Importance of LCD TV Contrast Ratio

by ecfl Oct 3, 2006 1:35PM PDT

I've been looking at the Sony KDL-32S2000 32-inch TV. It's Consumer Reports recommended buy for this size TV. It is also in CNET's Top 10 list in this category.

And it is even more appealing now because it is discontinued and the prices are dropping.

What I'm trying to understand is why it so highly rated when the Contrast Ratio is among the lowest in competing sets. The Sony ratio is 1300:1 while the Samsung models start at 3000:1 and go up from there.

Is contrast ratio above 1000:1 insignificant, or do just most of the other sets in this category have other picture quality artifacts that detract from them more than the Sony? Or something else?

thx
ed

Discussion is locked

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its like

by masterying01 Oct 3, 2006 1:52PM PDT

wattage in a HTIB. doesnt really matter. there are a lot more things to look out for. there isnt a set standard with it and companies can put whatever number they want and u need expensive equipment to actually measure it.

take a look at the tv's in person, see which one you like, and you're good to go. the 32s2000 is a decent set, but i would recommend the samsung lns3251 over it(not because of contrast, but because there are 2 HDMi inputs instead of one, has a dedicated antenna AND cable coax input, and imho looks a little more vibrant when it comes to colors).

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Contrast is important, but don't go by the spec

by breslin Oct 4, 2006 4:15AM PDT

Contrast is an important part of the quality of the picture. The ration, in theory, is the difference between the darkest and the brightest elements that can be displayed.

Unfortunately the manufacturers are all over the map in how they measure and rate the contrast ration. This makes it very difficult to compare from one set to another based on the specs.

In the end you need to see the picture yourself. Try to control the environment as much as you can. The perceived contrast ratio is significantly affected by the ambient light and the calibration of the TV.

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contrast ratio in lcd

by leogreat15 Oct 2, 2007 3:28PM PDT

There is no use of contrast ratio in lcd tv's. Basically contrast ratio only for birghtness of white colour in lcd's which is harmfull for kids and old peoples, Where the contrast ratio is high the details of the pictures will be dimmed and will not be visible.All japanees companies like sony , toshiba gives low contrast ratio but their picture quality is superb , where the korean companies gives high contrast ratio but compare to toshiba and sony their product is no where. One more thing i want to explain except toshiba all companies using four base colour black , wihite , red and white , while toshiba using all seven basic colours , toshiba is the best lcd in the market right now.

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Contrast ratios are made up...

by xgenx Oct 5, 2008 5:14AM PDT

HDR video is very new and one day they would like to get contrast ratios around 40,000:1. This will require bright LED light sources behind the LCD screen. You can already see these at concert venues behind the band where the screen can get as bright as stage lights. But TV makers are already advertising contrast ratios of 1,000,000:1 which would be very uncomfortable since a you only see about 40,000:1 on a bright sunny day. Contrast ratio is very important to the scene and has realism effect greater than HD. You may want to investigate HDR, but the TV's are not here yet.

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who puts their TV outside in the bright sun?

by jostenmeat Oct 5, 2008 5:55AM PDT

I've heard we can detect contrast anywhere from millions to one, to immeasurable.

a few types of contrast. on/off CR will have high numbers, ansi will have lower numbers.

everything you ever wanted to know about contrast
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=852467

Importance of LCD TV Contrast Ratio

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