VA (Vertical Alignment)

A type of LCD panel technology. In this type of panel, when no electric current is running through the liquid crystal cells, the cells naturally align vertically between two substrate panes of glass which blocks the transmission of light from the backlight. This renders the crystals opaque and results in a black display screen. When an electric current is applied, the liquid crystal cells shift to a horizontal position between the substrates allowing light to pass through resulting in a white display screen. Monitors with VA LCD panels provide the advantages of wide viewing angles and high contrast ratios and reproduce colors well.