How Does Contrast Ratio In Lcd Tv’s Work?
September 30, 2009 by Rich
Filed under Frequently Asked Questions
Im in the market for a smaller LCD TV, the high end 26 inch and lower seem to have under 1000:1. 32 ” and up seem to be significantly higher. Im looking at a Phillips with 32″ 3200:1. Some 32’s have 8000:1 +. And some seem to be around the 1000:1. Im wondering for that size of LCD TV (32″).. what is the best contrast ratio?
This will help you understand the difference between the two types of contrast ratio measurements. The one used by pretty much every manufacturer out there is full on (100% white) / full off (100% black). While this can give some amazingly high numbers, people don’t watch all-white or all-black screens. Comparing the brightest whites in one scene to the blackest blacks in another scene is not representative of the picture quality available at the exact instance you’re watching each scene.
The contrast ratio that matters most for the most common viewing scenarios is ANSI contrast ratio. With ANSI contrast ratio, the black and white levels are measured at the same time on the same screen using a 16-square black and white checkerboard image. What this means is that it is representative of the contrast ratio achievable at any one point in time; this is what is really important.
The reason ANSI contrast ratios are not published is because of marketing. ANSI contrast ratios are much lower than on/off contrast ratios. An ANSI contrast ratio of 250:1 would be an impressive result and 600:1 would be outstanding — but much too low of a number if casually compared to an on/off contrast ratio of 10,000:1.
So in reality these statistics are nothing more than a marketing BS. So trusting these specifications are really irelivent.
I do know that the first #, the higher the better. I’m looking at 32″-37″ and 8000:1 seems very grainy compared to 1600:1. I think I have to go to the 37″ to get the 1600. Just looking at them in the store, you’ll be able to see the sharpness difference. But I was looking at Samsung vs. Olevia.
the higher the better. Contrast ratio is a measure of a display system, defined as the ratio of the luminosity of the brightest color(White) to that of the darkest color(black) that the system is capable of producing. A high contrast ratio is a desired aspect of any display, but with the various methods of measurement for a system or its part, remarkably different measured values can sometimes produce similar results.