The new 24" iMac has an H-IPS panel

[ToastyX]

There has been so much speculation as to which panel is being used in the new 24" iMac. Some say it's S-PVA, while others say it could be S-IPS, although the 24" IPS panel made by LG is actually H-IPS. I decided to see for myself.

I went to the local Apple store the other day to look at the new iMacs. There's no way it's S-PVA. I tested images that I knew should have color shifting at slight angles on S-PVA panels, but there was absolutely no color shifting at all. In fact, it acts like H-IPS. What gave it away was the slight hue shifting at extreme angles. H-IPS get cooler (bluer) when looking from the left or right and warmer (yellower) when looking from above or below. This effect is very subtle and hard to spot unless you know what to look for, but it's most noticeable with brushed metal windows.

After seeing it in person, I'm quite sure it's H-IPS.

[l33r0y]

There has been so much speculation as to which panel is being used in the new 24" iMac. Some say it's S-PVA, while others say it could be S-IPS, although the 24" IPS panel made by LG is actually H-IPS. I decided to see for myself.

I went to the local Apple store the other day to look at the new iMacs. There's no way it's S-PVA. I tested images that I knew should have color shifting at slight angles on S-PVA panels, but there was absolutely no color shifting at all. In fact, it acts like H-IPS. What gave it away was the slight hue shifting at extreme angles. H-IPS get cooler (bluer) when looking from the left or right and warmer (yellower) when looking from above or below. This effect is very subtle and hard to spot unless you know what to look for, but it's most noticeable with brushed metal windows.

After seeing it in person, I'm quite sure it's H-IPS.

Thanks for doing this :)

By the way, can you point us in the direction of the panel details on the LG.Philips website? I couldn't find a 24" H-IPS panel last time I looked.

Cheers.:apple:

[ToastyX]

http://www.lgphilips-lcd.com/homeContain/jsp/eng/prd/prd200_j_e.jsp

The 24" H-IPS panel is LM240WU1. The 24" iMac might be using a newer revision which isn't listed, LM240WU2. Someone would have to open it up to verify.

[Gosh]

Good post!

How do you think it compared to the 20" at the Apple Store?

Briefly what's the hierarchy of displays with real life pros and cons: view angle true colour and clarity?

[theman]

http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview.aspx?catid=31&threadid=2049206&enterthread=y

[suneohair]

I highly doubt this. Until someone cracks one open and tells us, your subjective opinion on the panel is not evidence of H-IPS. You should edit the title since it is very misleading.

[fireworkz]

I highly doubt this. Until someone cracks one open and tells us, your subjective opinion on the panel is not evidence of H-IPS. You should edit the title since it is very misleading.


I believe the panel is (LG PHILIPS LM201WE3) as per pics of the new IMAC disassembled here :
http://210.157.201.118/~kodawarisan/imac_2007_mid/imac_2007_mid_01.html

[suneohair]

I believe the panel is (LG PHILIPS LM201WE3) as per pics of the new IMAC disassembled here :
http://210.157.201.118/~kodawarisan/imac_2007_mid/imac_2007_mid_01.html

That is the panel from the 20". At this point the 24" panel hasn't been confirmed.

[wakerider017]

I believe the panel is (LG PHILIPS LM201WE3) as per pics of the new IMAC disassembled here :
http://210.157.201.118/~kodawarisan/imac_2007_mid/imac_2007_mid_01.html

Isn't that a 20" they disassembled?


Also the LM201WE3 is a 20" Panel so what is your point?

Edit: suneohair you beat me! haha!

To the OP, you may very well be correct, Just no hard evidence yet.

Who wants to tear apart their brand new iMac to tell for sure?

[suneohair]

H-IPS panels are not cheap. I highly doubt Apple is using them in the iMac. A TN or MVA is much more likely.

MVA also exhibits the properties the OP describes for H-IPS.

[wakerider017]

Don't these specs offer any clues?

(Taken directly from Apples site)

Display

* Built-in 20-inch (viewable) or 24-inch (viewable) glossy widescreen TFT active-matrix liquid crystal display
* Resolution
o 20-inch: 1680 by 1050 pixels
o 24-inch: 1920 by 1200 pixels
* Millions of colors at all resolutions
* Typical viewing angle
o 20-inch models
+ 160° horizontal
+ 160° vertical
o 24-inch model
+ 178° horizontal
+ 178° vertical
* Typical brightness: 290 cd/m2 (20-inch models); 385 cd/m2 (24-inch model)
* Typical contrast ratio: 800:1 (20-inch models); 750:1 (24-inch model)



Note the higher viewing angle.. (same as the DELL 2407WFP-HC)

[suneohair]

Those angles are typical of PVA, MVA, and IPS panels.

The Dell 2407HC, is a PVA panel.

[wakerider017]

Those angles are typical of PVA, MVA, and IPS panels.

The Dell 2407HC, is a PVA panel.

And all of those panels are good panels.

Am I the only one who find the 750:1 contrast ratio odd...

Is that a mistake?

[suneohair]

And all of those panels are good panels.

Am I the only one who find the 750:1 contrast ratio odd...

Is that a mistake?

No doubt they are good panels. I have two 24" MVA and I love them. However, there is no way the iMac has an H-IPS. The OP should not post threads that are blatantly attempting to spread misinformation based on his subjective view of the iMac screen.

It is odd. But everyone rates their panels differently. Apple is probably trying to be conservative.

EDIT: Here is a display using the LG IPS panel in question: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824002168

Tell me the iMac is using that... :rolleyes:

[ToastyX]

I highly doubt this. Until someone cracks one open and tells us, your subjective opinion on the panel is not evidence of H-IPS. You should edit the title since it is very misleading.
I didn't post my subjective opinions. I posted my direct observations and my conclusions based on my experience with various types of LCD panels. How is the title misleading when it's correct?

H-IPS panels are not cheap. I highly doubt Apple is using them in the iMac. A TN or MVA is much more likely.
That is an example of speculation based on subjective opinions. It's definitely not TN, and the lack of color shifting eliminates all VA panels.

MVA also exhibits the properties the OP describes for H-IPS.
No, it doesn't. MVA has color shifting, and it doesn't change hues in exactly the same way that I saw on the 24" iMac.

No doubt they are good panels. I have two 24" MVA and I love them. However, there is no way the iMac has an H-IPS. The OP should not post threads that are blatantly attempting to spread misinformation based on his subjective view of the iMac screen.
This is why I don't like posting here. You claim I'm attempting to spread misinformation when you're actually the one spreading misinformation based on speculation. You claim there is no way the iMac has an H-IPS panel, based on what? Price?

I've seen many different LCD monitors with various types of panels. I recognize the differences between them. I recognize the characteristics of H-IPS panels because I've actually used monitors with H-IPS panels. Have you?

Here is a display using the LG IPS panel in question: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824002168

Tell me the iMac is using that... :rolleyes:
The 24" iMac is using the same panel except without the A-TW (Advanced True Wide) polarizer, and it doesn't have the color-critical features that the NEC has. :rollnose:

[RRK]

I didn't post my subjective opinions. I posted my direct observations and my conclusions based on my experience with various types of LCD panels.

That is an example of speculation based on subjective opinions. It's definitely not TN, and the lack of color shifting eliminates all VA panels.

This is why I don't like posting here. You claim I'm attempting to spread misinformation when you're actually the one spreading misinformation based on speculation. You claim there is no way the iMac has an H-IPS panel, based on what? Price?

I've seen many different LCD monitors with various types of panels. I recognize the differences between them. I recognize the characteristics of H-IPS panels because I've actually used monitors with H-IPS panels. Have you?

Totally agree with you on these. However the title could deserve a question mark at the end.

[l33r0y]

I didn't post my subjective opinions. I posted my direct observations and my conclusions based on my experience with various types of LCD panels. How is the title misleading when it's correct?


That is an example of speculation based on subjective opinions. It's definitely not TN, and the lack of color shifting eliminates all VA panels.


No, it doesn't. MVA has color shifting, and it doesn't change hues in exactly the same way that I saw on the 24" iMac.


This is why I don't like posting here. You claim I'm attempting to spread misinformation when you're actually the one spreading misinformation based on speculation. You claim there is no way the iMac has an H-IPS panel, based on what? Price?

I've seen many different LCD monitors with various types of panels. I recognize the differences between them. I recognize the characteristics of H-IPS panels because I've actually used monitors with H-IPS panels. Have you?


The 24" iMac is using the same panel except without the A-TW (Advanced True Wide) polarizer, and it doesn't have the color-critical features that the NEC has. :rollnose:

Whatever it turns out to be, at the very least its good that the panel *seems* to approach H-IPS quality - however I doubt an Apple store is the best environment to determin the difference between higher end panel types (with the extreme bright lights they seem to use in stores).

It is quite possible that Apple have a good deal from LG.Philips to get H-IPS panels, especially when they must have a mother of all orders for the 20" TN from the same manufacturer.

Here's hopin' :)

[atari1356]

I'll believe it when someone takes one apart and gets the part number...

If it is in fact an IPS panel, it's a shame they ruined it (for photographers or anybody else concerned with color/contrast) by covering it up with that coated glass.

[suneohair]

I didn't post my subjective opinions. I posted my direct observations and my conclusions based on my experience with various types of LCD panels. How is the title misleading when it's correct?


Your title is hardly correct. There is zero evidence aside from you looking at the panel and giving you subjective review of it. You title is a statement of fact, a fact that has not been verified by anyone other than you. Even so, the best way to determine this is to take the 24" apart.


That is an example of speculation based on subjective opinions. It's definitely not TN, and the lack of color shifting eliminates all VA panels. No, it doesn't. MVA has color shifting, and it doesn't change hues in exactly the same way that I saw on the 24" iMac.

Funny, my MVA does not exhibit color shift. Not to mention. The glass could also be affecting the way the panel acts. Which should be taken into consideration.



This is why I don't like posting here. You claim I'm attempting to spread misinformation when you're actually the one spreading misinformation based on speculation. You claim there is no way the iMac has an H-IPS panel, based on what? Price?

Where did I spread misinformation? It is highly unlikey that the 24" iMac contain an H-IPS panel. Also, wouldn't you find it odd that tyhe 20" uses a TN while they stick a H-IPS in the 24"? We all know there are 20" IPS panels.

Price is surely a factor. That is not a cheap panel by any means. It doesn't even make sense for them to use it.

I've seen many different LCD monitors with various types of panels. I recognize the differences between them. I recognize the characteristics of H-IPS panels because I've actually used monitors with H-IPS panels. Have you?

Yes in fact I have. I have posted many times around these forums giving panel advice. I have done extensive research and have tested a multitude of monitors. Including the NEC I linked. Not to mention, if this panel is a new panel it could exhibit new characteristics, no? Ones that were apparent in other panels before. Remember technology moves forward. It is possible it could be a new TN for all we know.

The 24" iMac is using the same panel except without the A-TW (Advanced True Wide) polarizer, and it doesn't have the color-critical features that the NEC has. :rollnose:[/QUOTE]

True. But you can't deny the cost of the panel.

Anyhow. My point is simply this: Until you or someone else cracks it open you cannot make a statement of fact about the panel being used in the 24" iMac.

It is equivalent to me saying you have an internal tumor without doing any tests or actually looking. Would you believe that?

[l33r0y]

True. But you can't deny the cost of the panel.


If anyone, Apple is surely going to get a discount if getting most (if not all) panels they use in their range are from the same manufacturer - more than NEC would do with a low volume of what is essentially a niche product.

And there is no way the new 24" iMac is using a panel based on TN technology - that much is certain.

[suneohair]

If anyone, Apple is surely going to get a discount if getting most (if not all) panels they use in their range are from the same manufacturer - more than NEC would do with a low volume of what is essentially a niche product.

And there is no way the new 24" iMac is using a panel based on TN technology - that much is certain.

Of course they get a discount. However, Have you looked at how much the cinema displays are? Naturally they have a premium, but they are also using an IPS panel (S varient as far as I know). Letstake the 23" ACD for example. Which is exactly half the price of the iMac. Even factoring out the ACD premium and the fact that the iMac gains profit in other areas since it is an all in one, that 23" ACD would still be a big chunk of the 24" iMacs cost.

And I would hardly call the NEC a niche product.

Are you certain the 24" iMac is not using a TN? Why do you think that? Do you know for sure? It is very possible that it may be using one. Maybe a new one that is better than the others. TN won't be the red headed stepchild for long. It has already come a long way.

Is it using a TN? I don't know. Is it using a VA variant? Who knows. IPS? Don't know. Nobody knows. Crack one open. That is how we know for sure.

All panels are a possibility until we have hard evidence. However, TN and IPS are of course highly unlikely.

[l33r0y]

Of course they get a discount. However, Have you looked at how much the cinema displays are? Naturally they have a premium, but they are also using an IPS panel (S varient as far as I know). Letstake the 23" ACD for example. Which is exactly half the price of the iMac. Even factoring out the ACD premium and the fact that the iMac gains profit in other areas since it is an all in one, that 23" ACD would still be a big chunk of the 24" iMacs cost.

And I would hardly call the NEC a niche product.



Perhaps niche was the wrong word to use. I wouldn't call it mainstream, put it that way.


Are you certain the 24" iMac is not using a TN? Why do you think that? Do you know for sure? It is very possible that it may be using one. Maybe a new one that is better than the others. TN won't be the red headed stepchild for long. It has already come a long way.

I'm certain because TN panels smell of wee and the 24" iMac smells nice ;)

Seriously though, although I cannot be 'I'll bet my house on it' certain, I'm extremly confident that the 24" uses a technology OTHER than TN - based on the back to back tests of both panels in an Apple store.

As for the price of the current price of cinema displays, I don't think it's fair to base the basic price of the panel based on what Apple charges for a cinema display. Apple charge a premium for these displays, more likely because they are aimed at the professional market. You are more likely to get a realistic cost by comparing what another manufacturer charges for their displays at todays prices. This will also take into consideration the drop in price that would have occured between now and when the current range of cinema displays were first released (admittedly Apple had recently dropped the price of the ACD's, probably because LG.Philips had reduced the price significantly) but again, comparing a like for like display using the same panel, Apple charges significantly more.


Based on price and relative performance between the 20" and 24", my gut feeling is they are using a Samsung S-PVA (ala Dell 2407FPW) as this is cheaper than a LG.Philips S-IPS, has the characteristics of a NON TN panel and matches the specifications that Apple have provided for the 24"


Is it using a TN? I don't know. Is it using a VA variant? Who knows. IPS? Don't know. Nobody knows. Crack one open. That is how we know for sure.

All panels are a possibility until we have hard evidence. However, TN and IPS are of course highly unlikely.

Agreed. I hope someone will do just that so we can put an end to this thread ;)

[roland.g]

What did the previous white 24" iMac have in it?

[wakerider017]

I think we can almost certainly say it is not TN b/c of the wide viewing angle...

178* is pretty damn wide!

[suneohair]

I think we can almost certainly say it is not TN b/c of the wide viewing angle...

178* is pretty damn wide!

Maybe. Like I said. A new unknown TN could be in use.

[mrmjd]

I think we can almost certainly say it is not TN b/c of the wide viewing angle...

178* is pretty damn wide!

Yep, and the 24 inch is a far superior looking and performing screen! If the 24 inch screen used a tn panel, it would behave exactly like the 20 inch, which it clearly doesn't. Besides, I don't think anyone makes a tn panel that big!

[Alloye]

Maybe. Like I said. A new unknown TN could be in use.

I think we can safely rule out TN. The display in the 24" iMac has none of the characteristics usually associated with TN panels: No color shifting. No inversion patterns. No dithering in the darks.

My guess is S-PVA or P-MVA, but I agree we won't know for sure until someone identifies the panel.

[wakerider017]

Yep, and the 24 inch is a far superior looking and performing screen! If the 24 inch screen used a tn panel, it would behave exactly like the 20 inch, which it clearly doesn't. Besides, I don't think anyone makes a tn panel that big!

That is incorrect... There are 24" TN panels

[ToastyX]

How do you think it compared to the 20" at the Apple Store?
The 20" iMac looked just as bad as every other TN panel I've seen. The screen was like a gradient due to the poor viewing angles. The top was darker and the bottom was washed out. I could also see the dithering in dark colors, but it was very faint. I'm not a fan of TN panels. The link posted by theman has some good information about the various types of panels.

Your title is hardly correct. There is zero evidence aside from you looking at the panel and giving you subjective review of it. You title is a statement of fact, a fact that has not been verified by anyone other than you. Even so, the best way to determine this is to take the 24" apart.
The title is correct. The new 24" iMac has an H-IPS panel. Whether or not a statement has been verified has no effect on the validity of that statement. You can argue all the points you want, but that doesn't change what panel is already being used.

[wakerider017]

The 20" iMac looked just as bad as every other TN panel I've seen. The screen was like a gradient due to the poor viewing angles. The top was darker and the bottom was washed out. I could also see the dithering in dark colors, but it was very faint. I'm not a fan of TN panels. The link posted by theman has some good information about the various types of panels.


The title is correct. The new 24" iMac has an H-IPS panel. Whether or not a statement has been verified has no effect on the validity of that statement. You can argue all the points you want, but that doesn't change what panel is already being used.

Come on... TN panels are not nearly as bad as you are making them out to be....

160* viewing angle vs 178*

Big deal for some, insignificant for most.

I would rather have an IPS panel... but I am not your average Mac User... :)

[Alloye]

Looks like the OP was correct. The panel in the new 24" iMac is an LG LM240WU2. I just pulled the DDC info from mine using SwitchResX (http://www.versiontracker.com/dyn/moreinfo/macosx/15467) and got the following report:

DDC block report generated by SwitchResX for display
iMac

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 A B C D E F
-----------------------------------------------------
0 | 00 FF FF FF FF FF FF 00 06 10 6C 9C 01 01 01 01
1 | 00 11 01 03 80 34 20 78 0A C7 74 A3 57 4A 9D 25
2 | 11 50 54 00 00 10 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01
3 | 01 01 01 01 01 01 F0 3C 80 A0 70 B0 2D 40 30 20
4 | 36 00 06 44 11 00 00 1E 00 00 00 01 00 06 10 30
5 | 11 01 00 00 00 00 00 00 0A 20 00 00 00 FE 00 4C
6 | 4D 32 34 30 57 55 32 2D 53 4C 42 31 00 00 00 FC
7 | 00 43 6F 6C 6F 72 20 4C 43 44 0A 20 20 20 00 66

-----------------------------------------------------
Valid DDC block: checksum passed

EDID Version........1.3
Manufacturer........APP
Product Code........27804 (6C9C) (9C6C)
Serial Number.......16843009

Manufactured........Week 0 of year 2007
Max H Size..........52 cm
Max V Size..........32 cm
Gamma...............2.20

DPMS Supported Features:
------------------------


Display type:
-------------
RGB color display


Input signal & sync:
--------------------
Digital

Color info:
------------
Red x = 0.640 Green x = 0.290 Blue x = 0.146 White x = 0.313
Red y = 0.340 Green y = 0.616 Blue y = 0.069 White y = 0.328

Established Timings:
--------------------

Manufacturer Reserved Timings:
------------------------------
Unknown timing 3

Standard Timing Identification:
-------------------------------

Monitor Description blocks:
---------------------------
Descriptor #0 is Timing definition:
Mode = 1920 x 1200 @ 60Hz
Pixel Clock.............156.00 MHz Non-Interlaced

Horizontal Vertical
Active..................1920 pixels 1200 lines
Front Porch............. 48 pixels 3 lines
Sync Width.............. 32 pixels 6 lines
Back Porch.............. 80 pixels 36 lines
Blanking................ 160 pixels 45 lines
Total...................2080 pixels 1245 lines
Scan Rate............... 75.00 kHz 60.24 Hz

Image Size.............. 262 mm 324 mm
Border.................. 0 pixels 0 lines

Sync: Digital separate with
* Positive vertical polarity
* Positive horizontal polarity

Descriptor #1 is Manufacturer specific data (not interpreted here)

Descriptor #2 is ASCII data:
LM240WU2-SLB1
Descriptor #3 is Monitor name:
Color LCD

[wakerider017]

Looks like the OP was correct. The panel in the new 24" iMac is an LG LM240WU2. I just pulled the DDC info from mine using SwitchResX (http://www.versiontracker.com/dyn/moreinfo/macosx/15467) and got the following report:

DDC block report generated by SwitchResX for display
iMac

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 A B C D E F
-----------------------------------------------------
0 | 00 FF FF FF FF FF FF 00 06 10 6C 9C 01 01 01 01
1 | 00 11 01 03 80 34 20 78 0A C7 74 A3 57 4A 9D 25
2 | 11 50 54 00 00 10 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01
3 | 01 01 01 01 01 01 F0 3C 80 A0 70 B0 2D 40 30 20
4 | 36 00 06 44 11 00 00 1E 00 00 00 01 00 06 10 30
5 | 11 01 00 00 00 00 00 00 0A 20 00 00 00 FE 00 4C
6 | 4D 32 34 30 57 55 32 2D 53 4C 42 31 00 00 00 FC
7 | 00 43 6F 6C 6F 72 20 4C 43 44 0A 20 20 20 00 66

-----------------------------------------------------
Valid DDC block: checksum passed

EDID Version........1.3
Manufacturer........APP
Product Code........27804 (6C9C) (9C6C)
Serial Number.......16843009

Manufactured........Week 0 of year 2007
Max H Size..........52 cm
Max V Size..........32 cm
Gamma...............2.20

DPMS Supported Features:
------------------------


Display type:
-------------
RGB color display


Input signal & sync:
--------------------
Digital

Color info:
------------
Red x = 0.640 Green x = 0.290 Blue x = 0.146 White x = 0.313
Red y = 0.340 Green y = 0.616 Blue y = 0.069 White y = 0.328

Established Timings:
--------------------

Manufacturer Reserved Timings:
------------------------------
Unknown timing 3

Standard Timing Identification:
-------------------------------

Monitor Description blocks:
---------------------------
Descriptor #0 is Timing definition:
Mode = 1920 x 1200 @ 60Hz
Pixel Clock.............156.00 MHz Non-Interlaced

Horizontal Vertical
Active..................1920 pixels 1200 lines
Front Porch............. 48 pixels 3 lines
Sync Width.............. 32 pixels 6 lines
Back Porch.............. 80 pixels 36 lines
Blanking................ 160 pixels 45 lines
Total...................2080 pixels 1245 lines
Scan Rate............... 75.00 kHz 60.24 Hz

Image Size.............. 262 mm 324 mm
Border.................. 0 pixels 0 lines

Sync: Digital separate with
* Positive vertical polarity
* Positive horizontal polarity

Descriptor #1 is Manufacturer specific data (not interpreted here)

Descriptor #2 is ASCII data:
LM240WU2-SLB1
Descriptor #3 is Monitor name:
Color LCD

Neat! So can anyone offer more details about H-IPS or the LM240WU2.

I am unfamiliar with both...

[l33r0y]

Kudos for finding that information.

H-IPS is just like S-IPS, except with an extra coating to reduce colour shift at angles - specifically on a black screen whereby a S-IPS panel would show a purple hue, I believe.

[wakerider017]

Kudos for finding that information.

H-IPS is just like S-IPS, except with an extra coating to reduce colour shift at angles - specifically on a black screen whereby a S-IPS panel would show a purple hue, I believe.

Nice.

SO basically we have one of the best panels available :D

[Alloye]

Neat! So can anyone offer more details about H-IPS or the LM240WU2.

I did some Googling and came up with the following info. It's from various sketchy sources, so I won't attest to its accuracy.

Panel Notes:

Same panel as NEC LCD2490WUXi.
TFT Central designates the LM240WU2 in the above monitor as H-IPS A-TW Pol.
Contrast Ratio: 800:1
Brightness: 400 cd/m2
Color: 8-bit, 16.7M
Response Time: 8ms (Gray-to-Gray)

Improvements of H-IPS over S-IPS:

Elimination of purple hues when viewed at an angle.
Reduced backlight bleed.
Reduced noise/glitter on panel surface.

That's about all I can find right now.

[wakerider017]

Here is some good info I found:

Released sometime late last year was the H-IPS panel which is an evolution of the IPS panel which improves upon it’s predecessor, the S-IPS panel. The H-IPS panel can be seen in the NEC LCD2690WUXi and the Mitsubishi RDT261W 26″ LCD monitors.

LCD2690WUXi panel comparison

The LCD2690WUXi is a 26″ LCD aimed at professionals and has the newly developed H-IPS panel from LG. Philips. So how does the H-IPS improve upon the image quality of the S-IPS from the same company.
I’ll be comparing this with my sister’s Apple iMac G5 20.1″ LG S-IPS.

Photos taken from the front and the side.
Left: iMacG5 (S-IPS) and Right: LCD2690WUXi (H-IPS)

http://www.monitorsrc.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/07/hips08.jpg
http://www.monitorsrc.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/07/hips10.jpg

S-IPS panels have up until now had noticeable backlight bleed and in particular a feature characteristic of an S-IPS panel is that the panel turns purple when viewing from the side. We could see this clearly on the iMac. On the other hand, there is very minimal backlight bleed on the NEC. What’s particulary interesting is that the NEC blacklight bleed is greenish colour and is somewhat irregular in uniformity. You can see this on my NEC up the top and a little to the right. Surprisingly looking at it from the site, there is no backlight bleed.

So how do these characteristics effect the image?

From the front we can’t really see any differences but looked at from an angle the backlight bleed comes visible. Actually I’ve increased the brightness 2×4 times on the NEC as brightess falls when viewing at an angle so as to match the iMac.

The is talk now and then that the H-IPS panel has a narrower viewing angle than the S-IPS panel. This is just speculation but I think that this was a sacrifice made in order to get less backlight bleeding, colour change at an angle and black levels. Of course TN and VA panels still don’t even compare to this.

Another feature is that the panel surface has significantly less noise/roughness/glitter compared to S-IPS panels. This is perhaps just a change in the non-glare coating used.

There’s a definite improvement over the old S-IPS panel. There was a time when the quality of the S-IPS wasn’t as good and people compared it to the Samsung S-PVA panel, in particular the glitter effect which many people complained about. This is not an issue anymore with the H-IPS panel.

So to sum up, the pros/cons of the H-IPS over the S-IPS:

Pros:
Much less backlight bleed.
No purple hue visible at an angle
Backlight bleed improves looking at an angle
Less noise or glitter seen on the panel surface (smoother surface)

Cons:
Still some backlight bleed in areas that are green.
Viewing angles may have sacrificed in order to improve pros.

More pics can be found here:

http://miyahan.com/me/report/computer/070125_WUXGA_LCD/LCD2690WUXi_5.html

Just scroll down past all the Japanese...

[cbtscheid]

After seeing it in person, I'm quite sure it's H-IPS.

You called it ToastyX! :D

[l33r0y]

So.... Kudos to ToastyX for sticking to his guns... ;)

[CoryBoyUSA]

Fascinating thread! So let me ask you guys this.... if the 24" is an H-IPS afterall, does it make it more acceptible as a designer's computer now? If so, I'm buying one for home and convincing my boss to buy one for me at work too. :) The glare won't be a real issue for me since I seldom have any light behind me at all.

[RRK]

After seeing it in person, I'm quite sure it's H-IPS.

Bragging rights are yours. :cool:

[wakerider017]

Here is the panel we have:

http://www.necdisplay.com/Products/Product/?product=a46240bd-a846-4de7-b644-bd7f0b7e6ece

Apple must be getting a HUGE discount on them!

Notice it has the same specs as listed on the imac spec page..

Contrast ratio, viewing angle, brightness...

[Lifegrdtwr]

I am unbelievably stoked!:D
Ordered - 24" iMac will ship Aug 22-24

WAHOO!!:D

"The title is correct. The new 24" iMac has an H-IPS panel. Whether or not a statement has been verified has no effect on the validity of that statement. You can argue all the points you want, but that doesn't change what panel is already being used."

Cool ToastyX for sticking to what you believe (even in the face of adversity).
Best regards to all!

[craig1410]

Hi,
Wow, that was a rollercoaster of a thread for sure... :D

Good work by ToastyX and Alloye for their contribution to this thread and to the others for making it so interesting.

Another good reason to be pleased with my 24" iMac!!!
Cheers,
Craig.

[sushi]

Here is the panel we have:

http://www.necdisplay.com/Products/Product/?product=a46240bd-a846-4de7-b644-bd7f0b7e6ece

Apple must be getting a HUGE discount on them!
If this is the same display, then Apple is getting a huge discount.

Wow!

Now if only they would offer a matte version.

And kudos to ToastyX for the initial info and Alloye for the supporting info! :)

[mrmjd]

If this is the same display, then Apple is getting a huge discount.

Wow!

Now if only they would offer a matte version.

And kudos to ToastyX for the initial info and Alloye for the supporting info! :)

Oh yeah!! I'm sooo glad I did my research on these screens! It is clear that the screen in the 24 performs much better than the 20 inch, this is all good news!

[shipdestroyer]

Awesome. My 24" arrived last night, and my dad and I spent a good hour watching clips from the QuickTime HD gallery on it. The display is very nice.

[imacdaddy]

Hahahahaha! Pwned! Hahahahaha!

[Gosh]

What did the previous iMacs have out of interest if we are sure the new ones have TN and H-IPS for the 20 & 24" models?

[shipdestroyer]

What did the previous iMacs have out of interest if we are sure the new ones have TN and H-IPS for the 20 & 24" models?

I'm not entirely certain, but I think 17" had TN, 20" had IPS, and 24" had PVA.

[l33r0y]

EDIT: removed

[owen-b]

Wrong thread... (deleted!)

[shelt]

My WHITE 24" CD2 iMac has the LG Philips H-IPS panel as well!

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=345288

[motherduce]

My WHITE 24" CD2 iMac has the LG Philips H-IPS panel as well!

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=345288

So there's your matte option...

[suneohair]

Hahahahaha! Pwned! Hahahahaha!

Hardly owned (grow up). I was incorrect. It was my opinion that the iMac didn't have an H-IPS panel. I still stand by the thought that the OP should not have posed a statement of fact with no evidence to support it other than his subjective viewing of the panel. I would still like to see a disassembly to know for sure.

If you don't understand that and feel the need to say I was "owned" then I have nothing else to say you.

P.S. My demi-god status means that I donated to this site because I appreciate what they do. Maybe you should do the same instead of ridiculing me. Thanks.

[wakerider017]

Hardly owned (grow up). I was incorrect. It was my opinion that the iMac didn't have an H-IPS panel. I still stand by the thought that the OP should not have posed a statement of fact with no evidence to support it other than his subjective viewing of the panel. I would still like to see a disassembly to know for sure.

If you don't understand that and feel the need to say I was "owned" then I have nothing else to say you.

P.S. My demi-god status means that I donated to this site because I appreciate what they do. Maybe you should do the same instead of ridiculing me. Thanks.

suneohair you need to quit picking fights...

And what does you donating money have to do with anything? Would you like a cookie?

[mikef07]

Hardly owned (grow up). I was incorrect. It was my opinion that the iMac didn't have an H-IPS panel. I still stand by the thought that the OP should not have posed a statement of fact with no evidence to support it other than his subjective viewing of the panel. I would still like to see a disassembly to know for sure.

If you don't understand that and feel the need to say I was "owned" then I have nothing else to say you.

P.S. My demi-god status means that I donated to this site because I appreciate what they do. Maybe you should do the same instead of ridiculing me. Thanks.

Demi-god must mean god that is rarely correct. Because you indeed got OWNED. Before you spout off you might want to learn the facts first. The title is 100% correct.

[suneohair]

suneohair you need to quit picking fights...

And what does you donating money have to do with anything? Would you like a cookie?

I was simply responding to a comment. I don't believe that is against the rules. Also, maybe you should learn how to read, because that posters title said "wheres suneohair, MRs demi-god," I was simply explaining what a demi-god is. Instead of insulting with your cookie try to read and make sure what you are saying is accurate. Which in this case it was not.

Demi-god must mean god that is rarely correct. Because you indeed got OWNED. Before you spout off you might want to learn the facts first. The title is 100% correct.

You got me.

[wakerider017]

suneohair you like to argue too much...

[suneohair]

suneohair you like to argue too much...

How about you try apologizing for your comment? You were wrong. I told you were wrong and all you can say is "you like to argue too much." Get over yourself.

[wakerider017]

How about you try apologizing for your comment? You were wrong. I told you were wrong and all you can say is "you like to argue too much." Get over yourself.

Oh gawd... You have issues.

Don't tell me to get over myself either...

There are so many people on this site that have said you are a joke... I am surprised you have not been given a "vacation" from MacRumors.

I think I will just add you to my blocked users list...

Congrats, you are the first person I have had to put on there...

[suneohair]

Oh gawd... You have issues.

Don't tell me to get over myself either...

There are so many people on this site that have said you are a joke... I am surprised you have not been given a "vacation" from MacRumors.

I think I will just add you to my blocked users list...

Congrats, you are the first person I have had to put on there...

You always remember your first ;)

[150hp]

So there's your matte option...

Yep, love the matte screen still. Still have no idea what h-ips is yet. Guess I'll go look it up.

[motherduce]

Yep, love the matte screen still. Still have no idea what h-ips is yet. Guess I'll go look it up.

Finally something back on topic...thanks!

I'd like to keep this thread going with more details from folks and their 24's...Old and new...is your H-IPS? Were the original 24" CD iMacs disassembled and screens checked?

[dollystereo]

So now, the 24' imac has a better screen than the 23" ACD...ups

[Doctorsti]

I will be purchasing the 24" 2.4GHz model this week or next from an apple store. I would assume at this point that the LCD screen is unlikely to change in future models. Has anyone with the new imac reported anything different for the 24" screen size? I can't wait to get my first mac!

[bluedoggiant]

I know, back from the dead...

I'm not entirely certain, but I think 17" had TN, 20" had IPS, and 24" had PVA.

I believe all the White iMacs had IPS displays.


In my default colorsync profile, it shows my model number as: 9C6C

What Manufacturer is that? I have a 24" Al iMac.

[Sir Cecil]

The screen I have in the 24" 3.06ghz iMac I'm looking at right now is a... 9C8D.

It looks terrific to me.

[Leon Kowalski]

In my default colorsync profile, it shows my model number as: 9C6C

What Manufacturer is that? I have a 24" Al iMac.

To find the LCD manufacturer's part number, cut-n-paste the
following command line into Terminal.app -- then lookup the
specs in the tftcentral.co.uk panel database.

ioreg -lw0 | grep IODisplayEDID | sed "/[^<]*</s///" | xxd -p -r | strings -6

LK