Monitors, more like TVs, based on a huge cathode ray tube, have long gone. Nothing could please such a unit. A bulky, heavy fighter of electrical energy. Unsurprisingly, with the advent of thin monitors, users across the planet have breathed a sigh of relief.
But here everything turned out to be not so simple. Each thin device was very different from each other in color reproduction, price, viewing angles.
Matrix. Its features and characteristics
Which matrix is ​​best for a monitor is a highly controversial issue. First of all, it is worth clarifying what it is.
In appearance , the matrix is a glass plate, inside of which are liquid crystals that change color. The simplest products only react to changes in the electrical signals passing through them. More sophisticated models independently adjust color and brightness. And the most modern copies are also additionally highlighted, creating the maximum possible contrast.
Response
The answer to the question “which matrix is ​​better for a monitor” is impossible without mentioning such a term as “response”. This property is characterized by how smoothly the frames on the screen change due to voltage changes. Measured in milliseconds (ms).
What type of monitor matrix is ​​best for gaming? Of course, with a good image response. And if you look, what type of monitor matrix is ​​better for everyday life? With a response of 10 ms or less. And what about the gaming type of monitor matrix? Which is better? Professional players prefer a response of less than 5 ms.
Update frequency
The frequency of updates will tell a lot about which matrix is ​​better for the gamer’s monitor. The picture in the virtual world is changing very quickly. Only the highest quality screens can be updated with a frequency of more than 120 Hz.
Viewing angle
Which matrix is ​​better for the monitor as a whole? Of course, one that has good viewing angles. What are they? In order to understand what is at stake, it is recommended to look at the monitor from the side. With an ideal product, the picture will be visible from everywhere. A cheap unit will not be able to please such a convenience. The picture is faded, blurry and fuzzy. Which monitor matrix is ​​best for the eyes? Of course, one where you can view the image from any angle. In addition, when working with such a monitor, the eyes get tired much less.
TN + film (Twisted Nematic + film)
For a long time, such a matrix was considered the best for the monitor. Simple and cheap, it is built into millions of devices annually to this day. A special love for this technology was provided by its price. Thanks to affordability, users are ready to forgive the matrix of its disadvantages, which are many. Viewing angles are extremely scarce. You must sit exclusively in front of the monitor to see a full-fledged picture. Some manufacturers use a special film to increase viewing angles, but this helps a little.
The human eye is a unique mechanism that can see over sixteen million different shades. With a matrix of this type, to realize a property given by nature, alas, will not work out with all desire. The colors are usually dull, faded, dull, faded, unnatural. But for an undemanding user, this is not a critical problem.
Very few complaints come about a change in contrast. The main users are office workers. Working with text on monitors requires special focus. Text with low contrast is far from the best assistant, his eyes get tired very quickly. Even more such matrices are not liked by graphic specialists. On such a monitor, it’s good to watch movies and play some games.
The only thing that matrices of this type can please is the quick response of black and white shades. But in the modern color world, this is a weak advantage.
Almost every budget laptop in the world is sold with the TN matrix.
IPS
Numerous user complaints have prompted manufacturers to study the new technology “monitor matrix type”, which is better and more productive than its predecessors.
The latest development is called IPS (In-Plane Switching). Hitachi produced a matrix of this type. What is its significant difference from TN? First of all, it is color reproduction. No matter how users like their huge monitors with a cathode ray tube, they conveyed shades very accurately. And again, the opportunity appeared to rejoice in bright and rich colors.
Viewing angles have also increased significantly compared to their predecessors.
The disadvantages of the technology is the change in black to purple when viewed from the side. Also, the first models had a relatively low response time of 60 ms. There were many complaints about low contrast. The black color seemed gray, which made it difficult to type and almost impossible to work in applications that required the development of small details.
However, manufacturers were aware of the shortcomings and after a while the world saw S-IPS (Super IPS) technology, in which many shortcomings were eliminated. First of all, the novelty pleased gamers. The response time decreased by almost five times, to 16 ms. This value is perfect for solving the vast majority of everyday tasks.
The main manufacturers of IPS matrices are Hitachi, LG, Phillips, NEC.
MVA (PVA) matrix
A little later, a new matrix was introduced to the world, which took into account the numerous wishes of both gamers and office workers - MVA.
The only drawback of such monitors was the curvature of some shades. But opponents of the TN matrix noted the color rendition as quite tolerable and suitable for most tasks.
Of course, not everything became smooth and perfect at once. The first models were quite slow, even compared to TN-predecessors. Sometimes, when quickly changing frames, the user might notice a picture that cannot be changed for several moments. This problem was solved a bit later, when accelerated matrices of this type entered the market.
But on such monitors, everything is in order with contrast and viewing angles. Black is black, and details are visible even in their smallest variation. It is not surprising that professional designers opt for MVA.
There is another kind of matrix of this type. Its name is PVA. It was developed by the Korean corporation Samsung . PVA is much faster and more contrasty.
Working on such a matrix is ​​a pleasure, therefore, it has taken its rightful place in the niche for professionals.
What to choose
So, there are three main types of matrices.
TN technology should be chosen only in the case of a very limited budget.
Matrix type IPS is suitable if the buyer is actively engaged in graphics or drawings.
Which monitor matrix is ​​best for gaming? MVA! It is optimal for aesthetes who appreciate the perfect picture.