Contrast Ratio

[DVX100Shooter]

I am looking at getting another monitor to use for editing. I have been considering getting an actual flatscreen TV that has DVI and HDMI inputs built in. The contrast ratio for the tv is 1600:1. The TV is an Olevia 26inch HDTV ready. I would be just using it to edit - to have more screen space and its on sale now at CompUSA for $499.

Now I noticed that the Gateway 21" HD computer monitor has a contrast ratio of 1000:1

So my question is what do these numbers mean in terms of shopping for a monitor? I figured if the TV has DVI and HDMI inputs (might be HDCP) then it should be okay to use as a computer screen.

 

[mmm]

They are supposed to mean the ratio between the whitest white and darkest black that the monitor can display. It is used more as a marketing term though and should be taken with a pinch of salt. Best thing is to take a look at the monitors yourself and use the trusty old mk1 eyeball.

 

[andre]

Display contrast ratio's are defined for a dark ambient. Anbient light deteriorates the initial CR very significantly. The screen that looks darkest when the display is "off" will be most robust against CR reduction by ambient light reflection. So, when used with ambient light, not only the basic CR is a point, but also the screen reflectance