220-1101 Question 179
Single answerIn-plane switching (IPS)A graphic designer complains that colors on a new 27-inch monitor look accurate only when viewed straight on. When a coworker standing to the side reviews the same design, the colors appear shifted and the image looks washed out. The designer often collaborates with others around the desk and needs consistent color reproduction from different seating positions. Which display panel technology should the technician recommend for the replacement monitor?
- A
Twisted nematic (TN), because it typically has the fastest response times for gaming
- B
In-plane switching (IPS), because it provides better color accuracy and wider viewing angles
- C
Vertical alignment (VA), because it is designed primarily to eliminate backlight bleed
- D
OLED, because all A+ workstation monitors for design work require self-emissive pixels
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
The key issue in this scenario is poor off-angle viewing performance and inconsistent color reproduction. IPS panels are specifically valued for wider viewing angles and better color accuracy compared with TN panels, which makes IPS a common recommendation for professional environments where users collaborate or perform visually sensitive work. VA panels are often chosen for higher contrast, but IPS is typically the better answer when the requirement centers on accurate color from multiple viewing positions. This aligns with standard A+ Core 1 display technology knowledge and common vendor documentation comparing TN, VA, and IPS panel characteristics.
- A. Incorrect.
Incorrect. TN panels are commonly associated with lower cost and fast response times, which can make them appealing for gaming-focused setups. However, they generally have narrower viewing angles and less consistent color reproduction than IPS panels. In this scenario, the problem is color shifting and image degradation when viewed from the side, which is a known weakness of TN technology.
- B. Correct.
Correct. IPS panels are known for strong color accuracy and wide viewing angles, making them a practical choice for collaborative work and tasks such as photo editing, design review, and other color-sensitive workflows. If multiple people need to see consistent color and image quality from different positions, IPS is the best fit among the listed options.
- C. Incorrect.
Incorrect. VA panels often offer strong contrast ratios and deeper blacks than IPS, which can be beneficial for media consumption. However, they are not primarily selected to solve side-angle color consistency issues to the same degree as IPS. While VA may perform better than TN in some respects, IPS is the standard recommendation when wide viewing angles and color consistency are the main requirements.
- D. Incorrect.
Incorrect. OLED can provide excellent image quality, contrast, and viewing angles, but the statement is inaccurate because design workstations do not require OLED specifically, and A+ objectives do not frame OLED as a mandatory choice for this use case. The question asks for the most appropriate panel technology recommendation based on common monitor characteristics, and IPS is the expected answer.