Difference Between TN and PVA Panels


PVA (Patterned Vertical Alignment) and TN (Twisted Nematic) are two kinds of LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) technologies used in the manufacture of computer monitors and televisions.

TN panels are less expensive and have faster response times, but they have limited viewing angles and color reproduction. PVA panels provide greater color accuracy and wider viewing angles but are slower and more expensive.

Read this article to find out more about TN and PVA panels and how they are different from each other.

What are TN Panels?

TN panels are less expensive to manufacture and have faster reaction times, which makes them ideal for gaming and other fast-paced activities that require quick image transitions. When observed from off-center angles, they suffer from color shifting and reduced contrast.

A TN panel contains liquid crystals sandwiched between two transparent electrodes, with polarizing filters on either side of the liquid crystals. When a voltage is applied to the liquid crystals, the polarization of the light travelling through them changes. The brightness and color of each pixel on the screen are determined by this polarization change.

In reaction to an electrical charge, TN panels twist the orientation of liquid crystals. The amount of light that passes through the panel is controlled by this twisting action, which decides the color and brightness of the image displayed on the screen.

One of the primary advantages of TN panels is their quick response time. Because of their simple and efficient design, TN panels can quickly switch between on and off states, reducing motion blur and ghosting in fast-moving images. As a result, they are popular among gamers and other users that require a responsive display.

However, there are a few disadvantages to using TN screens. One of the most significant is their restricted viewing perspective. The image quality on a TN screen can degrade significantly when viewed from off-center angles, with colors becoming distorted and contrast ratios decreasing.

In addition, TN panels have lower color accuracy and contrast ratios than other types of LCD panels. This means that images on TN panels may appear less bright or lifelike than on other types of screens. However, TN panels continue to be popular due to their low cost and fast response times, and developments in technology have resulted in slight improvements in color accuracy and viewing angles.

What are PVA Panels?

PVA panels have superior color reproduction and wider viewing angles, which make them ideal for graphic design, photography, and other tasks that require precise color representation. They are slower in response time and may experience ghosting. (trailing effect).

Liquid crystals are organised vertically between two glass plates in a PVA panel. This allows for a more complex pixel structure than TN panels, allowing for a greater spectrum of colors and shades to be displayed. A polarizing filter is also used in PVA panels to control the light flowing through the liquid crystals, and a patterned electrode is used to create a defined pixel structure.

One of the primary advantages of PVA panels is their high contrast ratio. This is due to the simple fact that PVA panels use a process known as optical compensation, which helps reduce light leakage between pixels. This allows for a deeper black level and a more pronounced difference between the darkest and brightest sections of an image.

PVA panels contain wider viewing angles than TN panels. This means that the screen's colors and contrast remain consistent when seen from different angles. As a result, PVA panels are more suited for use in situations where multiple individuals will be viewing the screen or when the viewer will be sitting at an angle to the screen.

However, PVA panels have some disadvantages. They have slower response times than TN panels in general, which can cause motion blur or ghosting in fast- moving images. PVA panels can also be more expensive to manufacture than TN panels, resulting in higher end-user costs.

Difference between TN and PVA Panels

The following table highlights the major differences between TN and PVA panels −

Characteristics

TN Panel

PVA Panel

Full Form

Twisted Nematic

Patterned Vertical Alignment

Viewing Angles

TN viewing angles are narrow.

PVN viewing angles are wide.

Contrast Ratio

Low

High

Response Time

Response time is fast.

Response time is slow.

Color Accuracy

Low

High

Manufacturing Cost

Cost is low

Cost is high

Bits

It uses 6 bits per color.

It uses 8 bits per color.

Usage

It is used in gaming and animation applications.

It is used in documentation.

Brightness

Low Brightness

Good Brightness

Conclusion

In conclusion, TN and PVA panels are two unique LCD display technologies used in computer monitors and televisions, each with different advantages and disadvantages. TN panels have faster reaction times and lower costs, but they have limited viewing angles and color reproduction. PVA panels have better color accuracy and wider viewing angles, but they are slower and more expensive.

The choice between TN and PVA is determined by the planned use and personal preferences of the user, whether it is for gaming, graphic design, photography, or other activities. Finally, it is important to consider these variables before selecting the best display technology for your needs.

Updated on: 17-Apr-2023

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