standard tft display sizes quotation

Our standard TFT displays are available in a variety of sizes from 1.8" to 7.0". These displays are TN (Twisted Nematic) and offer basic characteristics such as wide operating temperatures ranging from -20°C to +70°C, 12:00 or 6:00 viewing angles, and support full-motion graphics. TN TFTs are an affordable option for various applications requiring full-color graphics.

TFT displays are full color LCDs providing bright, vivid colors with the ability to show quick animations, complex graphics, and custom fonts with different touchscreen options. Available in industry standard sizes and resolutions. These displays come as standard, premium MVA, sunlight readable, or IPS display types with a variety of interface options including HDMI, SPI and LVDS. Our line of TFT modules include a custom PCB that support HDMI interface, audio support or HMI solutions with on-board FTDI Embedded Video Engine (EVE2).

We have over two dozen TFT LCD display modules to choose from. All of them are full-color graphic displays. Unlike standard monochrome character displays, you can create complex images for imaginative user experiences. Thin and light, these are ideal for handheld devices, communications equipment, information displays, and test and measurement equipment.

Listed by the diagonal size of the active area (the usable area for lit pixels), our TFT display sizes range from 1.3 inches to 10.1 inches. Choose from six different interfaces, many of our TFT modules have more than one interface available. Arduino users should select modules with SPI for fast and easy communications to add color graphics to their projects.

Contrast ratio is the difference between a pixel that is lit or dark. Standard STN LCD displays typically have a 10:1 contrast ratio while TFT displays are 300:1 and up, so details stand out and text looks extra sharp. For standard STN displays, you must choose a display limited to a specific viewing angle (12, 3, 6 or 9 o"clock) while TFTs can have a viewing cone greater than 160 degrees.

To speed up your design time, we sell carrier boards and demonstration kits for selected modules. For outdoor use, be sure to look at our sunlight readable displays.

0.96″ 80 x RGB x 160 Color TFT LCD Phoenix Display International PDI09601A‐V3 is a small-size 0.96” color TFT liquid crystal display (LCD) with a module size of 13.30 x 27.9 x 1.4 mm and active area of 10.80 x 21.70. This product is IPS TFT, negative, Transmissive glass with a 262K color 80 x RGB x 160 resolution. Its brightness is 350 nits with a contrast ratio of 600. Using an ST7735S driver with an 8 bit 8080 system parallel interface and a Hot-Bar type flex interconnect. This product offers improved contrast, color saturation and response time. All our…

1.3″ 240 x RGB x 240 Color TFT LCD Phoenix Display International PDI013021B-V1 is a small-size 1.3” color TFT liquid crystal display (LCD) with a module size of 26.85mm x 29.55mm x 1.5mm and active area of 23.4mm x 23.4mm.This product is IPS TFT, negative, Transmissive glass with a 262K color 240 RGB x 240 resolution. Its brightness is 350 nits with a contrast ratio of 600. Using an ST7789V driver with an 8 bit 8080 system parallel interface and a Hot-Bar type flex interconnect. This product offers improved contrast, color saturation and response time.…

1.3″ Round 240 x RGB x 240 Transmissive Color TFT Display Phoenix Display International PDI013A2402HS is a small-size round 1.3” color TFT liquid crystal display (LCD) with a module size of 35.5 x 8.23 x 1.4 mm and active area of 32.34 x 32.34 mm.This product is IPS TFT, negative, Transmissive glass with a 262K color 240 RGB x 240 resolution. Its brightness is 220 nits with a contrast ratio of 600. Using an ST7789V driver with an SPI interface and a board to board interconnect. This product offers improved contrast, color saturation and response…

1.44″ 128 × 128 Transmissive Color TFT Display Phoenix Display International PDI144011CPIL is a small-size 1.44” color TFT liquid crystal display (LCD) with a module size of 34.4mm x 30.3mm x 3.4 mm and active area of 25.5mm x 26.5mm.This product is a-Si TFT, Positive, Transmissive glass with a 262K color 128 x 128 resolution. Its brightness is <200 nits with a contrast ratio of 250:1. Using an ILI9163C driver with an 8 bit 8080 system parallel interface and a Hot-Bar type flex interconnect. This product offers improved contrast, color saturation and response time. Similar product(s): None. All our…

1.54″ Round 320 x RGB x 320 Color TFT LCD Phoenix Display International PDI1540HVBS-01 is a small-size 1.54” color TFT liquid crystal display (LCD) with a module size of 31.82mm x 33.87mm x 1.8mm and active area of 27.744mm x 27.744mm. This product is IPS TFT, negative, Transmissive glass with a 16.7M color 320 x 320 resolution. Its brightness is 280 nits with a contrast ratio of 900. Using an ST7796S driver with an 8 bit 8080 system parallel interface and a Hot-Bar type flex interconnect. This product offers improved contrast, color saturation and response time. All our color displays…

1.77″ 128 x 160 Transmissive Color TFT Display Phoenix Display International PDI018AOP-S13 is a small-size 1.77” color TFT liquid crystal display (LCD) with a module size of 34.70mm x 46.70mm x 2.55mm and active area of 28.03mm x 35.04mm.This product is a-Si TFT, Positive, Transmissive glass with a 262K color 126 x160 resolution. Its brightness is 170 nits with a contrast ratio of 250:1. Using an ILI9163C driver with an 8080 MPU 8bit interface and a Hot-Bar type flex interconnect. This product offers improved contrast, color saturation and response time. Similar product(s): PDI018A0P-SE3 has lower brightness…

1.77″ 128 x 160 Transmissive Color TFT Display Phoenix Display International PDI018QQHG-13 is a small-size 1.77” color TFT liquid crystal display (LCD) with a module size of 34 * 43.78 * 2.45 mm and active area of 28.03 * 34.04 mm. This product is a-Si TFT, Positive, Transmissive glass with a 262K color 126 x 160 resolution. Its brightness is 220 nits with a contrast ratio of 250. Using an TBD driver with a MCU interface and a Hot-Bar type flex interconnect. This product offers improved contrast, color saturation and response time. Similar product(s): PDI018A0P-S13 has…

1.77″ 128 x 160 Transmissive Color TFT Display Phoenix Display International PDI018AOP-SE3 is a small-size 1.77” color TFT liquid crystal display (LCD) with a module size of 46.70mm x 34.70mm x 2.55mm and active area of 35.04mm x 28.03mm. This product is a-Si TFT, Positive, Transmissive glass with a 262K color 126 x160 resolution. Its brightness is 80 nits with a contrast ratio of 250. Using an ILI9163C driver with a SPI interface and a Hot-Bar type flex interconnect. This product offers improved contrast, color saturation and response time. Similar product(s): PDI018A0P-S13 has lower brightness (170…

1.9″  170 x (RGB) x 320 Transmissive Color TFT Display Phoenix Display International PDI019QVBS-01 is a small-size 1.9” color TN TFT liquid crystal display (LCD) with a module size of 25.8 * 49.72 * 1.43 mm, and active area 22.7 * 42.72 mm. This product is TN TFT, Positive, Transmissive glass with a 170 * RGB * 320 resolution. Its brightness is 330 nits with a contrast ratio of 600. Using a  ST7789V driver with a MCU interface and a zero insertion force (ZIF) type flex interconnect. This product offers improved contrast , color saturation…

2.0″ 176 x 220 Transmissive Color TFT Display Phoenix Display International PDI020CY-T01 is a small-size 2.0” color TFT liquid crystal display (LCD) with a module size of 51.3 ×35.1 ×2.5 mm and active area of 39.6 ×31.68 mm. This product is a-Si TFT, Positive, Transmissive glass with a / color 176 x 220 resolution. Its brightness is 180 nits with a contrast ratio of 500. Using an ILI9225 driver with a 8 Bits MCU Parallel interface or 18Bit RGB and a ZIF type flex interconnect. This product offers improved contrast, color saturation and response time.…

2.0″ 240 x 320 Transmissive Color TFT Display Phoenix Display International PDI020QVHS-03  is a small-size 2.0” color TFT liquid crystal display (LCD) with a module size of 35.6 * 48.7 * 2.35 mm and active area of 30.6 * 40.8 mm. This product is IPS TFT, Negative, Transmissive glass with a TBD color 240 * RGB * 320 resolution. Its brightness is 400 nits with a contrast ratio of 800. Using an ST77891V driver with a MCU  interface or 18Bit RGB and a ZIF type flex interconnect. This product offers improved contrast, color saturation and…

2.2″ 240 x 320 Transmissive Color TFT Display Phoenix Display International PDI022042CMHX is a small-size 2.2” color TFT liquid crystal display (LCD) with a module size of 41.70mm x 56.16mm x 2.43 mm and active area of 33.86mm x 45.12 mm. This product is a-Si TFT, Positive, Transmissive glass with a 262K color 240 x 320 resolution. Its brightness is 200 nits with a contrast ratio of 400:1. Using an HX8367A driver with a 4-wires Serial interface and a Hot-Bar type flex interconnect. This product offers improved contrast, color saturation and response time. Similar product(s): None.…

2.2″ 176 x 220 Transmissive Color TFT Display Phoenix Display International PDI022EY-01S is a small-size 2.2” color TFT liquid crystal display (LCD) with a module size of 40.30 * 55.26 * 2.15 mm and active area of 34.85 * 43.56 mm. This product is a-Si TFT, Negative, Transmissive glass with a 262K color 176 x 220 resolution. Its brightness is 380 nits with a contrast ratio of 400. Using an ILI9225G driver with a 4 wire SPI interface and a Hot-Bar type flex interconnect. This product offers improved contrast, color saturation and response time. Similar…

2.36″ 480 x 234 Transmissive Color TFT Display Phoenix Display International PDI236MZQO-01 is a small-size 2.36” color TFT liquid crystal display (LCD) with a module size of 55.20mm x 47.55mm x 2.90mm and active area of 48.00mm x 35.69mm. This product is a-Si TFT, Positive, Transmissive glass with a 262K color 480 x 234 resolution. Its brightness is 100 nits with a contrast ratio of 350:1. Using an OTA5182A driver with a 8 Bit RGB interface and a Zero Insertion Force (ZIF) flex interconnect. This product offers improved contrast, color saturation and response time. Similar product(s):…

2.4″  240 x (RGB) x 320 Transmissive Color TFT Display Phoenix Display International PDI024QVHI-23 is a small-size 2.4” color TFT liquid crystal display (LCD) with a module size of 42.72 * 60.26 * 2.21 mm and active area of 36.72 * 48.96 mm. This product is IPS TFT, Negative, Transmissive glass with a 262K color 240 x 320 resolution. Its brightness is 250 nits with a contrast ratio of 600. Using an ILI9341V driver with a MCU interface and a ZIF type flex interconnect. This product offers improved contrast, color saturation and response time. Similar…

2.4″ 240 x (RGB) x 320 Transmissive Color TFT Display Phoenix Display International PDI024QVHI-17 is a small-size 2.4” color TFT liquid crystal display (LCD) with a module size of 42.72 * 60.26 * 2.3 mm and active area of 36.72 * 48.96 mm. This product is IPS TFT, Negative, Transmissive glass with a 262K color 240 x 320 resolution. Its brightness is 400 nits with a contrast ratio of 800. Using an ILI9341V driver with a MCU/SPI/SPI+RGB interface and a ZIF type flex interconnect. This product offers improved contrast, color saturation and response time. Similar…

2.47″ 480 x (RGB) x 480 Transmissive Color TFT Display Phoenix Display International PDI247GMH-50A is a round small-size 2.47” color TFT liquid crystal display (LCD) with a module size of  69.19 * 71.74 * 2.45mm and active area of 62.64 * 62.64 mm. This product is a-Si TFT, Negative, Transmissive glass with a 262K color 480 * RGB * 480 resolution. Its brightness is 350 nits with a contrast ratio of 900. Using an HX8379-C driver with a SPI+RGB interface and a Ziff Style interconnect. This product offers improved contrast, color saturation and response time. Similar product(s): Note. All our…

2.6″ 240×320 Transmissive Color TFT Display Phoenix Display International PDI026036HSST is a small-size 2.6” color TFT liquid crystal display (LCD) with a module size of 46.00mm x 64.00mm x 2.15mm and active area of 43.2mm x 57.6mm. This product is a-Si TFT, Positive, Transmissive glass with a 240 x 320 resolution. Its brightness is 200 nits with a contrast ratio of 300:1. Using an ST7781R driver with a N/A interface and a Hot-Bar flex interconnect. This product offers improved contrast, color saturation and response time. Similar product(s): None. All our color displays products can be modified to be…

2.8″ 240 x RGB X 320 Transmissive Color TFT Display Phoenix Display International PDI28QV02A is a small-size 2.8” color TFT liquid crystal display (LCD) with a module size of 50.00 * 69.20 * 2.38 mm, and active area 43.20 * 57.60 mm. This product is a-Si TFT, Normally White, Transmissive glass with a 240 * RGB * 320 resolution. Its brightness is 280 nits with a contrast ratio of 800. Using a ILI9341V driver with a MCU interface and a zero insertion force (ZIF) type flex interconnect. This product offers improved contrast , color saturation…

3.0″  480 x 640 Transmissive Color TFT Display Phoenix Display International PDI030VGGP-02 is a small-size 3.0” color TFT liquid crystal display (LCD) with a module size of 50.6 x 71 x 202 mm, and active area 45 x 60 mm. This product is a-Si TFT, Normally White, Transmissive glass with a 480 * RGB * 640 resolution. Its brightness is 500 nits with a contrast ratio of 800. Using a  TBD driver with a RGB interface and a zero insertion force (ZIF) type flex interconnect. This product offers improved contrast , color saturation and response…

3.0′′ 240 x 400 Transmissive Color TFT Display Phoenix Display International PDI2404009G(R)-KTCL1-V12 is a small-size 3.0” color TFT liquid crystal display (LCD) with a module size of 45.00mm x77.00mm x3.95mm and active area of 38.88mm x64.80mm.This product is a-Si TFT, Positive, Transmissive glass with a 262K color 240 x 400 resolution. Its brightness is 140 nits with a contrast ratio of 250:1. Using an ILI9327 driver with an 16-Bit Parallel interface and a zero insertion force (ZIF) type flex interconnect. This product offers improved contrast, color saturation and response time. Similar product(s): None. All our color displays…

3.2″ 240 x 320 Transmissive Color TFT Display Phoenix Display International PDI314C-02A is a small-size 3.2” color TFT liquid crystal display (LCD) with a module size of 55.04mm x 77.70mm x 2.40mm and active area of 47.87mm x 63.84mm.This product is a-Si TFT, normally white, Transmissive glass with a 65K color 240 x 320 resolution. Its brightness is 200 nits with a contrast ratio of 350:1. Using an ILI9341 driver with an MPU I/F (8/9/16/18), RGB I/F (18 bit) interface and a Hot-Bar type flex interconnect. This product offers improved contrast, color saturation and response…

3.2″  240 x (RGB) x 320 Transmissive Color TFT Display Phoenix Display International PDI032QVHI-05 is a small-size 3.2” color TFT liquid crystal display (LCD) with a module size of 55.04 x 77.50 x 2.40 mm and active area of 48.6 x 64.8 mm. This product is a-Si TFT, Normally White, Transmissive glass with 240 x RGB x 320 resolution. Its brightness is 300 nits with a contrast ratio of 350. Using an ILI9341V driver with an MPU interface and a Hot-Bar type flex interconnect. This product offers improved contrast, color saturation and response time. Similar…

3.5″ 480 x 640 Color TFT Display Phoenix Display International PDIS035GV09ES is a small-size 3.5” color TFT liquid crystal display (LCD) with a module size of 64.00 x 85.00 x 2.9 mm and active area of 53.26 x 71.40 mm. This product is TFT, Positive, Transmissive glass with a 262K color 480 x 640 resolution. Its brightness is 900 nits with a contrast ratio of 400. Using an TBD driver with RGB Stripe interface and a Hot-Bar type flex interconnect. This product offers improved contrast, color saturation and response time. All our color displays products can be modified to be…

3.5″ 320 x 240 TFT COLOR LCD Phoenix Display International PDI035QVIH-28B is a small-size 3.5” color TFT liquid crystal display (LCD) with a module size of 76.75 x 63.7 x 3.27 mm and active area of 70.08 x 52.56 mm. This product is a-Si TFT, Positive, Transmissive glass with a 262K color  320  x 240 resolution. Its brightness is 350 nits with a contrast ratio of 300. Using an HX8238-D driver with a RGB interface and a Ziff style interconnect. This product offers improved contrast, color saturation and response time. Similar product(s): None. All our…

3.5″  320 x RGB x 480  Transmissive Color TFT Display Phoenix Display International PDI035HVSI-31 is a small-size 3.5” color TFT liquid crystal display (LCD) with a module size of 54.48 * 84.71 * 2.3 mm, and active area 48.96 * 73.44 mm. This product is a-Si TFT, Normally White, Transmissive glass with a 320 * RGB * 480 resolution. Its brightness is 320 nits with a contrast ratio of 500. Using an ILI9488 driver with a 3SPI+RGS18-bit interface and a zero insertion force (ZIF) type flex interconnect. This product offers improved contrast , color saturation…

3.5″ 320 x (RGB) x 480 Transmissive Color TFT Display Phoenix Display International PDI035HVHI-48 is a small-size 3.5” color TFT liquid crystal display (LCD) with a module size of 53.76* 84.18 * 2.1 mm, and active area 48.96 * 73.44 mm. This product is a-Si TFT, Normally White, Transmissive glass with a 320 * RGB * 480 resolution. Its brightness is 350 nits with a contrast ratio of 800. Using a ILI9488 driver with a 3SPI+RGB18-bit interface and a zero insertion force (ZIF) type flex interconnect. This product offers improved contrast , color saturation and…

3.5″ 320 x (RGB) x 800 Bar Type TFT Color LCD Phoenix Display International PDI035WVBS-51 is a small-size bar type 3.5” color TFT liquid crystal display (LCD) with a module size of 40.97 * 94.4 * 2.78 mm, and active area 33.96 * 81 mm. This product is a-Si TFT, Normally White, Transmissive glass with a 340 * RGB * 800 resolution. Its brightness is 330 nits with a contrast ratio of 600. Using a ST7701S driver with a RGB interface and a zero insertion force (ZIF) type flex interconnect. This product offers improved contrast…

3.97″ 480 x 800 Color TFT Display Phoenix Display International PDI040WVHS-16 is a small-size 3.97” color TFT liquid crystal display (LCD) with a module size of 57.14 x 96.85 x 2.10  mm and active area of 54.84 x 86.4 mm. This product is IPS TFT, Positive, Transmissive glass with a 262K color 480 x 800 resolution. Its brightness is TBD nits with a contrast ratio of 800. Using an ST7701S driver with a MIPI interface and a Hot-Bar type flex interconnect. This product offers improved contrast, color saturation and response time. Similar product(s): None. All…

4.0″ 480 x 480 Color TFT Display Phoenix Display International PDIS040HWV08NN is a  4.0” color TFT liquid crystal display (LCD) with a module size of 77.66 x 78.97 x 2.3 mm and active area of 71.86 x 70.18 mm. This product is TFT, Positive, Transmissive glass with a 262K color 480 x 480 resolution. Its brightness is 350 nits with a contrast ratio of 700. Using an ST7701-G5 driver with an aRGB-24bit interface and a Hot-Bar type flex interconnect. This product offers improved contrast, color saturation and response time. Similar product(s): None. All our color…

4.2″ 720 x (RGB) x 672 Transmissive Color TFT Display Phoenix Display International PDI042WVBN-02C is a small-size 4.2” color TFT liquid crystal display (LCD) with a module size of 81.38 * 71.68 * 1.96 mm, and active area 77.98 * 72.78 mm. This product is IPS TFT, Normally Black, Transmissive glass with a 720 * RGB * 672 resolution. Its brightness is 300 nits with a contrast ratio of 700. Using a NV3052C driver with a RGB interface and a zero insertion force (ZIF) type flex interconnect. This product offers improved contrast , color saturation…

4.3″ 480 x (RGB) x 272 Transmissive Color TFT Display Phoenix Display International PDI043WQBS-36 is a small-size 4.3” color TFT liquid crystal display (LCD) with a module size of 105.4 x 67.1 x 2.9 mm, and active area 95.04 x 53.86 mm. This product is TFT, Normally White, Transmissive glass with a 480 * RGB * 272 resolution. Its brightness is 500 nits with a contrast ratio of 600. Using a ST7282 driver with a RGB interface and a zero insertion force (ZIF) type flex interconnect. This product offers improved contrast , color saturation and…

4.3″ 480 x (RGB) x 272 Transmissive Color TFT Display Phoenix Display International PDI043WQBS-36C is a small-size 4.3” color TFT liquid crystal display (LCD) with a module size of 123.04 x 84.46 x 4.63 mm, and active area 95.04 x 53.86 mm. This product is TFT, Normally White, Transmissive glass with a 480 * RGB * 272 resolution. Its brightness is 400 nits with a contrast ratio of 600. Using a ST7282 driver with a RGB interface and a zero insertion force (ZIF) type flex interconnect. This product offers improved contrast , color saturation and…

4.3″ 480 x 272 Transmissive Color TFT Display Phoenix Display International PDI43015CMHX  is a small-size 4.3” color TFT liquid crystal display (LCD) with a module size of 105.50 x 67.20 x 2.90 mm and active area of 95.04 x 53.86 mm. This product is a-Si TFT, Normally White, Transmissive glass with a 480 x 272 resolution. Its brightness is 500 nits with a contrast ratio of 500. Using an HX8257 driver with an RGB interface and a zero insertion force (ZIF) type flex interconnect. This product offers improved contrast, color saturation and response time. Similar…

4.3″  800 x (RGB) x 480 Transmissive Color TFT Display Phoenix Display International PDI043WVHH-51 is a small-size 4.3” color TFT liquid crystal display (LCD) with a module size of 67.2 * 105.5 * 3 mm, and active area 95.04 * 53.85 mm. This product is IPS TFT, Normally Black, Transmissive glass with a 800 * RGB * 480 resolution. Its brightness is 400 nits with a contrast ratio of 800. Using a  HX8264+HX8664 driver with a 24bit RGB interface and a zero insertion force (ZIF) type flex interconnect. This product offers improved contrast , color…

4.3″ 480 x (RGB) x 272 Transmissive Color TFT Display Phoenix Display International PDI043WQBS-35 is a small-size 4.3” color TFT liquid crystal display (LCD) with a module size of 105.50 * 67.20 * 2.90 mm, and active area 95.04 * 53.86 mm. This product is a-Si TFT, Normally White, Transmissive glass with a 480 * RGB * 272 resolution. Its brightness is 350 nits with a contrast ratio of 600. Using a ST7282 driver with a RGB interface and a zero insertion force (ZIF) type flex interconnect. This product offers improved contrast , color saturation…

4.3″ 420 x (RGB) x 800 TFT Color LCD Phoenix Display International PDI043WVBI-57 is a small-size bar type 4.3” color TFT liquid crystal display (LCD) with a module size of 60.9 x 104.5 x 1.9 mm, and active area 56.16 x 93.6 mm. This product is IPS TFT, Normally Black, Transmissive glass with a 480 * RGB * 800 resolution. Its brightness is 250 nits with a contrast ratio of 800. Using a ILI9806E driver with a 3SPI+RGB18-bit interface and a zero insertion force (ZIF) type flex interconnect. This product offers improved contrast , color…

4.3″ 480x (RGB) x 272  TFT Color LCD Phoenix Display International PDI043WQCH-13C is a small-size bar type 4.3” color TFT liquid crystal display (LCD) with a module size of 123.04 x 84.46 x 4.6 mm, and active area 95.04 x 53.86 mm. This product is a-Si TFT, Normally White, Transmissive glass with a 480 * RGB * 272 resolution. Its brightness is 400 nits with a contrast ratio of 350. Using a SSD1963 driver with a RGB interface and a zero insertion force (ZIF) type flex interconnect. This product offers improved contrast , color saturation and response time. Similar product(s):…

5.0″ 480 x 272 Transmissive Color TFT Display Phoenix Display International PDI500MZNI-01 is a small-size 5.0” color TFT liquid crystal display (LCD) with a module size of 120.7mm x 75.8mm x 4.3mm and active area of 110.88mm x62.83mm.This product is a-Si TFT, Normally White, Transmissive glass with a 16.7M color 480 x 272 resolution. Its brightness is 200 nits with a contrast ratio of 500:1. Using ILI6482 drivers with an 24-Bit RGB interface and a zero insertion force (ZIF) type flex interconnect. This product offers improved contrast, color saturation and response time. Similar product(s): None. All…

5.0″ 720 x RGB x 1280 Transmissive Color TFT Display Phoenix Display International PDI050HDHI-20 is a small-size 5.0” color TFT liquid crystal display (LCD) with a module size of 65.3 * 119.3 * 1.65 mm, and active area 62.1 * 110.4 mm. This product is IPS TFT, Normally Black, Transmissive glass with a 720 * RGB * 1280 resolution. Its brightness is 440 nits with a contrast ratio of 800. Using an ILI9881C-01D driver with a MIPI interface and a zero insertion force (ZIF) type flex interconnect. This product offers improved contrast , color saturation…

5.0″ 800 × 480 Transmissive Color TFT Display Phoenix Display International PDI050WVHI-12 is a small-size 5.0” color TFT liquid crystal display (LCD) with a module size of 120.70 x 75.80 x 3.00 mm and active area of 108.0 x 64.8 mm.This product is a-Si TFT, Positive, Transmissive glass with a 16.7M color 800 x 480 resolution. Its brightness is 500 nits with a contrast ratio of 600. Using ILI5480/ILI16123H drivers with an TTL interface and a zero insertion force (ZIF) type flex interconnect. This product offers improved contrast, color saturation and response time. Similar product(s): PDI500MTWH-01 has…

5.7″ 320 x 240 Transmissive Color TFT Display Phoenix Display International PDI057H01 is a small-size 5.7” color TFT liquid crystal display (LCD) with a module size of 104.6mm x 144.0mm x 12.3mm and active area of 86.4mm x 115.2mm.This product is a-Si TFT, Normally White, Transmissive glass with a 262K color 320 x 240 resolution. Its brightness is 500 nits with a contrast ratio of 500:1. Using an SSD2119 driver with an RGB 18-bit interface and a zero insertion force (ZIF) type flex interconnect. This product offers improved contrast, color saturation and response time. Similar…

5.7″ 640 x (RGB) x 480 Transmissive Color TFT Display Phoenix Display International PDI057VGGH-01 is a small-size 5.7” color TFT liquid crystal display (LCD) with a module size of 127.00 x 98.43 x 5.80 mm, and active area 115.20 x 86.40 mm. This product is TFT, Normally White, Transmissive glass with a 640 * RGB * 480 resolution. Its brightness is 700 nits with a contrast ratio of 500. Using a HX8250-A01*2+HX8678A driver with a MIPI interface and a zero insertion force (ZIF) type flex interconnect. This product offers improved contrast , color saturation and…

7.0″ 1280 X 800  Transmissive Color TFT Display Phoenix Display International PDI070JDHG30-00 is a small-size 7.0” color TFT liquid crystal display (LCD) with a module size of 161.00 * 107.00 * 3.1 mm and active area of 149.76 * 93.60 mm. This product is a-Si TFT, Negative, Transmissive glass with a 262K color 1280 x 800 resolution. Its brightness is 400 nits with a contrast ratio of 800. Using an ST5821C & ST5084C driver with LVDS interface. This product offers improved contrast, color saturation and response time. All our color displays products can be modified…

7.0″ 1024 x (RGB) x 600 Transmissive Color TFT Display Phoenix Display International PDI070WSQH-53 is a small-size 7.0” color TFT liquid crystal display (LCD) with a module size of 164.90 * 100.00 * 3.5 mm, and active area 154.21 * 85.92 mm. This product is a-Si TFT, Normally White, Transmissive glass with a 1024 * RGB * 600 resolution. Its brightness is 220 nits with a contrast ratio of 200. Using a  TBD driver with a RGB interface and a zero insertion force (ZIF) type flex interconnect. This product offers improved contrast , color saturation…

7.0″ 1024 X 600  Transmissive Color TFT Display Phoenix Display International PDI070WXBE-05 is a small-size 7.0” color TFT liquid crystal display (LCD) with a module size of 164.00 * 103.0 * 3.5 mm and active area of 154.21 * 85.92 mm. This product is a-Si TFT, Positive, Transmissive glass with a 262K color 1024 x 600 resolution. Its brightness is 550 nits with a contrast ratio of 800. Using an EK73215 + EK79001 driver with LVDS interface. This product offers improved contrast, color saturation and response time. All our color displays products can be modified…

7.0″ 800 x (RGB) x 480 Transmissive Color TFT Display Phoenix Display International PDI070WVBE-31 is a small-size 7.0” color TFT liquid crystal display (LCD) with a module size of 164.90 * 100.00 * 3.2 mm, and active area 154.08 * 85.92 mm. This product is a-Si TFT, Normally White, Transmissive glass with a 800 * RGB * 480 resolution. Its brightness is 250 nits with a contrast ratio of 500. Using a  EK9716BD/BD3&EK73002ACGB driver with a TTL interface and a zero insertion force (ZIF) type flex interconnect. This product offers improved contrast , color saturation…

7.0″ 800 x (RGB) x 480 Transmissive Color TFT Display Phoenix Display International PDI070WVBE-32 is a small-size 7.0” color TFT liquid crystal display (LCD) with a module size of 164.90 * 100.00 * 3.2 mm, and active area 154.08 * 85.92 mm. This product is a-Si TFT, Normally White, Transmissive glass with a 800 * RGB * 480 resolution. Its brightness is 450 nits with a contrast ratio of 500. Using a  EK9716BD/BD3&EK73002ACGB driver with a TTL interface and a zero insertion force (ZIF) type flex interconnect. This product offers improved contrast , color saturation…

7.0″ 800 x (RGB) x 480 Transmissive Color TFT Display Phoenix Display International PDI070WVBE-32 is a small-size 7.0” color TFT liquid crystal display (LCD) with a module size of 164.90 * 100.00 * 3.2 mm, and active area 154.08 * 85.92 mm. This product is a-Si TFT, Normally White, Transmissive glass with a 800 * RGB * 480 resolution. Its brightness is 450 nits with a contrast ratio of 500. Using a  EK9716BD/BD3&EK73002ACGB driver with a TTL interface and a zero insertion force (ZIF) type flex interconnect. This product offers improved contrast , color saturation…

7″ 800 x RGB x 480  Transmissive Color TFT Display Phoenix Display International PDI7070MIWN-10 is a small-size 7.0” color TFT liquid crystal display (LCD) with a module size of 164.90 * 100.00 * 5.7 mm and active area 154.08 * 85.92 mm. This product is a-Si TFT, Normally White, Transmissive glass with a 800 * RGB * 480 resolution. Its brightness is 1000 nits with a contrast ratio of 500. Using an OTD9960+OTA7001 driver with a TTL interface and a zero insertion force (ZIF) type flex interconnect. This product offers improved contrast , color saturation…

7″ 1024 * RGB * 600  Transmissive Color TFT Display Phoenix Display International PDI070WSBH-21 is a small-size 7.0” color TFT liquid crystal display (LCD) with a module size of 164.90 * 100.0  * 3.5 mm, and active area 154.21 * 85.92 mm. This product is a-Si TFT, Normally Black, Transmissive glass with a 1024 * RGB * 600 resolution. Its brightness is 450 nits with a contrast ratio of 800. Using an TBD driver with a LVDS interface and a zero insertion force (ZIF) type flex interconnect. This product offers improved contrast , color saturation…

7.0″  1024 x (RGB) x 600 Transmissive Color TFT Display Phoenix Display International PDI070WSBE-54 is a small-size 7.0” color TFT liquid crystal display (LCD) with a module size of 164.90 * 100.00 * 3.5 mm, and active area 154.21 * 85.92 mm. This product is a-Si TFT, Normally White, Transmissive glass with a 1024 * RGB * 600 resolution. Its brightness is 300 nits with a contrast ratio of 800. Using a  EK73215+EK79007 driver with a MPI interface and a zero insertion force (ZIF) type flex interconnect. This product offers improved contrast , color saturation…

8.0″ 800 x RGB X 480 Transmissive Color TFT Display Phoenix Display International PDI080WVSH-03 is a small-size 8.0” color TFT liquid crystal display (LCD) with a module size of 192.80 * 117.0 * 6.4 mm, and active area 176.64 * 99.36 mm. This product is a-Si TFT, Normally White, Transmissive glass with a 800 * RGB * 480 resolution. Its brightness is 500 nits with a contrast ratio of 500. Using a TBD driver with a TTL interface and a zero insertion force (ZIF) type flex interconnect. This product offers improved contrast , color saturation…

8.0″ 800 x (RGB) x 600 Transmissive Color TFT Display Phoenix Display International PDI080SVTH-20 is a small-size 8.0” color TFT liquid crystal display (LCD) with a module size of 183.0 * 141.0 * 5.6 mm, and active area 162.0 * 121.5 mm. This product is a-Si TFT, Normally White, Transmissive glass with a 800 * RGB * 600 resolution. Its brightness is 500 nits with a contrast ratio of 500. Using a  TBD driver with a TTL interface and a zero insertion force (ZIF) type flex interconnect. This product offers improved contrast , color saturation…

8″ 1024 x 3RGB x 600  Transmissive Color TFT Display Phoenix Display International PDI080WSSH-02 is a small-size 8.0” color TFT liquid crystal display (LCD) with a module size of 192.80 * 116.90 * 6.4 mm, and active area 176.64 * 99.36 mm. This product is a-Si TFT, Normally White, Transmissive glass with a 1024 * RGB * 600 resolution. Its brightness is 450 nits with a contrast ratio of 700. Using an HX8282-A02+HX8696 driver with a LVDS interface and a zero insertion force (ZIF) type flex interconnect. This product offers improved contrast , color saturation…

8.8″  1280 x (RGB) x 720 Transmissive Color TFT Display Phoenix Display International PDI088WA01XN is a small-size 8.8” color TFT liquid crystal display (LCD) with a module size of 229.60 * 97.30 * 6.0 mm, and active area 209.28 * 78.48 mm. This product is IPS TFT, Normally Black, Transmissive glass with a 1280 * RGB * 720 resolution. Its brightness is 500 nits with a contrast ratio of 1000. Using a  TBD driver with a LVDS interface and a zero insertion force (ZIF) type flex interconnect. This product offers improved contrast , color saturation and response time. All our…

9.0″ 1024 x (RGB) x 600 Transmissive Color TFT Display Phoenix Display International PDI090WSIE-01 is a small-size 9.0” color TFT liquid crystal display (LCD) with a module size of 211.1 * 126.5 * 5.8 mm, and active area 196.608  * 114.15 mm. This product is a-Si TFT, Normally White, Transmissive glass with a 1024 * RGB * 600 resolution. Its brightness is 500 nits with a contrast ratio of 500. Using a  TBD driver with a LVDS interface and a zero insertion force (ZIF) type flex interconnect. This product offers improved contrast , color saturation…

10.1″  1024 x (RGB) x 600 Transmissive Color TFT Display Phoenix Display International PDI101WSBH-11 is a 10.1” color TFT liquid crystal display (LCD) with a module size of 235.00 * 143.00 * 4.5 mm, and active area 222.78 * 125.28 mm. This product is a-Si TFT, Normally White, Transmissive glass with a 1024 * RGB * 600 resolution. Its brightness is 500 nits with a contrast ratio of 600. Using an TBD driver with a LVDS interface and a zero insertion force (ZIF) type flex interconnect. This product offers improved contrast , color saturation and…

10.1″ 1200 x (RGB) x 1920 Transmissive Color TFT Display Phoenix Display International PDI101WUBN-33 is a 10.1” color TFT liquid crystal display (LCD) with a module size of 143 * 228.6 * 2.5 mm, and active area 135.36 * 216.58 mm. This product is a-Si TFT, Normally White, Transmissive glass with a 1200 * RGB * 1920 resolution. Its brightness is 250 nits with a contrast ratio of 1000. Using a NT51021 driver with a MIPI interface and a zero insertion force (ZIF) type flex interconnect. This product offers improved contrast , color saturation and…

10.1″ 1280 × 800 Transmissive Color TFT Display Phoenix Display International PDI109-28CMI-32A is a small-size 10.1” color TFT liquid crystal display (LCD) with a module size of 229.46mm x 149.1mm x 2.7mm and active area of 229.46mm x 135.6mm.This product is a-Si TFT, Positive, Transmissive glass with a 1280 x 800 resolution. Its brightness is 320 nits with a contrast ratio of 800:1. Using an IC driver with an LVDS interface and a Zero Insertion Force (ZIF) type flex interconnect. This product offers improved contrast, color saturation and response time. Similar product(s): None. All our color displays…

10.1″  1024 x (RGB) x 600 Transmissive Color TFT Display Phoenix Display International PDI101WSBE-13E is a small-size 10.1” color TFT liquid crystal display (LCD) with a module size of 235.00 * 143.0 * 5.0 mm, and active area 222.72 * 125.28 mm. This product is a-Si TFT, Normally White, Transmissive glass with a 1024 * RGB * 600 resolution. Its brightness is 250 nits with a contrast ratio of 500. Using a  TBD driver with a TTL interface and a zero insertion force (ZIF) type flex interconnect. This product offers improved contrast , color saturation…

10.4″ 800 x RGB x 600  Transmissive Color TFT Display Phoenix Display International PDI104SVTM-01 is a 10.4” color TFT liquid crystal display (LCD) with a module size of 236.0 * 176.90 * 5.6 mm, and active area 211.20 * 158.40 mm. This product is a-Si TFT, Normally White, Transmissive glass with a 800 * RGB * 600 resolution. Its brightness is 400 nits with a contrast ratio of 400. Using an TBD driver with a LVDS interface and a zero insertion force (ZIF) type flex interconnect. This product offers improved contrast , color saturation and…

10.4″ 1024 * RGB * 768  Transmissive Color TFT Display Phoenix Display International PDI104XGZH-02CW is a 10.4” color TFT liquid crystal display (LCD) with a module size of 236.00 * 174.30 * 7.4 mm, and active area 211.20 * 158.40 mm. This product is a-Si TFT, Normally White, Transmissive glass with a 1024 * RGB * 768 resolution. Its brightness is 400 nits with a contrast ratio of 500. Using an TBD driver with a LVDS interface and a zero insertion force (ZIF) type flex interconnect. This product offers improved contrast , color saturation and…

10.4″ 800 x 600 Transmissive Color TFT Display Phoenix Display International PDI-80060007G(R)-KT1L1-VK is a small-size 10.4” color TFT liquid crystal display (LCD) with a module size of 228.4mm x175.4mm x8.675mm and active area of 213.20mm x160.95mm. This product is a-Si TFT, Normally White, Transmissive glass with 800 × 600 resolution. Its brightness is 250 nits with a contrast ratio of 500:1. Using an ILI2303 driver with an RGB & IIC interface and a zero insertion force (ZIF) type flex interconnect. This product offers improved contrast, color saturation and response time. Similar product(s): None. All our color…

11.6″ 1920 x 1080 Color TFT Display Phoenix Display International PDIS116MWU02NP is a  11.6” color TFT liquid crystal display (LCD) with a module size of 263.40 x 157.22 x 2.55 mm and active area of 256.32 x 144.18 mm. This product is TFT, Positive, Transmissive glass with a 262K color 1920 X 1080 resolution. Its brightness is 220 nits with a contrast ratio of 1000. Using a TBD driver with a EDP interface and a Ziff interconnect. This product offers improved contrast, color saturation and response time. Similar product(s): None. All our color displays products…

12.1″ 800 x 600 Transmissive Color TFT Display Phoenix Display International PDI121TC-XL01 is a mid-size 12.1” color TFT liquid crystal display (LCD) with a module size of 279.0mm x 209.0mm x 11.0mm and active area of 246.0mm x 184.5mm.This product is a-Si TFT, Normally White, Transmissive glass with a 16.2M color 800 x 600 resolution. Its brightness is 450 nits with a contrast ratio of 700:1. Using an IC driver with an LVDS, RGB 8 bit interface and a zero insertion force (ZIF) type flex interconnect. This product offers improved contrast, color saturation and response time. Similar…

13.3″ 1920  x (RGB) x 1080 Transmissive Color TFT Display Phoenix Display International PDI133FHPD-01 is a small-size 13.3” color TFT liquid crystal display (LCD) with a module size of 306.20 * 190.62 * 2.5 mm, and active area 293.76 * 165.24 mm. This product is IPS TFT, Normally Black, Transmissive glass with a 1920 * RGB *  1080 resolution. Its brightness is 220 nits with a contrast ratio of 1000. Using a  TBD driver with a LVDS  interface and a zero insertion force (ZIF) type flex interconnect. This product offers improved contrast , color saturation…

15.6″ 1920 x 1080 Color TFT Display Phoenix Display International PDIS156MWU01ES is a  15.6” color TFT liquid crystal display (LCD) with a module size of 360.00 x 222.23 x 6.4 mm and active area of 344.16 x 193.59 mm. This product is TFT, Positive, Transmissive glass with a 262K color 1920 X 1080 resolution. Its brightness is 1000 nits with a contrast ratio of 1000. Using a TBD driver with a EDP interface and a Ziff interconnect. This product offers improved contrast, color saturation and response time. Similar product(s): None. All our color displays products can be modified to be…

13.3″ 1920 x 1080 Color TFT Display Phoenix Display International PDIS133MWU03HG is a  13.3” color TFT liquid crystal display (LCD) with a module size of 307.6 x 183 x 5.5 mm and active area of 293.76 x 165.24 mm. This product is TFT, Positive, Transmissive glass with a 262K color 1920 X 1080 resolution. Its brightness is 500 nits with a contrast ratio of 1000. Using a TBD driver with a EDP interface and a Ziff interconnect. This product offers improved contrast, color saturation and response time. Similar product(s): None. All our color displays products…

18.5″ 1366 x (RGB) x 768 Transmissive Color TFT Display Phoenix Display International PDI185HDCM-L22 is a small-size 18.5” color TFT liquid crystal display (LCD) with a module size of 430.38 * 254.60 * 60.10 mm, and active area 409.80 * 230.40 mm. This product is a-Si TFT, Normally White, Transmissive glass with a 1366 * RGB * 768 resolution. Its brightness is 250 nits with a contrast ratio of 1000. Using a  TBD driver with a LVDS  interface and a zero insertion force (ZIF) type flex interconnect. This product offers improved contrast , color saturation…

ASI-T-17711A1SPN/D is a 1.77 inch transflective TFT with a resolution of 160 x 128, SPI interface and with a brightness of 110 Nits; viewable in direct sunlight.

ASI-T-20043A5PMN/AY is a 2.0 inch TFT with a resolution of 480 x 360, 3W SPI+16 bit RGB or MIPI interface, IPS all view, with a high brightness of 500 Nits.

ASI-T-240DA8BN/D is a 2.4 inch high brightness TFT with a resolution of 240 X 320, CPU 16-bit interface and with a brightness of 800 Nits; viewable in direct sunlight.

ASI-T-240DA10SMN/AQ is a 2.4 inch high brightness TFT with a resolution of 240 x 320, SPI & MCU interface, IPS all-angle view and with a brightness of 1000 Nits; viewable in direct sunlight. It also features an extra wide operating temperatures of -30 to +80C; perfect for extreme environmental applications.

ASI-T-240DAKBN/D is a 2.4 inch high brightness TFT with a resolution of 240 x 320, MCU interface and with a brightness of 1000 Nits; viewable in direct sunlight.

ASI-T-283DAKCRN/A is a 2.83 inch high brightness TFT with a resolution of 240 x 320, CPU, RGB, SPI interface and with a brightness of 1000 Nits; viewable in direct sunlight

ASI-T-3501RA1EN/A is a 3.5 inch TFT with a resolution of 480 x 640, 18 bit RGB, All View interface and with a brightness of 120 Nits; viewable in direct sunlight

ASI-T-3501RA1EN/D is a 3.5 inch TFT with a resolution of 480 x 640, 18-bit DBI Type B, All View interface and with a brightness of 120 Nits; viewable in direct sunlight

ASI-T-350EA8RCY6/A is a 3.5 inch high brightness TFT with a resolution of 320 x 240, 24-bit Parallel RGB/Serial RGB/CCIR/YUV interface and with a brightness of 850 Nits; viewable in direct sunlight with Capacitive Touch Panel

ASI-T-350EA10SRN/A is a 3.5 inch TFT with a resolution of 320 x 240, SPI & RGB interface and with a high brightness of 1,000 Nits and wide temperature range of -30 - +85 C.

There are different components of a TFT displays that can be modified to create a custom color LCD. Some of the modifications are not too expensive, while others can be cost prohibitive. We will cover some of the main options available and their estimated cost when customizing a TFT display module.

Note: If you need a color LCD module, but do not need video or dot matrix (Graphical) capabilities, I would suggest using a lower cost alternative such as FSC*(Field Sequential Color display) aka known as a TN color display. A second option for a lower cost and much lower power requirement would be a custom segmented display module with color overlays.

This is by far the most expensive component of the TFT module to customize. There are industry standard glass sizes for TFT’s. The list includes, but is not limited to, 2.8 inch, 3.5 inch, 5.7 inch, 7 inch, 10.2 inch and larger. If you can design your product to make use of these standard sizes, then do it. If you need a unique size, say a something between a 2.8 inch and 3.5 inch, you may be forced to invest in a custom glass size. We have seen quotes for custom glass sizes for TFT run between $100,000 dollars to $150,000 dollars. Not a minor investment for most companies.

A TFT LCD display with a modified PCB, is still considered a custom color TFT. Modification costs to customize the PCB is an estimated $400 to $1,200 one-time tooling fee. The unit cost of the TFT display, with a modified PCB will be slightly higher than the cost of the TFT with a standard PCB.

Many products that incorporate a custom color LCD display will contain a touch screen or touch panel. These can be modified to meet a customer’s particular size for an estimated tooling cost of $3,000 to $4,000.

US Micro Products manufactures a wide selection of TFT LCD (Active Matrix LCDs) displays to accommodate the needs of OEMs across many different industries, including medical, industrial, gaming, military and many more.

An array of available interfaces, brightness levels, and temperature ranges ensure that our TFT LCDs work well with your design and in the environment of your choice

If you can’t find what you are looking for, contact us at sales@usmicroproducts.com! We are a manufacturer of Custom Display Solutions and are experts in extreme applications.

LCD stands for “Liquid Crystal Display” and TFT stands for “Thin Film Transistor”. These two terms are used commonly in the industry but refer to the same technology and are really interchangeable when talking about certain technology screens. The TFT terminology is often used more when describing desktop displays, whereas LCD is more commonly used when describing TV sets. Don’t be confused by the different names as ultimately they are one and the same. You may also see reference to “LED displays” but the term is used incorrectly in many cases. The LED name refers only to the backlight technology used, which ultimately still sits behind an liquid crystal panel (LCD/TFT).

As TFT screens are measured differently to older CRT monitors, the quoted screen size is actually the full viewable size of the screen. This is measured diagonally from corner to corner. TFT displays are available in a wide range of sizes and aspect ratios now. More information about the common sizes of TFT screens available can be seen in our section about resolution.

The aspect ratio of a TFT describes the ratio of the image in terms of its size. The aspect ratio can be determined by considering the ratio between horizontal and vertical resolution.

16:9 = wide screen formats such as 1920 x 1080 and 2560 x 1440. 16:9 is commonly used for multimedia displays and TV’s and is increasingly becoming the standard

The resolution of a TFT is an important thing to consider. All TFT’s have a certain number of pixels making up their liquid crystal matrix, and so each TFT has a “native resolution” which matches this number. It is always advisable to run the TFT at its native resolution as this is what it is designed to run at and the image does not need to be stretched or interpolated across the pixels. This helps keep the image at its most clear and at optimum sharpness. Some screens are better than others at running below the native resolution and interpolating the image which can sometimes be useful in games.

You generally cannot run a TFT at a resolution of above its native resolution although some screens have started to offer “Virtual” resolutions, for example “virtual 4k” where the screen will accept a 3840 x 2160 input from your graphics card but scale it back to match the native resolution of the panel which is often 2560 x 1440 in these examples. This whole process is rather pointless though as you lose a massive amount of image quality in doing so.

Ultra-high resolutions must be thought of in a slightly different way. Ultra HD (3840 x 2160) and 4K (4096 x 2160) resolutions are being provided nowadays on standard screen sizes like 24 – 27” for instance. Traditionally as you increased the resolution of panels it was about providing more desktop real estate to work with. However, with those resolutions being so high, and the screen size being relatively small still, the image and text becomes incredibly small if you run the screen at normal scaling at those native resolutions. For instance imagine a 3840 x 2160 resolution on a 24” screen compared with 1920 x 1080. The latter would probably be considered a comfortable font size for most users. These ultra-high resolutions nowadays are about improving image clarity and sharpness, and providing a higher pixel density (measured as pixels per inch = PPI). In doing so, you can improve the sharpness and clarity of an image much like Apple have famously done with their “Retina” displays on iPads and iPhones. To avoid complications with tiny images and fonts, you will then need to enable scaling in your operating system to make everything easier to see. For instance if you enabled scaling at 150% on a 3840 x 2160 resolution, you would end up with a screen real estate equivalent to a 2560 x 1440 panel (3840 / 1.5 = 2560 and 2160 / 1.5 = 1440). This makes text much easier to read and the whole image a more comfortable size, but you then get additional benefits from the higher pixel density instead, which results in a sharper and crisper image.

Generally you will need to take scaling in to consideration when purchasing any ultra-high resolution screen, unless it’s of a very large size. The scaling ability does vary however between different operating systems so be careful. Apple OS and modern Windows (8 and 10) are generally very good at handling scaling for ultra-high res displays. Older operating systems are less capable and may sometimes be complicated. You will also find varying support from different applications and games, and often end up with weird sized fonts or sections that are not scaled up and remain extremely small. A “standard” resolution where you don’t need to worry about scaling might be simpler for most users.

To display this content of this type, your screen needs to be able to 1) handle the full resolution naturally within its native resolution, and 2) be able to handle either the progressive scan or interlaced signal over whatever video interface you are using. If the screen cannot support the full resolution, the image can still be shown but it will be scaled down by the hardware and you won’t be take full advantage of the high resolution content. So for a monitor, if you want to watch 1080 HD content you will need a monitor which can support at least a vertical resolution of 1080 pixels, e.g. a 1920 x 1080 monitor.

This has given rise to modern Ultra HD standards and terms like 4K and 5K. Ultra HD is a term for monitors with a 3840 x 2160 resolution, that being four times the resolution of Full HD 1920 x 1080. Screens with this Ultra HD resolution are often referred to as “4K” as well, although strictly that should only be used for screens with 4092 x 2160 resolution (4K representing the vertical resolution here). There are also some 5K capable monitors produced which offer 5120 x 2880 resolution (5K here representing the vertical resolution). Please see the following sections which talk about Pixel Pitch and PPI and will help you understand these higher resolutions in more detail.

Unlike on CRT’s where the dot pitch is related to the sharpness of the image, the pixel pitch of a TFT is related to the distance between pixels. This value is fixed and is determined by the size of the screen and the native resolution (number of pixels) offered by the panel. Pixel pitch is normally listed in the manufacturers specification. Generally you need to consider that the ‘tighter’ the pixel pitch, the smaller the text will be, and potentially the sharper the image will be. To be honest, monitors are normally produced with a sensible resolution for their size and so even the largest pixel pitches return a sharp images and a reasonable text size. Some people do still prefer the larger-resolution-crammed-into-smaller-screen option though, giving a smaller pixel pitch and smaller text. It’s down to choice and ultimately eye-sight.

For instance you might see a 35″ ultra-wide screen with only a 2560 x 1080 resolution which would have a 0.3200 mm pixel pitch. Compare this to a 25″ screen with 2560 x 1400 resolution and 0.2162 mm pixel pitch and you can see there will be a significant different in font size and image sharpness. There are further considerations when it comes to the pixel pitch of ultra-high resolution displays like Ultra HD and 4K. See the section on PPI for more information.

Resolution is typically thought as a factor which determines the screen area or screen “real estate” you will have available. In years gone by as panel sizes increased, resolutions were increased as well and so bigger screens could offer you more desktop space to work with. Split-screen working and high resolution image work become more and more possible. This is fine up to a point, but pushing resolution for the purposes of delivering more desktop real-estate reaches a point where it becomes somewhat impractical for desktop monitors. For instance, a 40″ 3840 x 2160 resolution delivers a comfortable pixel pitch and font size natively (very similar to a 27″ at 2560 x 1440), so if you wanted a higher resolution than this you would have to increase the screen size again probably. You start to reach the point where sitting close to a screen so large becomes impractical.

Instead manufacturers are now focusing on delivering higher resolutions in to existing panel sizes, not for the purpose of providing more desktop real-estate, but for the purpose of improving image sharpness and picture quality. Apple started this trend with their “Retina Displays” used in iPads and iPhones, improving image sharpness and clarity massively. It is common now to see smaller screens such as 24″ and 27″ for instance, but with high resolutions like 3840 x 2160 (Ultra HD) or even 5120 x 2880 (5K). By packing more pixels in to the same screen size which would typically offer a 2560 x 1440 resolution, panel manufacturers are able to provide much smaller pixel pitches and improve picture sharpness and clarity. To measure this new way of looking at resolution you will commonly see the spec of ‘Pixels Per Inch’ (PPI) being used.

Of course the problem with this is that if you run a screen as small as 27″ with a 5K resolution, the font size is absolutely tiny by default. You get a massive boost of desktop real-estate, just like when moving from 1920 x 1080 to 2560 x 1440, but that’s not the purpose of these higher resolutions now. To overcome this you need to use the scaling options in your Operating System software to scale the image and make it more usable. Windows provides for instance scaling options like 125% and 150% within the control panel. On a 3840 x 2160 Ultra HD resolution if you use a 150% scaling option for example you will in effect reduce the desktop area by a third, resulting in the same desktop area as a 2560 x 1440 display (i.e. 2560 x 150% = 3840). The OS scaling makes font sizes more comfortable and reasonable, but you maintain the sharp picture quality and small pixel pitch of the higher resolution panel. A 3840 x 2160 res panel scaled at 150% in Windows will look sharper and crisper than a 2560 x 1440 native panel without scaling, despite the fact both would have the same effective desktop area available.

While this aspect is not always discussed by display manufacturers it is a very important area to consider when selecting a TFT monitor. The LCD panels producing the image are manufactured by many different panel vendors and most importantly, the technology of those panels varies. Different panel technologies will offer different performance characteristics which you need to be aware of. Their implementation is dependent on the panel size mostly as they vary in production costs and in target markets. The four main types of panel technology used in the desktop monitor market are:

TN Film was the first panel technology to be widely used in the desktop monitor market and is still regularly implemented in screens of all sizes thanks to its comparatively low production costs. TN Film is generally characterized by good pixel responsiveness making it a popular choice for gamer-orientated screens. Where overdrive technologies are also applied the responsiveness is improved further. TN Film panels are also available supporting 120Hz+ refresh rates making them a popular choice for stereoscopic 3D compatible screens. While older TN Film panels were criticized for their poor black depth and contrast ratios, modern panels are actually very good in this regard, often producing a static contrast ratio of up to 1000:1. Perhaps the main limitation with TN Film technology is its restrictive viewing angles, particularly in the vertical field. While specs on paper might look promising, in reality the viewing angles are restrictive and there are noticeable contrast and gamma shifts as you change your line of sight. TN Film panels are normally based around a 6-bit colour depth as well, with a Frame Rate Control (FRC) stage added to boost the colour palette. They are often excluded from higher end screens or by colour enthusiasts due to this lower colour depth and for their viewing angle limitations. TN Film panels are regularly used in general lower end and office screens due to cost, and are very popular in gaming screens thanks to their low response times and high refresh rate support. Pretty much all of the main panel manufacturers produce TN Film panels and all are widely used (and often interchanged) by the screen manufacturers.

IPS was originally introduced to try and improve on some of the drawbacks of TN Film. While initially viewing angles were improved, the panel technology was traditionally fairly poor when it came to response times and contrast ratios. Production costs were eventually reduced and the main investor in this technology has been LG.Display (formerly LG.Philips). The original IPS panels were developed into the so-called Super IPS (S-IPS) generation and started to be more widely used in mainstream displays. These were characterized by their good colour reproduction qualities, 8-bit colour depth (without the need for Frame Rate Control) and very wide viewing angles. These panels were traditionally still quite slow when it came to pixel response times however and contrast ratios were mediocre. In more recent years a change was made to the pixel alignment in these IPS panels (see our detailed panel technology article for more information) which gave rise to the so-called Horizontal-IPS (H-IPS) classification. With the introduction of overdrive technologies, response times were improved significantly, finally making IPS a viable choice for gaming. This has resulted more recently in IPS panels being often regarded as the best all-round technology and a popular choice for display manufacturers in today’s market. Improvements in energy consumption and reduced production costs lead to the generation of so-called e-IPS panels. Unlike normal 8-bit S-IPS and H-IPS classification panels, the e-IPS generation worked with a 6-bit + FRC colour depth. Developments and improvements with colour depths also gave rise to a generation of “10-bit” panels with some manufacturers inventing new names for the panels they were using, including the co-called Performance-IPS (p-IPS). It is important to understand that these different variants are ultimately very similar and the names are often interchanged by different display vendors. For more information, see our detailed panel technologies guide.

Nowadays IPS panels are produced and developed by several leading panel manufacturers. LG.Display technically own the IPS name and continue to invest in this popular technology. Samsung began production of their very similar PLS (Plane to Line Switching) technology, as did AU Optronics with their AHVA (Advanced Hyper Viewing Angle). These are all so similar in performance and features that they can be simply referred to now as “IPS-type”. Indeed monitor manufacturers will normally stick to the common IPS name but the underlying panel may be produced by any number of different manufacturers investing in this type of panel tech. AU Optronics have done a good job with finally increasing the refresh rate of their IPS panels, and making them a more viable option for gamers. Native 144Hz IPS-type panels are now available and response times continue to be reduced as well. Modern IPS panels are characterized by decent response times, if not quite as fast as TN Film they are certainly more fluid than older panels. Contrast ratios are typically around 1000:1 and viewing angles continue to be the widest and most stable of any panel technology. You will find varying colour depths including 6-bit+FRC and 8-bit commonly being used, although this makes little difference in practice. One of the remaining limitations with IPS-type technologies are the so-called “IPS glow”, where darker content introduces a pale glow when viewed from an angle. It’s a characteristic of the panel technology and pretty hard to avoid without additional filters being added to the panels. On larger and wider screens some people find this glow distracting and problematic.

This technology was developed by Sharp for use in some of their TFT displays. It consists of several improvements that Sharp claim to have made, mainly to counter the drawbacks of the popular TN Film technology. They have introduced an Anti-Glare / Anti-Reflection (AGAR) screen coating which forms a quarter-wavelength filter. Incident light is reflected back from front and rear surfaces 180° out of phase, thus canceling reflection rather diffusing it as others do. As well as reducing glare and reflection from the screen, this is marketed as