Samsung’s SA850 is the first model on the market with the company’s new Super PLS panel technology – a variant of IPS and an acronym for Plane to Line Switching. Just like most other IPS-based monitors, the SA850 targets professional users and offer pretty impressive specifications. It is a 27-inch display with 2560×1440 resolution, a wide, 100% sRGB color space with, 5 ms (G2G) response time, 178/178 viewing angles and 10 bit color depth.
Samsung also mentions a power-saving “Eco” light sensor that adjusts to the surroundings and USB 3.0 ports, which is a new feature in monitors. It comes in a discreet black finish and with a competent stand that provides tilt, height, swivel and pivot adjustments.
What is Super PLS?
In short, Super PLS is another IPS variant, with more or less the same characteristics, including wide viewing angles and excellent color reproduciton. In addition, Samsung claims that their Super PLS technology can produce more brightness while offering even wider angles than the competition.
For many years, Samsung has insisted that their PVA panels are superior to IPS panels, but the recent move seems to indicate that the electronics giant has changed its mind.
Mass production of Super PLS should be underway following the launch of the SA850, and it will be interesting to see where it leads. The technology will also be available to other manufacturers.
