If you're considering purchasing a new monitor, you might be deliberating on the choice of display technology. In today’s market, two primary types of computer monitors stand out: TFT LCD monitors and IPS monitors.
The following information aims to assist you in making the correct decision.
TFT, or Thin Film Transistor, refers to the technology employed in LCD displays. This type of LCD is also commonly known as an active-matrix LCD. If you're interested in delving deeper into understanding TFT Displays, we have additional resources available for you.
TFT LCDs have the capability to deactivate certain pixels while activating others, allowing the screen to operate with minimal energy consumption by manipulating the liquid crystal molecules between two electrodes. Capacitors and transistors are integral components of TFT LCDs, playing a crucial role in ensuring the monitor functions efficiently while producing vibrant, consistent images.
Industry nomenclature: TFT LCD panels or TFT screens can also be referred to as TN (Twisted Nematic) Type TFT displays or TN panels, or TN screen technology.
Pros of TFT displays include:
- Low cost due to a simpler manufacturing process.
- Economical raw materials.
- Established as one of the oldest technologies for LCD displays.
Cons of TFT displays include:
- Poor viewing angles.
- Lower contrast ratio.
- Slower response time.
- Lower aperture ratio (resulting in pixels not being bright enough).
- Limited viewing angle with gray scale inversion (leading to reversed images).
IPS (In-Plane Switching) technology represents an advancement over traditional TFT LCD display modules, retaining the same basic structure while offering enhanced features and broader applicability.
IPS LCD monitors boast the following high-end features:
- Wider viewing angle.
- More consistent and accurate color representation in all viewing directions.
- Higher contrast.
- Faster response time.
However, IPS screens are not without drawbacks, as they come with higher manufacturing costs.
These LCD screens provide vibrant colors, high contrast, and clear images even at wide viewing angles, albeit at a premium price. This technology is frequently employed in high-definition screens, particularly in gaming or entertainment setups.
Let's delve deeper and conduct a thorough comparison.
Both TFT and IPS displays are active-matrix displays, meaning they cannot emit light on their own like OLED displays. Instead, they require a backlight of white bright light to generate the picture. Modern panels often utilize LED backlighting (light-emitting diodes), which consumes less power and requires less depth by design. Neither TFT nor IPS displays can produce color independently; instead, there is a layer of RGB (red, green, blue) color filters in each LCD pixel to produce the colors visible to consumers. Upon closer inspection with a magnifier, RGB color can be seen in each pixel. By toggling the on/off switch and adjusting brightness levels of RGB, a wide range of colors can be achieved.
Fast Response Time: Winner. IPS TFT screens typically have a response time of around 0.3 milliseconds, whereas TN TFT screens have a response time of around 10 milliseconds. This significant difference makes TN TFT screens unsuitable for gaming.
Representation and Reproduction of Colour: Winner. the images that IPS displays create are much more pristine and original than that of the TFT screen. IPS displays do this by making the pixels function in a parallel way. Because of such placing, the pixels can reflect light in a better way, and because of that, you get a better image within the display.
Due to the wide-set nature of IPS technology, display screens made with IPS technology typically feature a wider aspect ratio. This results in improved visibility and a more realistic viewing experience with a stable effect.
Energy Consumption: Winner. Although TFT LCDs consume around 15% more power compared to IPS LCDs, IPS displays have lower transmittance, which necessitates them to consume more power through backlights. Therefore, TFT LCDs contribute to better battery life.
Image Sticking or “Ghosting”: No clear winner emerges as it depends on the display screen manufacturer. Generally speaking, TFT is less prone to experiencing this issue.
