Two display panels are used in today’s monitors: In-Plane Switching (IPS) and Vertical Alignment (VA). IPS panels are considered the superior technology, as they offer better colour reproduction, viewing angles, and response times than VA panels.
However, VA panels have their advantages; they are typically cheaper to manufacture and thus are found in more budget-friendly monitors. This article will compare IPS and VA panels in more detail and help you decide on the right technology.
Differences Between VA And IPS Panel
When choosing a new monitor, there are many factors to consider. One of the most important considerations is the type of panel that the monitor uses. There are two main types of panels used in monitors: VA (vertical alignment) and IPS (in-plane switching). VA panels are known for their high contrast ratios and good black levels, while IPS panels have better colour reproduction and viewing angles. So, which type of panel is better? It depends on your needs and preferences. Here, we’ll take a closer look at the differences between VA and IPS panels to help you decide which is right.
Regarding image quality, VA panels have an edge over IPS panels. VA panels have higher contrast ratios, which means they can reproduce deeper blacks and more vibrant colours. They also have better black levels, meaning you’ll see less greyish tint when viewing dark scenes. However, IPS panels have better colour reproduction. This means that colours will appear more accurately on an IPS panel. IPS panels also have better viewing angles. This means you’ll be able to view the screen from different angles without losing image quality.
A VA panel is the way to go if you’re looking for a monitor with the best image quality. However, if you want a monitor with accurate colours and good viewing angles, then an IPS panel is the better choice.
VA vs IPS Panel
IPS panels offer excellent viewing angles and great contrast but poor black uniformity and some panel flickering. On the other hand, VA panels have poor viewing angles and great contrast but excellent black uniformity and no panel flickering.
So, which type of panel is better? It depends on your needs. A VA panel is a better choice if you need a monitor with great contrast and excellent black uniformity. If you need a monitor with excellent viewing angles and no panel flickering, then an IPS panel is a better choice.
Viewing Angle
Hitachi developed IPS technology in 1996. It was designed to improve upon the then-existing TN technology and succeeded in several ways. The most noticeable of these is the viewing angle. On a TN panel, the image will look washed out and distorted when viewed from anything other than head-on. On an IPS panel, the image remains accurate and consistent no matter what angle you’re looking at.
Viewing angles is important for several reasons. For instance, if you’re working on a design project, you need to see the colours accurately from all angles to get a real sense of how they’ll look in the final product. Similarly, if you’re editing photos or videos, you need to see the image clearly from all angles to properly colour-correct and edit it. And if you’re watching a movie or playing a game, you want to see the image no matter where you’re sitting on the screen.
In short, viewing angles are important for anyone who cares about image quality. And IPS panels have significantly better viewing angles than TN panels.
Contrast
There are two main types of LCD panels: VA and IPS. Which one is better? It depends on what you value most in a monitor. Here, we’ll be breaking down the main differences between these two types of panels so you can make a more informed decision regarding your next purchase.
When it comes to contrast, VA panels have a clear advantage. VA panels can achieve much higher static contrasts than IPS panels, typically around 3,000:1. This means that VA panels can produce deeper blacks and brighter whites than IPS panels. This can create a more immersive viewing experience, especially when watching movies or playing video games.
However, IPS panels do have one advantage over VA panels when it comes to contrast. IPS panels have a much better contrast ratio when viewed from an angle. This is because IPS panels have a more uniform brightness level across the screen. This means you won’t see as much of a decrease in contrast when viewing an IPS panel from an angle as you would a VA panel.
Black Uniformity
The panel type is the first thing to consider when it comes to black uniformity. A VA panel will have much better black uniformity than an IPS panel. This is due to the way that VA panels display colours. VA panels have a higher contrast ratio, which results in colours being more distinct from each other. This means that you will see less “bleeding” of colours into each other, which causes black uniformity issues on IPS panels.
The other factor to consider is the backlight. LED backlights tend to have better black uniformity than CCFL backlights. This is because LED backlights can be controlled more precisely, resulting in less light “leakage” around the edges of the screen.
So, if you’re looking for a TV with good black uniformity, you should look for a VA panel with an LED backlight.
Price
When it comes to price, VA panels have a clear advantage. VA panels are typically cheaper than IPS panels, sometimes by a significant margin. This is because IPS panels require more expensive manufacturing techniques and materials.
However, there are some cases where IPS panels are cheaper than VA panels. This is typically when you’re looking at higher-end IPS panels. These panels often use higher-quality materials and manufacturing techniques, which helps to keep the price down.
Technical Differences
The main difference between a VA panel and an IPS panel is the technology each uses.
Advantages of VA Over IPS
There are a few advantages that VA panels have over IPS panels. One is the contrast ratio. A higher contrast ratio means that the panel can produce darker blacks and brighter whites. This can lead to a more immersive experience when watching movies or playing video games. VA panels also have a lower response time, so they can handle fast-paced action without blurring.
Disadvantages of IPS Over VA
IPS panels have a few advantages over VA panels as well. One is that they have wider viewing angles. This means that colours will look consistent even if you’re not looking at the screen head-on. IPS panels also have better colour accuracy, meaning that colours will look more true-to-life.
Both VA and IPS panels have their advantages and disadvantages. Deciding which features are most important to you before making a purchase is important.
OLED Panel
An OLED (organic light-emitting diode) is a light-emitting diode (LED) in which the emissive electroluminescent layer is a film of organic compound that emits light in response to an electric current.
An OLED display works without a backlight. Thus, it can be thinner and lighter than a liquid crystal display (LCD). In low ambient light conditions, an OLED screen can achieve a higher contrast ratio than an LCD, whether the LCD uses cold cathode fluorescent lamps or LED backlight.
OLED’s two main families: are those based on small molecules and those employing polymers.
OLEDs are used in televisions, computer monitors, and portable systems such as mobile phones, handheld game consoles and PDAs. They are also used in electronic reading devices, such as eBook readers.
The advantages of OLEDs over liquid crystal displays (LCDs) and plasma displays are:
- Lower power consumption
- Brighter displays
- Wider colour range
- Faster response time
- Flexible displays
- The main disadvantages of OLEDs are:
- Susceptibility to Image Retention
- Limited lifespan
- Shortage of Blue OLED Materials
Conclusion
So, which is better? VA or IPS? It depends on what you value most in a monitor. If you’re looking for the best possible contrast, then a VA panel is the way to go. However, if you’re looking for better viewing angles, then an IPS panel is the way to go. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which type of panel is best for your needs.
