When choosing a monitor, you should approach it very responsibly. After all, it is he who serves as the main object of information transfer from the computer to the user. Definitely, no one would want a monitor with uneven backlighting, dead pixels, incorrect color reproduction and other shortcomings. This material will help explain some criteria that will help you understand what exactly you need from a monitor.

The choice of a good monitor is determined by the sum of such characteristics as: type used matrices, backlight uniformity, matrix resolution, contrast(including dynamic), brightness, aspect ratio, Screen size, communication ports And appearance. Also, those factors that negatively affect eye health will be mentioned.

To begin with, it is worth understanding how the color sensation occurs when looking at the monitor.

RGB (Red,Green,Blue) - the number of color gradations and varieties visible to the human eye, which can be composed of basic colors (red, green, blue). Also, these are all the primary colors that a person can see. Monitor pixels consist of red, green and blue pixels, which at a certain brightness intensity can form more complex colors. Therefore, the more advanced the monitor matrix, the more color gradations it can display, and the more possible gradations it has for each of the red, green and blue pixels. The accuracy of color display and the level of static contrast depend on the quality and type of matrix.

Liquid crystal matrices consist of quite a few layers and b O a larger number of liquid crystals, which can build more combinations, each turning at a different angle, or changing its position in a certain angle. This is why simpler matrices work faster. This happens due to the fact that to occupy the required position, you need to perform fewer actions and with less accuracy than more complex matrices.

Let's take everything in order.

Type of LCD matrix.

What type of matrix should I choose?

It all depends on the tasks assigned to the monitor, the price and your personal preferences.

Let's start with the simplest ones and end with the more complex ones.

(twistednematic) matrix.

Monitors with this matrix are the most common. First invented LCD monitors were based on technology TN. From 100 monitors in the world, approximately 90 have TN matrix. Are the cheapest and simple to produce and therefore the most widespread.

Capable of transmitting color 18 -and or 24 -x bit range ( 6 or 8 bits per channel RGB), which although is a good indicator in comparison with the first LCD monitors on TN, nowadays this is not enough for high-quality color rendition.

TN matrix monitors have the following advantages:

• High response speed.

• Low price.

• High level of brightness and the ability to use any backlight.
  

Faster matrix response time – has a positive effect on the picture in dynamic scenes of films and games, making the picture less blurry and more realistic, which improves the perception of what is happening on the screen. In addition, when the frame rate drops below a comfortable value, this is not felt as pronounced as on slower matrices. For slow matrices, the updated frame is superimposed on the next one. This causes blinking and a more obvious “slowdown” of the image on the screen.

Production TN matrices are cheap, so they have a more attractive final price than other matrices.

However, monitors with a TN matrix have the following disadvantages:

• Small viewing angles. Color distortions up to inversion when viewed from an acute angle. Especially pronounced when looking from bottom to top.
  

• Quite poor contrast level.

• Incorrect, inaccurate color rendering.

Based on TN monitors can be considered more environmentally friendly in comparison with monitors on other LCD matrices. They consume the least amount of electricity due to the use of low-power backlights.

Also, backlit monitors are becoming increasingly common. LED diodes, which are now equipped with most TN monitors. Significant advantages LED The backlight does not provide, except for lower power consumption and longer service life of the monitor backlight. But it's not suitable for everyone. Budget monitors are equipped with cheap low-frequency PWM, which allow backlight blinking, which has an adverse effect on the eyes.

Console TN+film, indicates that another layer has been added to this matrix, which allows you to slightly expand viewing angles and make the black color “blacker”. This type of matrix with an additional layer has become a standard and is usually indicated simply in the characteristics TN.

(In Plane Switching) matrices.

This type of matrix was developed by companies NEC And Hitachi.

The main goal was to get rid of shortcomings TN matrices Later, this technology was replaced by S—IPS(Super -IPS). Monitors with this technology are produced Dell, LG, Philips, Nec, ViewSonic, ASUS And Samsung(PLS). The main purpose of these monitors is to work with graphics, photo processing and other tasks that require accurate color reproduction, contrast and compliance with standards. sRGB And Adobe RGB. They are mainly used in the areas of professional work with 2D/3D graphics, photo editors, pre-press specialists, but are also popular among those who simply want to please their eyes with a high-quality picture.

The main advantages of IPS matrices:

• The world's best color rendering among TFT LCD panels.

• High viewing angles.

• Good level of static contrast and color accuracy.

These matrices (most) are able to reproduce color in 24 bit a (by 8 bit for each RGB channel) without ASCR. Of course not 32 bits like CRT monitors, but pretty close to ideal. Moreover, many IPS matrices ( P-IPS, some S-IPS), already know how to convey color 30 bits, however, they are much more expensive and are not intended for computer games.

The disadvantages of IPS include:

• Higher price.

• Typically larger in size and weight compared to TN matrix monitors. Greater energy consumption.

• Low pixel response speed, but better than *VA matrices.
  

• On these matrices, more often than on others there are such unpleasant moments as glow, « wet rag"and tall input-lag.

Monitors on IPS matrix have a high price due to the complexity of their production technology.

There are many varieties and names created by individual matrix manufacturers.

To avoid confusion, we will describe the most modern types of IPS matrices:

AS -IPS – improved version S—IPS matrix, in which the problem of poor contrast was partially eliminated.

H—IPS – the contrast has been further improved and the violet flare has been removed when looking at the monitor from the side. With its release in 2006 year, now I have practically replaced the monitors with S—IPS matrix. Might have like 6 bit, yes 8 And 10 bits per channel. From 16.7 million to 1 billion colors.

e—IPS – variety H-IPS, but a matrix that is cheaper to produce and provides standard for IPS color gamut in 24 bits(By 8 to RGB channel). The matrix is ​​specially highlighted, which makes it possible to use LED backlights and less powerful CCFL. Aimed at the middle and budget sector of the market. Suitable for almost any purpose.

P—IPS – the most advanced IPS matrix up 2011 years, continued development H-IPS(but essentially a marketing name from ASUS). Has a color gamut 30 bit(10 bits per channel RGB and is most likely achieved through 8 bits + FRC), better response speed compared to S-IPS, enhanced contrast levels and best-in-class viewing angles. Not recommended for use in games with low frame rates. The stuttering becomes more pronounced and interferes with the response speed, which causes blinking and blurriness.

UH-IPS- comparable to e-IPS. Also highlighted for use with LED backlights. At the same time, the black color suffered a little.

S-IPS II- similar in parameters to UH-IPS.

PLS - variation IPS from Samsung. Unlike IPS, it is possible to place pixels more densely, but the contrast suffers (the pixel design is not very good for this). Contrast is not higher 600:1 - the lowest rate among LCD matrices Even TN matrices this indicator is higher. Matrices PLS can use any type of backlight. According to characteristics, they are more preferable than MVAPVA matrices.

AH-IPS (since 2011) — most preferred IPS technology. The maximum color gamut of AH-IPS for 2014 does not exceed 8 bit+FRC, which gives a total of 1.07 billion colors in the most advanced matrices. Technologies are used that make it possible to produce matrices with high resolutions. Best color reproduction in class (highly depends on the manufacturer and purpose of the matrix). A small breakthrough was also achieved in viewing angles, thanks to which AH-IPS matrices came almost on par with plasma panels. The light transmittance of the IPS matrix has been improved, which means maximum brightness, coupled with a reduced need for powerful backlighting, which has a beneficial effect on the energy consumption of the screen as a whole. Contrast has been improved compared to S-IPS. For gamers, and in general, you can add significantly improved response time, which is now almost comparable to .

(Multi-domainPatterned Vertical Alignment) matrices(*VA).

The technology was developed by the corporation Fujitsu.

Is a kind of compromise between TN And IPS matrices. Price of monitors for MVA/PVA It also varies between prices for TN and IPS matrices.

Advantages of VA matrices:

• High viewing angles.
  

• The highest contrast among TFT LCD matrices. This is achieved thanks to the pixel, which consists of two parts, each of which can be controlled separately.
  

• Deep black color.

Disadvantages of VA matrices:

• Quite high response time.
  

• Distortion of shades and a sharp decrease in contrast in dark areas of the picture when viewed perpendicularly to the monitor.

The fundamental difference between PVA And MVA No.

PVA- is a proprietary technology of the corporation Samsung. Actually it's on 90% is the same MVA, but with a changed arrangement of electrodes and crystals. Explicit advantages of PVA above MVA does not have.

If you are sparing money for a high-quality matrix on IPS technology, perhaps the best option for you would be a monitor on xVA matrices.

Or you can look away e-IPS matrix, which is very similar in characteristics to MVA/PVA. Although e-IPS still preferable, as it has a better response time and does not have problems with loss of contrast when viewed directly.

Which monitor matrix should I choose?

Depends on your requirements.

TN

TN is suitable for:

• Games
• Internet surfing
• Thrifty user
• Office programs
  

TN is not suitable for:

• Watching films(poor viewing angles + unclear blacks + poor color rendition)
• Working with color and photos
• Professional programs and pre-press preparation
  

IPS

IPS is suitable for:

• Watching films
• Professional programs and prepress preparation
  
• Working with color and photos
• Games(+-; only for E-IPS, S-IPS II, UH-IPS)
• Internet surfing
• Office programs
  

IPS is not suitable for:

• Games(for P-IPS, S-IPS)
  

*VA

PVA/MVA suitable for:

• Watching films
• Professional programs and pre-press preparation
• Working with color and photos
  
• Internet surfing
• Office programs
  

PVA/MVA is not suitable for:

• Games(response speed too slow)

Monitor resolution, diagonal and aspect ratio.

Undoubtedly, the higher the resolution, the clearer and smoother the picture. More fine details are visible and less pixels are visible. Everything gets smaller, but this is not always a problem. In almost any operating system, you can adjust the scale and size of all elements, from font size to the size of icons and drop-down menus.

It's another matter if you have vision problems or you don't want to adjust anything, it is not recommended to use a very small pixel. Optimal diagonal for FullHD (1920x1080) — 23 —24 inches. For 1920x1200 — 24 inches, for 1680x1050 — 22 inches, 2560x1440 — 27 inches. By maintaining these proportions, you should not have any problems with reading, viewing images and small interface controls.

The most popular and common aspect ratios are 4:3 , 16:10 , 16:9 .

4:3

Currently the aspect ratio is square ( 4:3 ) is being withdrawn from the market due to its inconvenience and lack of versatility. This format is not convenient primarily for watching films, since films are in a wide format 21.5/9 , which is as close as possible to 16:9 . When viewing, large black bars appear at the top and bottom, and the image becomes much smaller in size. Using 4:3 Visible vision in games is also reduced, preventing you from seeing more. In addition, the format is not natural for human viewing angles.

16:9

This format is convenient because it is more standardized for HD films, and even monitors of this format, often have a resolution FullHD (1920x1080) or HDready (1366x768).

This is convenient, because films can be viewed almost in full screen. The stripes still remain, since modern films have a standard 21.5/9 . Also, on such a monitor it is very convenient to work with documents in several windows or programs with complex interfaces.

16:10

This type of monitor is as practical as 16:9 monitors, but not as wide. Suitable for those who have not yet owned widescreen monitors, but it is intended for professionals. Professional monitors mostly have this format. Most professional programs are “tailored” specifically to the 16:10 format. It is wide enough to work with text, code, building 3D/2D graphics in several windows. In addition, it is also convenient to play on such monitors, watch movies, and do office work, just like on 16:9 monitors. At the same time, they are more familiar to human viewing angles and can be taken as a compromise between 4:3 And 16:9 .

Brightness and Contrast.

High contrast needed in order to better display blacks, shades and halftones. This is important when working with a monitor during daylight hours, since low contrast has a detrimental effect on the image in the presence of any light source other than the monitor (although brightness has a greater effect here). A good indicator is static contrast - 1000:1 and higher. It is calculated by the ratio of maximum brightness (white) to minimum (black).

There is also a measurement system dynamic contrast.

Dynamic Contrast – this is an automatic adjustment of the monitor lamps to certain parameters that are currently displayed on the screen.

Let's say a dark scene appears in the film, the monitor lamps begin to burn brighter, which increases the contrast and visibility of the scene. However, this system does not work instantly, and often incorrectly due to the fact that the entire scene on the screen does not always have dark tones. If there are light areas, they will be overexposed. Good indicator at the moment 2012 year is an indicator 10000000:1

But don't pay any attention to dynamic contrast. It is very rare that it brings tangible benefits or even works adequately. Moreover, all these huge numbers do not show the real picture.

Why is the dynamic contrast indicator on a monitor with always significantly higher than on a monitor with?

Because LED The backlight can turn on and off instantly. The measurement starts with the backlight completely turned off, so the indicator will be huge, plus add here the high brightness of the LEDs and a white background as the end point. CCFL backlight required more than 1 second to turn on, so the measurement takes place with the backlight turned on in advance on a black background.

First of all, you should pay attention to static contrast, not dynamic. No matter how much you like such huge values ​​in the characteristics. It's just marketing ploy .

Monitor brightness – not the most important parameter. Moreover, this is a double-edged sword. Therefore, we can say briefly that a good indicator of brightness is 300 cd/m2.

Why it’s a double-edged sword will be discussed below, in part "Monitor and Vision".

Communication ports.

When choosing a monitor, you should not rely on the manufacturer at this point. The most common mistake is buying a monitor with an analog input and a screen resolution higher than 1680x1050. The problem is that this aging interface is not always capable of providing the required data transfer rate for resolutions higher than 1680x1050. Cloudiness and blurriness appear on the screen, which can spoil the impression of the monitor. *to put it mildly

There must be an or port on board the monitor. Availability DVI And D-Sub this is the standard for a modern monitor. It's nice to also have a port HDMI, sometimes it can be useful for viewing HD video receiver or external player. If there is, but no DVI- Everything is fine. DVI And HDMI compatible through an adapter.

Types of monitor backlights. Monitor and its impact on vision.

What can you recommend to make your eyes less tired from the monitor?

Backlight brightness– one of the most important factors that affects the fatigue of your eyes. To reduce fatigue, reduce the brightness to the minimum comfortable value.

There is another problem and it is inherent in monitors with . Namely, if you reduce the brightness, it may appear visible flicker , which has an even greater effect on eye fatigue than high brightness. This is due to the peculiarity of adjusting the backlight using. Budget monitors use cheaper, low-frequency PWM, which create flickering diodes. The rate of light attenuation in a diode is much higher than in lamps, which is why LED backlight it more noticeable. In such monitors, it is better to maintain a golden mean between the minimum brightness and the beginning of visible flickering of the LEDs.

If you have any problems with eye fatigue, then it’s better to look for a monitor with CCFL backlight, or LED monitor with support 120 Hz. IN 3D monitors, more high-frequency frequencies are used PWM regulators than on regular ones. This applies to both LED backlights and CCFL.

Also, to make your eyes less tired, you can set the monitor to more soft And warm tones. This will help you spend more time working on the computer and help your eyes to better “switch” to the real world.

Do not forget that the monitor must be strictly at eye level and stand steadily, without swaying from side to side.

Eat myth what's more high-quality matrices give less fatigue for eyes. This is not true, matrices in no way can not influence it. Fatigue is only affected by intensity And quality of implementation monitor backlight.

Conclusions.

Let us repeat once again the most important characteristics that you should pay attention to when choosing a monitor for yourself.

TN + film technology

Twisted Nematic + film (TN + film). The “film” part in the technology name means an additional layer used to increase the viewing angle (approximately up to 160°). This is the simplest and cheapest technology. It has been around for a long time and is used in most monitors sold in the last few years.

Advantages of TN + film technology:

- low cost;
- minimum pixel response time to control action.

Disadvantages of TN + film technology:

- average contrast;
- problems with accurate color rendering;
- relatively small viewing angles.

IPS technology

In 1995, Hitachi developed In-Plane Switching (IPS) technology to overcome the disadvantages inherent in panels made using TN + film technology. Small viewing angles, very specific colors and unacceptable (at that time) response time pushed Hitachi to develop new IPS technology, which gave good results: decent viewing angles and good color rendition.

In IPS matrices, the crystals do not form a spiral, but rotate together when an electric field is applied. Changing the orientation of the crystals helped achieve one of the main advantages of IPS matrices - viewing angles were increased to 170° horizontally and vertically. If no voltage is applied to the IPS matrix, the liquid crystal molecules do not rotate. The second polarizing filter is always turned perpendicular to the first, and no light passes through it. The black color display is perfect. If the transistor fails, the “broken” pixel for an IPS panel will not be white, as for a TN matrix, but black. When a voltage is applied, the liquid crystal molecules rotate perpendicular to their initial position, parallel to the base, and transmit light.

Parallel alignment of liquid crystals required placing electrodes in a comb on the bottom substrate, which significantly degraded image contrast, required a more powerful backlight to set normal sharpness levels, and resulted in high power consumption and significant time. Therefore, the response time of an IPS panel is generally faster than that of a TN panel. IPS panels made using IPS technology are noticeably more expensive. Subsequently, Super-IPS (S-IPS) and Dual Domain IPS (DD-IPS) technologies were also developed based on IPS, but due to the high cost, manufacturers were unable to make this type of panel a leader.

For some time, Samsung has been producing panels made using Advanced Coplanar Electrode (ACE) technology - an analogue of IPS technology. However, today the production of ACE panels has been curtailed. On the modern market, IPS technology is represented by monitors with a large diagonal - 19 inches or more.

The significant response time when switching a pixel between two states is more than compensated by excellent color reproduction, especially on panels made using an upgraded technology called Super-IPS.

Super-IPS (S-IPS). LCD monitors on S-IPS panels are a very reasonable choice for professional color work. Alas, S-IPS panels have exactly the same problems with contrast as IPS and TN+Film - it is relatively low, since the black level is 0.5-1.0 cd/m2.

Along with this, the viewing angles, if not ideal (when deviated to the side, the image noticeably loses contrast), are quite large compared to TN panels: sitting in front of the monitor, it is impossible to notice any unevenness in color or contrast due to insufficient viewing angles.

The following types of matrices are currently known, which can be considered derivatives of IPS:

Advantages of S-IPS technology:

- excellent color rendition;
- larger viewing angles than TN+Film panels.

Disadvantages of S-IPS technology:

- high price;
- significant response time when switching a pixel between two states;
- a faulty pixel or subpixel on such matrices always remains in the extinguished state.

This type of panel is well suited for working with color, but at the same time, monitors on S-IPS panels are also quite suitable for games that are not critical to a response time of 5 - 20 ms.

MVA technology

IPS technology turned out to be relatively expensive, this circumstance forced other manufacturers to develop their own technologies. Fujitsu's Vertical Alignment (VA) LCD panel technology was born, followed by Multidomain Vertical Alignment (MVA), providing the user with a reasonable compromise between viewing angles, speed and color reproduction.

So, in 1996, Fujitsu introduced another technology for making VA LCD panels - vertical alignment. The name of the technology is misleading, because... liquid crystal molecules (in a static state) cannot be fully vertically aligned due to protrusion. When an electric field is created, the crystals are aligned horizontally and the backlight light cannot pass through the various layers of the panel.

MVA technology - multi-domain vertical alignment - appeared a year after VA. The M in the abbreviation MVA stands for "multi-domain", i.e. many areas in one cell.

The essence of the technology is as follows: each subpixel is divided into several zones, and the polarizing filters are made directional. Fujitsu currently produces panels in which each cell contains up to four such domains. Using protrusions on the inner surface of the filters, each element is divided into zones so that the orientation of the crystals in each specific zone is most suitable for viewing the matrix from a certain angle, and the crystals in different zones move independently. Thanks to this, it was possible to achieve excellent viewing angles without noticeable color distortions of the image - the brighter zones that fall into the field of view when the observer deviates from the perpendicular to the screen will be compensated by the darker ones nearby, so the contrast will drop slightly. When an electric field is applied, the crystals in all zones are aligned in such a way that, almost regardless of the viewing angle, a point with maximum brightness is visible.

What has been achieved as a result of using the new technology?

Firstly, good contrast - the black level of a high-quality panel can drop below 0.5 cd/m2 (exceed 600:1), which, although it does not allow it to compete on equal terms with CRT monitors, is definitely better than the results of TN or IPS monitors. panels. The black background of a monitor screen on an MVA panel in the dark no longer looks so distinctly gray, and uneven backlighting has a noticeably less effect on the image.

Moreover, MVA panels also provide very good color reproduction - not as good as S-IPS, but quite suitable for most needs. “Dead” pixels look black, the response time is approximately 2 times faster than for IPS and old TN panels. Thus, there is an optimal compromise in almost all areas. What's in the bottom line?

Advantages of MVA technology:

- short reaction time;
- deep black color (good contrast);
- the absence of a helical structure of crystals and a double magnetic field led to minimal power consumption;
- good color rendition (somewhat inferior to S-IPS).

However, two fly in the ointment somewhat spoiled the existing idyll:

- as the difference between the initial and final states of the pixel decreases, the response time increases;
- the technology turned out to be quite expensive.

Unfortunately, the theoretical advantages of this technology have not been fully realized in practice. 2003, all analysts predict a bright future for LCD monitors equipped with an MVA panel, until AU Optronics introduced a TN+Film panel with a response time of only 16 ms. In other respects, it was no better, and in some ways even worse, than existing 25-ms TN panels (decreased viewing angles, poor color rendition), but the short response time turned out to be an excellent marketing bait for consumers. In addition, the low cost of the technology against the backdrop of ongoing price wars, when every extra dollar per panel was a heavy burden for the manufacturer, supported the financial and marketing campaign. TN panels remain the cheapest today (noticeably cheaper than both IPS and MVA panels). As a result of the combination of these two factors (a successful bait for the consumer in the form of fast response time and low price), monitors on panels other than TN+Film are currently produced in limited quantities. The only exceptions are top Samsung PVA models and very expensive monitors on S-IPS panels designed for professional color work.

The developer of MVA technology, Fujitsu, considered the LCD monitor market not interesting enough for itself and today is not developing new panels, having transferred the rights to them to AU Optronics.

PVA technology

Following Fujitsu, Samsung developed Patterned Vertical Alignment (PVA) technology, which in general terms replicates MVA technology and is distinguished, on the one hand, by slightly larger viewing angles, but on the other, by worse response time.

Apparently, one of the development goals was to create technology similar to MVA, but free of Fujitsu patents and associated licensing fees. Accordingly, all the disadvantages and advantages of PVA panels are the same as those of MVA.

Advantages of PVA technology:

- excellent contrast (the black level of PVA panels can be only 0.1-0.3 cd/m2);
- excellent viewing angles (when assessing viewing angles according to the standard contrast drop to 10:1, it turns out that they are limited not by the panel, but by the plastic screen frame protruding above it - the latest models of PVA monitors have stated angles of 178°);
- good color rendition.

Disadvantages of PVA technology:

- monitors on PVA panels are of little use for dynamic games. Due to the long response time, when a pixel switches between similar states, the image will be noticeably blurred;
- not the lowest cost.

There is great interest in this type of matrices due to their widespread availability on sale. While it is almost impossible to find a monitor with a good 19-inch MVA matrix, with PVA their developer (Samsung) tries to regularly release new models for sale. To be fair, it should be noted that other companies produce monitors on PVA matrices not much more willingly than on MVA, but the presence of at least one serious manufacturer, such as Samsung, already gives PVA matrices a tangible advantage.

A monitor based on PVA matrices is an almost ideal choice for work due to its characteristics that are closest to CRT monitors among all types of matrices (if you do not take into account the long response time - the only serious drawback of PVA). 19-inch models based on them are easy to find on sale, and at quite reasonable prices (compared to, say, monitors on S-IPS matrices), so when choosing a work monitor for which performance in dynamic games is not too important, You should definitely pay attention to PVA.

Last year, Samsung introduced Dynamical Capacitance Compensation (DCC) technology, which, according to engineers, can make the switching time of a pixel independent of the difference between its final and initial states. If DCC is successfully implemented, PVA panels will be one of the fastest among all currently existing types of panels, while retaining their other advantages.

Conclusion

There are significantly fewer manufacturers of LCD panels than manufacturers of monitors. This is due to the fact that the production of panels requires the construction of expensive (especially in conditions of constant competition) high-tech factories. Manufacturing a monitor based on a ready-made LCD module (an LCD panel is usually supplied assembled with backlight lamps) comes down to ordinary installation operations, which do not require either ultra-clean rooms or any high-tech equipment.

Today, the largest manufacturers and developers of panels are a joint venture between Royal Philips Electronics and LG Electronics called LG.Philips LCD and Samsung.

LG.Philips LCD primarily specializes in IPS panels, supplying them to large third-party companies such as Sony and NEC. Samsung is better known for TN+Film and PVA panels, mainly for monitors of its own production.

You can accurately determine on whose panel a particular monitor is assembled only by disassembling it, or by finding unofficial information on the Internet (the manufacturer of the panel is rarely officially indicated). In this case, information about any specific model applies only to this model and does not in any way affect other monitors of the same manufacturer. For example, in different models of Sony monitors at different times, panels from LG.Philips, AU Optronics and Chunghwa Picture Tubes (CPT) were used, and in NEC monitors, in addition to those listed, also from Hitachi, Fujitsu, Samsung and Unipac, not counting their own panels NEC. Moreover, many manufacturers install different panels in monitors of the same model, but of different production dates - as newer panel models appear, the old ones are simply replaced without changing the monitor markings.

will not fall in the near future, Fujitsu has found a way out of the situation by offering another new technology for the production of LCD matrices. This new type of matrix is ​​called V.A. (vertical alignment). It was supposed to be a kind of compromise between the quality of IPS and the cost of TN technologies, but due to some shortcomings, its entry into the market was almost immediately closed.

As the name suggests (and it can be translated as “vertical positioning”), in VA matrices the crystals were not located parallel to the polarizers, but vertically - that is, perpendicular to the filters. Thus, in the basic state, polarized light passed freely through the crystals and did not leave the matrix, being blocked by the second polarizer, which resulted in a deep black color (accordingly, dead pixels look like black dots).

When voltage was applied to the contacts, the crystals deviated from the vertical axis and part of the light passed through the second filter. A serious drawback of the first matrices based on this technology was the fact that the slightest change in the horizontal viewing angle led to completely unacceptable color distortion.

Roughly speaking, imagine that you are looking at a slightly rotated crystal from above. By moving horizontally to one side, you will observe light that has passed through the entire crystal and exited through the top. And moving to the other, you will see the light that came out through the side surface. Because of this effect, it turned out that the shade of the color depended on which side you were looking at the screen, and the “correct” color was visible only from one single position. And something had to be done about this.

The solution was found a couple of years later by the same company. And it consisted in the transition to the so-called “multi-domain structure” (Multi-Domain). Now in each cell the crystals were duplicated and, when voltage was applied, they were simultaneously deflected in two opposite directions, thereby neutralizing the above effect. In addition, the polarizing filters themselves have become somewhat more complicated. This technology was called MVA (Multi-Domain Vertical Alignment), and already with this addition it has taken its rightful place in the market.

Schematic representation of a cell in a *VA matrix

True, in fairness it is worth noting that it was not possible to completely get rid of this minus. Still, with horizontal deviation, a slight color shift is observed in MVA matrices, especially in the shadow area. However, it is not so critical as to be considered a serious disadvantage. Moreover, in later upgrades this effect is almost invisible.

One more point should be mentioned here, because you will definitely encounter it. After MVA technology appeared on the market, the company released a very similar matrix with the abbreviation PVA (Patterned Vertical Alignment), which is characterized by better contrast and lower price. Contrary to popular belief that Samsung simply didn't want to pay competitors to use the patent, many experts argue that the technology is distinctive enough to deserve its own place. Be that as it may, this fact is now written in the form MVA/PVA. So just know that MVA is a "pure" technology and PVA is Samsung's brainchild.

The further development of this direction turned out to be not as vigorous as in the case of IPS matrices, but nevertheless deserves special mention. Overdrive technology played a major role here. Briefly, its essence is this: if it is known that in the next cycle it will be necessary to activate a certain part of the matrix (even just one pixel), then increased voltage will be applied to that part, causing the crystals to turn faster, which will lead to faster operation of the entire matrix. Of course, this also has its problems, but thanks to the introduction of this technology, monitors on MVA/PVA matrices have become possible to use in dynamic games.

This new MVA/PVA matrix with Overdrive technology has been developed over time in two versions: Super PVA, or S-PVA, with subsequent modification to cPVA from Sony-Samsung and Super MVA (S-MVA) from CMO (now one of the largest Taiwanese LCD panel manufacturers and known as CMO/Innolux). S-MVA has now been updated to Advanced MVA (A-MVA) by All Optronics. cPVA matrices have wider viewing angles, and in A-MVA, in addition to angles, contrast is also significantly improved.

Enlarged view of the A-MVA matrix

Now, analyzing all the events of the last fifteen years, we can safely say that “the experiment was a success.” MVA/PVA technology has lived up to the expectations placed on it and has confidently taken its place in the LCD panel market.

Considering MVA matrices in the context of the other two types, we can say that these matrices are the golden mean between TN and IPS technologies. Although recent developments have further reduced the response time of MVA matrices, TN matrices are still faster. The brightness and contrast of MVA are better than the other two, but in terms of color rendering they do not reach the level of IPS and slightly distort light when viewed from the side. So it turned out to be a kind of compromise. In any case, these matrices have the best price-quality ratio.

Well, at the end, we will traditionally once again highlight the main pros and cons of this technology.

By and large, minus there is only one thing - a slight distortion of color rendition when deviating horizontally (mainly in the “shadows”). How critical this is is up to you to judge, especially since in the latest models this effect is practically leveled out. As for the price, it is slightly higher than the cost of TN matrices (it is clear that you have to pay for quality), but less than the price of an IPS matrix.

And here advantages there is much more here: in addition to the already mentioned price-quality ratio, monitors on this matrix have the best contrast, therefore they are an ideal choice for people working with drawing graphics or text. With viewing angles and matrix response time, everything is also in perfect order here.

Monitor P221W
Universal monitor based on S-PVA matrix

In general, recent developments have improved the image quality of MVA/PVA-based monitors so much that even if you put the same picture on three correctly configured monitors (with TN, MVA/PVA and IPS matrices), a professional will easily identify only the TN matrix . The difference between expensive IPS and cheaper *VA matrices will be so insignificant that without special tests it will be very difficult to determine which type is which.

We will look at the nuances of choice and practical advice in, and concluding this review, we will simply add that if you are looking for a universal home monitor, then be sure to study monitors on *VA matrices. Perhaps among them you will find the ideal solution for your needs, while saving quite an impressive amount.

Liquid crystals were discovered back in 1888. But they found practical application only thirty years ago. “Liquid-crystalline” is the transition state of a substance in which it acquires fluidity, but does not lose its crystalline structure. The greatest practical interest, as it turns out, is the optical properties of liquid crystals. Thanks to the combination of a semi-liquid state and a 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 is known, of individual fields filled with liquid crystals. When a voltage is applied to order the crystals, the desired fields block the passage of light and appear black against a light background. Color displays appeared when the cell sizes were significantly reduced and each cell was equipped with a color filter. In addition, modern LCD monitors use backlighting.

For illumination, 4 or 6 lamps and mirrors are usually used to ensure uniformity. The operation of an LCD panel is based on the polarization of light. In the path of the light flux there are two polarizing films with perpendicular polarization directions. That is, in total, these two films block all the light. Liquid crystals located between the films reverse part of the flow polarized by the first film and thus regulate the glow of the screen.

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

A layer of liquid crystalline substance is “sandwiched” between two guide films with tiny notches, in the direction of which the crystals line up. You can change the orientation of the crystals, for example, using an electrical pulse, as is done in the matrices of LCD monitors. In modern matrices, each cell has its own transistor, resistor and capacitor. Actually, in color matrices, each pixel represents three cells: red, green and blue.

Matrix TN. The oldest and most common

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

In TN matrices, the crystals are aligned parallel to the screen plane, 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 external polarizing film. So when the TN matrix cell is turned off, it glows, and when voltage is applied, the crystals gradually rotate. The higher the voltage, the more crystals unfold and the less light passes 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.

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 completely rotated, others have just begun to rotate. Because of this, the light flux is scattered and, ultimately, the picture does not look the same from different angles. Horizontal viewing angles of modern matrices can be considered acceptable, but when rotated vertically, even within small limits, the distortion is significant. The color rendering of TN matrices is far from ideal - they, in principle, cannot display the full palette of colors; I compensate for the lack of shades using cunning algorithms. Such algorithms, with a frequency invisible to the eye, alternately reproduce in the cell the shades closest to the one that cannot be reproduced. But TN technology provides maximum cell response speed, minimum power consumption and is 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 produced by Hitachi and LG.Philips factories. NEC produces matrices made using similar technology, but with its own abbreviation SFT (Super Fine TFT).

As the name of the technology suggests, all crystals are located constantly parallel to the panel plane and rotate simultaneously. To do this, it was necessary to place two electrodes on the underside of each cell. When turned off, the cell is black, so if it is dead, there will be a black dot on the screen. And not constantly glowing, 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. Significant disadvantages include a longer response time than TN, a more noticeable interpixel grid, and a high price. The improved matrices were called S-IPS and SA-SFT (from LG.Philips and NEC, respectively). They already provide an acceptable response time of 25 ms, and the newest ones are even less - 16 ms. Thanks to good color rendering and viewing angles, IPS matrices have become the standard for professional graphic monitors.

MVA/PVA. A reasonable compromise?

The technology developed by Fujitsu can be considered as a compromise between TN and IPS VA (Vertical Alignment). In VA matrices, the crystals in the off state are located perpendicular to the screen plane. Accordingly, the black color is ensured as pure and deep as possible. But when the matrix is ​​rotated relative to the viewing direction, 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 features ridges on the plates that determine the rotation direction of the crystals. If two subdomains rotate in opposite directions, then when viewed from the side, one of them will be darker and the other lighter, so for the human eye the deviations cancel out. There are no protrusions in PVA matrices developed by Samsung, and the crystals are strictly vertical when turned off. 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, when turned off, the crystals are perpendicular to the screen surface

To reduce response time, Premium MVA and S-PVA matrices use a dynamic voltage increase system for individual sections of the matrix, which is usually called Overdrive. Color rendition of PMVA and SPVA matrices is almost as good as that of IPS, response time is slightly inferior to TN, viewing angles are as wide as possible, black color is 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 halftones can be noticed. For most, this will go unnoticed, but professional photographers continue to dislike VA technology for this.

What to choose?

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

Let's dream a little

Quite recently, i.e. 15 years ago, it’s unlikely that many would have imagined that LCD monitors would be able to supplant CRT monitors. The LCD quality was poor and the price extremely high. But even now the technology for producing liquid crystal panels cannot be called ideal. To improve color rendering, increase contrast and ensure uniformity of illumination, the professional NEC Reference 21 uses diode backlighting. This monitor costs about $6,000 and for now it can be considered more of a printing equipment than a computer peripheral. But we know many examples when professional technologies “descend” 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 contrasting. But so far they are used only in small portable equipment due to the high cost and technical problems associated with durability and reproduction of certain colors. In the very distant future, completely new technologies may appear, which only specialists have heard of now, and the screen can be rolled into a tube or glued to 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. A tempting prospect.

Updated 07/09/2018

Depending on the production technology, different types of matrices can be installed in monitors. There are three main technologies (TN, IPS, VA), as well as their modifications. Users on the Internet very often argue about which matrices are better. If you look at the monitor directly, it is quite difficult to determine the type of matrix, but when viewed from an angle, the difference becomes obvious. It is because of the viewing angles that it is better to choose an ips matrix, and now we will try to explain this with illustrative examples.

Comparison of viewing angles for different types of matrices

It didn’t cost us anything to “Google” a little and attach the following images illustrating how the picture changes depending on the viewing angle.

The most obvious example is the LG L203WT monitor with IPS (right) and TN (left) matrix.

Here you can clearly see how the viewing angle distorts color reproduction on a monitor with a TN matrix, and the picture becomes cloudy and unnatural.

As for the VA matrix, the following example will do for clarity:

On the left is a NEC24UXi monitor with an IPS matrix, on the right is a DELL 2407WFP HC with PVA. As you can see, the picture at a right angle looks normal on both monitors. However, when viewed from an angle, the colors on a VA monitor are greatly distorted, while the picture on an IPS monitor looks natural.

IPS matrices

As already mentioned, each type of matrix has its own specific modifications. For example, for IPS technology there are the following: s-ips, ah-ips, ad-pls, pls, ahva and others. IPS technology itself is one of the most used in the manufacture of TFT screens - it was invented in 1996. Its main advantages are deep black color and fairly large viewing angles, as we have already seen in the examples above. Modifications to this technology are specific improvements, but the principle remains the same. For example, S-IPS is a more advanced technology that allows for low pixel response times, while S-IPS II, for example, allows for lower power consumption.

VA matrices

VA (Vertical Alignment) technology was also developed in 1996. However, unlike IPS technology, it has certain disadvantages. First of all, this is a long pixel response time, which makes such models not entirely suitable for games, for example. They also have a small viewing angle, but their color performance is simply amazing. This technology is, of course, improving. As a result, specific modifications appear:

• MVA – technology improvement. The main change here is the two-part pixel structure. This allows for higher definition;
• P-MVA – technology with improved contrast and color rendering;
• AMVA is a technology with a lower response time.

TN matrix

This is the oldest technology that is still used today, but only on cheap and “weak” monitors and televisions. Such matrices are cheap, and that’s where the advantages end. This technology can be easily identified by very low viewing angles, low contrast and low brightness when viewing the assembly.

As for the improvement, it is banal: special film filters were added, which slightly improved the characteristics. They were called TN+film. Among all three technologies, they are the worst. Keep this in mind when choosing a monitor for yourself.

Please rate the article: