An HDTV with contrast ratio of 550:1 is ok to disply crisp images?

Question

I am planning to buy a 42 inches LCD the contrast ratio is 550:1 does this matter?

Answer 1

It matters, and 550:1 is low. The contrast ratio has to do with how "black" the blacks look. In a dark scene, a low contrast ratio means things will look more gray than black. This can look really bad sometimes. Most LCDs now are well into the thousands to 1 contrast ratio.

I have a new Sony Bravia XBR 40", and it's ratio is 7000:1, and I still see murky blacks. Don't get me wrong - this is a fantastic TV, the best I've ever seen, really, I'm just saying that LCD still has issues even at the high-end level.

I highly suggest you go for a TV with a much better contrast ratio.