characteristic features of the in-plane switching ips lcd panel technology price

An acronym for In-Plane Switching, IPS is an LCD technology. Patented in the early 1990s, IPS was designed to overcome issues associated with TN TFT displays, such as limited viewing angles and low-quality color reproduction. To this day, IPS liquid-crystal screens are widely used in mid-range and high-end consumer electronics.

Unlike the previous generation of LCDs, IPS products don"t display aftertouch marks on the screen. Furthermore, IPS displays feature twice as many transistors per pixel and a more robust backlight than their predecessors. As a result, In-Plane Switching displays deliver bolder colors, which can be viewed from different angles.

First-generation IPS products faced three main shortcomings in comparison to TFT LCDs: higher energy consumption, higher prices, and slower response time. As companies such as Hitachi and LG have invested heavily in this technology, the response time was reduced in later IPS generations, and there have been further developments, such as improved color accuracy.

In 2010, a competing technology was introduced by Samsung. Available at a lower cost, the brand’s Super PLS (Plane-to-Line Switching) pledges to provide better image quality, more brightness, and an even greater viewing angle flexibility. Other competitors have entered the market since then, such as AU Optronics" AHVA (Advanced Hyper-Viewing Angle), which offers higher refresh rates.

IPS monitors are typically preferred by photographers, designers, editors, and other individuals who rely on color accuracy for their tasks. Price and power consumption, however, are still significantly higher for IPS technology, which makes TN TFT (twisted nematic thin-film transistor) LCDs still be attractive options.

When it comes to smartphones, the display choice stands between IPS, OLED, and AMOLED. Although there is no clear winner in this competition, each technology has advantages and disadvantages, which may help you choose your next phone. Generally speaking, OLED and AMOLED produce more vibrant colors and blacker-looking blacks, allow for the use of the always-on clock display feature, and are also more power-efficient. IPS displays, on the other hand, may provide more color accuracy, are not as pricey, and don"t pose the risk of display burn-in.

When shopping for a monitor you might come across the term IPS, short for “in-plane switching” to describe a certain type of display. So what does this term mean, and what benefits does an IPS display have over alternative technologies?

There are several different types of liquid crystal displays (LCDs), all of which use LED backlighting and are often referred to as “LED-LCD” displays. IPS panels are one such implementation and were designed to improve upon early twisted nematic (TN) models that suffered from poor viewing angles and color reproduction.

The term IPS is derived from the way the crystals are arranged inside the LCD. In an IPS panel, these crystals are aligned horizontally at all times and rotate parallel (in-plane) when voltage is applied. This allows light to pass through and for an image to be displayed on-screen.

While IPS panels are superior in some ways to other types of LCD panels, they are still bound by the limitations of the technology. Notably, LCDs must block out the backlight to display black which can often result in washed out or uneven blacks.

This prevents them from reaching the inky blacks that are possible with OLED displays, which are self-emissive. Some LCD displays use full-array local dimming to improve black reproduction, but this can result in unsightly “ghosting” or “blooming” around the edges of bright objects.

While IPS is a term that was coined by LG, a similar technology called PLS (Plane-to-Line Switching) behaves in much the same way but was designed by Samsung instead. Performance is similar enough that the term IPS may be used by some to refer to a PLS type display.

IPS displays offer the widest viewing angles of any LCD technology. This makes them ideal for use in televisions and monitors that will be viewed from any angle that isn’t face-on.

These panels also offer excellent color reproduction and deep blacks. For this reason, they are often favored by artists, photographers, and video editors. Keep in mind that buying an IPS display alone won’t get you truly accurate colors and that you will need to calibrate your display if you want to rely on it for accurate creative work.

These panels are often paired with bright backlights which deliver great peak brightness in HDR content, and good performance in bright sunlight. This is particularly true in conditions where glare is a problem since wide viewing angles allow you to change the angle of the screen (by tilting a laptop, for example) without sacrificing image quality.

For gamers, IPS displays generally offer faster response times than vertical alignment (VA) type displays. While once rare, high refresh rate IPS panels are now more common and affordable than they once were.

No technology is perfect, and IPS panels are no different. While these types of display offer the best color reproduction, they can’t match the contrast ratio seen on a VA-type panel. This is why many TVs use VA panels over IPS, a decision that sacrifices viewing angles for a richer image.

IPS panels are also generally more expensive than the alternatives since they’re more expensive to manufacture. Some fast VA panels aimed at gamers may cost more, but most are cheaper than your average IPS.

Finally, IPS panels may use more power than other similar technologies like TN. They use considerably more power than OLED displays, which are the most efficient types of display currently on sale.

Learn more about how IPS, TN, and VA displays compare, and check out our best all-around monitor and best gaming monitor recommendations if you’re thinking of picking one up.

If you’ve ever begun searching for a new computer screen, chances are you’ve probably come across the term IPS. It’s at this point that you may be asking yourself, what is an IPS monitor? And how do I know if an IPS monitor is right for me?

So, why is this important? A monitor’s panel technology is important because it affects what the monitor can do and for which uses it is best suited. Each of the monitor panel types listed above offer their own distinctive benefits and drawbacks.

Choosing which type of monitor panel type to buy will depend largely on your intended usage and personal preference. After all, gamers, graphic designers, and office workers all have different requirements. Specific types of displays are best suited for different usage scenarios.

The reason for this is because none of the different monitor panel types as they are today can be classified as “outstanding” for all of the attributes mentioned above.

Below we’ll take a look at how IPS, TN, and VA monitors affect screen performance and do some handy summaries of strengths, weaknesses, and best-case uses for each type of panel technology.

IPS monitors or “In-Plane Switching” monitors, leverage liquid crystals aligned in parallel to produce rich colors. IPS panels are defined by the shifting patterns of their liquid crystals. These monitors were designed to overcome the limitations of TN panels. The liquid crystal’s ability to shift horizontally creates better viewing angles.

IPS monitors continue to be the display technology of choice for users that want color accuracy and consistency. IPS monitors are really great when it comes to color performance and super-wide viewing angles. The expansive viewing angles provided by IPS monitors help to deliver outstanding color when being viewed from different angles. One major differentiator between IPS monitors and TN monitors is that colors on an IPS monitor won’t shift when being viewed at an angle as drastically as they do on a TN monitor.

IPS monitor variations include S-IPS, H-IPS, e-IPS and P-IPS, and PLS (Plane-to-Line Switching), the latter being the latest iteration. Since these variations are all quite similar, they are all collectively referred to as “IPS-type” panels. They all claim to deliver the major benefits associated with IPS monitors – great color and ultra-wide viewing angles.

When it comes to color accuracy, IPS monitors surpass the performance of TN and VA monitors with ease. While latest-gen VA technologies offer comparative performance specs, pro users still claim that IPS monitors reign supreme in this regard.

Another important characteristic of IPS monitors is that they are able to support professional color space technologies, such as Adobe RGB. This is due to the fact that IPS monitors are able to offer more displayable colors, which help improve color accuracy.

In the past, response time and contrast were the initial weakness of IPS technology. Nowadays, however, IPS monitor response times have advanced to the point where they are even capable of satisfying gamers, thus resulting in a rising popularity in IPS monitors for gaming.

With regard to gaming, some criticisms IPS monitors include more visible motion blur coming as a result of slower response times, however the impact of motion blur will vary from user to user. In fact, mixed opinions about the “drawbacks” of IPS monitor for gaming can be found all across the web. Take this excerpt from one gaming technology writer for example: “As for pixel response, opinions vary. I personally think IPS panels are quick enough for almost all gaming. If your gaming life is absolutely and exclusively about hair-trigger shooters, OK, you’ll want the fastest response, lowest latency LCD monitor. And that means TN. For the rest of us, and certainly for those who place even a modicum of importance on the visual spectacle of games, I reckon IPS is clearly the best panel technology.” Read the full article here.

IPS monitors deliver ultra-wide 178-degree vertical and horizontal viewing angles. Graphic designers, CAD engineers, pro photographers, and video editors will benefit from using an IPS monitor. Many value the color benefits of IPS monitors and tech advances have improved IPS panel speed, contrast, and resolution. IPS monitors are more attractive than ever for general desktop work as well as many types of gaming. They’re even versatile enough to be used in different monitor styles, so if you’ve ever compared an ultrawide vs. dual monitor setup or considered the benefits of curved vs. flat monitors, chances are you’ve already come into contact with an IPS panel.

TN monitors, or “Twisted Nematic” monitors, are the oldest LCD panel types around. TN panels cost less than their IPS and VA counterparts and are a popular mainstream display technology for desktop and laptop displays.

Despite their lower perceived value, TN-based displays are the panel type preferred by competitive gamers. The reason for this is because TN panels can achieve a rapid response time and the fastest refresh rates on the market (like this 240Hz eSports monitor). To this effect, TN monitors are able to reduce blurring and screen tearing in fast-paced games when compared to an IPS or VA panel.

On the flip side, however, TN panel technology tends to be ill-suited for applications that benefit from wider viewing angles, higher contrast ratios, and better color accuracy. That being said, LED technology has helped shift the perspective and today’s LED-backlit TN models offer higher brightness along with better blacks and higher contrast ratios.

The greatest constraint of TN panel technology, however, is a narrower viewing angle as TN monitors experience more color shifting than other types of panels when being viewed at an angle.

Today’s maximum possible viewing angles are 178 degrees both horizontally and vertically (178º/178º), yet TN panels are limited to viewing angles of approximately 170 degrees horizontal and 160 degrees vertical (170º /160º).

In fact, TN monitor can sometimes be easily identified by the color distortion and contrast shifting that’s visible at the edges of the screen. As screen sizes increase, this issue becomes even more apparent as reduced color performance can even begin to be seen when viewing the screen from a dead-center position.

For general-purpose use, these shifts in color and contrast are often irrelevant and fade from conscious perception. However, this color variability makes TN monitors a poor choice for color-critical work like graphic design and photo editing. Graphic designers and other color-conscious users should also avoid TN displays due to their more limited range of color display compared to the other technologies.

TN monitors are the least expensive panel technology, making them ideal for cost-conscious businesses and consumers. In addition, TN monitors enjoy unmatched popularity with competitive gamers and other users who seek rapid graphics display.

Vertical alignment (VA) panel technology was developed to improve upon the drawbacks of TN. Current VA-based monitors offer muchhigher contrast, better color reproduction, and wider viewing angles than TN panels. Variations you may see include P-MVA, S-MVA, and AMVA (Advanced MVA).

These high-end VA-type monitors rival IPS monitors as the best panel technology for professional-level color-critical applications. One of the standout features of VA technology is that it is particularly good at blocking light from the backlight when it’s not needed. This enables VA panels to display deeper blacks and static contrast ratios of up to several times higher than the other LCD technologies. The benefit of this is that VA monitors with high contrast ratios can deliver intense blacks and richer colors.

Contrast ratio is the measured difference between the darkest blacks and the brightest whites a monitor can produce. This measurement provides information about the amount of grayscale detail a monitor will deliver. The higher the contrast ratio, the more visible detail.

These monitors also provide more visible details in shadows and highlights, making them ideal for enjoying videos and movies. They’re also a good fit for games focused on rich imagery (RPG games for example) rather than rapid speed (such as FPS games).

MVA and other recent VA technologies offer the highest static contrast ratios of any panel technology. This allows for an outstanding visual experience for movie enthusiasts and other users seeking depth of detail. Higher-end, feature-rich MVA displays offer the consistent, authentic color representation needed by graphic designers and other pro users.

There is another type of panel technology that differs from the monitor types discussed above and that is OLED or “Organic Light Emitting Diode” technology. OLEDs differ from LCDs because they use positively/negatively charged ions to light up every pixel individually, while LCDs use a backlight, which can create an unwanted glow. OLEDs avoid screen glow (and create darker blacks) by not using a backlight. One of the drawbacks of OLED technology is that it is usually pricier than any of the other types of technology explained.

When it comes to choosing the right LCD panel technology, there is no single right answer. Each of the three primary technologies offers distinct strengths and weaknesses. Looking at different features and specs helps you identify which monitor best fits your needs.

With the lowest cost and fastest response times, TN monitors are great for general use and gaming. VA monitor offers a step up for general use. Maxed-out viewing angles and high contrast ratios make VA monitors great for watching movies and image-intensive gaming.

IPS monitors offer the greatest range of color-related features and remain the gold standard for photo editing and color-critical pro uses. Greater availability and lower prices make IPS monitors a great fit for anyone who values outstanding image quality.

LCD or “Liquid Crystal Display” is a type of monitor panel that embraces thin layers of liquid crystals sandwiched between two layers of filters and electrodes.

While CRT monitors used to fire electrons against glass surfaces, LCD monitors operate using backlights and liquid crystals. The LCD panel is a flat sheet of material that contains layers of filters, glass, electrodes, liquid crystals, and a backlight. Polarized light (meaning only half of it shines through) is directed towards a rectangular grid of liquid crystals and beamed through.

Liquid Crystals (LCs) are used because of their unique ability to maintain a parallel shape. Acting as both a solid and liquid, LCs are able to react quickly to changes in light patterns. The optical properties of LCs are activated by electric current, which is used to switch liquid crystals between phases. In turn, each pixel generates an RGB (red, green, blue) color based on the phase it’s in.

Note: When searching for monitors you can be sure to come across the term “LED Panel” at some point or another. An LED panel is an LCD screen with an LED – (Light Emitting Diode) – backlight. LEDs provide a brighter light source while using much less energy. They also have the ability to produce white color, in addition to traditional RGB color, and are the panel type used in HDR monitors.

Early LCD panels used passive-matrix technology and were criticized for blurry imagery. The reason for this is because quick image changes require liquid crystals to change phase quickly and passive matrix technology was limited in terms of how quickly liquid crystals could change phase.

As a result, active-matrix technology was invented and transistors (TFTs) began being used to help liquid crystals retain their charge and change phase more quickly.

Thanks to active-matrix technology, LCD monitor panels were able to change images very quickly and the technology began being used by newer LCD panels.

Ultimately, budget and feature preferences will determine the best fit for each user. Among the available monitors of each panel type there will also be a range of price points and feature sets. Additionally, overall quality may vary among manufacturers due to factors related to a display’s components, manufacturing, and design.

If you’re interested in learning more about IPS monitors, you can take a look at some of these professional monitors to see if they would be the right fit for you.

Alternatively, if you’re into gaming and are in the market for TN panel these gaming monitor options may be along the lines of what you’re looking for.

The main functionality of the Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) is to perform the initial hardware checks after the computer is powered on and start up the operating system.

Which of the acronyms listed below refers to a series of basic hardware diagnostic tests performed by the startup BIOS after the computer is powered on?

After replacing a modular hardware component inside computer case, the updated information about specific parameters of the new device can be stored in: (Select 2 answers)

After completing the initial diagnostics and assigning system resources, the startup BIOS program checks for information about secondary storage devices that might contain the OS. The list of devices and the order in which they should be checked can be found and arranged in the CMOS setup utility, and this option is commonly referred to as:

After launching Windows Virtual PC application technician receives error message stating that the Hardware-Assisted Virtualization (HAV) feature is not enabled on the computer. Which of the following steps might help in fixing this problem?

IPS stands for in-plane switching, a type of LED (a form of LCD) display panel technology. IPS panels are characterized as having the best color and viewing angles among the other main types of display panels, TN(twisted nematic) and VA(vertical alignment). However, IPS panels are also the most expensive of the three.

When choosing a PC monitor, you may opt for an IPS panel because of its great image quality. Their best use case is professional (art, graphics et cetera) work. On the other hand, gaming monitor manufacturers tend to opt for TN panels because they"re the fastest of the three main LED panel types and are speedy. In fact, for a while it was rare to find an IPS panel with a refresh rate high enough for acceptable gaming (at least 75 Hz, although most gaming monitors offer at least 144 Hz). This is changing, but, again, comes at a premium in terms of price.

Note that some display may be labeled "IPS-level" or some other variant. This means that the panel was not made by LG and, therefore, the vendor isn"t allowed to call the display IPS. However, the technology and end results should appear the same to the naked eye.

DisplayWorst viewing angles;Worst colorViewing angles typically better than TN, worse than IPS; Good color; Best contrast;Best image depthBest viewing angles; Best color

IPS or In-Plane Switching technology provides a wide 178°/178° viewing angle, so users see impressive images with consistent color and image quality from virtually any angle.

Dell offers a wide range of IPS monitors in a variety of sizes and are an excellent choice for work that depends on color. Choose a Dell monitor with IPS technology and the work on your business computer your work to life.

IPS monitors offer a wide 178°/178° viewing angle. This enables users to see images consistently from the side, from above, and from below. This flexibility not only allows you to see the same picture from almost any perspective, but also helps when multiple viewers are gathered around the monitor.

IPS monitors show uniform color temperature across the panel. This helps users see consistent color and brightness across a wide viewing angle. IPS technology is an excellent choice for work that depends on accurate color.

Dell offers IPS technology across our monitor portfolio. These monitors are designed to work well with the best computers for business. Choose from our commercial range of monitors and boost productivity, wherever you work.

Top-tier Dell UltraSharp monitors are crafted with innovative features and design for the ultimate performance. Featuring best-in-class color and monitor technology, Dell UltraSharp and UltraSharp PremierColor monitors combine astonishing front-of-screen performance with high-resolution clarity and accurate color across a broad color gamut.

UltraSharp monitors deliver extraordinary color depth even at wide viewing angles. Stylish in design, these monitors complement are not just great for the office but can also be greathome office monitors. They come with extensive connectivity options, productivity and comfort features. Users can select the display that matches their workload since a wide range of screen sizes (ex: ultrawide monitors) and resolution options (up to 8K) are available.

Dell C Series monitors are built for collaboration. Our video conferencing monitors feature a built-in IR camera for FHD conferencing, integrated speakers and mic allowing users to connect and collaborate from their desk, just like they’re there. Our range of large format monitors are built for group collaboration in conference rooms and presentation settings. These monitors range from 55 inches to 86 inches and feature interactive touch technology. C series also has options for touch screen monitors for further collaboration.

Enhance work performance with Dell P Series monitors. These monitors feature IPS technology for impressive visuals. Dell P Series monitors also deliver the impressive visuals and consistent color users expect from an IPS monitor. Packed with productivity-focused features for those who are looking to increase their workload or handle multiple projects at a time. A three-sided ultrathin bezel design ensures an uninterrupted view across multiple screens, increasing productivity for users who use two monitors together.

Built to handle everyday business requirements, Dell E Series monitors offer great value with essential features to help drive business efficiency. These dependable, energy-efficient monitors come in a range of sizes, from 17” to 27”. Select E Series monitors feature IPS panel technology while keeping on budget.

Enjoy peace of mind with the commitment to quality, reliability and service that you expect from Dell — demonstrated through an exhaustive testing regimen, and backed by outstanding service and support:Dell business monitors come 3-year Advanced Exchange Service* so that if a replacement becomes necessary, it will be shipped to you the next business day during your 3-year Limited Hardware Warranty.

Get a higher level of support with ProSupport* for monitors. This program includes 24x7 access to ProSupport engineers for setup, configuration, troubleshooting, and more, as well as next business day Advanced Exchange.Eco-conscious design

Dell monitors are designed with the environment in mind and meet the latest regulatory and environmental standards, such as EnergyStar®, EPEAT®* and TCO certified displays.

Dell Technologies is committed to reducing environmental impact throughout the product lifecycle. Read more about our commitment to sustainability and our 2030 Social Impact goals here, and our product’s carbon footprint here.

What is an IPS monitor? An IPS monitor is an LCD computer display that uses In-Plane Switching (IPS) technology rather than Twisted Nematic (TN) or Vertical Alignment (VA) technology to illuminate pixels. This is advantageous to those who work with color since IPS technology allows for a new level of color accuracy and consistency and minimizes color shift/contrast issues that face other monitors.

Color remains consistent no matter what angle a user views an IPS monitor from. The result is clearer and crisper images with vibrant colors, resulting in a better viewer experience.

Twisted nematic effect was a breakthrough LCD technology that became dominant during the 1980s and 1990s. However, TN panels suffered from several limitations and the disadvantages of TN display technology restricted the applications of LCD.

Nonetheless, the introduction of in-plane switching or IPS during the mid 1990s and its mass popularity in mid 2000s marked another breakthrough in LCD technology. IPS display technology has expanded the application of LCD to include high-definition television and computer monitors, as well as high-resolution mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets.

This article lists down and describes the advantages and disadvantages of in-plane switching display technology, thus also discussing the strengths and limitations or drawbacks of IPS LCD panels.

One of the notable advantages of IPS LCD panels over TN panels is color reproduction that further translates into color accuracy and better image quality.

Note that a typical TN panel only has a 6-bit RGB color depth. This means that it is only capable of producing 262,144 possible colors. On the other hand, a conventional IPS has an 8-bit RGB color depth capable of producing 16.7 million possible colors.

Though another type of LCD technology called virtual alignment or VA has a similar 8-bit RGB color depth, several manufacturers have introduce high-end IPS panels with 16-bit to 24-bit RGB color depth.

Active-matrix organic light-emitting diode or AMOLED display technology is a close competitor of IPS display technology. Between the two however, IPS has better color accuracy because AMOLED panels are prone to producing images with strong or highly saturated colors.

When compared against TN panels and VA panels, as well as AMOLED panels thereby, IPS LCD panels produce more vibrant images and more realistic colors. This advantage means that in-plane switching is an ideal display option for use in multimedia consumption, as well as in color critical work such as photo editing, graphic design, and video editing.

TN panels also suffer from very limited viewing angle as demonstrated by poor off-axis image quality. The introduction of VA LCD technology tried to resolve this limitation. But VA panels suffer from color shifts when viewed from a slightly different angle.

Nonetheless, wide viewing angle is another advantage of in-plane switching over TN and VA display technologies. Typical IPS LCD panels will produce no image distortion and relatively minimal color shifts when viewed from different angles while high-end IPS panels will display consistent contrast and brightness levels under different viewing angles.

This advantage of IPS panels is made possible because the technology involves the capacity to change the physical behavior of the liquid crystal layer by making the crystal molecules respond to the electric field in parallel to the TFT. This also results in better color reproduction.

For smartphone and tablet applications, the aforementioned advantage means that these portable devices can be held in various angles and eye levels. This advantage also means that television sets or computer monitors with IPS panels offer a better visual experience than other LCD panels.

Colors and images on an IPS panel remain considerably more visible under bright outdoor lights or direct sunlight than other display technologies. This is an advantage of in-plane switching technology over TN and AMOLED display technologies.

The better color reproduction coupled with better viewing angle and backlighting make IPS usable or viewable under direct sunlight. Note that TN panels suffer from poor visibility under direct sunlight because of its limited color depth. AMOLED panels, on the other hand, have similar problems because of the inapplicability of backlighting.

Dead pixels are an inherent issue affecting different LCD technologies. The lifespan of IPS LCD panels cannot be generally compared against the lifespan of TN panels or VA panels.

However, it is important to note that TN display technology is easier to implement and thus, TN panels are easier to produce. This further translates to more manufacturers producing TN panels, thereby increasing the tendency for low manufacturing standards. Some manufacturers are also producing low-end TN panels to meet demands for cheaper LCD.

When generally compared against typical TN panels nonetheless, IPS panels might have a longer lifespan. On the other hand, the lifespan of VA panels might be comparable with IPS. Of course, it is important to remember that this is an overstatement.

Compared to AMOLED panels however, IPS panels have obvious longer lifespan. Remember that one of the notable limitations of AMOLED is its susceptibility to noticeable pixel degradation and faster screen burn-ins.

When compared to TN panels, IPS LCD panels have better contrast ratio because it has better color depth. However, VA panels and AMOLED panels have better contrast ratio than IPS panels.

Backlighting can be blocked effectively in a vertical alignment display technology. This produces deeper blacks and subsequently, higher contrast ratio compared to in-plane switching display technology.

On the other hand, AMOLED panels naturally produce deep blacks because they represent the absence of light and thus, the absence of color. This results in higher contrast ratio. Although IPS technology produces intense whites, high-end AMOLED panels can also rival typical IPS panels in this regard.

Another disadvantage of IPS panels when compared against TN panels and AMOLED panels is power consumption. In-plane switching technology consumers more power than TN or AMOLED display technologies.

Note that TN panels are suitable for battery-operated and low-powered devices. On the other hand, a typical IPS panel requires 15 percent more power than a TN panel. IPS panels also require a strong backlighting to improve display clarity unlike AMOLED panels.

This drawback means that consumer electronic devices featuring an IPS panel have more power requirements than counterpart devices equipped with TN or AMOLED panels. This affects the overall energy efficiency rating and battery life performance of a specific device.

Other disadvantages of in-plane switching technology are slow pixel response time and low refresh rate. The response time and refresh rate of IPS panels are slower and lower than TN or AMOLED panels.

Pixel response time is the duration it takes a single pixel to transition from one state to another. Refresh rate is the frequency in which the image in a display is refreshed. Slow pixel response time and low refresh rate create ghosting effects and motion blurs around a moving image. In addition, both ghosting effects and motion blurs are more straining to the eyes.

This limitation makes an IPS panel an unsuitable display option for use in fast-paced and competitive gaming. TN display technology has the faster response time and higher refresh rates among existing LCD technologies. This is the reason why some hardcore gamers still prefer TN panels to IPS or VA panels despite having poor color reproduction.

Manufacturers have produced IPS panels with better response times and refresh rates. However, these panels are more expansive than TN panels, thus making them unappealing to budget-conscious consumers.

Manufacturing IPS LCD panels is costlier than manufacturing TN panels because of the involved engineering complexity. This higher manufacturing costs results in higher prices for end consumers.

Entry-level laptops such as netbooks, as well as feature phones and budget smartphones are commonly equipped with TN panels. Devices with IPS LCD panels are relatively more expensive. Note that high-grade IPS panels are featured in top-of-the-line products with higher price tags.

Between in-plane switching and AMOLED display technologies however, both are also costly to manufacture and both IPS and AMOLED panels are commonly featured in premium products such as high-end smartphones and tablet computers.

From the aforementioned, in-planed switching display technology outperforms other LCD technologies to includw twisted nematic and vertical alignment. The strengths or advantages of IPS LCD panels center on better image production and visual performance stemming from having higher color depth, more accurate color reproduction wider viewing angle, and better visibility under direct sunlight.

Nonetheless, the drawbacks and disadvantages of IPS LCD panels make them unappealing to some extent. They are not as power efficient as TN or AMOLED panels. They are not as inexpensive or as readily accessible as TN panels as well. These disadvantages translate to the limited applications of in-plane switching technology when cost or price and power consumption are factored in.

Further readings: (1) Kim, K. H. & Song, J. K. 2009. Technical Evolution of Liquid Crystal Displays. NPG Asia Materials. 1, pp. 29-36. DOI: 10.1038/asiamat.2009.3; (2)Kim, J. J., Park, E., & Sundar, S. S. 2012. IPS vs. AMOLED: Effects of Panel Type on Smartphone Users’ Viewing and Reading Experience. In eds. Park, J., Jin, Q., Sang-soo, Y. M., & Hu, B., Human Centric Technology and Service in Smart Space. DOI: 10.1007/978-94-007-5086-9_11; and (3) Aoki, N., Komura, S., Furuhashi, T., Adachi, M., Itou, O., Miyazawa, T., & Ohkura, M. 2007. Advanced IPS Technology for Mobile Applications. Journal of the Society for Information Display. 15(1), pp. 23-29. DOI: 10.1889/1.2451548.

When picking a new monitor, it’s common to look for certain specs like a higher refresh rate, better resolution, updated port options, and similar features. But it’s also a good idea to take a look at the panel type. Today’s LCD (liquid-crystal display) monitors can use several different panel types, and one of the most common is called IPS.

LCD panels have several different layers, each with its own important role in creating color, plus backlighting to light up the panel so the colors can be seen, typically using LED lights.

The most important layer in the panel is the thin liquid film that holds the crystals that can change orientation if light passes through from the LED lights behind (or turning off), creating the light and dark areas you see on your monitor screen. Add in a couple of color filter layers over the crystals so light turns different colors, and you’ve got your image. An electric current is constantly feeding into this liquid film to change colors as you use your computer.

This brings us to IPS technology. In an IPS panel, crystals are always aligned the same way, and an electric pulse can shift them 90 degrees, essentially “switching” them between active and resting states. This is in contrast to other panel types, such as TN panels that use different helix-shaped crystals that don’t move in the same way. The IPS version is more efficient and makes better use of its polarizers to control what light is allowed through.

Color accuracy: The IPS design allows for better color accuracy — that means that they can reproduce accurate 8-bit color, something other monitors can struggle with. That’s why IPS monitors are great for photo editing.

Wider color gamut potential: A color gamut is a full range of colors. You often see monitors listed with the percentage of a specific color gamut, like the Adobe RGB gamut, that they can cover. IPS panels cover a wider range than typical alternatives, which also helps with color accuracy.

Excellent viewing angles: IPS panels are also known for their wide viewing angles, generally about 178 degrees. That makes them more visible and color accurate when viewed from the side or above, an excellent quality in a monitor being used by more than one person.

Effective contrast ratio: The “contrast ratio” spec you see in monitor marketing doesn’t mean much at all, but some panels really do have a more notable contrast than others. IPS panels have very good contrast ratios compared to the alternatives. It’s not the same as an OLED, but certainly better than you’d find on most fast-paced TN-panel gaming monitors.

They tend to be expensive. Compared to other, older panel technologies, IPS monitors tend to be more expensive, so you’ll have to pay for the benefits of this technology.

More affordable IPS monitors won’t feature the same high refresh rates as comparably priced TN panels. You can get high refresh rate IPS monitors, but they are much more expensive in turn.

IPS monitors are excellent for professionals. Photographers, graphic designers, video editors, and artists are well-advised to get an IPS monitor for their professional work (keeping in mind that individual IPS models can still vary considerably between themselves). The wide viewing angle also makes this panel type well-suited for entertainment, so if you like to binge your favorite shows on your computer with other people, IPS panels are a strong choice.

Gamers can enjoy IPS monitors too, especially in slower-paced, immersive games, but you’ll have to pay a premium to get the same high refresh rates as more affordable TN panel monitors.

There is no one type of LED monitor. LED (light-emitting diode) simply refers to the backlighting of an LCD monitor. Most current LCD monitors of all types use LED backlighting (some are OLED, but that’s a different story). IPS monitors are, by nature, LED monitors.

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A type of LCD panel technology. In this type of panel, when no electric current is running through the liquid crystal cells, the cells naturally align in liquid crystal cells in a horizontal direction between two substrate panes of glass which blocks the transmission of light from the backlight. This renders the crystals opaque and results in a black display screen. When an electric current is applied, the liquid crystal cells are able rotate freely through 90° allowing light to pass through resulting in a white display screen. IPS panels have superior image quality, good contrast ratio and wide viewing angles of up to 178°. IPS panels are well suited for graphics design and other applications which require accurate and consistent color reproduction.

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Because OLED TVs are newer and generally more expensive, the average buyer is looking at LED/LCD TVs right now. And although there are several features and specifications to consider while shopping—the brand name, HDR compatibility, and refresh rate, just to name a few—there’s one important hardware spec that isn’t widely advertised: LCD panel type.

LED/LCD TVs are so called because of the two things that make up their displays: an LED (Light Emitting Diode) backlight and an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) panel for that backlight to shine through. LED backlights vary between a variety of implementations, but modern LCDs generally come in one of two panel technologies: IPS (In-Plane Switching) and VA (Vertical Alignment).

Unlike other hardware specifications (which are usually listed on the side of a TV box or on the manufacturer’s website), information about a TV’s LCD panel type is a bit more inside baseball. But panel type has a far greater impact on a TV’s performance than you might expect—it affects contrast, color, and viewing angle as well.

Individual pixels in an LCD display are made up of liquid crystals activated by voltage. How the display arranges its crystals is part of what sets IPS panels apart from VA panels.

IPS (In-Plane Switching) panels are a common display type for both the best computer monitors and TVs. Without getting too far down the rabbit hole, let’s talk a little about how IPS panels distinguish themselves from other types.

Every non-OLED TV on the market today is an LCD TV powered by LED lighting. Individual pixels in an LCD display are made up of liquid crystals activated by voltage—this is what produces color. An IPS panel aligns its crystals horizontally, parallel to the glass substrate.

IPS technology was developed in part to improve the color and wide viewing angle performance of a display. There"s also a range of variations under the IPS umbrella, including ADS, S-IPS, H-IPS, e-IPS, P-IPS, and PLS (Plane-to-Line Switching). But, while they all differ marginally from one another in operation, their core functionality (as compared to VA panels) is the same.

VA (Vertical Alignment) panels represent another common display type, used for both computer monitors and TVs, but especially for the latter where they greatly outnumber their IPS counterparts. Most LED/LCD TVs you"ll find on the market use a VA panel. While IPS panels align their liquid crystals horizontally, VA panels align them—you guessed it—vertically. They run perpendicular to the glass substrate rather than parallel to it. When met with voltage, the crystals tilt, letting light through and producing color.

This positioning changes how the liquid crystals behave. Without any voltage, the liquid crystals in a VA panel do not tilt, which is a better outcome if your goal is to block light and create image depth. Like with IPS, VA panels also come in a few varieties: PVA, S-PVA, and MVA, though again, their core functionality (as compared to IPS panels) is the same.

TN (Twisted Nematic) is an older LCD display type. They"re still relatively common display types for computer monitors—thanks to their lightning fast response times and excellent handling of motion blur. TN panels aren"t typically used in TV production anymore, though.

The cornerstone of picture quality, contrast ratio refers to the range between a display’s darkest black levels and brightest highlights. Because VA-style panels excel at producing deep, dark black levels, this is arguably their biggest strength. VA panels almost always feature deeper black levels than their IPS counterparts, and this goes a long way in creating a detail-rich picture. An IPS panel can mitigate this by serving up an exceptionally bright image to offset relatively shallow black levels.

A TV’s total viewing angle describes how much a viewer can move away from an ideal, head-on viewing position before the contrast and color of the picture begins to deteriorate. Due to the positioning of their liquid crystals, IPS panels excel in this department; they typically offer significantly more viewing flexibility than TVs with VA-style panels. In other words, IPS panels are more reliable for group viewings (or any situation where a viewer might need to sit at an off-angle).

While impressive color production is possible on both display types, IPS panels tend to offer wider colors, given the nature of their hardware. While a wider range of colors tends to spell better color accuracy, the advent of additional TV technologies like quantum-dot color have evened the playing field considerably. In other words, you’re far more likely to notice the benefits of an IPS TV’s wider viewing angle than you are to notice its tendency for wider color.

Here’s the final takeaway: IPS panels are significantly better than VA panels when it comes to viewing angle and somewhat better than VA panels when it comes to color. VA panels, however, almost always offer deeper black levels and better overall contrast. And because they block light better, TVs and monitors using VA panels tend to have better backlight uniformity regardless of LED backlight type.

Unfortunately, not only is it rare to find a TV’s panel type listed on a manufacturer’s website, but it’s increasingly rare for a brand to reveal a TV’s panel type at all—even when we contact brands directly for information. The reason for this caginess has everything to do with marketing; it’s better to keep shoppers focused on the bells, whistles, and impressive performance specs of a TV rather than its potential shortcomings.

To add to the confusion, it’s common for different sizes of the same TV series to mix and match display types; you might find that the 55-inch version of a TV features a VA-style display while the 75-inch model uses IPS.

Fortunately, it’s relatively easy to determine panel type if you have the proper equipment and you know what to look for. Certain test results and viewing characteristics act as tell-tale signs. This is why my colleagues and I make a point of discussing panel type in just about every TV review we publish, and why you should make a point of reading reviews before making a purchase.

Panel type is not the end-all-be-all for LED/LCD TVs. Many other factors, most of them related to the style and intensity of the LED backlight, can have a major impact on factors like contrast, viewing angle, and color intensity. Ultimately, you need to see a TV in person (and ideally in the space it’s going to live in) to get the best idea of how well it creates an image. But by knowing the core differences of IPS vs VA LCD panels, you can at least make some good guesses before you buy.

Unlike the best gaming monitors, IPS and VA TV panels are on an even playing field. TVs with both technologies are capable of high refresh rates of 120Hz, or occasionally 240Hz (although it usually comes at a premium).

If you focus on single-player gaming, or your multiplayer gaming happens online, the excellent contrast of VA is the way to go. The most gaming benefits you’ll see will come from extra features like Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), or cloud game capabilities.

If you’re buying a large screen and intend to host movie nights with friends and family, a TV with an IPS-style panel is far more accommodating thanks to its superior viewing angle. Just be aware that certain content—particularly dark content—won’t pop as much on account of the panel’s shallower black levels.

On the other hand, if you want the best possible picture overall, we recommend investing in a TV with a VA-style panel. They’re not always ideal candidates for group viewings, but the vast majority of the best non-OLED TVs you can buy feature this display type.

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IPS (in-plane switching) is a screen technology for liquid-crystal displays (LCDs). In IPS, a layer of liquid crystals is sandwiched between two glass surfaces. The liquid crystal molecules are aligned parallel to those surfaces in predetermined directions (in-plane). The molecules are reoriented by an applied electric field, whilst remaining essentially parallel to the surfaces to produce an image. It was designed to solve the strong viewing angle dependence and low-quality color reproduction of the twisted nematic field effect (TN) matrix LCDs prevalent in the late 1980s.

The TN method was the only viable technology for active matrix TFT LCDs in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Early panels showed grayscale inversion from up to down,Vertical Alignment (VA)—that could resolve these weaknesses and were applied to large computer monitor panels.

One approach patented in 1974 was to use inter-digitated electrodes on one glass substrate only to produce an electric field essentially parallel to the glass substrates.

After thorough analysis, details of advantageous molecular arrangements were filed in Germany by Guenter Baur et al. and patented in various countries including the US on 9 January 1990.Fraunhofer Society in Freiburg, where the inventors worked, assigned these patents to Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany.

Shortly thereafter, Hitachi of Japan filed patents to improve this technology. A leader in this field was Katsumi Kondo, who worked at the Hitachi Research Center.thin-film transistor array as a matrix and to avoid undesirable stray fields in between pixels.Super IPS). NEC and Hitachi became early manufacturers of active-matrix addressed LCDs based on the IPS technology. This is a milestone for implementing large-screen LCDs having acceptable visual performance for flat-panel computer monitors and television screens. In 1996, Samsung developed the optical patterning technique that enables multi-domain LCD. Multi-domain and in-plane switching subsequently remain the dominant LCD designs through 2006.

IPS technology is widely used in panels for TVs, tablet computers, and smartphones. In particular, most IBM products was marketed as CCFL backlighting, and all Apple Inc. products marketed with the label backlighting since 2010.

Most panels also support true 8-bit-per-channel colour. These improvements came at the cost of a lower response time, initially about 50 ms. IPS panels were also extremely expensive.

IPS has since been superseded by S-IPS (Super-IPS, Hitachi Ltd. in 1998), which has all the benefits of IPS technology with the addition of improved pixel refresh timing.

In this case, both linear polarizing filters P and A have their axes of transmission in the same direction. To obtain the 90 degree twisted nematic structure of the LC layer between the two glass plates without an applied electric field (OFF state), the inner surfaces of the glass plates are treated to align the bordering LC molecules at a right angle. This molecular structure is practically the same as in TN LCDs. However, the arrangement of the electrodes e1 and e2 is different. Because they are in the same plane and on a single glass plate, they generate an electric field essentially parallel to this plate. The diagram is not to scale: the LC layer is only a few micrometers thick and so is very small compared with the distance between the electrodes.

The LC molecules have a positive dielectric anisotropy and align themselves with their long axis parallel to an applied electrical field. In the OFF state (shown on the left), entering light L1 becomes linearly polarized by polarizer P. The twisted nematic LC layer rotates the polarization axis of the passing light by 90 degrees, so that ideally no light passes through polarizer A. In the ON state, a sufficient voltage is applied between electrodes and a corresponding electrical field E is generated that realigns the LC molecules as shown on the right of the diagram. Here, light L2 can pass through polarizer A.

In practice, other schemes of implementation exist with a different structure of the LC molecules – for example without any twist in the OFF state. As both electrodes are on the same substrate, they take more space than TN matrix electrodes. This also reduces contrast and brightness.

Unlike TN LCDs, IPS panels do not lighten or show tailing when touched. This is important for touch-screen devices, such as smartphones and tablet computers.

Toward the end of 2010 Samsung Electronics introduced Super PLS (Plane-to-Line Switching) with the intent of providing an alternative to the popular IPS technology which is primarily manufactured by LG Display. It is an "IPS-type" panel technology, and is very similar in performance features, specs and characteristics to LG Display"s offering. Samsung adopted PLS panels instead of AMOLED panels, because in the past AMOLED panels had difficulties in realizing full HD resolution on mobile devices. PLS technology was Samsung"s wide-viewing angle LCD technology, similar to LG Display"s IPS technology.

In 2012 AU Optronics began investment in their own IPS-type technology, dubbed AHVA. This should not be confused with their long standing AMVA technology (which is a VA-type technology). Performance and specs remained very similar to LG Display"s IPS and Samsung"s PLS offerings. The first 144 Hz compatible IPS-type panels were produced in late 2014 (used first in early 2015) by AUO, beating Samsung and LG Display to providing high refresh rate IPS-type panels.

Cross, Jason (18 March 2012). "Digital Displays Explained". TechHive. PC World. p. 4. Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 19 March 2015.

"TFT Technology: Enhancing the viewing angle". Riverdi (TFT Module Manufacturer). Archived from the original on 23 April 2016. Retrieved 5 November 2016. However, [twisted nematic] suffers from the phenomenon called gray scale inversion. This means that the display has one viewing side in which the image colors suddenly change after exceeding the specified viewing angle. (see image Inversion Effect) External link in |quote= (help)

tech2 News Staff (19 May 2011). "LG Announces Super High Resolution AH-IPS Displays". Firstpost.com. Archived from the original on 11 December 2015. Retrieved 10 December 2015.

Baker, Simon (30 April 2011). "Panel Technologies: TN Film, MVA, PVA and IPS Explained". Tftcentral.co.uk. Archived from the original on 29 June 2017. Retrieved 13 January 2012.

Ivankov, Alex (1 September 2016). "Advantages and disadvantages of IPS screen technology". Version Daily. Archived from the original on 26 September 2017. Retrieved 25 September 2017.

"Samsung PLS improves on IPS displays like iPad"s, costs less". electronista.com. Archived from the original on 27 October 2012. Retrieved 30 October 2012.

Display technologies are advancing every day. All the major tech giants like Apple, Samsung, One Plus use one among these technologies for building the displays of their Apple phones or Galaxy Notes. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. So which one is better? Is it the AMOLED favored mostly by Samsung? Or is it the IPS LCD favored by Apple for their iPhones? Let us take a detailed look at the features of AMOLED vs IPS display technologies.

AMOLED stands for Active-Matrix Organic Light-Emitting Diode is a type of display used mainly in mobile phones. You might have seen the AMOLED display mentioned in the specifications for smart devices, especially mobile phones. They are also used in smartwatches, laptops, and even televisions. Let’s see what the terms in AMOLED mean.

The Active Matrix technology came about as an improvement on the existing passive matrix technology that used passive components like wires which were arranged vertically and horizontally to control each pixel. The color and brightness of the pixels and thereby the picture can be altered by varying the electrical charge at the given joint of vertical and horizontal wires. The newer Active Matrix uses active electrical components like transistors and capacitors to carry out the same purpose. Instead of varying current at the intersection of wires to control the pixels, this latest technology uses a grid or matrix of thin-film transistors commonly referred to as TFTs and capacitors.

You might be familiar with the giant LED bulbs used at parties or even as indicators on televisions showing the on/off state. These same LED lights are used in AMOLEDs, but of course in the smallest size possible. The LEDs used are in the primary shades namely Red, Blue, and Green, and are grouped in triangle-shaped pixelated forms.

The Organic Light Emitting Diode is commonly referred to as OLED. It is pronounced as “oh-led”. OLED is a type of display in which each LED lights up one at a time. When you light them up together in different intensities, you will get more colors in the spectrum. So all LEDs switched on at the same time give you white color and similarly switching off all the LEDs together gives black color. An OLED display is comprised of a substrate, an anode, a conductive layer, an emissive layer, a cathode, and the cover. The substrate is either plastic or glass that supports the display panel.

Compared to the LCD and LED displays, the diodes in the OLED display produce light individually meaning they do not need a backlight like their predecessors. OLEDs use lesser electricity and are thinner compared to LEDs. They are also bendable and may even be curved. However, they are much more expensive than LED displays. Hence in the earlier days, it was majorly used for displays for

Now the technologies mentioned above combine to give the AMOLED displays. Here an OLED display is driven with an active matrix control scheme. The TFTs (thin-film transistors) turn on/off each pixel one at a time. The other scheme