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I read there are different matrix type, such as:

  • TN
  • TN,P-MVA
  • PVA
  • S-PVA
  • S-IPS
  • S-IPS
  • AS-IPS
  • A-TW-IPS

Where in the specs would this be?

How can I find out if a monitor is TN or S-IPS etc?

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Start by telling us what monitor is it ? Also, usually price will tell you this pretty clearly. There are images out there where with a TN type monitor at certain viewing angle you will see a different images, whereas, with IPS you will see only the original image. Anyone have a link to one of these I cannot remember where I saw one of these at? –  Chris Sep 6 '10 at 14:47

2 Answers 2

up vote 3 down vote accepted

Easiest way - Look for a sticker on the back.

Slightly harder - Look for the original manual or the box, may say.

Harder again - Google the model number and look at the specifications on the website.

Hardest - Email the manufacturer and ask them.

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+1 Hehehe :)))) –  Rook Sep 6 '10 at 17:56
I can't tell you how many times I've had to call the manufacturer about displays I was interested in that had no panel type identification. So ridiculous! This is possibly the most important part of the display and it's hardly ever listed in the product description! –  pattern86 Sep 6 '10 at 18:18

If you have the monitor in front of you, you can try to guess from its visual characteristics. Here are a few resources with visual information about various panel types: Wikipedia, PC Hardware Help TFT Central, AnandTech. You can also search the on-screen display, but the information is rarely present (sometimes it's present in a “hidden” menu that requires pressing several buttons together or for several seconds).

If you have a model number and want to know its panel type, you can check the monitor's documentation, but they don't always specify the panel type. You can search for technical reviews on the web. TFT Central has the information for a lot of models. HardForum has a list of S-IPS-equipped monitors, but it hasn't been updated in a while. Beware that some vendors change panel types without changing the model name (computer OEMs more so than monitor manufacturers).

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