If you’re looking for a new monitor, you’ve probably heard the terms IPS and AH-IPS. Both terms refer to the type of panel used by monitors to display images. However, what exactly is the difference between IPS and AH-IPS? Are there any advantages or disadvantages to each panel type? And which one is more suitable for your needs?
In this article, Bardimin will explain what IPS and AH-IPS are, how they work, what their advantages and disadvantages are, and how you can choose the best one for you. Let’s get started!
What is IPS?
IPS stands for In-Plane Switching. This is a type of LCD panel developed by LG in 1996 as an alternative to older and cheaper TN (Twisted Nematic) panels. TN panels have problems with narrow viewing angles, faded colors, and poor color fidelity. IPS panels address these problems by changing the way liquid crystal molecules move inside sub-pixel cells.
In TN panels, liquid crystal molecules rotate vertically when an electric voltage is applied, thus changing the polarization of light passing through them. This allows light to escape through the color filter and reach the user’s eyes. However, when the monitor is viewed from extreme angles, the polarization of the light changes, reducing color intensity and accuracy.
In IPS panels, liquid crystal molecules move in parallel with the panel surface, thus maintaining a constant polarization of light. This results in wider viewing angles, brighter colors, and better color fidelity. IPS panels also have faster response times than TN panels, so they can display smoother movements and are free from ghosting effects.
What is AH-IPS?
AH-IPS stands for Advanced High-Performance In-Plane Switching. This is a type of IPS panel introduced by LG in 2011 as the next generation of IPS panels. AH-IPS panels have several improvements and improvements over regular IPS panels, such as:
- Higher resolution: AH-IPS panels can support resolutions up to 4K (3840 x 2160 pixels), while regular IPS panels are usually limited to Full HD resolutions (1920 x 1080 pixels) or lower. This allows for sharper and more detailed images at the same screen size.
- Better energy efficiency: AH-IPS panels use smaller, denser transistors, which reduces the need for power and heat generated. This makes the AH-IPS panels more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly than ordinary IPS panels.
- Better performance: AH-IPS panels have higher contrast, higher brightness, and better color reproduction than regular IPS panels. This makes for more vivid and realistic images on the AH-IPS panels.
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Advantages and Disadvantages of IPS and AH-IPS
As we have seen, IPS and AH-IPS panels have several advantages compared to TN panels, such as wider viewing angles, brighter colors, and better color fidelity. However, they also have some drawbacks to consider, such as:
- Higher price: IPS and AH-IPS panels are usually more expensive than TN panels, as they require more advanced technology and higher quality components. If you have a limited budget, you may have to sacrifice some features or screen size to get an IPS or AH-IPS panel.
- Higher input lag: IPS and AH-IPS panels typically have higher input lag than TN panels, which means that there is less lag between when you give a command and when the image changes on the screen. If you’re a serious gamer, you’ll probably notice this difference, especially in games that require quick reactions and precision. To reduce input lag, you can look for monitors with game mode or overdrive features that can improve panel response time.
- Backlight bleeding: IPS and AH-IPS panels tend to suffer from backlight bleeding, which is a phenomenon where light from the backlight leaks through the edges of the panel and creates bright patches around the corners of the screen. This can interfere with your viewing experience, especially in dark scenes. To avoid backlight bleeding, you can look for monitors with good build quality and strict quality control.
How to Choose Between IPS and AH-IPS?
After knowing what IPS and AH-IPS are, as well as their advantages and disadvantages, you may be wondering which one you should choose for your monitor. The answer depends on your needs and preferences. Here are some considerations that can help you decide:
- Your goal: What do you plan to do with your monitor? If you’re a creative professional working with images, videos, or designs, you’ll probably appreciate the fidelity of colors, viewing angles, and resolution offered by IPS or AH-IPS panels. If you’re a gamer who wants optimal performance, you’ll probably prefer TN panels that have lower response times and input lag. If you’re a casual user who only uses the monitor for browsing, streaming, or office work, you probably don’t need expensive IPS or AH-IPS panels and can settle for cheaper TN panels.
- Your budget: How much are you willing to spend on your monitor? If you have a big enough budget, you may be able to buy a monitor with an AH-IPS panel that has all the features and quality you want. If you’re on a moderate budget, you may be able to find a monitor with an IPS panel that is still of good quality but may not have high resolution or brightness. If you have a low budget, you may have to settle for a monitor with a TN panel that is of lower quality but can still meet your basic needs.
- Your preferences: What do you like about your monitor? Do you care more about color, detail, or movement? Do you prefer a large, small, or medium screen? Do you prefer a flat, curved, or flexible screen? All of these questions can affect your choice between IPS and AH-IPS panels. You can try viewing monitors with IPS and AH-IPS panels directly in stores or online, and compare their images, quality, and features. You can also read reviews and testimonials from other users who have purchased monitors with IPS or AH-IPS panels, and see what they have to say about their experiences.
Conclusion
IPS and AH-IPS panels are two popular types of LCD panels in the market. Both have advantages in terms of viewing angle, color, and color precision, but also have disadvantages in terms of price, input lag, and backlight bleeding. The choice between IPS and AH-IPS panels depends on your goals, budget, and preferences. Hope this article can help you understand the difference between IPS and AH-IPS panels, and choose the best one for you. Thanks