Is the contrast ratio of computer monitors directly comparable to TV monitors?

[Libertine Lush]

Hi everybody,

I'm gonna purchase the 27" iMac but I'm curious about an aspect of monitors I've never considered. The iMac has a contrast ratio of 1000:1. When I look at ads for TVs, whether it's LCDs or plasmas, the contrast ratios are significantly greater.

Can the contrast ratios of TVs be compared directly to computer monitors? Is for example the 1000:1 on the iMac exactly equivalent to a 1000:1 specification on a TV?

Thank you.

 

[jvalente]

the ridiculous contrast ratios you see on tv's these days such as 1,000,000:1 is always the 'dynamic contrast ratio'. This measures the difference between the darkest dark on the lowest brightness setting with the lightest light on the brightest brightness setting. The screen uses dynamic contrast to change the brightness level automatically depending on what's on the screen at the moment. But reality is, it can only be one brightness setting at any one point in time, making the dynamic contrast ratio specification kind of untrue. 1000:1 is an excellent contrast ratio, consindering the 30" ACD is 850:1 (i think)

 

[Libertine Lush]

Ah ok. Thanks for the reply, jvalente.

 

[LoCarbHotrod]

the ridiculous contrast ratios you see on tv's these days such as 1,000,000:1 is always the 'dynamic contrast ratio'. This measures the difference between the darkest dark on the lowest brightness setting with the lightest light on the brightest brightness setting. The screen uses dynamic contrast to change the brightness level automatically depending on what's on the screen at the moment. But reality is, it can only be one brightness setting at any one point in time, making the dynamic contrast ratio specification kind of untrue. 1000:1 is an excellent contrast ratio, consindering the 30" ACD is 850:1 (i think)

Great post. I hate advertising some times, because it just tricks people. The 1000:1 contrast ratio on my iMac is far superior to the 10,000:1 ratio on my TV.

 

[unamused]

yep, dont listen to anything that says "dynamic contrast" or "gray to gray"

That's just plain silly marketing.

However, if you have ever seen an OLED tv in person (CES show last year) their claimed 3gazillion:1 contrast ratio may have *some* truth.... drool....