What Are the Different Types of LCD Displays?

06 May.,2024

 

What Are the Different Types of LCD Displays?

The full form of LCD is Liquid Crystal Display. With diverse commercial and industrial screen manufacturing throughout the years, LCD technology has increased to an immense level. Flat panels containing liquid crystals that have the ability to modulate light are used to build LCDs. To generate light and create either monochromatic or colored images, these liquid crystals utilize a backlight or reflector. All displays, including flat-screen TVs, computers, and smartphones, are built with LCDs. All the information businesses need about the various types of liquid crystal displays available is provided in the following sections of this blog.

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Introduction To LCD Display

The word itself serves as a definition for a liquid crystal display or LCD. The solid and the liquid phases of matter are combined in it. A liquid crystal creates a viewable image on an LCD. Liquid crystal displays are ultra-thin technology display panels typically utilized in mobile video games, TVs, laptops, and computers.

In addition to electrodes and two polarized panel filters, the liquid crystal display comprises many layers. A laptop or other electronic device, such as a tiny computer, may display images thanks to LCD technology. A liquid crystal layer receives light projections from a lens. The grayscale image of the crystal is combined with colored light to create the colored image. Following that, the screen shows this image. LCD displays are used for various applications nowadays. Businesses use it for promoting or displaying their products to consumers as sight plays the most important role in attracting consumers. Companies now partner with electronic shelf label manufacturers to enhance the appearance of their retail stores.

Types Of LCD Display

To best suit their particular use cases, different types of LCDs have been produced. The following factors should be taken into account when deciding which type of LCD display is ideal for a project:

Classified By Signal

The types of LCD screens based on the signals are mentioned below. These are the main types of LCD panels.

  • IPS LCD

Because of their improved image quality, wider viewing angles, vivid color precision, and distinctiveness, IPS displays are recognized as the best LCDs. Most LCD users are graphic designers, and in some circumstances, LCDs demand the highest requirements for color and image reproduction. IPS displays are the most common type of LCD panels that are used for various products.

  • Twisted Nematic (TN) LCD

The most common way to produce TN (Twisted Nematic) LCDs and use various types of displays throughout industries. Due to their low price and quick response time compared to other types of LCD displays, these screens are most frequently utilized by gamers. These displays’ primary drawbacks include poor quality, inadequate contrast ratios, limited viewing angles, and inaccurate color reproduction. But for regular tasks, these gadgets are adequate. Both quick response times and quick refresh rates are possible with these panels. Thus, the only game displays with 240 hertz are those listed above (Hz). Because of the inaccurate twist device, although being otherwise exact, these screens exhibit poor contrast and color. These displays are commonly seen in creative store displays.

  • Vertical Alignment (VA) LCD

Compared to TN-type LCD screens, these panels have greater quality features and the best viewing angles and color reproduction. The response time of these panels is quick. However, these are significantly more useful and can be utilized daily. Compared to the twisted nematic display, this panel has better colors and deeper blacks. Additionally, in contrast to TN-type displays, different crystal orientations can provide better viewing angles. Due to their higher price compared to other displays, these displays come with a trade-off. Additionally, they have low refresh rates & slow response times.

Other Types of LCD Display

Digital LCD screens attract attention right away. They draw in and hold viewers’ attention with their vibrant colors, moving pictures, and catchy soundtracks, allowing them to communicate the information effectively. The type of business and its creativity are the only constraints on what the screen can depict. Smart shelving using LCDs has been a great asset to modern businesses.

Apart from the three main types of LCD screens, these are the other types of LCDs

  • Thin-Film-Transistor (TFT) LCD

Thin-film transistor, sometimes known as TFT, is a type of liquid crystal display (LCD). TFTs fall under the active-matrix LCDs, meaning they can concurrently address and hold some pixels on a screen while consuming very little energy. This is so that TFTs, made up of transistors and capacitors, can function and produce the best outcomes while using the least amount of energy feasible. The following capabilities are available with TFT display technology, some of which are designed to improve overall user experience.

  • Plane Line Switching (PLS)

This technology, also known as a “Super PLS Panel,” features cutting-edge technological breakthroughs such as a wide range of brightness setting options, crisp image quality, and customizable viewing angles without breaking the bank. Since they have been on the market for more than ten years, PLS panels for LCD monitors have established themselves as a credible rival to their IPS forebears. Although the technology is largely the same, IPS does provide a few modest upgrades. The primary distinction between the two is that IPS panels provide more optimal liquid molecule alignment, which results in a marginally superior viewing experience. Manufacturers like Zhsunyco ESL tag use different types of LCD panels to create product display solutions for brands and stores.

  • High Twisted Nematic (HTN)

The contrast and viewing angle of an HTN (high twisted nematic) display are comparable to those of an STN display. Low operating voltages can be employed with the HTN fluid, which is a little more expensive than TN fluid. It is, therefore, a well-liked technology for portable applications. High contrast, low power consumption, and low driving voltage are all characteristics of this type of LCD screen; however, the viewing angle is greater than that of the TN type of LCD display.

  • Super Twisted Nematic (STN)

A liquid crystal display (LCD) device known as an STN display uses passive-matrix monochrome pixels as its defining feature. STN displays come with a number of advantages while often costing more than traditional TN panels. They provide more contrast to start. The distinction between a display’s light and dark hues is referred to as contrast. The contrast is better with STN screens because the contrast between light and dark colors is bigger.

Additionally, STN displays use less energy than conventional TN panels. While in use, all display devices use electricity. Energy is a necessity for running any display device, including STN displays. However, compared to other types of LCD display devices, STN screens utilize less energy. STN displays are widely used in-store product displays such as shelf edge displays.

  • Film Super Twisted Nematic (FSTN)

A subset of STN (Super-Twisted Nematic) LCDs are FSTN (Film Compensated Super-Twisted Nematic) LCDs. The STN display is covered by a retardation film in FSTN LCDs. To create a black-and-white display, which is required to create color displays, the retardation film is employed to counteract the inherent yellow-green tint of STN LCD panels. It is a monochrome LCD display, like TN displays; however, it has a greater contrast and broader viewing angle. Wider viewing angles and increased contrast are features of FSTN displays.

  • Advanced Fringe Field Switching (AFFS)

When put in comparison with IPS displays, AFFS LCDs surpass expectations by giving the best performance. It also gives a wide spectrum of color reproduction. AFFS is sober and decent since it may lessen color distortion without giving up on the wide viewing angle. This display is typically utilized in extremely sophisticated and formal settings, such as in functional airplane cockpits.

  • Passive and Active-Matrix Display

The Passive and active-matrix type LCDs utilize a straightforward grid to enable charge to be delivered to a particular LCD pixel. A clear conductive substance like indium-tin-oxide is used to create columns in one glass layer and rows in the other. Major flaws in the passive-matrix method include a response time that is slow and imprecise voltage control. The ability of the display to update the currently shown image is mostly indicated by the display’s reaction time.

How to Choose the Right LCD Display Type for Your Application

There are numerous uses for an LCD display in business environments. More than that, various items that are utilized in phones, electronics, and other things are made using LCDs. A company can be unsure which LCD display type is best for their requirements, given the different types of LCD panels available.

  • Functionality

A company should spend some time investigating the many display options and functions before making a purchase. Compare those features to the fundamental technical requirements of commercial applications. In other words, a business should think about the purpose of why it is buying the display in the first place.

  • Cost

A company may believe that purchasing on the gray market is a terrific way to save money, but they frequently overlook the real cost of ownership. In addition to providing total assurance regarding the quality and support provided, purchasing the industrial display from a reputed and authorized LCD screen manufacturer can ensure that the best business pricing is being realized.

  • Image Quality

From one type of LCD display to the next, the image quality of these items can differ dramatically. For instance, the visuals on the color TFT LCD modules are of photographic quality. These screens can be found in various touchscreen-equipped appliances, smartphones, televisions, and other devices. But other LCDs, which can be used for testing devices, some office computers, and more, typically have substantially worse image quality. Contrarily, mono graphic LCDs may display both still images and moving pictures and offer an interface that is either grayscale or monochrome.

  • Consumption Of Power

For an image or video to be displayed, this amount of electricity is needed. It will affect how long the battery lasts between charges, making it a crucial factor to consider for portable devices.

  • Size

The placement of the LCD should define the screen size. For maximum advertising effectiveness, ensure the LCD display is mounted in a visible location unhindered by any physical barriers. When selecting the size, take into account the audience’s viewing distance. LCD advertising monitors for outdoor use should be far larger than those utilized for office or interior applications.

Conclusion

The invention of LCD screens has facilitated corporate promotion and advertising due to the ongoing advancement of technology. Businesses can now showcase user-generated material and demonstrate their products visually to draw in more customers.

Although users can do it themselves with an image or video editing application, LCD display manufacturers can offer specialized software to make the usage seamless and more expert. The LCD panel can be modified as a touch screen, enabling users to tailor the display to the areas they are most interested in. This will address the majority of their inquiries regarding your goods and services. Contact Zhsunyco® to get the best custom LCD screens and other digital displays equipments.

Monitor buying guide: How to choose your next display

First, the good news: Most modern PC monitors are rather decent. Their minimum brightness, contrast, and color accuracy have improved significantly over the past decade. It’s a great time to upgrade even if you stick to budget monitors.

If you want a quick, easy recommendation: Go for a 24-inch monitor with 1080p resolution or a 27-inch monitor with 1440p resolution. An IPS panel is preferable, though VA is also good. Gamers can spend a little more to snag either option with a 144Hz refresh rate, which offers a smoother and more responsive experience. For more concrete recommendations, be sure to check out our roundups of the best monitors overall, the best gaming monitors, and the best 4K monitors. We also have more specialized guides to the best USB-C monitors, the best monitors for graphic design, and the best monitors for programing. Our picks are the result of hundreds of hours spent testing the latest monitors from Acer, Asus, BenQ, Dell, LG, Samsung, and other major brands.

Not sure that’s right for you, or want to know more about the tech? Here’s the lay of the land.

Monitor types: TN, IPS, VA, and OLED panels

An eco-friendly monitor on a budget

Acer Vero BR277

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Price When Reviewed:

249

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The technology behind monitors is complex but well understood. There’s just a handful of major “monitor types” available, each defined by the LCD panel technology used. Nearly all monitors available today fall into these groups.

Monitor manufacturers will list panel type in a monitor’s specifications, but you may have to dig a bit to find it. Take the extra time to find out. Panel type can tell you a lot about a monitor.

In-Plane Switching (IPS)

IPS rules the world of computer monitors. A typical IPS monitor is bright and crisp, with good sharpness and great viewing angles. Color performance ranges from acceptable to truly spectacular. Modern IPS monitors can support fast pixel response times and high refresh rates, which is good news for gamers.

IPS monitors have disappointing contrast and black levels, however, which can make them appear hazy when viewing dark images. This is most noticeable in a dark room.

Vertical Alignment (VA)

Increasingly popular, VA monitors are as bright and colorful as their IPS counterparts and have a better contrast ratio and darker black levels, which improves overall image quality. VA monitors designed for gaming can offer excellent motion clarity, and Samsung’s best VA panel monitors are particularly crisp.

Viewing angles are more limited, however, so the VA monitor image quality can degrade if not viewed straight-on. IPS monitors also have better motion clarity at most price points.

the best budget monitor for graphic design

NZXT Canvas 27Q

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Price When Reviewed:

$319.99

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Twisted Nematic (TN) technology

TN panels are known for being inexpensive to make. They also have very quick pixel response times, which improves motion clarity.

Unfortunately, TN has limitations in contrast and color performance that make it unattractive, so I can only recommend TN to extremely hardcore gamers. BenQ’s Zowie line is a good choice for those on the “path to pro.”

Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED)

OLED isn’t based on LCD technology at all. It instead uses organic pixel elements that emit their own light (a trait often referred to as “self emissive”). OLED is the king of contrast and black levels, since an OLED pixel that’s turned off emits no light at all. OLED generally beats other panel types in color performance and also has best-in-class motion clarity. Viewing angles are great, too.

OLED panels aren’t as bright as the competition at the top end, and OLED can suffer permanent image retention over time (though this takes many thousands of hours). The technology is also very expensive in PC monitors.

So…what’s the best monitor type?

OLED wins out on image quality, but high pricing and limited availability mean I can’t recommend it for everyone. It’s too expensive and too hard to find.

That leaves IPS with the crown for most people, though a VA panel monitor could be a better choice if you don’t view from an angle and want improved image quality in movies and TV shows.

A note about Mini-LED

Matt Smith/IDG

Matt Smith/IDG

Matt Smith/IDG

A handful of monitors are now available with Mini-LED technology. This is a backlight technology, not a panel technology, but still important.

Mini-LED uses an array of independent LED lighting zones behind the display panel to precisely control the backlight. In my testing, a Mini-LED monitor can offer a 300 to 600 percent improvement in contrast when compared to similar monitors that lack Mini-LED. It’s extremely noticeable.

You’ll find Mini-LED available with both IPS and VA monitor types. The traits of each panel type still otherwise apply. OLED is not used with Mini-LED because the panel creates its own light, making a backlight unnecessary.

Mini-LED has a few flaws. The backlight zones can cause bright halos to appear around objects, an issue known as blooming. It’s most noticeable in a dark room. It’s also expensive to make, so you’ll only find Mini-LED in premium monitors.

The number of Mini-LED lighting zones matters. A basic Mini-LED monitor like the Sony InZone offers 96, while the extravagant and awesome Asus ROG Swift PG32UQX has 1,152. More zones means better overall contrast and less blooming.

Monitor size: Pick what feels comfortable to you

A 4K HDR display with a smart TV built-in

Samsung M8 Smart Monitor

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Price When Reviewed:

$729.99

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Most monitors consist of a 24-inch, 27-inch, or 32-inch widescreen panel. It’s easy to assume bigger is better, but it’s also important how a display fits within a person’s field of view. This means all parts of the display are visible without eye strain or head movement.

Still, monitor size is very much a matter of personal preference. I tend to like smaller displays that don’t take up too much desk space and can be used easily in a multi-monitor setup. Others may like one big display that takes up the entire desk.

Monitor resolution: 1080p is common, but 4K is obtainable

Most budget monitors have a native resolution of 1080p (1920×1080). This is okay for 24-inch monitors, but the lack of sharpness becomes obvious on larger displays.

27-inch and 32-inch models are better at 1440p (2560×1440) resolution. Most people will notice the increase in sharpness even when browsing the web. It’s a great resolution for gaming as well, though PlayStation fans be warned: the PS4 and PS5 don’t support this resolution.

4K (3840×2160) is ideal for larger monitors. It’s also a great upgrade for 27-inch and 32-inch monitors. The added sharpness isn’t a must-have, but it’s noticeable, especially if you like to use a small font size on your monitor. Games and 4K movies will look razor-sharp.

Pricing is a consideration. Lower resolutions mean lower pricing, which is why 1080p remains so popular. The gap has narrowed in recent years, however, with 4K monitors now starting just below $300.

What about ultrawide monitors?

Quantum dot OLED renders rival monitors obsolete

Alienware AW3423DW

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Price When Reviewed:

$1,299.99

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Ultrawide monitors, which have a 21:9 aspect ratio, are widely available. A 34-inch ultrawide is about as tall as a 27-inch widescreen but seven inches wider. This works out to a 25 percent larger display overall.

This is excellent for people who want more display space but don’t want the hassle of a multi-monitor setup. Ultrawides are awesome for games and movies, too, providing an immersive experience. You’ll pay more for an ultrawide, with quality models starting around $400.

Intrigued? Our guide to ultrawide monitors lists all the perks.

Monitor refresh rate: To 144Hz, and beyond!

Top-tier gaming on a 1080p monitor

Acer Nitro XV272

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Price When Reviewed:

$399.99

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A monitor’s refresh rate is the number of times it can update the display’s image each second. Most monitors have a 60Hz refresh rate, but some have a 144Hz, 240Hz, or 360Hz refresh rate, with 500Hz models on the way.

Higher refresh rates look smoother when images are in motion. It also lowers input lag because a new image appears on the display more frequently. The benefits improve as refresh rates go up, though the differences may become more difficult to notice.

Those who don’t care about gaming can safely stick to 60Hz, while most gamers will appreciate the upgrade to 144Hz. Refresh rates beyond that are smoother but an optional luxury rather than a must-have.

Adaptive sync: Common and useful

Adaptive Sync can synchronize a PC’s video output with the refresh rate of a display. This offers perfect frame pacing with no hitches, hesitations, or screen tearing (so long as the PC’s hardware is up to the task at hand, at least). Adaptive Sync is a must-have feature for PC gamers, but it’s common even on budget monitors meant for productivity and office work.

AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync are common standards. They’re designed to work with each company’s respective video cards, so it’s important to pay attention to which standards a monitor supports. There’s also a third-party standard called VESA AdaptiveSync. AMD, Intel, and Nvidia all support VESA AdaptiveSync in their latest graphics solutions, though functionality may be more limited than using the company’s in-house standard.

Though mostly for gaming, Adaptive Sync is common and has no real price premium attached to it. It’s an easy feature to recommend.

Monitor ergonomics: Adjustable stands rule

Monitors ship with a variety of stands ranging from fixed plastic bases with no adjustment to complex monitor arms that can hold a monitor at almost any angle and orientation.

I recommend a stand that at least adjusts for height and tilt. This will let you find a comfortable viewing angle. If the monitor is a second display, look for swivel (which adjusts the angle horizontally) and pivot (which can rotate the monitor 90 degrees). 

Look for monitors that have a 100x100mm VESA mount. This will let you add a third-party monitor stand or arm later. Most monitors sold today have this—but some budget models don’t.

Monitor HDR: It’s (usually) a trap

A big, brilliant monitor that’s held back by HDR

Dell G3223D

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Price When Reviewed:

479.99

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Many monitors advertise support for High Dynamic Range (HDR) content. HDR can support a wider range of luminance and color than what’s now called SDR. Generally speaking, HDR content on a great HDR display can look far more vivid and lifelike.

The key is a “great HDR display,” and…most monitors aren’t that. HDR support merely means a monitor can accept and display an HDR signal. It promises nothing about the quality of the experience which, in most cases, is not good.

If you do want great HDR, look for a monitor with OLED or Mini-LED technology. These can deliver the range of contrast and color performance needed to make HDR truly stand out. Both are expensive, putting quality HDR out of reach for most people.

Already have an HDR monitor, or plan to buy one? Our guide to HDR on Windows will help you get started.

Monitor features: Speakers are nice, but look for USB-C

A winning debut for an IPS Black monitor (with usb-C)

Dell U3223QE

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Price When Reviewed:

$1,149.99

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Most monitors don’t offer many added features that stand out from competitors. Some have speakers. Many don’t. A few models offer a remote control. Still, most monitors are similar.

USB-C is the one key exception. A monitor with USB-C can charge a connected device, such as a laptop, or be used to extend connectivity like a USB-C hub. I’ve detailed the many perks of USB-C in another guide.

Monitor shopping tips: Pricing matters

A monitor’s price is by far the most important single factor when shopping for a monitor.

Perhaps this seems obvious, but it’s more true of monitors than most consumer tech. Monitor pricing sees huge swings based on availability and sales events.

LG’s 27GL850-B is a great example. The Amazon.com price of this monitor swung between a high of $496.99 and a low of $299.99 in just three months between April 1, 2022 and June 30, 2022.

This pattern plays out across the entire monitor market, so it’s important to compare sales before buying. Shopping at one retailer could mean overpaying by hundreds.

How to buy a monitor: A recap

An affordable monitor for every occasion

Acer K242HYL

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Price When Reviewed:

$149

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I’ve tried to keep this monitor buying guide direct and to the point, but I’ll admit it can still be a lot to take in. Here’s a summary of what most people should look for.

  • Monitor type: IPS is the market leader, though VA is also good. OLED is spectacular but expensive. Avoid TN.
  • Monitor size: A 27-inch monitor is the go-to choice. Go bigger if you prefer.
  • Monitor resolution: 1440p is recommended, 4K is a nice upgrade.
  • Monitor refresh rate: 60Hz is fine for productivity, but 144Hz is awesome in games.
  • Monitor adaptive sync: It’s a must-have for gamers.
  • Monitor stand: Look for height and tilt adjustment, plus VESA mount support.
  • Monitor HDR: Only essential in Mini-LED and OLED monitors.
  • Monitor features: Look for USB-C if you want to use the monitor as a USB-C hub.

Ready to go even deeper? Once again, be sure to check out our roundups of the best monitors overall, the best gaming monitors, and the best 4K monitors. Our picks are the result of hundreds of hours spent testing the latest monitors from Acer, Asus, BenQ, Dell, LG, Samsung, and other major brands.

For more information, please visit lcd manufacturer.