On Jul 3, 2023, at 1:14 PM, Brent via groups.io <whodo678@...> wrote:
I looked up IPS panel, but what is VA?
Nearly all monitors sold today use an LCD panel based on one of three technologies: twisted nematic (TN), in-plane switching (IPS), and vertical alignment (VA).
The least expensive monitors often use a TN panel. TN panel monitors look dull next to IPS and have bad resolution at acute viewing angles. I¡¯d avoid getting a monitor with a TN panel.
A majority of monitors use IPS. Monitors based on IPS have very accurate color and can support a wide color gamut at a reasonable price. IPS struggles with dark scenes, however, because it can¡¯t achieve a convincing shade of black. This is the dreaded ¡°IPS glow¡± you may have heard of, which can look unappealing when watching movies or playing games. However, gamers still often like IPS monitors because some IPS panels have low response times and very high refresh rates.
VA panels have the best contrast ratio and dark scene performance of the three, which makes VA a great choice for watching videos and gaming. This is especially true of high-quality (e.g. expensive) modern VA panels, which have mostly solved the color accuracy and motion smearing issues of some past, and/or inexpensive VA monitors.
There is no clear choice between IPS and VA (at least with regard to quality monitors), as both have their perks. When it comes to work, though, you may find the choice is made for you. A huge majority of productivity monitors use an IPS panel. And for most purposes their pictures are great.You¡¯ll want to lean your search toward gaming monitors if you prefer the high contrast a quality VA panel can provide.
So, IPS is best for clarity, VA is good for gaming and movies, TN panels are now rare or only seen in cheap monitors.
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Randy B. Singer
Co-author of The Macintosh Bible (4th, 5th, and 6th editions)
Essential But Hard To Find Macintosh Software and Advice
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