Why is the Fast-TN panel best for Esports?
There are various LCD display technologies on the market, each with its advantages and disadvantages — there is no perfect solution for every situation. When a player is engaged in a fast-paced FPS game, fast response is often the key to winning or losing. A key consideration in ZOWIE’s Esports monitor development process is the selection of the panel technology that produces fast response time and minimal ghosting and provides the best dynamic clarity, giving players the best gaming experience in the battle arena. And even a 1% difference in battle performance can determine the outcome of a fight.
Panel technologies come with their own set of pros and cons
The differences amongst LCD technologies mainly stem from differences in liquid crystal materials and structures. Common LCD panel technologies are divided into TN (Twisted Nematic), IPS (In-Plane-Switching), and VA (Vertical Alignment).
TN, IPS, and VA panel technologies come with their own set of pros and cons
Note: This is a simplified schematic diagram of the panel structure, not an actual phenomenon
Since different types of panel technology have their own liquid crystal structure, each has its own performance characteristics. Thus each of these particular panel technologies has different advantages and disadvantages.
| TN | IPS | VA | |
Fast reponse | TN 👑 | IPS | VA |
Vivid color | TN | IPS 👑 | VA |
True black | TN | IPS | VA 👑 |
Viewing angle | TN | IPS 👑 | VA 👑 |
Is there still an advantage in TN’s response time?
Manufacturers generally use the response time as the performance index for dynamic image sharpness. However, there is actually no uniform response time measurement or numerical definition method in the industry, and each manufacturer uses different standards to make claims in respect of their product’s response time. Therefore, any stated response time may differ in comparison to the perceived experience from a gamer's point of view.
A TN panel's fast response comes from its special liquid crystal material characteristics, which provides a clearer and sharper dynamic image quality compared with other LCD panel technologies. The video below compares the XL2546K (240Hz) with a IPS 240Hz monitor. Both monitors are set at the fastest setting for that monitor.
The video shows that the IPS monitor has more image noise because it is unable to handle that speed of response time.
In addition, TN provides a faster performance in the game due to its characteristics. The video below shows a CS:GO player after a flash-bang attack. The blinding whiteness appears more slowly and fades much more quickly compared with IPS and VA panels. This gives a player the advantage of being able to see the opponent’s outline during the flash-bang.
Fast-TN provides a clearer and less blurred image in situations where images are changing rapidly. This allows the position of the crosshair or a bullet’s impact point to be seen more clearly. It also allows the enemy's movement to be more easily seen when they’re moving quickly. The following is a demonstration of Fast-TN’s different levels of motion clarity in different games:
