The different technologies IPS - TFT - TN - VA - MVA
Summary
Let's start with a brief summary for readers in a hurry. IPS technology is currently the best LCD technology for colour displays because it combines many advantages over the classic TFT display: stable colours and a very wide viewing angle (80-85° in all 4 directions). Nevertheless, an MVA display is a tad faster and cheaper. However, both beat the original TFT technology.
IPS vs. TFT / Comparison, advantages and disadvantages or differences
An IPS display is actually also a TFT display. "TFT" stands for "thin-film transistor", i.e. transistors are applied directly to the glass (panel) as drivers for each pixel. This was also the case with the first TFT displays and the new IPS displays also have an identical structure. The difference, and therefore also the technical features, lies in the structure of the cell. "IPS" stands for "In-Plane-Switching". IPS technology produces a contrast that is virtually independent of the viewing angle. So regardless of whether you look directly at the display from the front or rather from the left or above, the contrast remains constant. This means that IPS displays are easy to read from all sides. Displays in IPS achieve a viewing angle of up to 85° in all four directions (from below, above, right and left) compared to 45° to 55° for classic TN cells (TFT displays). So which is better, IPS or TFT? Clearly IPS.
IPS displays, like TFT and MVA displays, are liquid crystal displays (LCD).
TFT vs. MVA / Comparison, advantages and disadvantages or differences
In MVA cells (or MVA displays), the crystals are orientated vertically instead of horizontally. When a voltage is applied, they rotate horizontally. This results in very good contrast, better than TFT displays (with TN cells, see above) and even better than IPS. However, the response times are very high, which makes the display correspondingly slow. This is not a problem for static content in industry, but if moving images or frequent image changes are required, MVA displays show ugly stripes and streaks.
Mechanical pressure on the pane of an MVA or PVA display leaves clear marks, so this technology is very sensitive to pressure. Although the effect is usually reversible, it can also lead to permanent damage.
There are also various subgroups, usually further developments of individual manufacturers, such as VA, MVA, PVA, P-MVA and S-PVA. "VA" generally stands for "vertical alignment".
However, none of these technologies come close to the viewing angle of an IPS display or the response time of a TN panel or IPS panel. However, they are usually cheaper to produce, at least in very large quantities. So which is better, TFT or MVA? Clearly MVA.
MVA vs. IPS / comparison, advantages and disadvantages or differences
In MVA cells (or MVA displays), the crystals are orientated vertically instead of horizontally as in IPS displays. When a voltage is applied, they simultaneously tilt by a certain angle. This results in similarly good black levels as with IPS, sometimes even slightly better.
A major disadvantage is that the tilting is relatively slow compared to the rotation of the crystals in IPS displays. This makes the displays unsuitable for displaying fast-moving images.
The contrast values of IPS and MVA are similar, but mechanical pressure on the pane of an MVA or PVA display leaves clear marks. Although the effect is usually reversible, it can also lead to permanent damage. A clear disadvantage compared to IPS displays.
Overall, IPS technology performs better because colour stability with a wide viewing angle meets high display speed. Even if MVA technology is usually cheaper to produce, at least in very large quantities. So which is better, IPS or MVA? Clearly IPS.
TFT (TN): strengths and weaknesses
| Advantage | Disadvantage |
| affordable | weak contrast |
| fast | small viewing ange |
| grayinversion effect |
In TN displays, the crystals are rotated like screws under tension. This always lets some light through, so that good black levels are not possible. TN panels shine above all with their short response time. They are therefore well suited for fast-moving images such as those found in gaming. The picture remains sharp, but if it still stutters, it's not the display's fault but the graphics card or the internet.
The viewing angle is quite good compared to monochrome displays, but there are significantly better display types with IPS technology.
A tilt effect, the so-called gray inversion effect, can be unpleasant when viewed from the side: a sudden inversion of the colors with a simultaneous loss of contrast.
Diese Display-Technologie kann uneingeschränkt auch mit einem Touchpanel kombiniert werden.
MVA (VA): strengths and weaknesses
| Advantage | Disadvantage |
| affordable | slow |
| contrast | reduced viewing angle |
| sensitive |
Thanks to the vertically aligned crystals, MVA technology offers very good contrast and a wide viewing angle. At the same time, however, this comes at the price of pressure sensitivity, also triggered by mechanical stresses during operation. The black levels are very good and sometimes even exceed those of an IPS panel.
A major disadvantage is the inertia of MVA and PVA displays. This quickly shows its limitations in the consumer industry, even if the prices for MVA panels are temptingly low.
The viewing angle is reasonably good compared to TFT, but does not come close to that of IPS displays. This becomes critical when several people want to look at the display at the same time.
This display technology can also be equipped with a touch panel without restrictions.
IPS: strengths and weaknesses
| Advantage | Disadvanatge |
| color truth | expensive |
| contrast | energy consumption |
| viewing angle | slightly slower |
The in-plane switching of IPS displays enables very good contrast and a wide viewing angle. Another significant advantage in some applications is the stable color reproduction regardless of the viewing angle. The black levels are very good and are only surpassed by individual MVA panels.
Because the transmissivity of IPS displays is lower than that of TN and MVA displays, brighter lighting is required. This is associated with higher power consumption or poorer readability, especially in sunlight.
However, the wide viewing angle of IPS panels together with the color stability are convincing in most applications.
This display technology can also be equipped with a touch panel without restriction.
© Dipl. Ing. Ralph Tischer - 12.2023
Further links
Here you will find IPS displays without and IPS displays with intelligence.
Wikipedia on IPS displays.
Resistive and capacitive touch panels.
FAQ - Questions and Answers About Comparing Display Technologies
Questions and brief, easy-to-understand answers about comparing display technologies
What are the main advantages of IPS displays compared to TFT displays?
Compared to traditional TFT displays, IPS displays offer stable colors and a very wide viewing angle of up to 85° in all directions. This technology makes it possible to maintain a consistent contrast ratio regardless of the viewing angle. In contrast, TFT displays with TN panels offer only a limited viewing angle of 45° to 55°. Furthermore, IPS displays are better suited for applications where color accuracy and viewing angles are critical. Despite their higher cost, they offer superior image quality and color stability.
What are the disadvantages of MVA displays compared to IPS displays?
MVA displays have some drawbacks compared to IPS displays, particularly in terms of response time. While MVA displays offer excellent contrast, they are slower and therefore less suitable for displaying fast-moving images. They are also pressure-sensitive, which means that mechanical pressure on the display can leave noticeable marks. Although MVA displays are often cheaper to manufacture, they do not match the viewing angle stability and color stability of IPS displays. These drawbacks make them less suitable for applications that require rapid image changes.
How do the black levels of IPS and MVA displays differ?
The black levels of MVA displays are generally very good and can sometimes even surpass those of IPS displays. This is due to the vertical alignment of the crystals in MVA displays, which tilt horizontally when a voltage is applied, thereby enabling deeper blacks. IPS displays, on the other hand, offer stable colors and a wide viewing angle, making them more versatile overall. Despite the better black levels of MVA displays, they are less suitable for dynamic content due to their slower response times. Overall, both technologies offer good contrast ratios, but with different strengths.
Why are TN displays still popular despite their drawbacks?
Despite their drawbacks, such as limited viewing angles and poorer black levels, TN displays remain popular, primarily because of their fast response times. This feature makes them ideal for applications that require rapid image changes, such as gaming. TN panels are also less expensive to manufacture, making them attractive to budget-conscious buyers. Although they do not offer the color accuracy and viewing angle stability of IPS displays, they are sufficient for many applications. The gray inversion effect, which can occur when viewed from the side, is another drawback, but one that is often tolerated.
Which display technology is best suited for industrial applications?
IPS displays are particularly well-suited for industrial applications because they offer consistent colors and a wide viewing angle, which is important for readability from various positions. Although MVA displays also offer good contrast, their slower response times make them less suitable for applications involving frequent image changes. TN displays could be an option due to their fast response times, but they do not offer the same color accuracy and viewing angle stability. Overall, IPS displays offer the best combination of color accuracy, viewing angle stability, and response time for industrial applications.
Why is DISPLAY VISIONS the best choice for comparing display technologies?
DISPLAY VISIONS offers comprehensive consulting and expertise in the field of display technologies, including IPS, TFT, and MVA. With a deep understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of each technology, they can provide customized solutions for specific applications. Their many years of experience and focus on quality and customer satisfaction make them a trusted partner. They also offer a wide range of products and services tailored to the individual needs of their customers. This combination of expertise and customer focus makes DISPLAY VISIONS the best choice for comparing and selecting display technologies.
