What is IPS Glow & How Can I Reduce It: IPS Glow Explained

In the world of monitors, IPS Glow is a term that often comes up, but what exactly is it? And more importantly, how can you reduce it? In this article, we’ll explore the phenomenon known as IPS Glow, understand why it occurs, and provide practical steps to mitigate its effects. Whether you’re a gamer, a graphic designer, or just someone who uses a computer daily, understanding IPS Glow can help you optimize your viewing experience and make more informed decisions when purchasing a new monitor. So, let’s dive into the world of IPS Glow and shed some light on this common, yet often misunderstood, aspect of display technology.

If you’ve ever found yourself staring at your monitor, puzzled by an odd glow that seems to radiate from the corners, you’ve likely encountered what’s known as IPS Glow. This phenomenon, common in IPS (In-Plane Switching) panels, can be described as a sort of ‘glow’ that appears usually around the edges or corners of the screen when viewing dark scenes at an angle.

While it might seem like your monitor is trying to host its own mini light show, IPS Glow is actually a byproduct of the way IPS panels are designed. It’s not a defect, but rather a characteristic of these types of panels. However, it’s worth noting that the intensity of this glow can vary from monitor to monitor.

But how does this affect your viewing experience? Well, if you’re a fan of dark-themed movies or games, IPS Glow might be a bit of a party pooper. It can cause blacks to appear less deep and can slightly wash out colors in dark scenes.

And before you confuse it with backlight bleed, remember this: IPS Glow changes with your viewing angle, while backlight bleed remains constant regardless of where you’re viewing from.

The Science Behind the Glow: Why Does IPS Glow Occur?

Now that we’ve answered the question, “What is IPS Glow & How Can I Reduce It?”, let’s delve a bit deeper into the science behind it.

IPS Glow occurs due to the specific structure of IPS panels. These panels are designed to provide wider viewing angles and superior color accuracy. However, this design also allows more backlight to ‘leak’ through the screen, resulting in the characteristic glow.

The role of the panel type and viewing angles is crucial here. IPS panels are known for their wide viewing angles, but this comes with a trade-off: the wider the viewing angle, the more noticeable the IPS Glow.

For a more detailed understanding of how different panel types affect your viewing experience, check out our article on Understanding Different Monitor Panel Types.

Spotting the Glow: How to Identify IPS Glow

Identifying IPS Glow is pretty straightforward. First, set your monitor to display a black or very dark image. Then, shift your viewing angle. If you notice a glow that changes or disappears as you move, that’s IPS Glow.

It’s important to distinguish IPS Glow from other display issues like backlight bleed or clouding. Unlike IPS Glow, these issues don’t change with your viewing angle.

Correct identification is key. It helps you understand whether what you’re seeing is a characteristic of your monitor or a potential defect. After all, knowledge is power, especially when it comes to optimizing your viewing experience.

Panel Type	Pros	Cons
IPS	Superior color accuracy	IPS Glow in dark scenes
	Wide viewing angles
VA	Better contrast	VA Glow and slower response times
	Less IPS Glow
TN	Fast response times	Poor color accuracy and angles
	Cheap

The Million-Dollar Question: Can IPS Glow Be Fixed?

Let’s cut to the chase: Can IPS Glow be fixed? Well, it’s a bit of a mixed bag.

While you can’t completely eliminate IPS Glow due to the inherent design of IPS panels, you can certainly take steps to reduce its visibility. The severity of IPS Glow can vary based on a few factors, including the quality of the IPS panel and the viewing conditions.

For instance, a high-quality IPS panel may exhibit less glow than a lower-quality one. Similarly, viewing the monitor straight on, rather than at an angle, can also minimize the appearance of IPS Glow.

Dimming the Glow: How to Reduce IPS Glow?

So, you’ve got an IPS monitor and you’re noticing some glow. Don’t panic! There are practical steps you can take to reduce IPS Glow.

Firstly, consider the positioning of your monitor. Adjusting the tilt and height to ensure you’re viewing the screen straight on can help. Remember, IPS Glow is more noticeable at off-angles.

Secondly, pay attention to your room’s lighting. A well-lit room can make IPS Glow less noticeable compared to a dark room. So, if you’re a fan of working or gaming in the dark, you might want to reconsider.

For more tips on setting up your workspace for optimal viewing, check out our guide on Optimizing Your Workspace for Better Viewing.

Making Smart Choices: Choosing the Right Monitor to Avoid IPS Glow

When it comes to avoiding IPS Glow, the monitor you choose can make a big difference.

Look for monitors that are known for having minimal IPS Glow. User reviews and professional testing can be a great source of information here.

Also, consider the manufacturer’s quality control standards. Some brands are known for their rigorous quality control, which can result in fewer issues like IPS Glow.

Remember, while IPS Glow can be a nuisance, it’s just one factor to consider when buying a monitor. For a comprehensive look at what to consider when buying a new monitor, check out our Monitor Buying Guide: What You Need to Know.

In the end, while “What is IPS Glow & How Can I Reduce It?” is a common question, it’s important to remember that it’s just one aspect of your overall viewing experience. With the right knowledge and a few practical steps, you can ensure it doesn’t overshadow the many benefits of IPS monitors.

Monitor Brand	Quality Control Standards
Brand A	Rigorous quality control, fewer issues like IPS Glow
Brand B	Stringent testing, reliable products
Brand C	High-quality standards, minimal IPS Glow

The Bigger Picture: IPS Glow and Monitor Quality

Let’s face it, no monitor is perfect, and IPS Glow is one of those imperfections you might encounter with IPS panels. But how does it relate to the overall monitor quality?

Well, while IPS Glow can be a bit of a nuisance, especially in dark scenes, it doesn’t necessarily mean your monitor is of low quality. In fact, IPS panels are often favored for their superior color accuracy and wide viewing angles.

However, if you’re someone who values deep, inky blacks and perfect uniformity, IPS Glow might be a deal-breaker. It’s all about what matters most to you in a display. For a deeper dive into monitor quality, check out our guide on Evaluating Monitor Quality: A Comprehensive Guide.

Looking Beyond IPS: Alternatives to IPS Panels

If you’re thinking, “Maybe IPS panels aren’t for me,” don’t worry, there are other fish in the sea. Let’s take a quick look at some alternatives.

VA (Vertical Alignment) and TN (Twisted Nematic) panels, for instance, have their own set of pros and cons. VA panels offer better contrast and less IPS Glow but suffer from slower response times. On the other hand, TN panels have fast response times and are cheap, but they fall short in color accuracy and viewing angles.

In terms of glow and bleed, VA panels can have their own version of glow, known as VA Glow, while TN panels generally have less glow but more noticeable color shifting.

For a more detailed comparison, check out our article on Exploring Monitor Panel Types: VA, TN, and More.

Panel Type	Glow Type	Glow Visibility	Color Shifting
IPS	IPS Glow	More noticeable at angles	Negligible
VA	VA Glow	More noticeable at angles	Some color shifting
TN	Minimal glow	Less noticeable	Significant shifting

Embracing the Glow: Living with IPS Glow

As we wrap up our discussion on “What is IPS Glow & How Can I Reduce It?”, it’s important to remember that while IPS Glow can be a bit of a bummer, it’s not the end of the world.

With the right knowledge and a few practical steps, you can reduce its impact and enjoy the many benefits of IPS panels. And remember, the perfect monitor doesn’t exist. It’s all about finding the right balance that suits your needs.

So, whether you’re a professional graphic designer, a hardcore gamer, or a casual user, don’t let IPS Glow overshadow the incredible color accuracy, wide viewing angles, and overall quality that IPS panels can offer.

After all, a little glow never hurt anybody, right?

What is IPS Glow & How Can I Reduce It: IPS Glow Explained

What is IPS Glow?

• IPS glow is a hazy glow on IPS LCD monitors when viewed off-angle.
• Inherent to IPS technology, not a defect.

How does IPS Glow occur?

• IPS panels use liquid crystals, which don’t block all backlight, causing the glow.
• Visible mainly when viewing dark content from an angle.

Is IPS Glow the same as backlight bleeding?

• No, backlight bleeding is different, occurring at the panel edges.

Can I eliminate IPS Glow?

• You can’t eliminate it, but reducing brightness and adjusting angles help.

How to reduce IPS Glow?

• Lower monitor brightness.
• Position monitor directly in front, at eye level.
• Use ambient lighting to reduce perceived glow.
• Consider calibrating for better performance.

Does IPS Glow affect all monitors?

• Yes, all IPS monitors have some degree of glow.

Is IPS Glow covered under warranty?

• Manufacturers consider it normal behavior, not covered under warranty.

Is IPS Glow worse in certain monitor sizes?

• Severity is consistent, more noticeable in larger screens.

Can I mistake IPS Glow for a defect?

• Yes, it’s often mistaken for a defect but is inherent to IPS panels.

Does IPS Glow impact image quality?

• IPS Glow doesn’t impact image quality under normal viewing angles.

Should I choose a different panel type to avoid IPS Glow?

• Yes, consider OLED or VA panels for minimized glow.

Is there an ideal viewing angle for IPS monitors?

• Center viewing provides the best experience, but slight movements are acceptable.