Often, when choosing a monitor, people are guided by known parameters (refresh rate, resolution, set of interfaces, etc.), while ignoring the type of matrix. But the quality of the image greatly depends on it.
The production of modern liquid crystal displays is based on different technologies. IPS is the most common. In some ways, IPS monitors are preferred over TN or OLED.
What does IPS mean?
IPS stands for in-plane switching. This is a type of liquid crystal display in which the alignment of the crystals during the transmission of the image occurs horizontally.
How does an IPS monitor work?
Liquid crystal panels consist of several layers. Each has its own role in the illumination and formation of a color image.
The most important layer is a thin liquid film that holds the crystal molecules arranged in a grid. These crystals are able to change position under the influence of light from the LED bulbs located behind. As a result, light and dark areas are displayed on the screen. On top of this film are filters that create the desired shade. This is how a color image is obtained.
With IPS technology, all crystals are at rest in the same position, and an electrical impulse can rotate them 90 degrees. This is where IPS screens differ from TN screens, where crystals of a spiral structure support different motion patterns.
What are the advantages of IPS monitors?
- Color accuracy. IPS monitors are capable of rendering 8-bit color with a high degree of fidelity. It is for this reason that they are recommended for photographers, artists and video makers.
- Wide range of colors. Color gamut refers to the full range of colors. Often, monitor descriptions list the percentage of a specific color gamut, such as Adobe RGB, that the monitor can render. IPS has a wider coverage than alternative technologies, which positively affects the quality of color reproduction.
- Review. Typically, the viewing angle of an IPS monitor is 178 degrees. With this value, when viewed from above or from the side, the information is not distorted. Several people can gather around such a monitor at once, and no one will have to strain their eyes.
- contrast ratio. For a modern monitor, the contrast ratio is no longer decisive, but advertising still likes to mention it, because some screens really differ in contrast. IPS definitely has better contrast than most high-response TN-type gaming monitors, but is inferior to OLED.
Are there disadvantages to IPS?
Yes. To their displeasure, buyers may face three troubles.
- High price. IPS monitors are expensive, especially when compared to older TN monitors.
- Update frequency. Even in the lowest price segment, IPS monitors are inferior in refresh rate to TN. This, however, does not mean that IPS has some kind of refresh rate limitation: there are IPS monitors with the highest possible refresh rate today, but they are also expensive.
- Glow at the edges. The defect in the form of a glow at the edges is caused by backlight. To a greater extent, it is typical for old or very cheap models.
Who is an IPS monitor suitable for?
Absolutely anyone. For photographers, graphic designers, video editors, artists and all creative people, IPS monitors are recommended as a tool for work, ideal in terms of price / visual capabilities. True, you need to remember that models from different manufacturers have their own characteristics, so they all need to be compared in order to find the same balance.
The wide viewing angle is great for watching movies alone or with the whole family. For gamers, such a monitor will provide complete immersion, especially at a high refresh rate.
Do IPS monitors support synchronization technologies like G-Sync?
Yes, they are fully compatible with G-Sync and Freesync image sync technologies. Moreover, such offers are very common.
Are IPS monitors similar to LED monitors?
In general, such a category as LED monitors does not exist. LEDs are Light Emitting Diodes used to backlight LCD screens, and yes, any IPS monitor has them. Some models, not very numerous, use an alternative type of OLED backlight, but that’s another story.
Source: www.digitaltrends.com
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