When choosing a TV or monitor, regardless of its brand, model, or set of functions offered by the manufacturer, image quality in any case becomes one of the most important criteria. The clarity, brightness and contrast of the “picture”, color accuracy directly depends on the manufacturing technology of the screen matrix. All of them work on liquid crystals and consist of gas-filled cells - pixels. But at the same time, their design and technical capabilities directly depend on the manufacturing technology.
The most commonly installed matrices are IPS and VA. They have different operating principles, properties and costs. In addition, each of the technologies is recommended by experts for solving different problems. This could be viewing photos, watching TV shows, movies, games. Therefore, experts give the answer to the question which matrix is better than IPS or VA individually.
VA matrix design
The technology developed by Fujitsu involves placing the switched-off crystals perpendicular to the surface of the screen. This gives maximum depth and purity of black.
Crystals are not uniformly visible at different viewing angles, so a multi-domain structure was developed. It provides protrusions on the plates that determine the direction of rotation for the crystals. As a result, it is possible to compensate for deviations.
To reduce response time, leading manufacturers (Sony, Samsung, CMO) offer monitors and TVs with VA matrix, equipped with an Overdrive system. It provides for a dynamic increase in voltage in individual areas. This technical solution allows you to significantly increase the viewing angle, and in the Advanced MVA modification, also the image contrast.
What is an IPS matrix
The first IPS matrix also appeared in 1996. The double name was the result of the fact that two companies took part in the development. This is VA's main competitor. The idea behind creating IPS was the desire to develop a matrix without the characteristic disadvantages of TN. The main features of the new product are a wide viewing angle, excellent contrast and color rendition.
IPS displays are thicker than screens based on other types of matrices. The appearance of this feature was a consequence of the need to use lamps with maximum power. Modifications with matrix backlighting are quite often used in the production of smartphones and tablets.
IPS matrices are actively used in the field of photo processing and 3D modeling. The scope of application is fully explained by the main advantages of the technology under consideration. Matrices of this type are capable of providing excellent color rendition. Screens designed on the basis of IPS are capable of broadcasting a wide range of different colors.
Today there are many modifications of this matrix. Let us consider in detail only the most interesting ones:
- The first improvement to the classic scheme was the S-IPS matrix, which appeared two years later than the original development. The modification had improved response and improved contrast;
- a year later, AS-IPS appeared. The developers managed to significantly improve the brightness and contrast of the image;
- in 2007, the H-IPS matrix was created for photographers and designers. The developers have comprehensively optimized the transmission of shades of white;
- in 2009, a budget modification was introduced, called E-IPS. It uses lower quality hardware, which reduces the final cost of the matrix. Despite this, the response speed was still increased;
- one year later, a Professional-IPS matrix appeared, which supports 102-bit color space. It is capable of displaying 1 billion colors. The developers also managed to optimize the “True color” mode;
- The appearance of the last worthwhile modification dates back to 2011. Samsung introduced the Plane-to-Line Switching matrix. The pixel density is much higher when compared with available analogues. This provides improved brightness. PLS is mainly used on mobile devices of the South Korean brand.
We examined in detail the history of the creation of two types of matrices, as well as their strengths and weaknesses. It's time to move on to comparison.
IPS matrix device
IPS technology is used by many manufacturers (for example, LG, NEC, Samsung, Dell). It can significantly improve image quality and color reproduction. The design of such monitors provides for a parallel arrangement of crystals relative to each other. Moreover, they are perpendicular to the screen. In the absence of voltage, black dots form.
Monitors and TVs with IPS matrix always have a wide viewing angle.
This property is especially important for mobile devices (tablets, smartphones).
Screen refresh rate
It still seems like TN panels are the worst of the three options. They have worse color reproduction, contrast and viewing angles. What they are better at is the image update speed. Historically, they have an advantage in both image refresh rate and response time. However, this trend is gradually changing.
Recently, it was believed that only monitors with TN panels could achieve a 240Hz refresh rate, first at 1080p and then at 1440p. Then IPS monitors, even in the consumer gaming monitor segment, reached the 360 Hz level and were able to do so quite convincingly.
Most likely other monitors will follow. For example, Asus ROG Swift PG259QN is capable of providing the fastest response speed and accurate color reproduction based on an IPS panel.
Asus ROG Swift PG259QN
Most common monitors with IPS panels offer refresh rates ranging from 60Hz for standard performance to 165Hz and even 240Hz depending on the target audience they are intended for. VAs now reach 240 Hz at best.
Most IPS displays, especially the top tier for professionals as well as entry-level office monitors, have a 60Hz or 75Hz refresh rate. A significantly larger number of VA panels of different sizes and resolutions are high frequency. The advantage of TN panels is their very high refresh rate.
Comparison of IPS and VA matrices
The choice between VA and IPS matrix for a TV is fundamentally important. To make a final decision, it is worth comparing technologies according to several main criteria: color rendering, viewing angle, quality of motion reproduction and contrast.
Worth considering! Depending on the manufacturer, the image quality of LCD monitors can differ dramatically even when using the same construction technology. Therefore, it is worth focusing primarily on manufacturers who have a serious reputation.
Viewing angle
The viewing angle at which the “picture” can be viewed without compromising its quality is one of the main parameters. It determines your comfort when watching television programs or images on a computer monitor.
If we compare IPS and VA technologies, the first option is the undisputed leader.
The viewing angle for monitors made using IPS technology is 36⁰ versus 20⁰ when using VA screens. It is important to take into account that in practice, IPS devices are characterized by complete preservation of image quality and natural color reproduction even when the specified parameter is exceeded by up to 50⁰. At the same time, for VA screens 20⁰ is a critical value.
Color rendition
The specificity of human perception of color is based on the fact that the accuracy of its transmission on the monitor is only possible if the manufacturing technology allows for a combination of excellent contrast with high-quality black color. If we compare screens of the same diagonal and brands made using IPS and VA technology, the characteristics of both options will be virtually equal. At the same time, due to the greater depth of black color, visually TVs with a 120 Hz VA matrix will be able to offer a brighter “picture”.
Contrast
Regardless of the number of inches and brand of screen, the lack of a sufficiently high contrast in the image will not allow you to get a high-quality “picture”.
If you choose among the models offered by manufacturers which is better for a TV, a VA or IPS matrix, with other similar indicators the difference will be significant due to the vertical alignment technology, the depth and clarity of dark shades, VA LCD monitors are unbeatable.
For example, on 4K TVs the difference in standard contrast ratios will be impressive. For VA equipment from 3500:1 to 6000:1. For models with IPS, this parameter is in most cases 1400:1.
Reproduction of motion
Despite the significant difference in the design and manufacturing technology of different types of LCD matrices, both options reproduce the “picture” in motion in virtually the same way. It is important to take into account that in each case there are models that perform this task well or poorly.
Brightness and Contrast
In terms of brightness, there is no noticeable difference between these technologies. The backlight, which determines the brightness level, is separate from the LCD panel. But there is a significant difference in terms of contrast. Many buyers pay attention to this parameter when choosing a monitor type.
TN and IPS panels have a brightness ratio of 1000:1, although differences can be seen in tests. TN panels often have the lowest contrast ratio when calibrated, with entry-level panels ranging between 700:1 and 900:1. More expensive panels can reach the 1000:1 mark. On IPS panels the contrast level is even higher. True, there are also low values like 700:1, but the maximum values in expensive computer monitors reach 1200:1. Some laptop monitors even have a ratio of 1500:1.
At the same time, TN and IPS do not reach the level of VA panels. Entry-level monitors of this type offer a contrast ratio of 2000:1, and the best ones reach the 4500:1 mark. A more common value is 3000:1.
TVs often use VA panels and there the level of contrast is even higher. Often there are models with a value of 6000:1. If you want deep blacks and high contrast, choose a model with a VA panel.
IPS panels may be considered a happy medium in terms of contrast, but they suffer from a phenomenon called IPS glow. This is a noticeable white glow when a dark image is viewed at an angle. In the best models, this glow is minimal, but it is still there.
Which matrix is better for a TV?
When choosing a TV, VA matrix versus IPS will be a more advantageous option if you want to save on purchasing equipment. Due to the small viewing angle, this model is best used for installation in rooms where viewers will most often be located with a deviation of up to 20⁰.
But if you plan to install a TV in a spacious room, equipment with IPS matrices will be the best solution.
A large viewing angle will also allow you to watch TV while moving around the room without losing image quality, which is important, for example, for the kitchen.
It is worth noting that with the same operating frequency of 120 Hz, TVs with similar parameters when using VA will have a significantly lower response speed compared to IPS. That is why choosing the first option will negatively affect the reproduction of dynamic scenes or video games.
Color quality
Color quality is another difference between TN panels and other types. There are two parameters that can be distinguished in monitors: color depth (or bit depth) and color range.
In these two parameters, TN panels are outsiders. Especially entry-level monitors only support 6-bit color and use frame rate control, also called FRC or simulated halftone, to achieve standard 8-bit color.
6-bit panels typically display color bands, while panels that natively support 8-bit light display smoother color transitions and produce higher-quality color results.
However, not all TN panels are 8-bit. High end monitors of this type are 8-bit, but still most of these monitors are 6-bit even these days. If you need an 8-bit monitor, it is better to choose an IPS or VA type, where there are many native 8-bit models.
Even now there are budget 6-bit IPS and VA panels, but in the mid- and high-end price categories they are 8-bit.
As for native 10-bit monitors, they are usually IPS. Similar VA panels are also found, but quite rarely. Most supposedly 10-bit monitors are actually 8-bit+FRC, and only expensive professional-grade monitors offer native 10-bit color.
Monitor diagonal
Well, let's start with the main thing - size. Lines of gaming monitors are mainly presented in the range from 24 to 32 inches. The bigger, the better. The exception in this case is e-sports, where the dimensions must be exactly such that everything that happens remains in the player’s field of vision. Most often these are monitors up to 24 inches. For the office and home, a small standard monitor is sufficient, but for gamers and professional designers/artists, something larger is needed.
So, if you value competitiveness in games above all, then 24-inch models are perfect for you. In the MSI line, these are primarily the beauties of the MAG series: Optix MAG241C, Optix MAG241CR and Optix MAG24C with curved screens and frameless cases.
If competition is not the main thing for you, feel free to choose a monitor from 27 inches and enjoy a truly wide format.
Curved screen - yes or no?
Now that we have examined the main technical indicators, it is worth talking about the design features. For example, is it worth taking a closer look at curved screens? Many companies have been selling such monitors in stores for about five years now.
Why is this becoming popular? There are two reasons at once. Firstly, the curved screen gives the picture some volume. This occurs due to the fact that the image seems to surround the person and creates the effect of depth.
This looks especially cool in games with a first-person camera, because in reality, what we see is also around us, and not on a flat “canvas”. In the video below you can see one of them in action:
Secondly, the curved design of the screen allows for an even greater viewing angle when assembling multi-monitor configurations. By placing three monitors together, you can get a panorama with a 180-degree field of view with virtually no gaps. Of course, regular flat screens can also be arranged in a “three”, but in this case they are located at an angle, which disrupts the perception of the game.
Although it's still rare for casual gamers to use multiple monitors at once, a curved screen is a cool feature that has a positive effect on game immersion. Therefore our answer is “yes”. And if you still want to try a combination of three monitors, then look for frameless ones.
As an example, the multi-monitor configuration of the 27-inch MSI Optix-MAG271CR with a refresh rate of 144 Hz. Among other things, this model boasts the use of Anti-Flicker and Less Blue Light technologies, which do an excellent job of screen flickering and reduce the intensity of blue light.
Bezel-less body and clear, detailed images Bezel-less body and clear, detailed images
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.
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Response time
Another important parameter when choosing a monitor is called response time. It is responsible for the level of image ghosting, blur and clarity of the picture as a whole. Old IPS and VA panels were very slow. Modern panels have become much faster, so the difference between the three technologies is not as big as it used to be. TN still holds the advantage in this category.
Most TN panels have a rated transition time of 1 ms, and this value can be even lower in recent models. The average grayscale transition on TN panels is 2-3ms, including Overdrive, making them the fastest.
The second fastest are IPS panels. As usual, there is quite a wide variation among different monitors. Expensive options with high refresh rates may have a transition time of 3 ms. Compared to the best TN panels, IPS monitors are still slow. Entry-level IPS models or without Overdrive are typically around 10ms, while mid-range models are 5-7ms.
Color saturation
This parameter for both types of matrices is approximately at the same level: they transmit colors with a high dynamic range, up to 10 bits in depth, that is, more than a billion shades.
However, due to the difference in contrast and black levels, it seems that the picture on a VA display is brighter and more saturated, which is due to the color perception of the human eye.
