Final answer:
IPS technology is known for its wide viewing angles and better contrast ratios compared to TN panels. While IPS panels are generally more expensive than TN options and consume more power, they have seen improvements in power efficiency and response times.
Step-by-step explanation:
In-plane switching (IPS) is a screen technology used for liquid crystal displays (LCDs). It was designed to overcome the limitations of the traditional twisted nematic field effect (TN) panels by improving the viewing angles and color reproduction. The characteristic features of IPS technology include:
- Wide viewing angles: IPS panels offer consistent, accurate colors from almost any viewing angle, eliminating color shifts seen in TN panels.
- High contrast ratios: While IPS doesn't have the highest contrast ratios in the display technology spectrum, it usually offers better contrast than TN panels, though not as high as what you'd find in Vertical Alignment (VA) displays or OLED technology.
- Fast response times: Although IPS panels have improved significantly in this area, they typically don't have response times as swift as TN panels, which could be vital for fast-paced gaming.
- Low cost: IPS panels tend to be more expensive than TN options but less expensive than OLED displays, placing them in a mid-range position in terms of cost.
- Low power consumption: IPS displays usually consume more power than TN panels but less than OLED; however, newer IPS variants have made advances in energy efficiency.
Given these characteristics, the correct answers to the features of IPS technology are b) Wide viewing angles, a) High contrast ratios, and the option regarding response times and power consumption are less definitive as IPS technologies can vary substantially.