Contrast ratio?

[Blue Cypher]

Hello everyone , i dont understand the contrast ratio ratings on the TFT monitors, for instance i have seen one that says 500:1 and i have also seen one that says 700:1 So which is the better one? is it better to have higher ratio or lower? and is there really any visible difference between them?

thx in advance for replies

Also i am after a new TFT monitor for less than £160 and i have no idea what to go for, its going to be used for lots of gaming and i have a 5900GTX 512 graphics so it has to be able to keep up with that card! any ideas would be great thx.

 

[Messiah Khan]

Higher is better. Its the difference between the darkest and lightest the monitor can do.

 

[Baddass]

specs explained

The Contrast Ratio of a TFT is basically the difference between the darkest black and the brightest white. As a rule of thumb, the higher the contrast ratio, the better. The higher the contrast ratio, the stronger the colours will look. The depth of blacks and the brightness of the whites are also better with a higher contrast ratio. When considering a TFT monitor, a contrast ratio of 700:1 is pretty standard nowadays, but there are models which boast specs up to over 1000:1. Be wary of quoted specs however, as sometimes they can be exaggerated. VA panel specs are generally the most reliable and accurate to reality when considering contrast ratio. Some technologies like LG.Philips' Digital Fine Contrast (DFC) boast the ability ot dynamically control contrast and offer contrast ratios of 1600:1 and above! Traditionally, TFT monitors were said to offer poor black depth, but with the extended use of VA and IPS panels, as well as new technologies like DFC, we are seeing good improvements in this area.