Glossary A–ZLetter I
IPS panel
An IPS panel is a type of LCD screen in which the liquid crystals rotate parallel to the image surface.
The abbreviation stands for “in-plane switching”. This arrangement ensures that colours and brightness remain largely the same even when viewed from the side.
Because of the wide viewing angles, IPS panels are widespread in digital signage: on wall-mounted screens in corridors, on totems viewed from several sides and on touchscreens that people look at from above at an angle. They are also often chosen for video walls and portrait screens. Their colour reproduction is regarded as even and stable.
Contrast on IPS panels is generally lower than on VA panels. In dark rooms, black therefore looks more like dark grey, and a bright glow can become visible in the corners with dark images. In bright environments such as shops or offices this hardly matters. Operators should choose the panel type according to the installation and viewing direction and not rely solely on contrast figures in the data sheet.