What is better IPS or TN matrix. IPS display: what is it

Oddly enough, choosing a high-quality display of a computer or laptop monitor can only be done empirically. This article will help you understand the parameters that you should pay attention to. when choosing a monitor or laptop.

How to choose a monitor or laptop display with ideal characteristics?

A high-quality display has a huge advantage in multimedia tasks on a PC, and in relation to a laptop, it is half. Take a look at a short list of display flaws to watch out for when buying a new mobile computer or PC monitor:

• low brightness and contrast performance
• small viewing angles
• glare

Replacing the screen of a laptop (laptop) is very difficult than buying a new monitor for a desktop computer, not to mention installing a new LCD matrix in a mobile computer, which can not be done in all cases, therefore, to laptop screen selection should be approached responsibly.

Let me remind you once again that you cannot trust the promises of advertising materials of retail chains and computer manufacturers. Having finished reading mobile computer monitor and display guide, you can find difference between TN matrix and IPS matrix, evaluate the contrast, determine the required brightness level and other important parameters of the liquid crystal screen. You will save time and money on searching for a PC monitor and laptop display by choosing a quality LCD screen instead of a mediocre one.

Which is better: IPS or TN matrix?

The screens of laptops, ultrabooks, tablets and other portable computers commonly use two types of liquid crystal panels:

• IPS (In-Plane Switching)
• TN (Twisted Nematic)

Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, but it is worth considering that they are intended for different consumer groups. Let's find out which type of matrix is ​​right for you.

IPS displays: excellent color reproduction

IPS Displays have the following benefits:

• large viewing angles - regardless of the side and angle of the human eye, the image will not be faded and will not lose color saturation
• superb color reproduction - IPS displays display RGB colors without distortion
• have fairly high contrast.

If you are going to do pre- or video editing, you will need a device with this type of screen.

Disadvantages of IPS technology compared to TN:

• long pixel response time (for this reason, displays of this type are less suitable for dynamic 3D games).
• monitors and mobile computers with IPS panels tend to be more expensive than models with screens based on TN matrices.

TN displays: inexpensive and fast

Liquid crystal displays are the most widely used matrices made using TN technology. Their benefits include:

• low cost
• low power consumption
• response time.

TN screens perform well in dynamic games - for example, first-person shooters (FPS) with fast scene changes. For such applications, a screen with a response time of no more than 5 ms is required (for IPS matrices it is usually longer). Otherwise, various kinds of visual artifacts may be observed on the display, such as trails from fast moving objects.

In the event that you want to use it on a monitor or laptop with a stereo screen, you should also give preference to a TN matrix. Some displays of this standard are capable of updating the image at a speed of 120 Hz, which is a necessary condition for the operation of active type stereo glasses.

From disadvantages of TN displays it is worth highlighting the following:

• TN standard panels have limited viewing angles
• mediocre contrast
• are not capable of displaying all the colors of the RGB space, so they are unsuitable for professional image and video editing.

Very expensive TN-panels, however, are devoid of some characteristic flaws and are close in quality to good IPS-screens. For example, the Apple MacBook Pro with Retina uses a TN-matrix, which is almost as good as IPS displays in terms of color reproduction, viewing angles and contrast.

How to distinguish IPS from TN

If you like a monitor or laptop, and the technical characteristics of the display are not known, then you should look at its screen from different angles. In the event that the image dims and its colors are severely distorted, you have a monitor or mobile computer with a mediocre TN display. If, despite all your efforts, the picture has not lost its colors - this monitor has a matrix made using IPS technology, or high-quality TN.

Attention: avoid laptops and monitors with matrices, which show strong color distortion at large angles. For games, choose a computer monitor with an expensive TN display, for other tasks it is better to give preference to an IPS matrix.

Important parameters: brightness and contrast of the monitor

Consider two more important display parameters:

• maximum brightness level
• contrast.

Brightness is not enough

To work indoors with artificial lighting, a display with a maximum brightness level of 200-220 cd/m2 (candela per square meter) is sufficient. The lower the value of this setting, the darker and dimmer the image on the display will be. I do not advise you to buy a mobile computer with a screen whose maximum brightness level does not exceed 160 cd / m2. For comfortable outdoor work on a sunny day, you need a screen with a brightness of at least 300 cd/m2. In general, the higher the brightness of the display, the better.

When buying, you should also check the uniformity of the screen backlight. To do this, it is worth reproducing a white or dark blue color on the screen (this can be done in any graphic editor) and making sure that there are no light or dark spots on the entire surface of the screen.

Static and checkerboard contrast

Maximum static screen contrast level is the ratio of the brightness of sequentially displayed blacks and whites. For example, a contrast ratio of 700:1 means that the display will be 700 times brighter when white is displayed than when black is displayed.

Nevertheless, in practice, the picture is almost never completely white or black, therefore, for a more realistic assessment, the concept of contrast over a checkerboard field is used.

Instead of sequentially flooding the screen with black and white colors, a test pattern in the form of a black and white checkerboard is displayed on it. This is a much more difficult test for displays, because due to technical limitations, it is impossible to turn off the backlight under the black rectangles and at the same time illuminate the white ones at maximum brightness. A good checkerboard contrast ratio for LCD displays is 150:1, excellent - 170:1.

The higher the contrast, the better. To evaluate it, display a chess table on the laptop display and check the depth of black and the brightness of white.

Matte or glossy screen

Probably, many paid attention to the difference in the coverage of matrices:

• matte
• glossy

The choice depends on where and for what purposes you plan to use the monitor or laptop. Matte LCDs have a rough matrix coating that does not reflect ambient light well, so they do not glare in the sun. The obvious disadvantages include the so-called crystalline effect, which manifests itself in a slight haze of the image.

The glossy finish is smooth and better reflects the light emitted by external sources. Glossy displays tend to be brighter and more contrasty than matte displays, and colors appear richer. However, such screens glare, which leads to premature fatigue during long use, especially if the display does not have enough brightness.

Screens with a glossy matrix coating, which have an insufficient supply of brightness, reflect the environment, which leads to premature user fatigue.

Touch screen and resolution

Windows 8 was the first Microsoft operating system to have a huge impact on the development of mobile computer screens, in which the optimization of the graphical environment for touch screens is clearly visible. Leading developers produce laptops (ultrabooks and hybrids), monoblocks with touchscreens. The cost of such devices is usually higher, but it is also more convenient to manage them. However, you will have to put up with the fact that the screen will quickly lose its presentable appearance due to oily fingerprints, and wipe it regularly.

The smaller the screen and the higher its resolution, the greater the number of dots that form the image per unit area and the higher its density. For example, a 15.6-inch display with a resolution of 1366×768 pixels has a density of 100 dpi.

Attention! Don't buy monitors with screens less than 100 dpi as they will show grainy images.

Prior to Windows 8, high pixel density did more harm than good. Small fonts on a small high resolution screen were very difficult to see. Windows 8 has a new system for adapting to screens with different densities, so now the user can choose a laptop with the diagonal and display resolution that he sees fit. Video game fans are an exception, as ultra-high resolution games will require a powerful graphics card to run.

As is usually the case with abbreviations used to denote specifics and technical characteristics, there is confusion and substitution of concepts regarding TFT and IPS. Largely due to unqualified descriptions of electronic devices in catalogs, consumers raise the question of choice initially incorrectly. So, the IPS matrix is ​​​​a kind of TFT matrices, so it is impossible to compare these two categories with each other. However, for the Russian consumer, the abbreviation TFT often means TN-TFT technology, and in this case it is already possible to make a choice. So, speaking about the differences between TFT and IPS screens, we will mean TFT screens made using TN and IPS technologies.
TN-TFT- technology for making a matrix of a liquid crystal (on thin-film transistors) screen, when the crystals, in the absence of voltage, rotate to each other at an angle of 90 degrees in a horizontal plane between two plates. The crystals are arranged in a spiral, and as a result, when the maximum voltage is applied, the crystals turn in such a way that when light passes through them, black pixels are formed. No tension - white.
IPS- technology for making a matrix of a liquid crystal (on thin-film transistors) screen, when the crystals are arranged parallel to each other along a single plane of the screen, and not spirally. In the absence of voltage, liquid crystal molecules do not rotate.
In practice, the most important difference between an IPS matrix and a TN-TFT matrix is ​​the increased level of contrast due to the almost perfect black display. The picture is clearer.
The color rendering quality of TN-TFT matrices leaves much to be desired. Each pixel in this case can have its own hue, different from the others, resulting in distorted colors. IPS already treats the image much more carefully.
The response speed of TN-TFT is slightly higher than that of other matrices. IPS takes time to rotate the entire array of parallel crystals. Thus, when performing tasks where drawing speed is important, it is much more profitable to use TN matrices. On the other hand, in everyday use, a person does not notice the difference in response time.
Monitors and displays based on IPS matrices are much more energy intensive. This is due to the high level of voltage required to rotate the array of crystals. Therefore, TN-TFT technology is more suitable for energy saving tasks in mobile and portable devices.
IPS-based screens have wide viewing angles, that is, they do not distort or invert colors if the view falls at an angle. Unlike TN, IPS viewing angles are 178 degrees both vertically and horizontally.
Another difference that is important for the end user is the price. TN-TFT is by far the cheapest and most mass-produced matrix option, so it is used in budget electronics models.

TheDifference.ru determined that the difference between TFT (TN-TFT) and IPS screens is as follows:

IPS screens are less responsive and have longer response times.
IPS screens provide better color reproduction and contrast.
The viewing angles of IPS screens are much larger.
IPS screens require more power.
IPS screens are more expensive.

As is usually the case with abbreviations used to denote specifics and technical characteristics, there is confusion and substitution of concepts regarding TFT and IPS. Largely due to unqualified descriptions of electronic devices in catalogs, consumers raise the question of choice initially incorrectly. So, the IPS matrix is ​​​​a kind of TFT matrices, so it is impossible to compare these two categories with each other. However, for the Russian consumer, the abbreviation TFT often means TN-TFT technology, and in this case it is already possible to make a choice. So, speaking about the differences between TFT and IPS screens, we will mean TFT screens made using TN and IPS technologies.

TN-TFT- a technology for making a matrix of a liquid crystal (on thin-film transistors) screen, when the crystals, in the absence of voltage, rotate to each other at an angle of 90 degrees in a horizontal plane between two plates. The crystals are arranged in a spiral, and as a result, when the maximum voltage is applied, the crystals turn in such a way that when light passes through them, black pixels are formed. No tension - white.

IPS- technology for the execution of a matrix of a liquid crystal (on thin-film transistors) screen, when the crystals are arranged parallel to each other along a single plane of the screen, and not spirally. In the absence of voltage, liquid crystal molecules do not rotate.

In practice, the most important difference between an IPS matrix and a TN-TFT matrix is ​​the increased level of contrast due to the almost perfect black display. The picture is clearer.

The color rendering quality of TN-TFT matrices leaves much to be desired. Each pixel in this case can have its own hue, different from the others, resulting in distorted colors. IPS already treats the image much more carefully.

On the left is a tablet with a TN-TFT matrix. On the right - a tablet with an IPS matrix

The response speed of TN-TFT is slightly higher than that of other matrices. IPS takes time to rotate the entire array of parallel crystals. Thus, when performing tasks where drawing speed is important, it is much more profitable to use TN matrices. On the other hand, in everyday use, a person does not notice the difference in response time.

Monitors and displays based on IPS matrices are much more energy intensive. This is due to the high level of voltage required to rotate the array of crystals. Therefore, TN-TFT technology is more suitable for energy saving tasks in mobile and portable devices.

IPS-based screens have wide viewing angles, that is, they do not distort or invert colors if the view falls at an angle. Unlike TN, IPS viewing angles are 178 degrees both vertically and horizontally.

Another difference that is important for the end user is the price. TN-TFT is by far the cheapest and most mass-produced matrix option, so it is used in budget electronics models.

Findings site

1. IPS screens are less responsive and have longer response times.
2. IPS screens provide better color reproduction and contrast.
3. The viewing angles of IPS screens are much larger.
4. IPS screens require more power.
5. IPS screens are more expensive.

Technology does not stand still, and the production of liquid crystal screens is no exception. However, due to the constant development and release of new technologies in the manufacture of screens, as well as due to special marketing approaches to advertising, many buyers may have a question when choosing a monitor or TV, which is better IPS or TFT screen?

To answer this question, you need to understand what IPS technology is and what a TFT screen is. Only knowing this, you will be able to understand the difference between these technologies. This in turn will help you make the right choice of screen that will fully meet your requirements.

1. So what is a TFT display

As you may have guessed, TFT is the short name for technology. It completely looks like this - Thin Film Transistor, which in translation into Russian means a thin film transistor. Basically, a TFT display is a type of liquid crystal display that is based on an active matrix. In other words, this is a conventional active matrix LCD screen. That is, the control of liquid crystal molecules occurs with the help of special thin-film transistors.

2. What is IPS technology

IPS is also short for In-Plane Switching. This is a kind of active matrix LCD display. This means that the question of which is better TFT or IPS is erroneous, since they are essentially the same thing. To be more precise, IPS is a type of FTF display matrix.

IPS technology got its name due to the unique arrangement of electrodes that are on the same plane as liquid crystal molecules. In turn, liquid crystals are arranged parallel to the plane of the screen. This solution allowed to significantly increase the viewing angles, as well as increase the brightness and contrast of the image.

To date, there are three most common types of active matrix TFT displays:

• TN+Film;
• PVA/MVA.

Thus, it becomes obvious that the difference between TFT and IPS lies only in the fact that TFT is a type of LCD screen with an active matrix, and IPS is the same active matrix in a TFT display, or rather, one of the types of matrices. It should be noted that such a matrix is ​​the most common among users around the world.

3. What is the difference between TFT and IPS displays: Video

The general misconception that there is some difference between TFT and IPS has arisen due to marketing ploys of sales managers. In an attempt to attract new customers, marketers do not disseminate complete information about technologies, which allows you to create the illusion that a completely new development is coming out into the world. Of course, IPS is a newer development than TN, but you cannot choose which is better than a TFT or IPS display for the above reasons.

Liquid crystal displays are one of the fastest growing technologies. Every year, new developments are released that can significantly improve image quality and other display parameters. In connection with such a pace of development and the constant emergence of new types of LCD displays, many have a question, IPS screen, what is it?

So, answering the question, what is an IPS display, you should start by saying that this is an abbreviation for In-Plane Switching. The technology got this name due to the peculiarity of the location of the control electrodes, which are not on opposite sides of the liquid crystal molecules, as in other types of matrices, but on the same plane. This decision led to a significant increase in the brightness and contrast of the image.

However, there is also a negative side, which is that for such an arrangement of electrodes, a higher voltage is needed to drive liquid crystals. This in turn means that the IPS screen has a longer response time.

The main feature of this technology is the location of the control electrodes not on different sides of the liquid crystal, but on the same plane.

1. What is an IPS screen

An IPS panel is an array of special cells called pixels. These cells are filled with liquid crystal molecules. As mentioned above, the main feature of the technology is the location of the electrodes, but this is not the only difference between the IPS matrix. In addition, the liquid crystal molecules themselves are located parallel to the plane of the screen, while in the cells they are located in the same plane.

This means that in a calm state, the emission of light does not change its polarization. That is, light passes freely through the first polarizing filter and is completely blocked by the second. This in turn means that the dead pixel will appear as a black dot on the screen, which is less noticeable than a bright white dot on a TN screen.

The technology was developed back in 1996 by Hitachi. However, IPS displays have received mass distribution only since 2010. During this time, the technology has come a long way of development, as a result of which we have a fairly large variety of IPS matrices.

1.1. IPS display types

As mentioned above, there are many varieties of IPS matrices in the world. Of course, it’s not worth listing all of them, but there are several types of screens that are most popular:

• AS-IPS;
• HIPS;
• AH-IPS;
• EIPS;
• P-IPS;
• S-IPS.

It is worth noting that the E-IPS display is the cheapest. It is designed for the middle and budget class. However, even this type of display has a fairly high performance. The most modern matrix with the highest image quality is AH-IPS. This technology was developed in 2011, and today it occupies a leading position among LCD displays.

It is noteworthy that IPS screens are almost the only competitor to plasma panels. It is also worth noting that every year more and more manufacturers prefer this type of display.

1.2. Advantages of IPS displays

A modern IPS display is a high image quality, as well as the most natural color reproduction. The main feature of the technology is the realism of color reproduction. It is for this reason that this monitor is in great demand among professional photo and video image editors.

In addition, IPS matrices are characterized by higher brightness and contrast. Relatively recently, a new backlight technology has been developed, which is called LED. It is based on the use of modern LEDs, which are significantly superior to fluorescent lamps in terms of brightness and flicker frequency. In addition, such a backlight takes up much less space, which allowed not only to increase the brightness and image quality, but also to make the screen even thinner. Almost all modern IPS Displays are equipped with LED backlighting.

IPS screens are used in a wide variety of devices, from monitors and TVs to smartphone screens and tablet PCs. If we compare them with plasma, then we can say with full confidence that IPS displays are more affordable, while they are practically not inferior to plasma panels. Among screens for mobile devices, the only competitor to IPS technology is Super Amoled, developed by Samsung. However, although S-Amoled is a brighter and thinner screen, IPS still wins in clarity and color reproduction.

2. LCD vs AMOLED: Video