These are the 4 main technologies:

• TN + film
• IPS
• MVA
• PVA

The most common is TN or (twisted nematic).  TN panels are the most common among consumer panels, due to their low production cost and wide development.  They boast the fastest pixel response time (down to 2ms), and are thus mostly geared toward gamers.  They have poor performance in most other areas however.  They typically have very poor viewing angles and sub par color reproduction.  TN panels are the only panels that produce a color spectrum of only 6-bit (262,114 colors).  Whereas the rest of the panel technologies can produce at least 8-bit (16,777,216 colors).

At the high end of the panels sits the IPS or (in-plane switching).  IPS panels boast much wider viewing angles and highly increased color reproduction.  This accurate color reproduction is almost always necessary for digital artists.  Their shortcoming falls in their slow response time.  Many of the fastest IPS panels are only 16ms or 8ms at best with a few exceptions such as the 20” NEC MultiSync 20WMGX2, which has a 6ms pixel response time.  Most gamers are turned off by this fact alone.

The other two technologies of MVA (multi-domain vertical alignment), and PVA (patterned vertical alignment) generally sit somewhere in between the TN and IPS panels in terms of performance.  They both can produce 8-bits color but may not have the accuracy of IPS.  There are not many panels with this technology, and those that are can be very expensive or are just too slow for the average gamer.

After I had done this research, I came to find out that my previous Dell was indeed an IPS panel.  I never really gave it much thought, but this fact made it very hard to find a suitable replacement monitor that would look and perform to my old standards.  My only option really came down to the NEC MultiSync 20WMGX2.  The cheapest that this monitor can be found is about $550.  For a 20” monitor, this was a big turnoff.  I decided that I had to go with a TN panel.  And being that I am a somewhat “hardcore gamer” and have no need for real color accuracy, I decided that the shear speed of a TN panel would suite me the best.  The only turnoff now was the decreased viewing angles of a TN panel.

After more sifting though TN panel reviews, I found one that I liked.  The Samsung SyncMaster 206BW.  It retails for about $250, has a 2ms pixel response, and a 3000:1 contrast ratio.  It has been a great monitor so far, and you can read my review here.  If you are looking for some good LCD review and comparison resources you may find these sites useful.

AnandTech – The LCD thread

Digital Versus: Monitor Comparison

If you’re in the market for a new LCD monitor around 20” in size, then you may want to consider the Samsung SyncMaster 206BW.  This monitor is an excellent choice for the average PC user and even hardcore gamer.  Let’s take a look at the Specs.

• 20” Wide LCD at 1680×1050 resolution.
• 2ms (Grey-to-Grey) pixel response time.
• 3000:1 dynamic contrast ratio.
• 300 cd/m2 Brightness.
• 160°(H) / 160°(V) Viewing Angle.
• 0.258mm Pixel Pitch.
• Analog and DVI port with HDCP.
• Swivel & Tilt stand adjustment.

Overall, the specs are great by the book, but here is my experience with this monitor.  I bought mine from Circuit City for $280 before a $30 mail-in rebate.  After setting it up and using it for a couple weeks I have had no complaints.  The panel is very nice and modern looking.  The bezel is a glossy black finish.  The real-world performance definitely lives up to the specs.  I also received mine with no dead pixels which was a plus, though Samsung does have a zero dead pixel guarantee.  Overall I was very satisfied.  Here are the main Pros and Cons.

Pros:

• Nice modern looking panel.
• Color reproduction that you would expect from a standard TN panel.
• No noticeable ghosting in any fast-paced games.
• Comes with DVI and VGA cables.
• No backlight bleeding.

Cons:

• No height adjustment.
• Average viewing angles (TN panel).
• Almost too bright (needs to be turned down to about 30% brightness).

Overall, it is a great performing LCD monitor for its price and size and I definitely recommend it if you are in the market.

One last issue that should be noted is that this panel has been part of a panel lottery in the fact that Samsung has had three different manufactures producing this panel due to high demand.  The panels used to be labeled as S, A, and C, corresponding to each manufacturer.  Many users have noted that the C panel has had some serious quality control problems, the A panel has had mixed results, and the S panel, which is Samsungs own panel is near flawless.  As of October 2007, Samsung has removed all markings that were used to identify which panels were made by which manufacturers, this included my own panel.  I can say myself that whatever panel I may have gotten, I am still very impressed by it.  I am telling you this because it may change your mind about buying this panel if you can’t buy it from a store that will let you return or exchange opened panels if you are unsatisfied.