Oddly enough, liquid crystals were discovered back in 1888, but at that time scientists did not know where to use them. Because of this, this material found practical use much later, about 100 years later. Today, liquid crystals have allowed manufacturers to produce Various types high-quality LCD matrices, which have a number of undeniable advantages. Each type of LCD matrix has its own advantages. From this publication you can learn about what LCD matrices exist in our time, as well as their advantages and disadvantages.
In projectors home theater, as well as in the public sector - in low-cost and cost-effective business projectors and projectors, the technology-related attributes and features of the models are sharper than in expensive models. In the article you will find the operating principle of each technology and its associated functions.
The white light emitted by the projector lamp passes through a rotating colorful wheel-shaped filter. The color wheel is divided into segments of different colors, and in addition to red, green and blue, a transparent sector and complementary colors are used. The transparent segment allows white light from the lamp to pass through and improves the black and white brightness of the image.
1. LCD matrix
In LCD matrices, a layer of liquid crystal molecules is located between two special guide films that have tiny grooves. Liquid crystals line up in the direction of these grooves. In the absence of external factors that affect liquid crystals, the monitor screen is completely black, since the molecules are located so as not to transmit radiation, or, on the contrary, transparent - this depends on the type and technology of the matrix. However, their position can be changed using electromagnetic pulses, thereby adjusting the degree of their transparency. These are the properties that manufacturers of LCD matrices for TVs and monitors use.
As its name suggests, it has thousands of removable small mirrors that are held on a pivot point and tilt back and forth into one of two fixed positions, with the controls located below the matrix. Each micromirror is less than one-fifth the width of a human hair, moves independently, and is responsible for a pixel in the image. In one position the light is reflected and points at the screen where a bright pixel appears, and in the other position the light points at the sinker and a dark pixel appears on the screen.
When iteratively passing between the two positions, shades of gray are obtained. The microscope number determines the resolution of the projector. The combination of single-color images is carried out by the consciousness of the viewer. This high pixel density means a high resolution. High pixel density also means no judder, no mosquito effect, no arcing and overall quality when playing movies.
It is worth noting that in modern LCD matrices, each cell has its own transistor, resistor, and capacitor. Moreover, in color matrices, each pixel includes three cells - red, blue and green.
As mentioned above, on this moment There are different types of LCD matrices, which will be discussed further.
Features of Technology Related Projectors
The observer can see the color components or colors of the slow color wheels. Business presentation models typically use a lower speed wheel compared to home theater projectors. The effect is most noticeable when moving bright objects against a dark background, with slight eye movements adding a rainbow effect around each such object.
Expensive home theater projectors use special methods to remove visible border pixels. In this case, the dots on the screen will be blurred and become a little blurry. “Posterization effect” or a sharp color transition. However, this issue remains unclear since other major components of the projector, such as the lamp and circuit board, are not protected from dust.
1.1. TN matrices
The most common type of matrix for LCD TVs is the TN matrix. Basically this distribution this type I received the matrices due to their low cost. TN is short for Twisted Nematic. A nematic liquid crystalline substance consists of elongated molecules with spatial orientation. However, such a substance does not have a rigid structure, making it easy to control using external factors.
Brightness and energy efficiency. Brightness is important for accurate color reproduction. Home theater projectors designed for use in dark rooms have low brightness, unlike standard business projectors designed for use in bright offices and classrooms. This means the lamp has low efficiency or no brightness. Adding a transparent segment to the color wheel avoids installing a more powerful lamp, which will increase the cost of the projector, increase noise, etc. But it will create an imbalance: a bright black and white image and dark colors.
In such matrices, liquid crystal molecules are aligned parallel to the screen plane, and the upper and lower layers of molecules are perpendicular to each other. All other molecules are twisted in a spiral. Thanks to this, all transmitted rays are also “twisted” and freely penetrate through the external special polarizing film.
All types of displays used in electronic devices, can be divided into two groups: passive and active. Each pixel in the matrix contains three subpixels. These displays are close to active matrix displays in color consistency, but they still fall short.
My favorite part is that the grip freed me up from a large work area. The bracket itself is equipped with prefabricated parts and brief instructions. Unfortunately, the downside is that it doesn't happen as easily as it could, but "you won't change the laws of physics" like it did in Dudek's cabaret. The quality of workmanship, aluminum and steel elements are at their best high level. The clamps on the table are durable and adjustable.
With this design, when the TN matrix cell is turned off, it glows, but when exposed to an electromagnetic field (when voltage is applied), the liquid crystal molecules begin to rotate. Thus, the higher the voltage, the more the liquid crystals unfold, and, accordingly, the less light rays they transmit. At the moment when all the molecules turn parallel to the light rays, the cell “closes” (the screen turns black). However, it is worth noting that with this technology it is very difficult to achieve a perfect black color.
The installed monitor in the shelf compartment can be expanded and removed to a large extent, with free space under the monitor. The table has become more functional. The cables are hidden in a holder - a bomb. The handle works well. quality and reliability. Also, it could be a small button to unscrew the screws because you have to look for the wrench every time. The screws should also be the same size, because two types of wrenches for such simple mechanics are not very professional.
The best TVs are a TV that everyone can see. Usually flat, with a certain diagonal and color. However, choosing the right model is not always so simple. Plasma TVs Plasma TVs are characterized by very high quality images, high contrast and color saturation. We can look at these types of screens from different angles without losing the movie-watching experience. They are caused by rainbows and flickering of the image, and sometimes by burning of pixels.
The main disadvantage of TN matrices is the inconsistency of crystal rotation. While some are already fully deployed, others are just turning. Due to this discrepancy, light scattering is observed. This is expressed in the fact that from different angles the picture has different type. That is, different brightness and contrast. This is called viewing angles. However, such a matrix has the best response time.
Unfortunately, their price is also quite high. Compared to plasma, it offers a much smaller screen. Unfortunately, these TVs can be a pain to the eyes through significant detail. Models of this type can be backlit using LEDs, which result in a much higher screen contrast and best quality viewing.
This technology allows you to get the best experience from the movie you are watching. Even viewing from a very short distance does not degrade the image. Depending on the model, to view 3D, we must use glasses or not. In the first case, we are dealing with very high image quality, but at the expense of expensive and heavy glasses that require power. TV functions Regardless of which model we choose, it is worth paying attention to its functionality.
1.2. IPS matrix
IPS LCD matrix technology is ideal for working with photo and video files. However, it is worth noting that its cost is higher than the previous matrix. This technology differs in that all liquid crystal molecules are always located parallel to the plane of the panel. They turn at the same time. In order to implement such a design, two electrodes are located on the bottom side of each cell.
Which TV Should You Choose If you have decided to buy a TV, we must think carefully about your choice. With this type of equipment, family size will not affect our decision. Regarding the size of the TV, let's pay attention first of all to the size of the room for which we are choosing equipment. Let's make sure it matches the furniture and space perfectly. Let's also take care of the correct distance from the TV. The place where we usually sit should be at a distance of about 3 times the diagonal of the screen.
Of course, the choice of technology depends on our own preferences. However, it is worth remembering that television was our source of entertainment and only one of the options to spend time with family and friends, not just one. An ergonomic monitor should allow the user to work comfortably. We present a ranking of monitors whose screen base has more average level and angle adjustment capabilities.
Thanks to this solution, when the cells are turned off, they do not transmit light rays, making them appear black. If one cell (pixel) fails, you will see a small black dot on the screen.
IPS LCD matrices for TVs provide the highest quality color reproduction, as well as the largest viewing angles.
However, the disadvantages of this technology include a slow response to changes in the electric field - a long response time. At the same time, such matrices are more expensive compared to TN. Also, on such screens the interpixel grid is more pronounced. Improved versions of IPS matrices are called S-IPS and SA-SFT. It was these improvements that made it possible to achieve higher readings in all parameters, including response time - 16 ms, and in the newest ones even up to 5 ms.
The monitor has a base that allows you to adjust the position of the screen. The monitor has a unique base that allows any adjustment of the screen position in accordance with the user's preferences. You can adjust the height, tilt, rotate from side to side and switch to portrait mode. The monitor can also be hung on the wall.
There's not much on the OSD menu. The list of languages supported by the OSD does not include Polish, this also applies to the instructions. The OSD menu is extremely user-friendly. The socket that receives the signal is identified automatically or the source can be selected from a menu. The factory calibration of the monitor is not very good. Shadows are good only with 4%. The backlight uniformity is one of the best.
1.3. MVA/PVA
This technology is a compromise between TN and IPS matrices. In a calm state, the liquid crystal molecules in this technology are located perpendicular to the display plane, due to which the black color has the deepest and purest appearance. To improve viewing angles, the technology provides some protrusions on the plates that determine the direction in which the molecules rotate. Matrix LCD PVA from the Samsung brand has no protrusions. When turned off, the crystals are strictly vertical. To increase viewing angles, the lower electrodes are shifted relative to the upper ones.
The monitor consumes a maximum of 28 W during operation and only 0.1 W in standby mode. 
It's underwhelming with image quality, which isn't required in these applications. The motorized base allows you to adjust the screen position to your users' preferences.
Mechanized base for easy maintenance and high illumination. . The monitor has three input signals, two digital and analog. The base allows you to adjust the height, tilt, direction and rotation. A unique feature of the monitor is the base, which allows you to customize any screen. We can adjust the height, tilt, direction and the choice of portrait or landscape mode.
2. Which type of matrix to choose
As mentioned above, TN matrices are most widespread nowadays, since they have a lower cost with fairly good technical performance. Although the viewing angles of such monitors are slightly smaller, this is not critical, because in the vast majority of cases, users watch TV at a right angle, positioned opposite the screen. In addition, such matrices have the best response time, which allows the use of such matrices in PC monitors, for games and for playing movies with many striking special effects.
The manufacturer has prepared several predefined image profiles. Only descriptive numbers are used in color regulation. The same applies to gamma regulation. There is also gain control for each phosphor separately, which is the basis for our assessment of image quality.
The list of languages supported by the OSD does not have Polish, but this shortcoming can replace the polished instructions. In user profiles, you can manually set the red, green, and blue gain separately. The backlight uniformity of the screen is not sensational, we have a brighter center than other parts of the screen. The monitor consumes only 25 W during operation and only 0.2 W in standby mode. 
Low price-efficiency. . The manufacturer was included in office monitors.
The choice of matrix depends on your preferences. Thanks to modern technologies TN and IPS matrices have very good performance and can be used for different purposes. They provide users with the opportunity to fully enjoy high image quality. Of course, for working with photographs, IPS matrices are considered the best, and for connecting to a PC and gaming - TN, although both of these technologies cope well with all tasks. However, it is worth noting that IPS matrices still have the greatest prospects at the moment.
Its biggest advantage is its ergonomics, thanks to a fully motorized base that allows you to adjust the height of the screen, its inclination and rotate the monitor to portrait position and around the vertical axis on the table. Maximum brightness, contrast, response time and viewing angles are typical for this type of matrix.
The manufacturer has prepared several profiles. You can also choose between panorama and traditional aspect ratio images, and adjust the gamma coefficient. Instead of using the OSD menu, you can use an app that also has several options to split the screen into sections. The OSD languages are not in Polish, but the instructions are.
3. How to choose a monitor: Video
The development of this type of matrix was carried out by NEC and Hitachi and was aimed at ridding monitors of the disadvantages of the previous generation matrices - TN. The different names for essentially the same technology are due to the fact that NEC uses the name “SFT”, and Hitachi uses the name “IPS”.
Most IPS and SFT matrices allow you to reproduce images with a color depth of 24 bits. Separate batches are also produced P-IPS matrices and S-IPS, which can transmit 30-bit color. Unfortunately, commercial devices are not yet able to achieve 32-bit color, which was possible using cathode ray tubes.
At the moment, due to the color rendering accuracy, which is almost equal to CRT monitors, these matrices can be recommended for working with various types of graphics. The color rendering and contrast of such displays allows you to adequately display images in the sRGB and Adobe RGB color spaces, which is an unattainable height for TN matrices. If you are involved in photo editing and retouching or pre-press preparation, then you should focus specifically on products with such a matrix.
The advantages of IPS matrices are:
- The best among LCDs TFT matrices color rendition.
- Wide viewing angles.
- High contrast when displaying a static image. Here we should mention matrices with the PLS index, manufactured by Samsung. The fact is that the contrast of these panels is much lower than even that of TN due to the closer arrangement of pixels.
The disadvantages of IPS include:
- Low response speed. Due to this, the dynamic image on such monitors can be “smeared”. Most often, it is non-lethal. Latest episodes e-IPS matrices and AS-SFT have a response time that allows them to be used as gaming monitors and for watching movies.
- Increased, compared to TN, interpixel gap.
- Increased energy consumption.
- Higher price due to the use of more complex technology.
Monitors on an IPS matrix have a high price due to the complexity of their production technology. The complexity of their selection also lies in the fact that there are quite a lot of varieties of these matrices. I will try to list the most frequently encountered ones.
AS-IPS- developed in 2002 by Hitachi and is a seriously improved version of the matrix S- IPS(1998), which partially eliminated the problem of low contrast.
H-IPS- developed by LG in 2007. It was this matrix that finally supplanted S-IPS, thanks to improved contrast and elimination of the purple fill effect that was observed at large viewing angles.
e-IPS- in fact, it is a cheaper option H-IPS, however, providing 24-bit color. In addition, a special matrix “lightening” technology is used, which allows the use of more economical types of backlights. Suitable for most purposes.
p-IPS- provides the same 30 bits (10 bits per channel) of color. It appeared on the market in 2011. High contrast and the best viewing angles. However, it is not suitable for games, since the response time of these matrices is relatively long. Designed for working with graphics.
UH-IPSAnd S-IPS II- matrices optimized for LED backlighting. Can be compared in quality to e-IPS. However, black color display leaves much to be desired. Therefore, you should not use such monitors for working with graphics.
MVA and PVA matrices (Multi-domain\Patterned Vertical Alignment)
Compromise options between TN and IPS matrices developed by Fujitsu (MVA) and Samsung (PVA). The consumer properties of these matrices, as well as the price of products based on them, are somewhere in the middle between TN and IPS. Since the technologies are similar, they are often called VA matrices.
VA matrices have the following advantages:
- The highest contrast of the matrices, due to the separate control of parts of the screen pixel.
- Wide viewing angles, which makes working with them more comfortable.
- Adequate display of black color.
Unfortunately, VA matrices also have disadvantages:
- Fast response time, longer than e-IPS.
- Possibility of distortion of shades and loss of detail in shadows. Because of this, monitors based on such matrices are not recommended for use in printing or professional photo retouching.
Selecting a matrix depending on the use of the monitor
If you are interested in games, then you can choose from TN matrices ( a budget option), e-IPS, S-IPS II, UH-IPS. What is important here is a short response time, which other matrices will not provide.
If you are involved in graphics or photography, then you should pay attention to IPS matrices, except AS-IPS, which will not provide you with acceptable contrast. Hobbyists can make do with MVA/PVA, since their color rendition is quite adequate for the tasks of most amateur photographers who are not involved in high-quality printing.
If you need a monitor for office work or Internet surfing, then it makes sense to choose a TN matrix without paying a lot of money for improved color reproduction. As a last resort, you can look at some model on an MVA/PVA matrix.