Image quality varies from TV technology to tv technology, and competing LCD panel types have their own advantages and disadvantages. Today we'll cover the main differences between two common LCD panel types: IPS and VA, and how they affect image quality.
The difference between IPS and VA
Many TVs use AN LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) panels that are backlit by LEDs. There are two popular LCD panel types: In-Plane Switching (IPS) and Vertical Alignment (VA). VA panels typically have high contrast and narrow viewing angles, while IPS panels have low contrast and wide viewing angles. This is the main difference between the two, and in most cases, the panel type does not affect other aspects of image quality, such as peak brightness, color gamut, or color accuracy.
contrast
Contrast is one of the most important factors in terms of image quality. It determines how well the TV shows black, so a TV with good contrast will show a dark black when viewed in the dark. However, if your TV has low contrast, you'll notice that black looks gray when viewed in the dark.
VA panels are far superior to IPS panels in this regard, so if you tend to watch movies in the dark, you may want a TV with AN VA panels. Because of this major advantage, most TVs use VA panels, while high-end models may have a local dimming function that further enhances the black level. IPS panels, on the other hand, are typically less contrastive, so black looks closer to gray, but you may not notice contrast differences in bright environments.
(IPS Panel)
(VA panel)
Black uniformity
In a dark scene that shows a bright image in the center, ideally you see a screen that is completely black, with the cross in the middle being the only part that is lit up, which is important for watching a movie. Most VA panels have good black uniformity, while most IPS panels have lower than standard black uniformity. This does not mean that every VA panel TV has good uniformity, as this can be changed, and you can also use the local dimming function to improve uniformity.
Technical differences
The function of an LCD is to form pixels by dividing the liquid crystal into small groups. These crystals react and change position when charged, and depending on their position, they allow light of a certain color to pass through.
The crystals of an IPS display are always arranged horizontally. After charging, they rotate to allow light to pass through. The crystals of the VA display are arranged vertically. After charging, they move to a horizontal position to let the light pass through. However, when currents don't pass through them, their vertical arrangement blocks light more effectively, resulting in better blacks and better contrast.
conclusion
Between IPS and VA panels, neither technology is inherently superior to the other because they both serve different purposes. In general, IPS TVs have a wide viewing angle and are perfect when you're watching a big game or your favorite show in a large seating arrangement. However, VA panels are a better choice for viewing content in dark rooms because their improved contrast allows them to display deep blacks. So how you choose depends on your usage.