The difference between VA and TN.

The world of LCD displays is dominated by two types of technology: VA (vertical alignment) and TN (twisted nematic). But what is the difference between them, and which is the best choice for your needs?

VA and TN LCDs have different ways of controlling the liquid crystal molecules that make up the display. VA LCDs have their molecules oriented perpendicular to the surface of the display when the screen is off, and an electric field is used to twist the molecules to align with the plane of the display when it is on. This allows for strong contrast and deep blacks, as light has to pass through multiple layers of the screen before reaching the viewer's eyes.

In contrast, TN LCDs have their molecules twisted at a 90-degree angle to the surface when the screen is off, and an electric field is used to further twist them in either direction to control the light passing through the display. While TN displays are less expensive and have fast response times, they also suffer from narrow viewing angles and poor contrast ratios.

One of the main advantages of VA LCDs is their ability to produce deep blacks, thanks to the way the liquid crystal molecules are oriented. This means that images and videos with dark backgrounds or scenes will have better contrast and depth on VA displays compared to TN displays. VA displays also have wider viewing angles, making it easier for multiple people to view the screen without color or contrast distortions.

On the other hand, TN displays have faster response times and refresh rates, which make them well-suited for activities that require frequent and rapid screen updates, such as gaming and video editing. TN displays also have a lower input lag, which means there is less of a delay between the image being displayed on the screen and the user's inputs. This is beneficial for gaming, where even small delays can have an impact on performance.

Another factor to consider is the overall color accuracy and gamut coverage of each type of display. While VA displays are generally better at producing deep blacks and high contrast ratios, TN displays can produce brighter and more vibrant colors. In general, TN displays are seen as better for tasks that require color accuracy and detail, such as photo editing and graphic design.

Finally, it's worth noting that there are variations within each type of display technology. For example, some VA displays use a technique called "quantum dot" technology to enhance their color accuracy and gamut coverage. Similarly, some TN displays have been developed with better color accuracy and viewing angles than typical TN displays.

Ultimately, the choice between VA and TN LCD displays comes down to the specific needs of the user. Those who prioritize contrast and wider viewing angles may prefer VA displays, while those who require faster response times and color accuracy may prefer TN displays. It's also worth considering any additional features or technologies that are important to your use case, such as support for HDR or FreeSync/G-Sync variable refresh rates.

As technology advances, we may see even more variations and improvements within each display technology. For now, VA and TN LCDs remain the dominant choices for consumers, and understanding their differences and trade-offs can help you make the best choice for your needs.