Low-e matchable coated articles, and methods of making the same

A head treatable coated article including an infrared (IR) reflecting layer (e.g., of or including Ag), the coated article being able to attain a lambdaE* (glass side) no greater than about 3.5, more preferably no greater than 3.0, and even more preferably no greater than 2.6, following or due to heat treatment (e.g., thermal tempering). Accordingly, low-E (i.e., low emissivity) coated articles of certain embodiments of this invention appear from the glass side thereof visually similar to the naked eye both before and after heat treatment. Good matchability characteristics (i.e., low lambdaE* values) combined with good durability can be achieved by controlling to what extent barrier layer(s) in contact with the IR reflecting layer are nitrided and to what thickness(es) they are sputtered. Optionally, certain embodiments of this invention relate to coated articles that also have high visible transmission and/or good durability. Coated articles herein may be used in the context of insulating glass (IG) window units, vehicle windows, or any other suitable applications. In certain embodiments of this invention, an exemplary layer stack includes: glass/Si3N4/NiCrNx/Ag/NiCrNx/Si3N4. Other materials may instead be used without departing from the scope and/or spirit of the instant invention which is a low-E matchable and/or durable product.