Currently, for the production of consumer monitors, two of the most basic, so to speak, root, matrix manufacturing technologies are used - LCD and LED.

• LCD is an abbreviation for the phrase "Liquid Crystal Display", which, translated into understandable Russian, means a liquid crystal display, or LCD.
• LED stands for "Light Emitting Diode", which in our language is read as a light emitting diode, or simply an LED.

All other types are derivatives of these two pillars of display construction and are modified, modernized and improved versions of their predecessors.

Well, let's now consider the evolutionary process that the displays went through when becoming at the service of humanity.

Types of monitor matrices, their characteristics, similarities and differences

Let's start with the most familiar LCD screen. It consists of:

• The matrix, which at first was a sandwich of glass plates interspersed with a film of liquid crystals. Later, with the development of technology, thin sheets of plastic began to be used instead of glass.
• Light source.
• Connecting wires.
• Case with a metal frame, which gives rigidity to the product

The point on the screen responsible for the formation of the image is called pixel, and consists of:

• Transparent electrodes in the amount of two pieces.
• Interlayers of molecules of the active substance between the electrodes (this is the LCD).
• Polarizers whose optical axes are perpendicular to each other (depending on the design).

If there were no LC between the filters, then the light from the source, passing through the first filter and being polarized in one direction, would be completely delayed by the second, due to its optical axis being perpendicular to the axis of the first filter. Therefore, no matter how we shine on one side of the matrix, it remains black on the other side.

The surface of the electrodes touching the LC is processed in such a way as to create a certain order of arrangement of molecules in space. In other words, their orientation, which tends to change depending on the magnitude of the voltage electric current applied to the electrodes. Further, technological differences begin depending on the type of matrix.

Tn matrix stands for "Twisted Nematic", which means "Wriggling Threadlike" in translation. The initial arrangement of the molecule is in the form of a quarter-turn spiral. That is, the light from the first filter is refracted so that, passing along the crystal, it enters the second filter in accordance with its optical axis. Therefore, in a quiet state, such a cell is always transparent.

By applying voltage to the electrodes, it is possible to change the angle of rotation of the crystal up to its complete straightening, at which light passes through the crystal without refraction. And since it was already polarized by the first filter, the second one will completely delay it, and the cell will be black. Changing the voltage value changes the angle of rotation, and, accordingly, the degree of transparency.

Advantages

Flaws– small viewing angles, low contrast, poor color reproduction, inertia, power consumption

TN+Film matrix

It differs from simple TN by the presence of a special layer designed to increase the viewing resolution in degrees. In practice, a value of 150 degrees horizontal is achieved for the best models. It is used in the vast majority of budget-level TVs and monitors.

Advantages– low response time, low cost.

Flaws- viewing angles are very small, low contrast, poor color reproduction, inertia.

TFT matrix

Short for "Think Film Transistor" and translates as "Thin Film Transistor". The name TN-TFT would be more correct, since this is not a type of matrix, but a manufacturing technology and the difference from pure TN is only in the way pixels are controlled. Here it is implemented using microscopic field effect transistors, and therefore such screens belong to the class of active LCDs. That is, this is not a type of matrix, but a way to control it.

IPS or SFT matrix

Yes, and this is also a descendant of that very ancient LCD plate. In fact, it is a more developed and modernized TFT, as Super Fine TFT is called (very good TFT). The viewing angle of the best products is increased to 178 degrees, and the color gamut is almost identical to natural

.

Advantages– viewing angles, color reproduction.

Flaws– the price is too high compared to TN, the response time is rarely below 16 ms.

Types of Ips matrix:

• H-IPS - increases image contrast and reduces response time.
• AS-IPS - the main quality is to increase the contrast.
• H-IPS A-TW - H-IPS with "True White" technology that enhances whites and whites.
• AFFS - increase in electric field strength for large viewing angles and brightness.

PLS matrix

Modified, in order to reduce costs and optimize response time (up to 5 milliseconds), version of IPS. Launched by the Samsung concern and is an analogue of H-IPS, AN-IPS, which are patented by other electronics developers.

You can learn more about the PLS matrix in our article:

VA, MVA and PVA matrices

This is also a manufacturing technology, and not a separate type of screen.

• - short for "Vertical Alignment", translated - vertical alignment. Unlike TN matrices, VA matrices do not transmit light in the off state.
• MVA matrix. Modified VA. The goal of the optimization was to increase viewing angles. Reducing the response time was possible thanks to the use of OverDrive technology.
• PVA matrix. It is not a separate species. It is an MVA patented by Samsung under its own name.

There is also an even greater number of various improvements and improvements that the average user is unlikely to encounter in practice - the maximum that the manufacturer indicates on the box is the main type of screen and that's it.

In parallel with LCDs, LED technology has evolved. Full-fledged, purebred LED screens are made from discrete LEDs either in a matrix or cluster way and in stores household appliances do not meet.

The reason for the lack of full-weight ICE on sale lies in their large dimensions, low resolution, coarse grain. The destiny of such devices is banners, outdoor TV, media facades, a ticker device.

Attention! Don't confuse the marketing name like "LED monitor" with a real LED display. Most often, this name will hide a conventional LCD of the TN + Film type, but the backlight will be made using an LED lamp, not a fluorescent one. This is all that in such a monitor will be from LED technology - only the backlight.

OLED displays

A separate segment is OLED displays, which are one of the most promising areas:

Advantages

1. small weight and overall dimensions;
2. low appetite for electricity;
3. unlimited geometric shapes;
4. no need for special lighting;
5. viewing angles up to 180 degrees;
6. instant response of the matrix;
7. contrast exceeds all known alternative technologies;
8. the ability to create flexible screens;
9. temperature range is wider than other screens.

Flaws

• short service life of diodes of a certain color;
• the impossibility of creating durable full-color displays;
• very high price, even compared to IPS.

For reference. Perhaps we are also read by lovers of mobile devices, so we will also touch on the sector of portable equipment:

AMOLED (Active Matrix Organic Light-Emitting Diode) - a combination of LED and TFT

Super AMOLED - Well, here, we think everything is clear!

Based on the data provided, it follows that there are two types of monitor matrices - liquid crystal and LED. Combinations and variations are also possible.

You should know - the matrices are divided by ISO 13406-2 and GOST R 52324-2005 into four classes of which we will only say that the first class provides complete absence broken pixels, and the fourth class allows up to 262 defects per million dots.

How to find out what matrix is ​​in the monitor?

There are 3 ways to check your screen's matrix type:

a) If the packing box and technical documentation have been preserved, then for sure you can see a table with the characteristics of the device, among which the information of interest will be indicated.

b) Knowing the model and name, you can use the services of the manufacturer's online resource.

• If you look at the color picture of a TN monitor from different angles from the side-top-bottom, you will see color distortions (up to inversion), fading, yellowness white background. It is impossible to achieve completely black color - it will be deep gray, but not black.
• IPS is easy to identify by the black picture, which acquires a purple tint when the eye deviates from the perpendicular axis.
• If the listed manifestations are absent, then this is either a more modern version of IPS, or OLED.
• OLED is distinguished from all others by the absence of a backlight, so the black color on such a matrix is ​​a completely de-energized pixel. And even the best IPS has a black color that glows in the dark due to BackLight.

Let's find out which is the best matrix for a monitor.

Which matrix is ​​better, how do they affect vision?

So, the choice in stores is limited to three technologies TN, IPS, OLED.

It is low cost, has acceptable time delays and constantly improves image quality. But due to the low quality of the final image, it can only be recommended for home use - sometimes to watch a movie, sometimes to drive a toy and from time to time work with texes. As you remember, the response time for the best models reaches 4 ms. Disadvantages in the form of poor contrast and unnatural color causes increased eye fatigue.

IPS this is, of course, a completely different matter! Bright, juicy and natural colors of the transferred picture will provide excellent comfort of work. Recommended for printing works, designers or those who are willing to pay a tidy sum for convenience. Well, it will not be very convenient to play due to the high response - not all instances can boast even 16 ms. Accordingly - calm, thoughtful work - YES. It's cool to watch a movie - YES! Dynamic shooting games - NO! But the eyes do not get tired.

OLED. Ah, the dream! Such a monitor can be afforded either by fairly wealthy people, or those who care about the state of their vision. If not for the price, we could recommend it to everyone and everyone - the characteristics of these displays have the advantages of all the others technological solutions. In our opinion, there are no drawbacks here, except for the cost. But there is hope - the technology is improving and, accordingly, cheaper so that a natural decrease in production costs for manufacturing is expected, which will make them more affordable.

conclusions

To date, the best matrix for a monitor is, of course, Ips / Oled, made according to the principle of organic light-emitting diodes, and they are quite actively used in the field of portable technology - Cell phones, tablets and others.

But, if there are no excessive financial resources, then you should opt for simpler models, but without fail with LED lamps illumination. LED lamp has a longer life, stability luminous flux, wide range of backlight control and very economical in terms of power consumption.

TN + film technology

Twisted Nematic + film (TN + film). The part "film" in the name of the technology 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 over the past few years.

Advantages of TN + film technology:

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

Disadvantages of TN + film technology:

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

IPS technology

In 1995, Hitachi developed In-Plane Switching (IPS) technology to overcome the shortcomings of TN + film panels. Small viewing angles, very specific colors and unacceptable (at that time) response time pushed Hitachi to develop a new IPS technology that gave good result A: Decent viewing angles and good color reproduction.

In IPS-matrices, the crystals do not form a spiral, but turn together when an electric field is applied. Changing the orientation of the crystals helped to achieve one of the main advantages of IPS matrices - the viewing angles were increased to 170 ° horizontally and vertically. If no voltage is applied to the IPS, the liquid crystal molecules do not rotate. The second polarizing filter is always turned perpendicular to the first, and no light passes through it. Black display is ideal. If the transistor fails, the "broken" pixel for the IPS panel will not be white, as for the 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.

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

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. In the modern market, IPS technology is represented by monitors with a large diagonal - 19 inches or more.

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

Super-IPS (S-IPS). LCD monitors on S-IPS panels are quite smart 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 tilted to the side, the image noticeably loses contrast), then they are very 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.

Currently, the following types of matrices are 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 constantly 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 for 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, and then Multidomain Vertical Alignment (MVA), providing the user with a reasonable compromise between viewing angles, speed and color reproduction.

So, in 1996, Fujitsu offered another technology for manufacturing VA LCD panels - vertical alignment. The name of the technology is misleading. liquid crystal molecules (in static state) cannot be completely vertically aligned due to bulging. When an electric field is created, the crystals align 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 MVA stands for "multi-domain", i.e. many areas in one cell.

The essence of the technology is as follows: each sub-pixel is divided into several zones, and polarizing filters are made directional. Fujitsu currently manufactures panels with up to four such domains per cell. With the help of 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 - brighter zones that fall into the field of view when the observer deviates from the perpendicular to the screen will be compensated by nearby darker ones, so the contrast will drop slightly. When an electric field is applied, the crystals in all zones line up in such a way that, practically regardless of the viewing angle, a point with maximum brightness is visible.

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

First, good contrast - the black level of quality panel can fall 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 panels. The black background of the monitor screen on the MVA-panel in the dark no longer looks so distinctly gray, and the backlight unevenness has a noticeably less effect on the image.

What's more, MVA panels also provide pretty good color reproduction - not as good as S-IPS, but good enough for most needs. "Broken" pixels look black, the response time is about 2 times less than for IPS and old TN panels. Thus, there is an optimal compromise in almost all areas. What's in the dry matter?

Advantages of MVA technology:

- not big time reactions;
- deep black color (good contrast);
- the absence of a helical structure of crystals and a double magnetic field led to a minimum consumption of electricity;
- good color reproduction (slightly inferior to S-IPS).

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

- when the difference between the initial and final states of the pixel decreases, the response time increases;
The technology is 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 16ms. In other respects, it was no better, and in some ways even worse than the existing 25-ms TN panels (reduced viewing angles, poor color reproduction), but the fast response time turned out to be an excellent marketing bait for consumers. In addition, the cheapness of the technology against the backdrop of ongoing price wars, when every extra dollar per panel was a heavy burden for the manufacturer, reinforced the financial marketing company. TN panels remain the cheapest even today (much cheaper than both IPS and MVA panels). As a result of the combination of these two factors (successful lure for the consumer in the form of fast response time and low price), in this moment non-TN+Film panel monitors are available in limited quantities. The only exceptions are the top models of Samsung on PVA 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 does not develop new panels, transferring rights to them to AU Optronics.

PVA technology

Following Fujitsu, Samsung has developed the Patterned Vertical Alignment (PVA) technology, which in general terms repeats the MVA technology and differs, on the one hand, in slightly larger viewing angles, but on the other hand, in the worst response time.

Apparently, one of the goals of the development was to create a technology similar to MVA, but free from Fujitsu patents and related license 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 as low as 0.1-0.3 cd/m2);
- excellent viewing angles (when evaluating viewing angles according to the standard contrast ratio of up 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 PVA monitors have 178° angles);
- good color rendering.

Disadvantages of PVA technology:

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

Of great interest to this type of matrices is their prevalence in the market. If a monitor on a good 19-inch MVA matrix is ​​almost impossible to find, then with PVA their developer (Samsung) tries to regularly release new models for sale. In fairness, it should be noted that other companies produce monitors on PVA matrices a little 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 PVA-based monitor is an almost ideal choice for work due to its characteristics, which are the closest to CRT monitors of all types of matrices (except for 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 working monitor for which behavior in dynamic games is not too important, Be sure to pay attention to PVA.

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

Conclusion

There are significantly fewer LCD panel manufacturers than monitor manufacturers. 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. Manufacture of a monitor based on a ready-made LCD module (usually an LCD panel is supplied assembled with backlight lamps) is reduced to ordinary installation operations, which do not require 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 large third party companies such as Sony and NEC. Samsung is better known for its TN+Film and PVA panels, mainly for its own monitors.

It is possible to determine exactly on whose panel this or that monitor is assembled, only by disassembling it, or by finding unofficial information on the Internet (the panel manufacturer is rarely indicated officially). However, information about any specific model applies only to this model and does not affect other monitors of the same manufacturer. For example, in different models Sony monitors at different times used panels from LG.Philips, AU Optronics and Chunghwa Picture Tubes (CPT), and NEC monitors, in addition to those listed, also from Hitachi, Fujitsu, Samsung and Unipac, not counting NEC's own panels. Moreover, many manufacturers install different panels in monitors of the same model, but of different release times - as newer models of panels appear, the old ones are simply replaced without changing the monitor marking.

TFT and IPS matrices: features, advantages and disadvantages

AT modern world we regularly come across the displays of phones, tablets, PC monitors and TVs. Technologies for the production of liquid crystal matrices do not stand still, and therefore many people have a question, what is better to choose TFT or IPS?

In order to fully answer this question, it is necessary to carefully understand the differences between both matrices, highlight their features, advantages and disadvantages. Knowing all these subtleties, you can easily choose a device whose display will fully meet your requirements. Our article will help you with this.

TFT matrices

Thin Film Transistor (TFT) is a liquid crystal display manufacturing system based on an active matrix of thin film transistors. When a voltage is applied to such a matrix, the crystals turn towards each other, which leads to the formation of a black color. A power outage gives the opposite result - the crystals form a white color. Changing the applied voltage allows you to form any color on each individual pixel.

The main advantage of TFT displays is the relatively low production cost compared to modern counterparts. In addition, such matrices have excellent brightness and response time. Due to this, distortions when viewing dynamic scenes are invisible. Displays made using TFT technology are most often used in budget TVs and monitors.

Disadvantages of TFT displays:

• • low color rendering. The technology has a limit of 6 bits per channel;
  • the spiral arrangement of the crystals adversely affects the image contrast;
  • image quality is noticeably reduced when the viewing angle is changed;
  • high probability of the appearance of "broken" pixels;
  • relatively low power consumption.

The shortcomings of TFT matrices are most noticeable when working with black. It can be distorted to gray, or vice versa, be too contrasty.

IPS matrices

The IPS matrix is ​​an improved continuation of displays developed using TFT technology. The main difference between these matrices is that in TFT liquid crystals are arranged in a spiral, while in IPS the crystals lie in the same plane parallel to each other. In addition, in the absence of electricity, they do not rotate, which has a positive effect on the display of black.

Advantages of IPS matrices:

• viewing angles at which image quality does not decrease are increased to 178 degrees;
• improved color rendering. The amount of data transmitted per channel has been increased to 8 bits;
• significantly improved contrast;
• reduced energy consumption;
• low probability of the appearance of "broken" or burnt out pixels.

The image on the IPS matrix looks more lively and saturated, but this does not mean that this technology is without flaws. Compared to its predecessor, IPS has significantly reduced image brightness. Also, due to the change in the control electrodes, such an indicator as the response time of the matrix has suffered. The last but not the least significant drawback is the relatively high price of devices that use IPS displays. As a rule, they are 10-20% more expensive than similar ones with a TFT matrix.

What to choose: TFT or IPS?

It should be understood that TFT and IPS matrices, despite significant differences in image quality, are very similar technologies. They are both created on the basis of active matrices and use liquid crystals of the same structure. Many modern manufacturers give their preference to IPS matrices. Largely due to the fact that they can compete more worthily with plasma matrices and have significant prospects in the future. However, TFT matrices are also evolving. Now on the market you can find TFT-TN and TFT-HD displays. They are practically not inferior in image quality to IPS matrices, but at the same time they have a more affordable cost. But at the moment there are not so many devices with such monitors.

If image quality is important to you and you are willing to pay a little extra, then a device with an IPS display is the best choice.

The first thing to decide is for what purposes, to a greater extent, the monitor will be used. Here you can not do without a superficial acquaintance with the existing types of matrixes of liquid crystal monitors. There are at least three main types of liquid crystal matrix monitors.

The matrix is ​​an array of pixels that transmit and filter light. This is the main part of the LCD monitor and it determines 90% of its quality. Modern LCD monitors are equipped with three various types matrices, each type, regardless of the specific model, has the same advantages and disadvantages in relation to each other, only the severity of these qualities and disadvantages depends on the specific model.

1) TN - the oldest and cheapest type of matrices in production, it is characterized by a minimum response time, relatively poor color reproduction, small viewing angles with noticeable color distortion when changing the viewing angle (especially vertically - the “negative effect”), low contrast, gray "black color. Well suited for dynamic games, unless, of course, the color rendition of a particular model is at an acceptable level for virtual entertainment.

2) VA (MVA, PVA and other names with -VA) - the pixel response time is longer than on TN, but at the same time quite good color reproduction, large viewing angles without significant color distortion when changing the viewing angle, high contrast, more expensive than TN . It can be said that the golden mean is suitable for everything and has a relatively low price.

3) S-IPS - longer matrix response time than VA and, accordingly, TN, but at the same time excellent color reproduction, almost ideal viewing angles (practically no visible color distortion when the viewing angle decreases), good contrast, very expensive. Best suited for anything where fast pixel response is not important. However, models of S-IPS monitors with a relatively short response time, which use overdrive technology, are already beginning to appear on the market, which, although they are not able to compete with TN and VA (which use overdrive) in terms of response time, but already allow you to comfortably use such a monitor for demanding applications (games), however, and for a fairly large, sometimes unjustifiably price.

Monitor use

1. Monitor for games. The optimal type of matrix is ​​TN considering the pixel response time. work professionally with graphic programs it is not recommended. For games (gamers), such a parameter as "pixel response time" is one of the main ones. If the pixel response time is too long, then we will see the so-called “loop”, that is, smearing of the picture in dynamic scenes (games and watching movies). The minimum allowable pixel response for modern games is 7-8 milliseconds, the optimal is 2-5 ms, that is, for games, the lower this number, the better. Accordingly, the smaller this number, the more expensive the monitor. Although, I cannot but say that in fact our eye no longer perceives the difference between 2 ms and 5 ms, so in this case one can ask the question - why pay more? There is another interesting nuance associated with the far biased parameters indicated in those passports. The fact is that the response time may differ depending on the applied standard. Any firm is interested in selling its products at a higher price, while indicating the maximum parameters according to favorable standards. As a result, we get that 2-5 ms is enough for games and watching movies.

2. Monitor for working with graphic programs(there is also a definition - a monitor for "static"). This type of monitor is adapted to a greater extent for working with static objects and to a lesser extent for watching movies and games. In most cases, it is bought by designers, artists, photographers, people working with static graphics. The optimal type of matrix is ​​S-IPS (also PVA, but to a lesser extent). As already mentioned this species S-IPS matrices the slowest and probably the worst for playing games and watching videos (especially in BD and HD quality), it is also the most expensive type of monitor.

3. Universal monitor can be used both for games and for graphic work, but it should be noted that it can be quite difficult to find the optimal middle ground. All the same, to put on something to sacrifice, deciding what is more important, good game and watching a high quality movie or working with graphics. The optimal type of matrix is ​​VA (MVA, PVA and other names with -VA).

The division of monitors into these three types is conditional, since each model has its own parameters, from which one should build on when choosing a monitor.

The main technical indicators of the monitor.

1. Types of matrices - the technology by which the LCD is made; the main ones are TN (TN + film), IPS, MVA / PVA.

2. Response time (matrix response time) - the minimum time required for a pixel to change its brightness, the smaller it is, the better. Specified in milliseconds (ms).

3. Resolution - horizontal and vertical dimensions expressed in pixels. Unlike CRT monitors, LCDs have one fixed resolution, the rest are achieved by interpolation.

4. Dot size (pixel size) - the distance between the centers of neighboring pixels. Directly related to physical resolution.

5. Screen aspect ratio (proportional format) - ratio of width to height (5:4, 4:3, 3:2 (15÷10), 8:5 (16÷10), 5:3 (15÷9), 16:9 etc.)

6. Contrast - the ratio of the brightness of the lightest and darkest points at a given backlight brightness. Some monitors use an adaptive backlight level using additional lamps, and the contrast figure given for them (called dynamic) does not apply to a static image.

7. Brightness - The amount of light emitted by a display, usually measured in candela per square meter.

8. Viewing angle is the maximum angle from which a viewer can see a clear image on an LCD monitor.

9. Monitor diagonal (size) is the length of the diagonal at the outer corners of the screen. Determined in inches - 1 inch = 2.54 cm.

The article will be updated.

Will not fall in the near future, Fujitsu has found a way out of the situation by offering another new technology production of LCD matrices. This new type of matrix is ​​called VA (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, it was almost immediately closed to enter the market.

As the name implies (and it can be translated as "vertical positioning"), in the VA arrays, the crystals were not arranged parallel to the polarizers, but vertically - that is, perpendicular to the filters. Thus, in the basic state, polarized light freely passed through the crystals and did not leave the matrix, being blocked by the second polarizer, which resulted in a deep black color (correspondingly, broken 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 a completely unacceptable color distortion.

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

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 deviated simultaneously in two opposite directions, thereby neutralizing the above effect. In addition, the polarizing filters themselves were somewhat complicated. This technology has been called MVA (Multi-Domain Vertical Alignment), and already with this addition, she took her rightful place in the market.

Schematic representation of a cell in a *VA matrix

True, in fairness it should be noted that it was not possible to completely get rid of this minus. Nevertheless, when deviating horizontally, a slight color shift in MVA matrices observed, especially in the shadow area. However, it is not so critical as to be considered as a serious minus. In addition, in later upgrades, this effect is almost imperceptible.

One more point should be mentioned here, because you will definitely come across it. After the introduction of MVA technology 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 did not want to pay competitors to use the patent, many experts argue that this technology is distinctive enough to take its own place. Whatever it was, now this fact is written in the form of MVA / PVA. So just know that MVA is a "pure" technology and PVA is the brainchild of Samsung.

The further development of this direction turned out to be not as violent as in the case of IPS matrices, but nevertheless deserves special mention. Overdrive technology played a major role here. Briefly, its essence is as follows: if it is known that in the next cycle it will be necessary to activate certain part matrix (even if only one pixel), then an increased voltage will be applied to that part, forcing the crystals to turn faster, which will lead to more fast work the entire matrix. Of course, this also has its own problems, but nevertheless, 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 evolved over time into 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 Taiwan's largest LCD panel manufacturers and known as CMO/Innolux). S-MVA has now been upgraded to Advanced MVA (A-MVA) by All Optronics. cPVA matrices have wider viewing angles, and in A-MVA, in addition to angles, contrast has also been significantly improved.

Enlarged image 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." The MVA/PVA technology justified the hopes placed on it and confidently took its place in the LCD panel market.

Considering the 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 in MVA matrices, TN matrices are still faster. The brightness and contrast of the MVA are better than the other two, but in terms of color reproduction they do not reach the IPS level and slightly distort the light when viewed from the side. So there was some kind of compromise. In any case, the ratio of price and quality of these matrices is the best.

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

By and large, minus there is only one - a slight distortion of color reproduction when deviated horizontally (mainly in the "shadows"). How critical this is is for you to judge, especially since in latest models this effect is almost negated. 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.

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

Monitor P221W
Universal monitor based on S-PVA matrix

In general, recent developments have improved the image quality of monitors based on MVA / PVA 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 determine only the TN matrix . The difference between expensive IPS and cheaper *VA matrices will be so insignificant that it will be very difficult to determine which type is which without special tests.

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