What is an IPS display?

An IPS (In-Plane Switching) is a modern type of LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)  that makes a display enriched with true colors, improved image quality, and wide viewing angles.

It is commonly used in smartphones, laptops, tablets, and TVs. Because of its better color production, flash rate, and consistent color bandwidth across the wide angles. The IPS screens are more expensive than traditional TN (Twisted Nematic) screens not because of its amazing display but also due to manufacturing cost.

In a nutshell, an IPS display is an advanced LCD that is known for its true colors, wide viewing angles, and in-depth superior quality. An IPS display consists of liquid crystals sandwiched between two glass surfaces. Surprisingly, this sandwiched layer makes a display high quality

IPS Display in History

Later 1980s and early 1990s the TN was a primary method for active matrix TFT LCDs. The TN based screens were having grayscale inversion issues from upside down. Soon it needed to be replaced with a better screen with lower and effective response time. Therefore, the mid 1990s added advancement in screen technology by introducing IPS screens. The liquid crystal was sandwiched between the surface glass in a vertical alignment. Thus, the view angle was improved and the grayscale problem vanished. 

From 1996 till date there have been many inventions in IPS screen technology. In short, the contrast ratio was improved to make the billions color depth. Surprisingly, the IPS screens consume less electricity than other LCDs. making it perfect for versatile use. 

What is an IPS technology?

In an IPS display, the liquid crystal molecules are arranged in multiple layers but sandwiched between the glass screen vertically. The electrodes between the layers are presented to activate the molecules. 

This improved IPS technology increases its performance for color enriched graphics with high contrast ratio. To illuminate the screen and control the brightness the IPS technology also uses a backlight from beyond. The lcd led backlights are tiny but surround the screen and from corners bright colors.

What are the limitations of IPS display?

IPS displays are beneficial in many aspects but also lacking in some uses. We will highlight the limitations of an IPS display.

• cost
• Response time
• Backlight problems
• Power consumption
• Contrast Ratio
• Easily breakable

Cost of IPS Display:

The IPS displays are more costly than TN displays. That’s because the manufacturing cost of an IPS display requires high level engineering, and machinery. This adds to the cost of an IPS display as compared to TN displays.

Response TIme:

Surprisingly, an IPS display has higher response time, it doesn’t make it best for high-end gaming and fast refresh rate requirements. But this issue can be fixed by calibrating the IPS with the controller and device’s performance.

Backlight Problems:

The backlights add enhancements in the display whereas a failure of any led backlight can cause darker patches on the front screen. Also, backlight consumes greater power irrespective of IPS technology. 

Power Consumption:  

The IPS displays can be optimized to consume less power but the brightness matters. That’s because the external part of these displays, namely “backlights” consume equal power as of IPS display. Therefore, the overall power consumption is increased.

Contrast Ratio:

The contrast ratio adds color depth to the screen. The greater the ratio the more depth, hence better picture quality.

Easily Breakable:

The IPS displays are not shock proof because multiple glass layers reduces the flexibility of the panel. Thus on falling down, these screens can be cracked or damaged permanently. 

Why should you use an IPS display?

There’s many reasons you should use IPS displays for your electronics. Here are few uses:

Wide viewing angles

The IPS displays offer wide viewing angles which means you can watch your favorite movies from wide angles in all the directions.

True colors:

The IPS display makes picture quality better by introducing real colors. A good IPS panel can display from 1.6B colors to 16M colors.

High Contrast:

The contrast of the IPS display is higher, making higher resolution, in-depth pixels and better picture quality.

Reduced Eye Strain:

The high refresh rate reduces eye strain due to balanced colors spread across the panel.

Appealing visuals:

The high quality display means pixel to pixel accurate picture. Hence you get appealing visuals from ordinary visuals. 

Is the IPS display going to end?

IPS displays aren’t going anywhere, because of the high demand and improvements in these panels. Many companies rely on IPS technology and are still converting their appliances to this technology.

If we talk about a smart panel the metal mesh capacitive screen has shown great share in the electronics’ industry. However, the IPS panels are still getting advancements and are likely to even expand the uses.

Different Types of LCDs: IPS TN and VA

Among many types of LCDs like IPS, TN and VA. Each fulfills its special use required in industries.

Let’s look at the difference between them from a consumer’s point of view:

Here we can notice IPS is though expansive but has a winning advantage of wide view angle. This advantage is needed in every screen either laptop or TVs. Because not everyone sits in a straight direction towards the display. Therefore a screen should have wide view angles so there’s equality in color distribution.

Before the invention of LCDs, when there were electron gun televisions they used to have semi flat screens to make a wider view. However, those old TVs lack any of the above features and results in pixelate display.

Large View Angle of IPS Display

When it comes to the wide view angle of an IPS display it is important to understand each screen has a unique view angle. For example mobile phone IPS screens may have less view angle than televisions or laptop screens. Let’s take a look at the picture below to better illustrate the view angle.

In-Plane Switching display is usually around 178 degrees in both the horizontal and vertical directions. Meaning, the true colors remain the same till 178 degrees of high quality IPS display. The angle range can vary depending upon built quality and purpose.

For example some screens make blurry images after 140 degrees claiming 178 degrees. Therefore, always choose the best IPS display manufacturer.

Conclusion:

What is an IPS display? Also known as In-Plane Switching, an IPS display is an advanced type of LCD that has crystal layers sandwiched between the glass surface. It allows excellent picture quality, in-depth pixels, 1.6B true colors, and wide view angles. Surprisingly, these screen displays can be installed on any device. However IPS screens are expansive but cover the price with its amazing features.