When it comes to purchasing an HDTV, most people disregard the contrast ratio while believing a high resolution accounts for a better picture. However, the contrast ratio actually plays a major role on the overall picture and is a feature which should be taken into consideration when choosing an HDTV.
The contrast ratio is defined as a measurement of the ratio between the brightest color (white) and the darkest color (black) that a television can produce. The televisions that offer the best pictures are the ones able to produce the darkest blacks and brightest whites. In most cases, it should be noted that contrast ratio tests are performed by the manufacturer.
Unlike most product tests, there is not a standard procedure for measuring the contrast ratio. Each manufacturer determines their own method to measure the ratio which makes it almost impossible to compare different models. However, ANSI (American National Standards Institute) has developed a test using a checkerboard panel to measure both the white and black simultaneously. The conditions of the room will play a role in the results of the ANSI test, but many companies now use this method to test the contrast ratio.
A person can also measure contrast ratio in HDTV using what is called the "full on full off method" where the ratio between a pure black and pure white screen is measured. Although this test will produce a higher contrast ratio it is not a good representation of authentic viewing conditions.
Most people make the false assumption that contrast ratio plays a minimal role in the color quality of a television picture. However, an HDTV picture is made up of hundreds of thousands of tiny pixels and they are arranged to form a wide range of colors. The models with the best contrast ratios have the ability to precisely separate the black pixels from nearby lighter pixels. HDTV manufacturers are always looking for the latest technology to combat what is termed "light leakage".
Plasma TV's have generally offered the highest contrast ratios with certain companies advertising ratios as high as 1,000,000 to 1. LCD and now LED technology have since been able to equal these contrast ratios while providing even brighter colors.
Although contrast ratio is important in the quality of the picture, it does not play a role in how well motion is displayed. HDTV delivers an incredibly superb picture so it is important to select a TV with a good contrast ratio. After all, there is no point in wasting the features of HDTV by using an old television with a poor contrast.
If one loves the experience of HDTV and HD movie, then a television with a high contrast ratio is the ideal choice. Whether a person is in the market for a plasma, LCD or LED television, the screen resolution as well as the contrast ratio should all be taken into consideration. Lastly, it is important to take the cost of a television into account before making one's final selection. - 29968
The contrast ratio is defined as a measurement of the ratio between the brightest color (white) and the darkest color (black) that a television can produce. The televisions that offer the best pictures are the ones able to produce the darkest blacks and brightest whites. In most cases, it should be noted that contrast ratio tests are performed by the manufacturer.
Unlike most product tests, there is not a standard procedure for measuring the contrast ratio. Each manufacturer determines their own method to measure the ratio which makes it almost impossible to compare different models. However, ANSI (American National Standards Institute) has developed a test using a checkerboard panel to measure both the white and black simultaneously. The conditions of the room will play a role in the results of the ANSI test, but many companies now use this method to test the contrast ratio.
A person can also measure contrast ratio in HDTV using what is called the "full on full off method" where the ratio between a pure black and pure white screen is measured. Although this test will produce a higher contrast ratio it is not a good representation of authentic viewing conditions.
Most people make the false assumption that contrast ratio plays a minimal role in the color quality of a television picture. However, an HDTV picture is made up of hundreds of thousands of tiny pixels and they are arranged to form a wide range of colors. The models with the best contrast ratios have the ability to precisely separate the black pixels from nearby lighter pixels. HDTV manufacturers are always looking for the latest technology to combat what is termed "light leakage".
Plasma TV's have generally offered the highest contrast ratios with certain companies advertising ratios as high as 1,000,000 to 1. LCD and now LED technology have since been able to equal these contrast ratios while providing even brighter colors.
Although contrast ratio is important in the quality of the picture, it does not play a role in how well motion is displayed. HDTV delivers an incredibly superb picture so it is important to select a TV with a good contrast ratio. After all, there is no point in wasting the features of HDTV by using an old television with a poor contrast.
If one loves the experience of HDTV and HD movie, then a television with a high contrast ratio is the ideal choice. Whether a person is in the market for a plasma, LCD or LED television, the screen resolution as well as the contrast ratio should all be taken into consideration. Lastly, it is important to take the cost of a television into account before making one's final selection. - 29968
About the Author:
Zeeman Haus enjoys writing articles online on a variety of subjects. You can check out his latest website on 7 Inch LCD TV which reviews and lists the best LCD TVs to help you pick the best one for your needs.