how important is contrast ratio?

Question

Hi i am looking to purchase a 1080p Sharp Aquos. Here are the specs:
Contrast Ratio: 1200:1
Resolution: 1920 x 1080

the ratio really worries me as i have seen other tv's with 10,000:1.. what does this all mean?

Answer 1

In general terms, contrast ratio is the ratio of the brightest white versus the darkest black.
So if two TVs have the same brightness, say 450 nits, the TV with the higher contrast has better blacks.
Plasma TVs do have higher contrast. A few years ago, some LCD manufacturers (Samsung) started using dynamic contrast, which takes into account changing the back light of the LCD
(brightest white (with light full on) vs black (with backlight at the lowest value). Usually: Dynamic contrast = contrast x 5.

1,200:1 is not bad, but there are newer LCDs with 2000:1 or higher true contrast. Always visit multiple stores and take a look for yourself.

Answer 2

How important is contrasr ratio?-not very. I've read many articles that rank contrasr ratio as the fourth or fifth most important spec for a TV. The problem is, it's the only one the manufacturers spec and advertise. See the two links below for articles on the subject of contrast ratio. The bottom line is that your 1200:1 is plenty. When it comes to the other specs that they don't tell you about, all you can do is see the TV performing with signals like the ones you will be using it with and, if you're happy with the picture, buy it.

http://hdtvmagazine.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3787

http://www.practical-home-theater-guide.com/contrast-ratio.html

Answer 3

that is plentythe 1080 p is the sharpes pic you will get i read an article talkin about how soon some companies will have 1440 p tvs but honestly in the article it talket with an eye doctor who said 1280 p is the most a human eye can see. anything more is just marketing...