IPS or VA – which is better? Comparison of two types of matrices

Expert: Nikolay Valerievich

Modern laptops and monitors use two types of matrices - VA and IPS. The first ones are cheaper, the second ones are more expensive. But the difference between them is not limited to price.

The matrices differ in design and performance characteristics - color rendering, viewing angle, response speed, brightness and other parameters. Therefore, if you plan to buy a laptop or monitor for any “special” purposes, such as computer games or graphic design.

What is the VA matrix

The first VA matrix was created in 1996. Manufacturer: Japanese company Fujitsu. The abbreviation VA in English stands for vertical alignment. Despite the fact that this type of matrix appeared quite a long time ago, it has not lost its popularity. Actively used in modern LCD TVs.

The main feature of the technology under consideration is the arrangement of liquid crystals. When there is no power, they are located perpendicular to the display. This feature provides the main advantage of VA matrices - rich and natural black color. Among the strengths is the wide viewing angle.

Experts also note certain disadvantages. The main disadvantage is the excessively long response time. It is because of this that such matrices are not used in monitors designed for frequent scene changes. For example, this type is not suitable for a computer monitor that is primarily used for video games.

“Floating halftones” are another cause of certain inconveniences. When shifted from the center of the screen, the color palette is distorted. However, this is almost impossible to notice with the naked eye. VA is an intermediate technology between TN and S-IPS. Therefore, the production of this type of matrix can be considered relatively cheap. This has a positive effect on the cost. The developers have created several modifications, let's look at each of them:

1. MVA – two pixel components add sharpness to an image at once.
2. P-MVA differs from other technologies in its maximum contrast and color reproduction.
3. AMVA - in this modification, the developers managed to eliminate the main drawback of matrices of this type. It's about response.

Now let's look at the features of the alternative technology.

Content:

• 1 What is an IPS matrix 1.1 Among the advantages inherent in an IPS monitor are:
• 1.2 PLS matrix

When choosing computer equipment or a TV, regardless of cost, brand, model, technical parameters, image quality is a priority. Color rendition, richness, and detail of the image largely depend on the matrix - the technology of its implementation. The screens of most modern devices are based on crystals consisting of small cells filled with gas. Moreover, the type of matrix and its functionality largely depend on the technology used in the production process.

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.

The best type of matrix for a TV

When choosing a TV receiver, VA matrices become preferable for many users who want to save on their purchase. However, keep in mind that the equipment will please you only if it is used in a small room, where the maximum deviation of the user’s position relative to the TV will be no more than 20⁰.

If you are purchasing a TV for the living room, you should give preference to IPS solutions, since the matrix has a large viewing angle and the user’s position is not of fundamental importance. You can watch the TV screen while sitting, lying down or while moving.

Comparison of IPS and VA matrices

The comparison of VA and IPS matrices will be carried out according to the following criteria:

• viewing angle;
• contrast;
• color rendering;
• motion reproduction.

Based on these indicators, you can determine which of the available options is optimal.

Viewing angle

Viewing angle is a parameter indicating the angle at which viewing is possible without loss of quality. Which matrix is ​​better based solely on this indicator?

• IPS – about 36 degrees.
• VA – approximately 20 degrees.

In this parameter, the undisputed winner is IPS screens. There are real examples where displays with such a matrix maintain quality and natural color reproduction even at an angle of 50 degrees. For VA matrices, 20 degrees is the critical point.

Color efficiency

If we take 4K HDR TVs as an example for comparison, which are characterized by a wide color gamut and a 10-bit palette, then there is practically no difference in tones between IPS and VA. This means that in this parameter, it is the HDR color characteristics that come to the fore, and not the type of matrix. Both types of panels are capable of delivering high dynamic range color.

Let's delve a little deeper into this issue and look at several TV models. As an example, let's take equipment from LG with 4K support - LG 65UH9500 and LG UH8500. These TVs can be considered a clear confirmation of the excellent color reproduction of the IPS matrix. The contrast ratio in these models leaves much to be desired. VA TVs with HDR are noticeably superior in terms of black levels.

High-quality black color combined with excellent contrast will create a visual perception of a vibrant color palette. This feature is explained by the specific perception of colors by human eyes. This means that while the scores are roughly equal and there are no significant differences, it is the black levels that make it seem like VA TVs are the preferred option when comparing color efficiency.

The contrast between black shades and a bright color palette makes the image more vibrant and realistic. Although there is no real difference. The conclusion is extremely simple; formally, it seems that TVs with a VA matrix are brighter. However, if you evaluate exclusively the technical characteristics, then you can safely put an equal sign between the two types of matrices.

Contrast

If you analyze the contrast, then there should be an obvious winner. VA panels have excellent dark levels as well as vertical alignment technology. This makes the matrix data better when it comes solely to contrast.

The contrast of the matrices is extremely different. The difference is truly colossal. Let's look at a few illustrative examples. For 4K TVs with a VA matrix, the standard contrast ratio is 3500:1. Some models are even capable of demonstrating a ratio of 6000:1. TV models with similar specifications, but with an IPS matrix, are noticeably inferior. The contrast ratio is approximately 1400:1.

Practice shows that many IPS 4K TVs do not at all live up to the parameters declared by the manufacturer. For example, some LG models have a real contrast ratio of around 850:1. Sometimes this figure drops if you analyze TV from a lesser-known manufacturer. To sum it up, in terms of contrast, VA matrices are the leader by a huge margin.

Reproduction of motion

To finally decide which is better: the type of VA or IPS matrix will only allow a comparison of motion reproduction. This parameter directly affects the image quality. When analyzing this parameter, you need to go back and remember the viewing angles. It is the horizontal alignment of IPS pixels that allows for a wide viewing angle. In this regard, VA displays are significantly inferior.

If you take an average-priced 4K TV with a VA matrix, it will demonstrate distorted color reproduction and contrast at a viewing angle of 25 degrees. An IPS TV maintains excellent quality even at an angle of 50 degrees. We have already talked about this. This means that if you have a spacious living room, and some viewing points are located on the side of the TV, then you should get a model with an IPS matrix, since it is the VA that will cause image distortion.

An important point is that TVs with an IPS matrix consume much less electricity. This is due to lower brightness peaks. This directly affects the contrast. If bright bursts of picture are extremely important to you, then buy a TV with VA. However, if you want to save on your electricity bills, consider IPS models.

If we evaluate motion reproduction on a 4K TV, it is worth noting that the type of matrix does not have a significant effect. Models with IPS and VGA show approximately the same results. Experience confirms that you can find a device with excellent elaboration of dynamically moving objects on various matrices. Mostly blurring and jitter are leveled out due to motion interpolation. In other words, if questions arise about how TV reproduces moving objects, then look for the reason in the functionality of the technology, and not in the type of matrix.

Now you know the differences between IPS and VA. Each type of matrix has its own strengths and weaknesses. Make your final choice according to your preferences.

How to choose a monitor for work as an artist

And now I understand perfectly well that I shouldn’t compare all artists to the two of us. But for some reason you look up to everyone. Do you need to model organics? Model. I don't fucking need a graphic tablet. And my wife too. Upstream. And yes, not all artists draw from tablets. And most 3D artists don’t need tablets at all. I speak like a 3D student I speak like a 3D student You don’t compare at all, yes And they also tell me about the limited horizons. I have personal experience, I have tools selected for myself, but here they rub it in on me and talk about limitations. The difference between us is your sacred confidence that you and everyone like you will never have to change your pipeline or direction of work. If you haven’t earned so much money that you no longer need to work for the rest of your life, and all the arts are nothing more than a hobby for you, then yes. You can say with confidence that you don’t need to change anything. And if you suddenly need it, you will write to your secretary and he will immediately rush to you for a new monitor/computer, etc. without regard to the budget. But, I dare to suggest that people with limited budgets are still concerned about such things as in this article, who do not want to overpay for functions they do not need, or, on the contrary, underpay for something that they may need later. First of all, not everyone models organic. Secondly, not everyone models furniture. This is what I'm talking about. I don’t model organically and will never start, and those who, like me, model it, also won’t even want to try! I don’t model furniture, and I won’t. My wife draws with a mouse in Corel, and always will, I said so! Hand sketches? Ugh! No one has ever started drawing sketches by hand on a PC, much less inserted them into their creative process. If necessary, I’ll print it out on a printer, draw it on top with a pencil and scan it, that’s it! When I talk about Count. tablets and their relationship with the aspect ratio of monitors, I take everyone into account. And people like you, who now don’t need to model anything on a graph. tablet. And those who need it now may no longer need it later. Or vice versa. The main thing is for people to understand that the aspect ratio of the screen is quite important if they do not want to overpay for giant graph tablets, or buy another monitor and get rid of the old one when graph. They will need tablets. If art is not an idle hobby for you and you are interested in improving your skills or even in the future changing your field of work to a more interesting or profitable one, and your budget is currently limited, the aspect ratio is one of the things that is worth thinking about along with all those listed in this article. Ps If a personal example with vectors. It was necessary to place several vector objects (within a reasonable time frame) in a certain way on the image relative to some hard points. Several times I had to sketch on the graph first. on the tablet, a hand sketch of what will go where. And then, already on top, click on the vector path using the sketch for orientation. This was not always necessary, only from time to time, because... Most often, objects could be deformed or created quite quickly. But when the objects were too complex, it became impractical to do them without a sketch.