The HDTV I want to buy has a 800:1 contrast ratio- what does that mean and is it good?

Question

So the TV I'm looking at, a JVC LT-40X667, has "only" a 800:1 Contrast ratio according to CNET review. Otherwise they like the unit.

What the heck does that mean to me and should I be looking at a HDTV with a higher ratio? Does it even matter to the average Joe?

As always, thanks in advance for your insight!

Answer 1

Jessica Simpson she don't know what that is ,but she wants it! so it must be awsome!

Answer 2

That (800:1) is not a good number. It is true that the spec is generally meaningless because it is measured under conditions not like real TV viewing. But you can be sure the manufacturer is posting the best value they can justify, so I would be leery of that set. It sounds like old technology. Newer sets have (specified) contrast ratios over 5,000:1, and even if those numbers are not real, they do mean something in comparison to other sets. You can get by with a lower contrast ratio if you watch TV in a bright room; the lack of "blackness" in the dark areas of the picture will show up much more in a dark room. Unfortunately, if you look at the picture in a store, the area is brightly lit, and poor contrast ratios won't be evident.

Answer 3

i reallly like jvc as a company they make really great tvs but i think that contrast ratio is kinda low , it is a 40" right. it should be at least a 1200to1 . but any way the contrast ratio is basically how black the blacks will look , the higher the ratio the deeper the black the lower the more washed or grayer is looks, but some manufatures measure their contrast ratios different so 800 to one might not be that bad for jvc. but is is pretty low. maybe for a 32" or smaller but . not that big. but look at it next to some other brands with the same picture showing how does thecolor compare.but go witha good brand. panasonic, sony. samsung. sharp toshiba. anything less is just that. less quality.
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-good luck

Answer 4

The ratio of the luminosity of the brightest and the darkest color the system is capable of producing. The higher the better.
800:1 is pretty low in my opinion. If it matters depends on your judgement. Does the picture look good enough for you? Compare it to another TV with a higher ratio. Your own eyes are the best judges.

Answer 5

I agree with chris l to a point that what looks good to you is the one you should consider. But contrast ratio really does not mean a row of beans when it comes to rating tvs. Every tv manufacturer has a different way of coming to these numbers. No different then wattage was with stereos. Let your eyes be the judge and buy mainstream brand names

Answer 6

this is the different light the screen is able to give for white and black color.
If this ration is not too high you may have problems to see the image on the screen in a room with light (like sunny day)

Answer 7

This means that it is better than a regular TV, but you can still get better

Answer 8

This means that it is better than a regular TV, but you can still get better

I would suggest 1080i