Displays using In-Plane Switching (IPS) technology are highly popular due to their excellent color accuracy and wide viewing angles. However, IPS displays also have some phenomena that may affect the user experience, one of which is IPS glow. This article will deeply explore various aspects of IPS glow, including its phenomenon characteristics, differences from other phenomena, the impact of brightness on it, steps to minimize glow, discrimination from backlight bleed, future technological innovations, and whether it will reduce over time.
What is IPS Glow: Understanding the Phenomenon
IPS glow is mainly manifested as a luminous effect around the corners of the screen, which is particularly obvious when viewing dark content in a low-light environment. This is caused by the characteristics of IPS technology, that is, excessive light passes through the panel. IPS technology uses liquid crystals arranged parallel to the glass layer. Although this design can achieve better color accuracy and a wider viewing angle, it can also easily lead to light scattering inside the display screen and thus generate glow. In general, IPS glow is an inherent characteristic of IPS technology. Although it may affect the visual experience to a certain extent, it is not a defect. When choosing an IPS display, you can understand its glow degree by checking product reviews and actual observation, so as to make a more appropriate purchase decision.
Step-by-Step Guide: Minimizing IPS Glow
For those who have just purchased a new IPS monitor or are looking to optimize their current setup, here's a step-by-step guide to minimizing IPS glow:
Initial setup
- Place your monitor in its intended location and ensure it's at eye level.
- Connect all necessary cables and power on the monitor.
- Allow the monitor to warm up for about 30 minutes before making any adjustments.
Ambient lighting preparation:
- Dim the lights in your room to simulate your typical viewing environment.
- If possible, add a soft light source behind the monitor to create bias lighting.
Image Credit: BenQ website
Display a test image:
- Find a completely black image online or use a video that includes dark scenes.
- Display this image or video in full-screen mode.
Image Credit: Shutterstock website
Adjust monitor settings:
- Reduce the monitor's brightness to around 30-50% of its maximum.
- Adjust the contrast setting to maintain image clarity without oversaturating bright areas.
- If available, set the color temperature to a warmer setting (around 6500K) as this can help reduce the harshness of the glow.
Image Credit: Super user website
Fine-tune viewing angle:
- Sit in your normal viewing position and observe the corners of the screen.
- Gently tilt the monitor up or down to find the angle where the glow is least noticeable.
- If possible, adjust the height of the monitor stand to align the center of the screen with your eye level.
Experiment with distance:
- Try moving your seating position slightly further back from the monitor.
- Find a distance that provides a comfortable view while minimizing the visibility of the glow.
Calibrate color settings:
- Use your monitor's built-in color calibration tool if available, or consider investing in a hardware calibrator for more precise results.
- Pay attention to the gamma settings during calibration, as this can impact the visibility of glow in dark scenes.
Test with real content:
- After making these adjustments, test your monitor with various types of content, including dark movies, games, and regular desktop use.
- Make note of any situations where the glow is still problematic and consider further fine-tuning.
Long-term maintenance:
- Periodically clean your monitor's screen to ensure dust or smudges aren't exacerbating the glow effect.
- Re-calibrate your monitor every few months to maintain optimal settings.
Remember, the goal is to find a balance between minimizing IPS glow and maintaining an enjoyable viewing experience. What works best can vary between individuals and specific monitor models, so don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations of these settings.
IPS Glow vs. Backlight Bleed: Clearing the Confusion
IPS glow and backlight bleed are two distinct issues that can affect LCD monitors, but they are often confused with each other. Understanding the differences between these phenomena can help you better diagnose and address display issues.
IPS Glow
Definition: A glowing effect visible around the corners of an IPS panel, particularly when viewing dark content at off-center angles.
Cause: Inherent to IPS technology due to the way light passes through the liquid crystal layer.
Characteristics: Changes intensity and visibility based on viewing angle; More pronounced in the corners of the screen; Can appear with a slight color tint (often silvery or yellowish); More noticeable on larger screens and in dark environments.
Image Credit: Reddit website
Backlight Bleed:
Definition: Uneven light leakage from the edges or corners of an LCD screen, visible even when looking straight at the display.
Cause: Manufacturing defects or poor quality control leading to gaps in the panel's edge sealing.
Characteristics: Consistent regardless of viewing angle; Usually more prominent along the edges of the screen; Appears as bright patches or clouding on dark backgrounds; Can vary significantly between individual units of the same model.
Image Credit: Displaybly website
Key Differences between IPS Glow and Backlight Bleed:
Viewing Angle Dependency:
- IPS Glow: Changes with viewing angle; may disappear when viewed head-on
- Backlight Bleed: Remains constant regardless of viewing angle
Location:
- IPS Glow: Primarily affects the corners of the display
- Backlight Bleed: Can occur anywhere along the edges or corners
Universality:
- IPS Glow: Present to some degree in all IPS panels
- Backlight Bleed: Not inherent to any panel type; a manufacturing issue
Panel Type:
- IPS Glow: Specific to IPS and similar technologies (e.g., PLS, AHVA)
- Backlight Bleed: Can occur in any LCD panel type (IPS, VA, TN)
Strategies to address both issues simultaneously
Adjust monitor settings: Reduce brightness to minimize both IPS glow and backlight bleed visibility. Fine-tune contrast and black levels to improve overall image quality
Optimize viewing environment: Implement bias lighting behind the monitor to reduce the perceived intensity of both issues. Ensure proper room lighting to minimize the contrast between the screen and surroundings
Monitor positioning: Adjust the monitor's height and tilt to find an optimal viewing angle that minimizes both IPS glow and visible backlight bleed
Quality control: When purchasing a new monitor, thoroughly inspect it for backlight bleed during the return period; Consider models known for better quality control and reduced IPS glow
Professional calibration: Use calibration tools to optimize color accuracy and contrast, which can help mitigate the perceived effects of both issues
Panel lottery: Be aware that some degree of variation exists between individual units. If backlight bleed is severe, consider exchanging the monitor for another unit of the same model
Time and usage: While IPS glow remains relatively constant, some users report that backlight bleed can sometimes improve slightly over time as the panel "settles"
By understanding the differences between IPS glow and backlight bleed, you can better assess your monitor's performance and take appropriate steps to improve your viewing experience. Remember that while IPS glow is an inherent characteristic that can be minimized, severe backlight bleed may warrant a replacement if it significantly impacts your use of the monitor.
The Role of Brightness in IPS Glow
Brightness plays a crucial role in the visibility of IPS glow. Understanding how brightness affects IPS glow can help you make informed decisions about your monitor settings and usage habits.
When a monitor's brightness is set too high, especially in dark environments, it exacerbates the appearance of IPS glow. This is because the increased light output from the panel makes the light leakage more pronounced, particularly in the corners where IPS glow is most noticeable.
How modifying brightness affects IPS glow visibility
High brightness settings:
- In dark rooms, high brightness (80-100%) significantly increases the visibility of IPS glow.
- The contrast between the bright screen and dark surroundings makes the glow more apparent.
- Can lead to eye strain and reduced image quality, especially in dark scenes.
Moderate brightness settings:
- A brightness level around 50-70% can provide a good balance in most environments.
- Reduces the intensity of IPS glow while maintaining good image clarity.
- Suitable for general use in moderately lit rooms.
Low brightness settings:
- In dark environments, lowering brightness to 30-50% can significantly reduce IPS glow.
- Improves the perceived contrast in dark scenes.
- May require some adjustment time for your eyes but is often more comfortable for extended use.
Optimal brightness levels for different environments
Dark rooms (evening or night use): 80-120 nits (typically 20-40% of maximum brightness) Lower brightness reduces eye strain and minimizes IPS glow visibility.
Dimly lit rooms: 120-180 nits (typically 40-60% of maximum brightness). Balances visibility with reduced glow and eye comfort.
Well-lit rooms or daylight conditions: 180-250 nits (typically 60-80% of maximum brightness). Higher brightness to compete with ambient light, making content more visible.
It's important to note that these are general guidelines, and the optimal brightness can vary based on individual preferences, specific monitor models, and the exact lighting conditions of your environment. Some high-end monitors can reach much higher brightness levels (400 nits or more), so the percentage values may need to be adjusted accordingly.
How to find your ideal brightness setting
Start with a lower brightness setting and gradually increase it until you reach a comfortable level for your eyes. Use real-world content to test, including both bright and dark scenes. Pay attention to how the IPS glow appears at different brightness levels and find a balance that minimizes glow while maintaining satisfactory image quality. Remember, our eyes adapt to different light levels over time. When you first lower your monitor's brightness, it may seem too dim, but give yourself some time to adjust before making a final decision.
The Future of IPS Technology: Innovations and Improvements
The future of IPS technology: Innovation and improvement In the continuous development of the display industry, manufacturers and researchers are making every effort to improve IPS technology to address limitations such as IPS glow. Among them, the Nano IPS technology launched by LG in 2018 has achieved remarkable results in reducing IPS glow, improving color accuracy and response time. It supports a wider color gamut and higher contrast ratio, and is committed to minimizing glow during content display. Advanced High-Performance IPS (AH-IPS) has more advantages in color accuracy, viewing angle and response time compared to traditional IPS panels. Although not specifically aimed at the glow problem, the improvement of overall panel quality helps to reduce the glow effect. The A-TW polarizer adopted by NEC in some models is said to be able to effectively reduce IPS glow, but this technology has not been widely used in the entire industry. Samsung's quantum dot IPS technology combines the advantages of quantum dot color enhancement with the IPS panel structure to reduce glow and enhance color vividness. The use of silicon carbide in semiconductor manufacturing can improve the efficiency and performance of IPS panels and is expected to reduce glow. Emerging AI-enhanced display technologies such as "SmartGlow" use AI algorithms to adjust the display brightness according to ambient light and user behavior to reduce perceptible IPS glow. In addition, patented technologies such as multilayer polarizers and nanostructured layers, advances in local dimming, and hybrid technologies are all working hard to reduce IPS glow. Judging from market trends, the IPS display market is expected to grow from 65.03 billion U.S. dollars in 2023 to 120.56 billion U.S. dollars in 2032. The United States' emphasis on domestic semiconductor production is expected to enhance the manufacturing capacity of IPS displays. Graphics-intensive applications have driven the demand for IPS technology. Consumers are also more inclined to choose brands famous for IPS technology progress and can reduce glare and improve overall performance. Although IPS glow is still an inherent characteristic of this technology, various progress indicates that its influence will be greatly reduced in the future. We can expect to see IPS displays with better performance, less glow and better viewing experience in the next few years.
Edge Question: Can IPS Glow Reduce Over Time?
The question of whether IPS glow can reduce over time has been a topic of much discussion among monitor enthusiasts and users. To address this, we need to consider both scientific evidence and user experiences.
Scientific Perspective:
From a technical standpoint, IPS glow is an inherent characteristic of IPS panel technology, resulting from the way light passes through the liquid crystal layer. The physical structure of the panel that causes this phenomenon does not typically change over time under normal usage conditions. Therefore, from a purely scientific viewpoint, there is no mechanism by which IPS glow would naturally reduce with use.
Expert Opinions:
Monitor technology specialists and industry experts generally concur that IPS glow is a persistent feature of IPS displays. Their consensus is that while the severity of glow can vary between different models and individual units, it is not a characteristic that changes significantly over time.
User Experiences:
Despite the scientific consensus, user reports on this matter are mixed:
Consistent Glow: The majority of users report that IPS glow remains relatively constant throughout the lifespan of their monitors. Many assert that once visible, the glow generally maintains its intensity.
Perceived Reduction: Some users claim to notice a reduction in glow over time.
No Change: A significant number of users report no noticeable change in IPS glow over extended periods of use.
Community Discussions:
In online forums and communities, the topic of IPS glow reduction over time is frequently debated. While some users share anecdotal experiences of reduced glow, these claims are often met with skepticism from more technically inclined members who emphasize the physical nature of IPS glow.
Manufacturer Statements:
Monitor manufacturers generally do not claim that IPS glow will reduce over time. Their focus is typically on implementing technologies to minimize glow from the outset rather than suggesting it will improve with use.
Long-term Studies:
There is a lack of comprehensive, long-term studies specifically focused on the evolution of IPS glow over extended periods. This gap in research makes it difficult to draw definitive conclusions based on empirical data.
While some users report a perceived reduction in IPS glow over time, there is no substantial scientific evidence to support the idea that IPS glow inherently diminishes with extended use. The consensus among experts and the majority of users is that IPS glow remains relatively constant throughout a monitor's lifespan.
For those concerned about IPS glow, the most effective approach is to focus on initial selection (choosing models known for minimal glow), optimal setup (adjusting brightness, viewing angle, and ambient lighting), and maintaining realistic expectations about the technology's characteristics.
Conclusion: Embracing IPS Monitors with Reduced Glow
IPS (In-Plane Switching) technology has revolutionized the display industry, offering superior color accuracy, wide viewing angles, and excellent image quality. Despite these advantages, IPS glow remains a persistent concern for many users. However, with a proper understanding of the phenomenon and the implementation of effective strategies, it's possible to significantly reduce its impact and fully enjoy the benefits of IPS monitors. If you find this article about ips glow helpful or have any good suggestions, please leave a message. And you also can share this article to your friends or on social media that they may interested in ips glow.
FAQs
What exactly causes IPS glow in monitors?
IPS glow is primarily caused by the fundamental design of In-Plane Switching (IPS) panel technology. In IPS displays, the liquid crystals are aligned parallel to the glass substrate, which allows for excellent color reproduction and wide viewing angles. However, this alignment also means that when viewed from certain angles, especially in dark environments, excess light can pass through the panel, creating a glowing effect around the edges and corners of the screen.
Is IPS glow considered a defect, and should I return my monitor if I notice it?
IPS glow is not considered a defect but rather an inherent characteristic of IPS panel technology. It's a trade-off for the benefits that IPS monitors provide, such as superior color accuracy and wide viewing angles. Therefore, the presence of IPS glow alone is typically not grounds for returning a monitor.
However, the severity of IPS glow can vary significantly between different models and even between individual units of the same model. If you find that the glow is exceptionally severe and significantly impacts your viewing experience, especially when compared to other units of the same model, it might be worth discussing with the retailer or manufacturer.
When evaluating whether the IPS glow on your monitor is excessive:
- Test the monitor in various lighting conditions, especially those that match your typical usage environment.
- View different types of content, particularly dark scenes in movies or games.
- Compare your experience with user reviews and professional evaluations of the same model.
- Consider if the glow is noticeably worse than what you've seen on other IPS displays.
If after these considerations you find that the glow is substantially worse than expected or advertised, or if it's severe enough to hinder your intended use of the monitor, then it may be reasonable to seek a replacement or consider a different model. However, it's important to have realistic expectations – some degree of IPS glow will be present in all IPS monitors.
Are there any health concerns associated with long-term exposure to IPS glow?
While IPS glow itself doesn't pose direct health risks, prolonged exposure to screens with noticeable glow can contribute to eye strain and related discomfort. Here's a detailed look at the potential indirect health concerns and how to mitigate them:
Potential Indirect Health Concerns:
Eye Strain:
Prolonged viewing of screens with uneven brightness (such as that caused by IPS glow) can lead to eye fatigue.
Symptoms may include dry eyes, blurred vision, and headaches.
Disrupted Sleep Patterns:
Exposure to bright screens, especially those with blue light emission, can interfere"
