14 Oct 2011, 06:22
#6037
I do not understand why so much effort is done to determine the contrast ratio. When you get past contrast ratios of about 1,000:1 or so, there's little benefit to trying for more contrast. The effect of increasing contrast is also very non-linear, since our eyes' response is not linear in the first place. You will perceive a change in contrast ratio from, say, 10:1 to 20:1 as very apparent; a change from 100:1 to 200:1 is definitely visible, but doesn't seem to be as much as the first change. And going from 500:1 to 1,000:1 is seen as a relatively minor change compared to the first two.
Having a contrast of, lets say, 2000:1 is reidicilous. It is only used for marketing and has no real value for the viewer.
So what's the bottom line regarding contrast? It remains a very important specification regarding the
performance of any display, but it should also be clear now that it's never just a case of "bigger
numbers are always better." Major points to keep in mind:
1. The actual contrast as seen by the viewer, under typical lighting in the home or office, will almost
always be significantly less than the "dark room" value given in the specifications.
2. A higher contrast ratio is better than a lower one, but the higher the contrast is, the less perceivable
difference an additional increase will make—and there will come a point at which no continued
increase (in absolute, objective terms) will be perceived by the viewer at all.
3. As is usually the case in comparing displays, the final decision should be based on how they look
to you, as viewed under the same conditions and with the same sorts of images you'll typically be
using. In other words, the specifications can certainly be an important factor in your purchasing
decision, but they shouldn't be all you consider.
