Have you decided to buy an LCD monitor and are currently choosing a specific model? You need to determine how and where you will use the monitor as soon as possible so that you can choose the most suitable model according to your needs and capabilities.

Modern LCD monitors differ primarily in the type of matrix; other features affect the quality and characteristics of the image much less.

The most popular types of nuts

TN + film – (Twisted Nematic + film) – the cheapest and most popular type of matrix. The “+ film” part means an additional layer of film, which is used to increase viewing angles. Since it is now used everywhere in monitors, the name of the matrix type is often abbreviated to “TN”. It has the following characteristics:

• low response time
• low energy consumption
• not very accurate color reproduction (due to the use of only 6-bits for each color channel and the missing shades are obtained by various available mixing methods)
• low contrast
• relatively small viewing angles (especially vertical).
• when pixels or subpixels fail, they remain on

IPS (In-Plane Switching) – all matrices of this type are initially characterized by the best viewing angles and color reproduction among all types of matrices.

• Contrast depends on the specific implementation of this technology
• has a longer response time than TN
• has worse contrast than * VA matrix
• the defective pixel or subpixel remains in an off state

The following types of matrices are currently known, which can be considered derivatives of IPS:

• S-IPS – a version of IPS designed in 1998 with reduced response time.
• AS-IPS – advanced Super IPS technology was developed in 2002. It is S-IPS with improved (almost at the level of S-PVA) contrast.
• A-TW-IPS – Advanced True White IPS. This is an S-IPS panel with a True White color filter (“true white”), which gives white more realism and a wider color gamut. This type of matrix is used in the creation of professional monitors for use in photo laboratories and publishing houses. The disadvantage is the specific “purple” lighting in black.
• H-IPS – is characterized by even greater contrast and a more uniform visual surface of the screen and is largely free of parasitic lighting (for example, there is no purple tint when looking at the screen from large angles), but viewing angles suffer.
• E-IPS – Enhanced IPS has the ability to overcome one of the “inherent defects” of IPS – low light transmission even though the pixels are
  fully open. This allows you to achieve comparable levels of brightness and contrast. The viewing angles have also been improved at the diagonal and the response time has been reduced to 5 ms.
• P-IPS – Professional IPS, the most radical improvement of IPS technology, these matrices appeared on the market in 2010. Their key difference is 1024 (and not 256) degrees of orientation for each sub-pixel, which allows you to get full 30-bit color, which is unattainable for any other LCD technology.

* VA (Vertical Alignment) – the first matrix of this type, the so-called “VA”, was developed by Fujitsu. In the future, these matrices were improved and produced by a number of companies. They represent a kind of compromise in most characteristics (including cost and power consumption).

• high contrast combined with good color reproduction (especially in the latest versions)
• The downside is the loss of detail in the shadows with a perpendicular view and the dependence of the color balance of the image on the viewing angle.
• the defective pixel or subpixel will remain in an off state

MVA - Multi-domain Vertical Alignment – the first widespread type of matrix from this family – PVA (Patterned Vertical Alignment), designed by Samsung, is characterized primarily by increased image contrast. The improvement was mainly aimed at reducing the response time through manipulations with higher voltages at the initial stage of changing the orientation of subpixel crystals (this technology is called “Overdrive” or “Response Time Compensation” in various sources) and the final transition to full 8-bit color coding in each channel.

Monitor aspect ratio

Modern monitors can have a standard screen aspect ratio (4:3 or 5:4) or be widescreen (16:10 or 16:9). Since a person’s binocular field of view has an aspect ratio closer to widescreen monitors, it is more comfortable to work behind them, and they will gradually replace monitors with a “normal” aspect ratio.

There may be problems only with old games that do not support video modes with the appropriate aspect ratio. However, practice shows that in such cases, adaptation to the "flattened" image occurs very quickly and this does not cause discomfort.

Therefore, we recommend choosing the aspect ratio of your monitor based on your own preferences, although a widescreen monitor is definitely more convenient for "home use".

Monitor coverage

When choosing the type of monitor coating, we recommend that you rely on your own subjective impressions. However, do not forget that glossy coating makes the image visually more contrasting (especially on cheap matrices), but much more unpleasant and dazzling, unlike matte coating.

Let's summarize.

If you want to work with office applications, you can use any i-LCD monitor, so you can safely choose based on design, unit prices and other considerations. However, if you buy a monitor with a large diagonal, it is desirable that it be connected via the DVI interface, since when working with texts and tables, the maximum possible image clarity is desired.

For working with raster graphics, video editing, and any other applications where reliable color reproduction is critical, you should choose a model with a matrix.
IPS family (which is a little worse in this case) or * VA. In many situations, a monitor with an IPS matrix can also be a very good choice for the home, since the only drawback of modern monitors of this type is their high price.

Probably the best choice as a universal home monitor for many users would be one with a modern * VA matrix, as it provides much more comfortable viewing of movies and photos than cheaper TN variants, and the speed characteristics are sufficient for most users (with the exception of gamers).

If the monitor is purchased mainly for 3D games, a modern monitor with a TN matrix may be a suitable choice, as the disadvantages of this technology are not so noticeable when used in games. In addition, these monitors are the cheapest.

In conclusion, I would like to remind you that the price of a monitor can often be caused not only by the use of an expensive and high-quality matrix, but also by features that are not related to the actual performance of the monitor in its main functions. For example, the presence of specific peripherals (speakers, subwoofers, webcams), additional inputs (for example, digital - a second DVI or HDMI, analog, for example, S-Video or component input) or unique design solutions.