How important is Contrast Ratio when buying a HD TV?

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

Contrast, Black level and dynamic range are important factors BUT since there is no standardized method for measuring contrast (Contrast IS a ratio, so even the term "contrast ratio" is confusing) commercial ratings are almost meaningless (See link 1 for why). You shouldn't ignore it, but you need to use it as a starting point only, and then trust your eyes.

See the article at the 2nd link for an excellent overview that explains how contrast is measured, why anything more than about 2000:1 is generally unimportant because ambient light negates it, and that commercial movie theatres have CR ratings of 2000:1 or less.

Source(s):

http://www.projectorcentral.com/contrast…
http://www.practical-home-theater-guide.…

Answer 2

Very.
You shouldn't consider anything less than 5000:1 and make sure they don't quote you "dynamic" contrast because that is not nearly as good.

Anyhting less than about 5000:1 and the blacks aren't going to look black

Answer 3

very, i have 30000:1 and my friend has 800:1 and mine looks a million times better.

Answer 4

The higher the better. Resolution is the key factor in determining better vs. worse. If your looking into 32" or smaller 720p is about all your going to find. If higher than 32" go with 1080p.

Answer 5

Generally, higher contrast ratio means the blacks are deeper and whites are whiter. Having high contrast ratio means the colors are more vivid. However, the higher the contrast ratio, the more "fake" and "cartoony" the picture is going to be. Although it's less strain for the eyes, you will miss out on some realistic detail. Such as dirt on a football player's white uniform and it can be hard to identify the harshness shadows in outdoor scenes.

Contrast ratio should NOT be the leading factor in choosing a TV because measuring contrast ratio differs from manufactures as there is no universal measurement method of contrast ratio. This just means that 10000:1 contrast ratio from one manufacture can look nearly the same as 20000:1 from a different manufacture. You need to look at the contrast ratio within the SAME manufacture to accurately see the difference. As mention above, you should look at the RESOLUTION in HDTVs for better quality picture. 1080p is the highest thus far.

Bottom line: higher contrast ratio means less detail on screen but the easier it is for your eyes.

Source(s):

I sold HD TVs at one point helping customers at major retailers.