LCD matrix type tn. LCD monitors

Question from user

Hello.

I want to buy a laptop, but I don't know which one☺. All users look at the processor, memory - but I'm looking at the monitor, I don't know where to stop. Basically, DNS offers two types of matrices: TN + Film or IPS (a laptop with an IPS matrix is ​​2 times more expensive). Which is better to choose?

Good time everyone!

In general, most inexperienced users are unlikely to be able to notice the difference in image quality on monitors (and many do not even think about it) if they are not shown these monitors along with the same picture. And it's even better to twist them in different directions - that's when ... yes, the effect of an exploding bomb!

Well, in general, now there are monitors on sale with different types matrices, most often there are three of them: TN (and varieties like TN + Film), IPS (AH-IPS, IPS-ADS and others) and PLS. So I will try to compare them in this short article from the point of view regular user(various scientific terms, such as pixel color angles, ray refraction - will not be here ☺). So...

Comparison of PLS, TN (TN+Film) and IPS matrices

In the article I will try to indicate the main advantages / disadvantages of each matrix, I will give several photos of nearby monitors so that you can clearly assess the quality of the picture. I think this way the information will be more accessible to most users.

Important!

I want to note right away that in addition to the matrix, pay attention to the monitor manufacturer! The matrix-matrix is ​​different, and even two monitors on TN matrices can show a different picture! I recommend that you first of all pay attention to trusted brands: Dell, Samsung, Acer, Sony, Philips, LG (which have already proven themselves).

And so, let's start with the most popular TN matrix (and its frequently encountered variety TN + Film, by and large, not much different from it).

TN matrix

If you go to any store computer technology and look at the characteristics of laptops (or monitors) - then the vast majority of cheap and mid-price category devices cost TN matrix. It has one of the main advantages - it is quite cheap, while providing (in general) a very good picture!

IPS vs TN+Film makes a difference! // On the other hand, you are not sitting in front of the laptop from the side (maybe even better - no one from the side will see what you are doing!)

The main advantages of TN matrices:

  1. one of the cheapest matrices (thanks to this, many can afford to buy a laptop / monitor);
  2. low response time: any dynamic scenes in games or movies look good and smooth (with insufficient monitor response time - such scenes can "float", example below). On monitors with a TN matrix, this most likely will not happen, because. even cheap models have a response time of 6 ms and below (if the response time is more than 7-9 ms - then in many games / movies - you will experience discomfort during sharp and fast scenes).
  3. no one from the outside will make out your picture: for those who look from the side or from above, it becomes faded and it is difficult to distinguish colors on it (example in the photo above and below ☺).

IPS vs TN (tablet and laptop, for comparison). Top view of the same picture!

IPS-matrix (glossy screen surface) vs. TN-matrix (matte screen surface). The same picture

Response time on the example of a sports broadcast: on the left - 9 ms, on the right - 5 ms (when viewing, it seems not to be noticeable, but if you take a picture of nearby monitors, then the difference is STILL how noticeable!)

Flaws:

  1. it is necessary to sit correctly and look directly perpendicular to the monitor: if you lie down slightly on your chair while watching a movie (say) - the picture becomes less colorful and hard to read;
  2. low color reproduction: if you work with photos (and graphics in general), you will notice that some colors are not so bright, and they look better on other monitors;
  3. probability of dead pixels appearing on this type the matrix above (a dead pixel is a white dot on the screen that does not convey the picture: that is, it does not glow at all. Usually it is just a white dot on the screen).

Conclusion: if you like action movies and computer games(shooters, racing, etc.) - then the TN + Film matrix is ​​​​a very good choice. In addition, if you read a lot, then the not so bright light from the monitor has a more positive effect on the eyes, they get less tired.

For those who work with graphics (takes a lot of photos, edits photos and pictures) - a monitor with a TN matrix is ​​\u200b\u200bnot a good choice due to lower color reproduction.

Important!

By the way, many users (who work a lot and for a long time on a PC), as well as I, note that a bright and juicy picture is not always positive for the eyes. Some people specifically buy monitors with a TN matrix, because. their eyes are less tired.

And I think there is a bit of truth in this (I worked for both IPS and TN for a long time - and now I have come to the conclusion that I work with a matte monitor with a TN matrix). In general, he expressed his opinion about the problem of eye fatigue in this article:

PS: though I'm not a designer, and I don't work much with photos and bright illustrations, so it's not the ultimate truth ☺.

IPS and PLS

IPS matrix was developed by Hitachi, and distinguishes it from TN, first of all, better color reproduction. True, I would immediately like to note that the manufacturing price has increased many times, so monitors on this matrix are several times more expensive than on TN.

As for PLS, this is Samsung's development as an alternative to IPS. And it is worth noting that the development is very, very interesting: the brightness and color reproduction on it (in my opinion) are even higher than on IPS (look at the photo below).

IPS vs PLS matrices

Moreover, monitors on the PLS matrix have a lower power consumption compared to the same TN or IPS (by about 10%), which can be very important when devices are powered by batteries.

Both PLS and IPS matrices have good viewing angles: the picture is not distorted and the colors do not lose their brightness and hue, even if you stand at an angle of 170 degrees (which means that everyone sitting to the right / left / center of the monitor will see the same quality image).

It is also worth adding that the PLS matrix allows you to achieve a fast response time, almost the same as on TN matrices. But when choosing an IPS matrix, you need to be especially attentive to this parameter: far from all monitors have a response time of 6 ms or less (although I would already be guided by 5 and below ☺). If you often spend time with dynamic scenes in games, then an inexpensive monitor with a high response time on an IPS matrix is ​​\u200b\u200bmost likely not the best the best choice.

As for IPS, it has many varieties (I'll give some here, but that's not all ☺):

  1. S-IPS (or Super IPS) - this variety with improved response time;
  2. AS-IPS - with improved contrast and brightness;
  3. H-IPS - more natural and natural white color;
  4. P-IPS - increased number of colors (one of the best monitors on the accuracy and quality of the picture);
  5. AH-IPS - similar to P-IPS, with improved viewing angles and more natural multiple shades (essentially not much different from the previous one, except for a higher price);
  6. E-IPS is a cheap type of IPS matrix, usually found on relatively inexpensive devices. However, even this type of sensor is superior in quality to most TN+Films.

PS

By the way, when buying a monitor, ALWAYS pay attention to the type of surface, there are: matte and glossy. Matte - they are good because they do not show your reflection and glare, but they are not as bright and do not convey the picture as "juicy" as glossy ones. If you often work outdoors or your room is often lit by the sun, then look first of all at the matte surface (or its variety - anti-glare).

That's all, for the additions on the topic - special thanks ...

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 than an 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 to right choice 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 distribute complete information about technology, which allows you to create the illusion that a completely new development is coming 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 display, also known as Liquid crystal display, also known as LCD, is a flat display with a matrix of liquid crystals that change their colors according to the RGB (Red, Green, Blue, red, green, blue) triad scheme with six bits for each of the three channels. A variant of the technology is LCD TFT (Thin Film Transistor), with thin-film transistors driving an active matrix (formerly TFD displays, based on thin-film diodes, were popular). The conversation will go, basically, just about the matrices.

History and essence of the phenomenon

According to ancient legends, liquid crystal displays were invented in the USA, at the Radio Corporation of America research center, back in 1963. This is the same office that, ten years earlier, came up with the NTSC color television standard.

At first, such displays were small, black and white or monochrome. They were used in electronic watches, then in calculators. This went on for two decades.

Then a significant historical event happened: in 1984, Apple released the world's first laptop with a liquid crystal display. (Prior to this, laptop screens were fluorescent, with a layer of phosphor as the working substance.)

The essence of the LCD-display is as follows. The matrix is ​​a glass plate with liquid crystals inside (plus various polarizing filters and other uninteresting subtleties). Passive simply reacts to electrical signals and displays something on the screen. The active one has its own color and brightness controls.

In addition, the displays have an additional backlight that provides brightness and contrast of the image.

Technologies

TN+Film- Twisted Nematic technology plus film for increased viewing angles. However, this is not greatly enlarged. Color rendition is also the same. In general, matrices of this type are considered the simplest, cheapest to manufacture, and therefore they are often shoved into inexpensive laptops.

MVA(that is, Multidomain Vertical Alignment) from Fujitsu. The speed is not up to par, but the color reproduction is good. Such a matrix has not become popular and is usually found in products from Fujitsu itself. There is a version PVA(Patterned Vertical Alignment) by Samsung.

IPS(In-Plane Switching) from Hitachi. In terms of brightness and color reproduction, it is only slightly inferior to MVA, in terms of speed - to TN + Film, and even at an acute angle, the black color casts a little purple - from a technical point of view, the shortcomings are insignificant. True, the cost of production is relatively high. There are modifications: S-IPS, A-IPS And Dual Domain IPS.

Cunning manufacturers take IPS into service, rename it and pass it off as their own. It turns out something like ASUS ACEView, IBM FlexView, LG Wide View Angle and so on. In fact, these are IPS matrices, albeit with minor alterations.

However, these modifications are often aimed at the implementation of useful ideas. For example, HP-Compaq BrightView, Acer CrystalBrite, Toshiba CASV (that is, Clear Advanced Super View), Dell TrueLife, Sony Xbrite, ASUS Color Shine are all attempts to increase the brightness and contrast of the image on the screen without a nightmarish increase in cost.

But back to Hitachi Ltd., the original developers of IPS. The original technology options are as follows:

Super TFT IPS- has a very wide viewing angle.

Super IPS, S-IPS- there is no color distortion when changing the angles of the same view (there is no “color shift”, it turns out “color shift free”).

Advanced Super-IPS, IPS Provectus, IPS alpha- attempts to achieve results no worse than Samsung's PVA.

IPS Alpha Next Gen, stands for IPS-alpha of the "new generation" - this is what Hitachi sold to Panasonic, having suffered a lot and waved its hand at further developments.

In addition to all of the above, Sony, Philips and Sharp have joined forces and created a technology for plasma control of liquid crystals. PALC(Plasma Addressed Liquid Crystal). In such matrices, color is transmitted directly by crystals, and brightness is provided by gas-discharge plasma elements.

How to live with it

The current LCD televisions, such large panels, are actually computer displays, they just have the ability to receive TV programs built into them. They can be connected to computers, satellite receivers, Blue-ray players. The most advanced have some operating system is (based on Linux), even Skype can be installed.

In general, if you want to have multifunction device with good color, excellent viewing angle and significant size, you can buy with confidence. True, TVs have a relatively small resolution (after all, a TV is supposed to be watched from a distance of a couple of meters), but HD video is enough to watch.

If you need a high-quality display with a really high resolution, a device with which you will work at the table, almost burying your nose in the screen, then you will have to suffer pretty much with the choice of a monitor or a laptop. There is no need to give advice here, because it is better to see the product with your own eyes. I mean, go to the store and look.

Conclusion

Lastly, the most important. Liquid crystal displays, regardless of the type of matrix, like to work with a "native" screen resolution, which corresponds to the physical number of "triads". That is, if a small laptop or netbook contains a matrix, say, 1366 by 768 pixels, then it is desirable to use such parameters.

By the way, modern GNU/Linux distributions will detect and set the native resolution automatically if they have the right drivers for the video card out of the box.

Well, for the rest, we dare to hope that you can figure it out on your own - and get exactly what suits you. At a minimum, if you learn the terms contained in the article and impress the sellers, then you will not risk slipping something completely depressing.

Previous publications:

  • A video card is one of the important parts of a laptop and a computer.

Last edit: 2012-07-26 12:15:42

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Liquid crystals were discovered as early as 1888. But practical use they found only thirty years ago. "Liquid-crystalline" refers to the transition state of a substance, in which it acquires fluidity, but does not lose its crystalline structure. The greatest practical interest, as it turned out, is the optical properties of liquid crystals. Due to the combination of semi-liquid state and crystalline structure, the ability to transmit light can be easily changed.

Types of LCD matrices

The first mass product using liquid crystals was an electronic watch. The monochrome display consisted, as you know, of separate fields filled with liquid crystals. When a voltage is applied, with which the crystals are ordered, the necessary fields prevent the passage of light and appear black on a light background. Color displays came about when cell sizes were greatly reduced and each cell was provided with a color filter. In addition, modern LCD monitors use backlighting.

For illumination, usually 4 or 6 lamps are used and mirrors are used to ensure uniformity. The operation of the LCD panel is based on the polarization of light. On the path of the light flux are two polarizing films with perpendicular directions of polarization. That is, in sum, these two films block out all the light. The liquid crystals located between the films reverse part of the flux polarized by the first film and thus control the luminescence of the screen.

Scheme of the subpixel of the LCD matrix.
Each pixel is made up of blue, red and green subpixels.

The liquid-crystal substance layer is “sandwiched” between two guide films with the smallest notches, in the direction of which the crystals line up. It is possible to change the orientation direction of the crystals, for example, with the help of an electric pulse, as is done in LCD monitor matrices. In modern matrices, each cell has its own transistor, resistor and capacitor. In fact, in color matrices, each pixel represents three cells: red, green and blue.

Matrix TN. The oldest and most common

The oldest type of matrices currently in use is TN. The name of the technology stands for Twisted Nematic. Nematic liquid crystal substances consist of elongated crystals with a spatial orientation, but without a rigid structure. Such a substance is easily amenable to external influences.

In TN matrices, the crystals are aligned parallel to the plane of the screen, and the upper and lower layers of crystals are rotated perpendicular to each other. All the rest are "twisted" in a spiral. Thus, all transmitted light is also twisted and passes unhindered through the outer polarizing film. So, in the off state, the TN cell of the matrix glows, and when voltage is applied, the crystals gradually rotate. The higher the voltage, the more crystals unfold, and the less light gets through. As soon as all the crystals turn parallel to the light flux, the cell "closes". But for TN matrices it is very difficult to achieve perfect black color.

The crystals in the TN matrix are "twisted" in a spiral (1).
When voltage is applied, they begin to rotate (2).
When all the crystals are perpendicular to the surface (3), no light passes through.

The main problem of TN matrices is the inconsistency in the rotation of the crystals: some are already fully deployed, others have just begun to rotate. Because of this, the light flux is scattered and, ultimately, the picture from different angles does not look the same. Horizontal viewing angles of modern matrices can be considered acceptable, but when rotated vertically, even within small limits, the distortion is significant. The color reproduction of TN matrices is far from ideal - in principle they cannot display the full palette of colors, I compensate for the lack of shades with the help of tricky algorithms. Such algorithms, with a frequency not noticeable to the eye, alternately reproduce shades in the cell that are closest to the one that cannot be reproduced. But TN technology provides top speed cell operation, minimal power consumption and as cheap as possible. These two circumstances make the oldest technology the most popular and most widespread.

IPS. Ideal for photos and graphics. But expensive

The second most developed technology was IPS (In Plane Switch). Such matrices are manufactured by Hitachi, LG.Philips. NEC produces matrices made using a similar technology, but with its own abbreviation SFT (Super Fine TFT).

As the name of the technology suggests, all crystals are constantly parallel to the plane of the panel and rotate at the same time. To do this, two electrodes had to be placed on the underside of each cell. In the off state, the cell is black, so if it "died", there will be a black dot on the screen. And not constantly luminous, like TN.

In an IPS matrix, the crystals are always parallel to the screen surface

IPS technology provides the best color reproduction and maximum viewing angles. Of the significant drawbacks - more than TN , response time, more noticeable interpixel grid and high price. Improved matrices are called S-IPS and SA-SFT (respectively from LG .Philips and NEC). They provide an already acceptable response time at the level of 25 ms, and the latest ones are even less - 16 ms. Thanks to good color reproduction and viewing angles, IPS matrices have become the standard for professional graphics monitors.

MVA/PVA. A reasonable compromise?

As a compromise between TN and IPS, the technology developed by Fujitsu can be considered VA (Vertical Alignment). In VA matrices, the crystals in the off state are located perpendicular to the plane of the screen. Accordingly, the black color is provided as clean and deep as possible. But when the matrix is ​​rotated relative to the direction of view, the crystals will not be visible in the same way. To solve the problem, a multi-domain structure is used. Fujitsu's Multi-Domain Vertical Alignment (MVA) technology uses tabs on the plates that determine the direction in which the crystals rotate. If two subdomains are rotated in opposite directions, then when viewed from the side, one of them will be darker and the other lighter, thus for the human eye the deviations cancel each other out. PVA matrices developed by Samsung do not have protrusions, and in the off state, the crystals are strictly vertical. In order for the crystals of neighboring subdomains to rotate in opposite directions, the lower electrodes are shifted relative to the upper ones.

In VA-type matrices, in the off state, the crystals are perpendicular to the screen surface

To reduce response time, Premium MVA and S-PVA matrices use a dynamic voltage boost system for certain sections of the matrix, which is usually called Overdrive. The color reproduction of PMVA and SPVA matrices is almost as good as that of IPS, the response time is slightly inferior to TN, viewing angles are as wide as possible, blacks are the best, brightness and contrast are the highest possible among all existing technologies. However, even with a slight deviation of the direction of view from the perpendicular, even by 5–10 degrees, distortions in semitones can be noticed. For most, this will go unnoticed, but professional photographers continue to dislike VA technologies for this.

What to choose?

For home use and for office work, price is often the deciding factor, and because of this, monitors with a TN matrix are the most popular. They provide acceptable image quality with a minimum response time, which is a critical parameter for fans of dynamic games. PVA and MVA matrices are not as widely available due to the higher price. They provide very high contrast (especially PVA), a large margin of brightness and good color reproduction. As a base for a home multimedia center (TV replacement), it is the best choice. IPS matrices are increasingly being installed in monitors with a diagonal of up to 20 inches. By quality best models S-IPS and SA-SFT are not inferior to CRT monitors and are increasingly used by professionals in the field of photography, printing and design. Practical recommendations on choosing a monitor can be found in the article “Choose an LCD monitor. What should a photographer, a gamer and a housewife prefer?

Let's dream a little

More recently, i.e. 15 years ago, hardly many people thought that LCD monitors could replace CRT monitors. The quality of the LCD was low and the price extremely high. But even now it is impossible to call the technology for the production of panels on liquid crystals ideal. To improve color reproduction, increase contrast and ensure uniform backlighting, the professional NEC Reference 21 uses LED backlight. This monitor costs about $6,000 and so far it can be considered more like a printing equipment than a computer peripheral. But we know many examples when professional technologies "go down" to amateurs.

Many large companies (Sanyo, Samsung, Epson) are developing screens based on OLED - organic crystals. The crystals themselves emit light when voltage is applied, these screens are extremely economical, bright and high contrast. But so far they are used only in small portable equipment due to the high cost and technical problems associated with durability, reproduction of some colors. In a very distant future, completely new technologies may appear, which only specialists have heard about now, and the screen can be rolled up into a tube or pasted on the wall. Or maybe there will be no monitors in our usual sense? Or maybe everyone will switch to projectors? And almost any surface can be used as a screen. An enticing prospect.

Matrix type is one of the most important parameters of modern liquid crystal monitors. This is the technology by which the display is made. The LCD matrix is ​​a flat plate package made of glass, between which are liquid crystals or substance based polymeric materials.

Among all the variety currently by type of matrix monitors classified Thus:

  • TN(twisted nematic)
  • IPS(in-plane switching)
  • pls(plane-to-line switching)

It is worth noting that there are others, but they are currently not as popular as the above. Physically, these technologies differ geometry of surfaces, front electrode, polymer and control plate.

Which matrix to choose

Let's take a closer look at what these 3 types are, advantages And flaws each of them. Let's give recommendations what you need to be guided by when choosing a particular monitor for purchase.

Monitors with Tn matrix

Most simple technology and the common. The percentage of monitors with this matrix currently exceeds 80%. The reason for this is cheapness their production, therefore their cost is the lowest.

But this is not the only plus. Such displays durable, their Energy consumption relatively low. Many gamers will be pleased response time- from 2 ms, this indicator is unattainable for other types. They possess high frequency characteristics, which can also be useful in some dynamic games.

Now oh cons- there are quite a few of them. Firstly, picture quality these monitors leaves much to be desired - you will not be able to get the perfect color reproduction. For those with very sensitive eyes, these displays are clearly won't fit- the eyes will quickly get tired. In addition, these screens are smallest angles review.

Summing up results, this type of matrix is ​​suitable if you want save your budget, spend a short time at the computer, and watch movies more often in small resolution. Whether it is worth saving depends on your needs and the thickness of your wallet.

IPS technology


Picture quality in this case the maximum realistic. Huge number of displayed colors And shades over one billion. There are many varieties IPS, all of them are united by the best contrast And maximum viewing angle compared to TN.

The picture shows a clear difference in the matrix TN(on the left of IPS(on right).

Improved response time in dynamically changing images will give, perhaps, the presence of plumes. Cost price production is higher, hence - high price. But it's worth it - IPS screens can already compete with plasma panels.

Screens with PLS matrix

pls is modification IPS matrices. Developed by Samsung as its alternative.

What has changed? Thanks to greater density pixels maximum brightness And color reproduction increased. Power consumption comparable to TN. response time is higher than IPS, but still falls short of TN. But in general difference PLS and IPS ceteris paribus (diagonal, aspect ratio, resolution, backlight type) little perceptible. Concerning prices then pls a few cheaper.

In summary, if you are an avid gamer, professional photographer or designer or strive to be like that, that is, it makes sense to spend money and buy a monitor with IPS or PLS matrix. If the computer is used for standard office tasks and drawing graphics - take a closer look at the displays on the base TN technologies. Be guided by personal preferences and make the right choice.



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