I need a new monitor, what does the contrast ratio mean?

xxamdxx

xxamdxx

Member
I was looking at new computer monitors and all the different ratios are getting me confused. First, when looking at the contrast ratio do i want a big number like 3000:1 and wats that mean? Second what aspect ratio is most used in games and what looks best?
 
The 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.

the higher the ratio the better
 
yes, the higher the better, IF it's a REAL 3000:1, wich most monitors arnt, usualy when they say they are 3000:1, it is REALLY just somthing like 800:1....it all depends on what company it is and how good they WANT to be and know they cant be:rolleyes:;)
 
Yes. Brand name is always important. Even though it may hurt the wallet more, go with the better brand (usually more expensive). Brand/manufacturer is crucial when it comes to monitors.
 
I agree that the last three are good names, but they are generally pricier. At least Samsung is. Im not sure about the other two.
 
I have an acer and I love it[but that is opinion]. But acer has been around the block a few times, and they are still selling solid products. Their reviews are generally very positive, and you really don't hear about dead pixels from them. Obviously there are some exceptions, but not as much as other monitor reviews I've looked at.
 
I actually have heard a good thing or two about Acer. They seem to be a little cheaper, which is nice. thanks
 
xxamdxx said:
I was looking at new computer monitors and all the different ratios are getting me confused. First, when looking at the contrast ratio do i want a big number like 3000:1 and wats that mean? Second what aspect ratio is most used in games and what looks best?
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In theory, it's what previous posters basically said: A measurement of the difference (contrast) between the darkest black the monitor is capable of displaying and the brightest white. If it has 3000:1, it's implied that the white is 3000 times brighter than the black. 800:1 implies 800 times brighter, etc.

But, there's no universal system or third-party monitoring for this system of measurement yet. It's not like resolution, bytes, or megahertz. Manufacturers can pretty much say whatever they like.

For all intents and purposes, it's a good idea to completely ignore the advertised contrast ratio. In some cases, a lower ratio being advertised is actually better, as it suggests honesty the manufacturer's part.
 
samsung's are made by 3 companies. made in korea - samsung's plant.
made in china - the other 2. 1 is known for quality.
 
sfinks98 said:
for every color you can have 3000 different shades of that color
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Not at all. Contrast ratio has nothing to do with color, the number of colors, the color accuracy, anything like that.

It is very simply what I already said: It implies that the brightest white is, for example, 3000 times brighter than the darkest black, i.e. on a scale of brightness, the black is "1" and the white is "3000" where higher numbers are brighter.

Please do not mislead people with your uneducated misconceptions like that. It's rude.
 
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