What is an IPS display and why it matters in TVs and monitors

An IPS display, short for In-Plane Switching, is a type of LCD panel technology that’s known for great colour accuracy and wide viewing angles. It works by making the liquid crystals inside the panel rotate in a way that lets more light through and keeps colours from shifting when viewed from the side.

That means the picture looks sharp and the colours stay consistent, even if you’re not sitting directly in front of the screen. This design makes IPS panels perfect for televisions, computer monitors, smartphones, and professional displays, especially in situations where colour accuracy and side-angle visibility matter, such as content creation, gaming, and shared viewing. Here is what an IPS display is and why it matters in TVs and monitors.

What is an IPS display?

As mentioned before, an IPS display, also known as In Plane Switching, is a type of LCD screen that gives you better colour accuracy and more consistent picture quality from different angles. It is a clear improvement over older panel types such as TN, which stands for Twisted Nematic, or VA, which stands for Vertical Alignment, that can look washed out or off colour if you are not sitting directly in front of the screen. 

ALSO READ: Best TV settings for different types of content

What makes IPS different is how it arranges and moves the liquid crystals inside the screen. Instead of tilting, the crystals rotate side to side while staying in the same plane as the display surface.

This movement allows light to pass through more evenly, which helps keep the image bright, sharp, and accurate no matter where you are sitting. That is why IPS panels are a popular choice for televisions, monitors, and smartphones, especially if you care about colour quality or often watch content with others.

Why does IPS display matter in TVs and monitors?

IPS displays are known for giving you consistently good picture quality, no matter where you’re sitting. On a television, that means colours stay accurate and the image stays clear, even if you are watching from the side. On a monitor, especially for creative work like photo editing, graphic design, or video production, IPS panels are great because they show accurate colours and even brightness across the whole screen. 

ALSO READ: What is an HD-ready TV, and is it still worth it?

People who work with visuals prefer IPS panels because they can handle subtle colour changes and keep everything looking natural, even if you are not sitting directly in front of the screen. TN displays often shift colours, and VA panels can have uneven brightness, but IPS offers a good balance between clarity, colour accuracy, and wide-angle viewing.