income consumers.
Source: www.itnews.com.ua
22 comments:
1) philatelist.by: (2013-12-04 15:44:26 )
Thank you for the article!
2) Anton: (2014-01-09 13:32:58 )
LG does not listen to consumers. Their monitor stands look like matches - not reliable. But it is so. And the article is helpful. Thank you.
3) Sasha: (2014-01-25 10:22:02 )
4) Tamara: (2014-02-07 16:55:46 )
The information is interesting and useful. Thank you very much. article
5) Vadim: (2014-02-18 19:13:49 )
Thank you!!!
6)egot: (2014-03-08 19:34:54 )
Informative
7) Vugar: (2014-05-16 22:13:03 )
8) Vugar: (2014-05-16 22:14:17 )
Thanks, very interesting.
9) dima: (2014-07-09 20:18:12 )
rich without knowing about ips matrix
10) Alex: (2014-11-20 15:19:26 )
In close turn, VA-monitors also have good viewing angles - up to 176-178 °, wishing, according to this indicator, they all lag equally behind IPS.
The meaning of the sentence is covered with a veil of terrible and frightening secrets!
11) Rina: (2014-11-28 09:33:30 )
cikava statya!
12) Waha: (2014-11-30 15:27:38 )
duje ts1kava statya
13) guest: (2014-12-28 12:31:51 )
Thank you
14) Natalia: (2015-05-27 01:11:22 )
Thanks, great site, very helpful.
15) Alexey: (2015-09-08 22:26:42 )
thanks for the info
16) Elena: (2016-01-06 12:54:58 )
"..IPS (In Plane Switch) development used unusually for professional monitors.."
PPC, the article from the first line intrigues with its singularity))
17) Igor: (2016-06-11 16:19:21 )
Well, if Samsung supports VA technology, then VA is shit. Because Samsung only produces shit
18) Sashaka: (2016-12-30 00:34:43 )
It was 2016 and the notes are still a large part with tons of matrices
19) Maga_mountain: (2017-06-14 00:18:29 )
spasYbaaa :) paznaVatylna
20) Bsktzmoi: (2017-09-09 18:28:38 )
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21) Xenia: (2017-09-19 15:03:00 )
22) Yuri: (2017-09-28 15:38:36 )
Thank you, I'm going to buy a phone. LG with IPS matrix!
Now on the electronics market there is such a huge variety of solutions that some users have difficulty choosing a device for some parameters. And here the question may well arise, which is better: IPS or TFT, and what are the differences in these technologies. In the catalogs of equipment, namely in the descriptions of displays, you can find a lot of incomprehensible information that prompts the search for answers.
Technology features
So, to determine which is better: you need to know how both matrices work, that is, what principles are underpinned by them. The first is inherently a more advanced version of the second, that is, a slightly different approach was used when it was created.
TFT is a method of manufacturing liquid crystal display arrays, which assumes the arrangement of crystals in a spiral between a pair of plates. If voltage is not applied, then they turn in a horizontal plane to each other at a right angle. At maximum voltage, they are rotated so that light passing through them produces black pixels, and when there is no voltage, white. If we talk about which is better: IPS or TFT, then the first technology differs from the second in that the crystals in such a matrix are not placed spirally, but the screen and in relation to each other. When no voltage is applied, the crystals do not rotate, which is how this matrix differs from the previous one.
The difference from the user's point of view
So, considering the question of which is better: IPS or TFT, it is worth saying that the visual difference here is greater contrast, which provides an almost perfect black transmission. As a result, the image is very clear. Using TFT matrices we can talk about the low quality of color reproduction. In this case, each pixel has its own hue, which does not match the rest. Because of this, colors can be greatly distorted. But such a solution also has a considerable advantage, namely, a high response speed in comparison with all existing ones at the moment. An IPS screen requires a certain amount of time for the parallel crystals to fully rotate. In this case, the human eye almost does not catch the difference in the response time.
Important Points
Understanding which is better: IPS or TFT display, it is worth noting that the first option is more energy intensive. It is associated with the need more energy to rotate the crystals. When it comes to the need to ensure maximum energy efficiency, the manufacturer makes its choice in favor of TFT matrices. However, IPS technology is characterized by very wide viewing angles, which are up to 178 degrees. This ensures maximum ease of use. All other matrices cannot provide such an overview. Currently, TFT is the simplest and cheapest solution used in most models of devices in the budget segment. At the same time, IPS is usually referred to a higher level, but it is impossible to call it top-end, since at the moment there are more advanced developments.
The first is characterized by a short response time and optimal energy consumption, but the level of color reproduction in this case slightly behind other technologies. The IPS-matrix provides excellent color reproduction, optimal contrast, large viewing angles, but it is also characterized by high energy consumption required for operation.
Between the screens working on these two technologies, there is just a huge gap in terms of quality. The same applies to cost. TFT matrices remain on the market only because they are so cheap.
To date, there are several large and influential companies in the IT industry that produce matrices for monitors. Samsung Electronics is not only one of them, but also occupies one of the leading positions.
The main task of any monitor is to display an image from a source, be it a laptop, desktop computer, mobile device or home console. Usually monitors are used for professional or entertainment purposes. For professional work with multimedia content (images and videos), natural color reproduction is the most important parameter, and for entertainment content- response time and picture brightness.
At the end of 2010, Samsung Electronics introduced matrices made using PLS (Plane-to-Line Switching) technology. It was then that the decision was made to switch to it from the then-popular PVA matrix. The first commercially available display based on the new PLS technology panel was the SA850 monitor (S27A850D), aimed primarily at photographers and professional graphic artists. With this sensor, Samsung has tried to raise the bar for image quality by more high level. The result reinforced the opinion of ordinary buyers, professional expert reviewers and reviewers: they all agreed that this monitor was one of the best on the market.
Today, matrices made using Plane-to-Line Switching technology are used in tablets, mobile phones and monitors. It is important to note that this technology turned out to be cheaper than the existing ones, and this, in turn, had a positive effect on the cost of the end devices that you use today.
PLS matrix technology has both its pros and cons:
The ability to create matrices with high pixel density (respectively, WQHD resolution for 27” widescreen panels) without distortion or loss of image quality.
Wide viewing angles of 178˚/178˚ allow multiple people to view the same image from different angles at the same time without color distortion.
The PLS matrix achieves a relatively fast response time, which is great for multimedia content that is increasing in quantity and availability day by day. Although this indicator is formally worse than that of the "game" models of TN-matrices, in practice it is more than sufficient for all the usual tasks, including computer games
Low power consumption compared to many other wide viewing angle sensor technologies and high contrast.
high brightness, good color reproduction, the ability to reproduce a wide range of shades means that monitors with similar matrices can be used in professional areas where perfect color reproduction is important.
Greater cost-effectiveness makes it possible to create panels based on PLS with a brightness 10% higher than when using other technologies.
Now there are several varieties of PLS matrices on the market, let's take a closer look at the sPLS matrix. Monitors that use the advanced sPLS matrix are capable of displaying resolutions in excess of FullHD (1920 x 1080), i.e. WUXGA (1920 x 1200) or WQHD (2560 x 1440). As a rule, this matrix is used in top-end monitors from 24”.
At the same time, the contrast level of monitors on PLS and on TN is the same. It is important to note that the final contrast of an already finished monitor may differ from the contrast of the matrix itself due to the settings specific model. In contrast to TN matrices, PLS panels do not suffer from the contrast reduction and color shifts that can be characteristic of products with matrices made using TN technology. The reduction of color shift is possible due to the wide viewing angles both vertically and horizontally. In addition, the depth of the reproduced black color on the PLS panel is many times greater than that of conventional TN matrices. And this indicator is extremely important. Imagine that you have an image in front of you in which a man in a black suit with a gun in his hand is in dark room- on a monitor with a TN matrix, you can barely make out the silhouette of the hero, while on a monitor with a PLS matrix, you can see the picture in great detail.
In this article, we tried to give you the right idea about monitors on PLS matrices and talk about their advantages and disadvantages. We hope you make the right choice.
In-Plane Switching(also Super Fine TFT) is a manufacturing technology for liquid crystal displays.
IPS or SFT (Super Fine TFT) technology was developed by Hitachi and NEC in 1996 as an alternative to TN (Twisted Nematic) technology.
These companies use these two different names for the same technology - NEC uses "SFT" and Hitachi uses "IPS". The technology was intended to get rid of the shortcomings of TN + film. While IPS has been able to achieve a 178° wide viewing angle, as well as high contrast and color reproduction, the response time remains low. TN-matrix usually has a better response than IPS, but not always. So, when transitioning from gray to gray, the IPS matrix behaves better.
This matrix is also resistant to pressing. Touching the TN- or VA-matrix results in "thumping" or a certain reaction on the screen. The IPS-matrix does not have such an effect.
In addition, ophthalmologists confirm that the IPS matrix is more comfortable for the eyes.
Thus, the IPS-matrix gives a bright and clear picture, regardless of the angle of view, optimal for working on the Internet, watching movies. But most importantly - for image processing and viewing photos.
Currently, IPS technology matrices are the only LCD monitors that transmit full RGB color depth - 24 bits, 8 bits per channel.
Previously, IPS technology was used exclusively for professional monitors, since it is the most adequate of all LCD panel technologies to reproduce the color gamut. However, LG has taken a revolutionary step in bringing it to the mass market.
As of 2012, many monitors on IPS matrices (e-IPS manufactured by LG.Displays) with 6 bits per channel have already been released. Older TN matrices have 6-bits per channel, as does the MVA part.
IPS is being pushed out H-IPS technology, which inherits all the benefits of IPS technology while reducing response time and increasing contrast. The color of the best H-IPS panels is not inferior conventional monitors CRT. H-IPS and the cheaper e-IPS are actively used in panels as large as 20″. LG Display, Dell, NEC, Samsung, Chimei remain the only panel manufacturers using this technology.
Types of IPS matrices
IPS (Super TFT). This is the base level of the technology. Advantage - wide viewing angles. Most panels also support realistic color reproduction (8-bit per channel).
S-IPS (Super-IPS). This type of matrix inherits all the benefits of IPS technology while reducing response time.
AS-IPS (Advanced Super-IPS)- Developed by Hitachi Corporation. The main improvements were in the contrast level of conventional S-IPS panels, bringing it closer to that of S-PVA panels. This type of matrix improves mainly the contrast ratio with extended color gamut of traditional S-IPS panels to a level where they are second only to some S-PVAs.
H-IPS (Horizontal IPS). Even greater contrast and a visually more uniform screen surface have been achieved.
H-IPS A-TW (Horizontal IPS with Advanced True Wide Polarizer)- developed by LG Display for NEC Corporation. It is an H-IPS panel with a TW (True White) color filter to make white color more realistic and increase viewing angles without image distortion (the effect of glowing LCD panels at an angle is excluded - the so-called "glow effect") . Advanced True Wide Polarizer technology is based on NEC polarizing film to achieve wider viewing angles and eliminate flare when viewed from an angle. This type of panel is used to create high quality professional monitors.
IPS-Pro (IPS-Provectus). IPS Alpha panel technology with a wider color gamut and contrast ratio comparable to PVA and ASV displays without corner glow.
AFFS (Advanced Fringe Field Switching, unofficial name - S-IPS Pro). The increased power of the electric field made it possible to achieve even greater viewing angles and brightness, as well as to reduce the interpixel distance. AFFS-based displays are mainly used in tablet PCs, on matrixes manufactured by Hitachi Displays.
e-IPS (Enhanced IPS) uses cheaper backlight lamps with lower power consumption. Improved diagonal viewing angle, response time reduced to 5ms.
P-IPS (Professional IPS) provides 1.07 billion colors (30-bit color depth). More possible subpixel orientations (1024 vs 256) and better true color depth.
AH-IPS (Advanced High Performance IPS). Improved color reproduction, increased resolution and PPI, increased brightness and reduced power consumption.
Technology P.L.S.
PLS-matrix (Plane-to-Line Switching) was developed by Samsung as an alternative to IPS and was first demonstrated in December 2010.
Advantages:
- higher pixel density than IPS (and similar to *VA/TN);
- high brightness and good color reproduction;
- large viewing angles;
- full coverage of the sRGB range;
- low power consumption comparable to TN.
Flaws:
- response time (5-10 ms) comparable to S-IPS, better than *VA, but worse than TN;
PLS and IPS
Samsung did not provide a description of the PLS technology. Comparative studies of IPS and PLS matrices under a microscope made by independent observers did not reveal any differences. The fact that PLS is a variation of IPS was implicitly acknowledged by Samsung itself in its lawsuit against LG: the lawsuit claimed that LG's AH-IPS technology was a modification of PLS technology.