While LG makes a good number of LCD monitors, it has largely left the upper-end of the market to companies like Apple and Dell. Now, though, the company is taking its first tentative steps towards offering higher-quality displays with the announcement of four new IPS-screens (details courtesy of FlatPanelsHD).
The first of the new screens features a 20in 1,600x900px panel and will be sold as the IPS206T. A choice of VGA or DVI inputs is provided, though unfortunately HDMI has been left off of this model.
Slightly larger is the 21.5in IPS226V, which also has the benefit of a 1,920x1,080px resolution and the addition of an HDMI input.
The final two models - named the IPS236V and IPS231P - are almost identical, at least in terms of the screens. Both feature a 1080p-capable 23in screen, though only the former includes an HDMI input. However, the latter has a stand that can be tilted, swivelled, pivoted and raised as well as integrated stereo-speakers and is targeted at the professional market.
The screens all feature in-plane switching (IPS) LCD panels, which give much better colour-reproduction than the more common twisted nematic (TN) panels along with near 180° viewing-angles. All four screens are also LED-backlit, which should allow for deep blacks and excellent contrast-ratios.
To the chagrin of some, these monitors of course use a cinematic 16:9 aspect-ratio, which has all but replaced 16:10 in desktop monitors.
Unfortunately, LG hasn't revealed any details on pricing or availability. However, the company has a reputation for making well-built displays that are very affordable. Hopefully it will choose to continue this tradition with the push into higher-end panels, making IPS screens more feasible for mainstream purchasers.
