Contrast ratio

**3Tripnip** · 03-01-2006, 11:48 AM

Hey!

I've always heard that a higher contrast ratio means a better screen... in that whites are whiter and blacks are blacker. I've been reading this article to get some background on it:

http://www.pcworld.com/news/article/0,aid,110483,00.asp

My question is, is there a noticible difference in contrast ratios among in-dash LCD's? The reason I ask, is that I found some monitors that are motorized, in-dash touch screens and they have some great prices. But, there's a big difference in price between two of the models:

Model 1: $179.00, contrast ratio: 150:1, LCD brightness (cd/sqm): 400
Model 2: $279.00, contrast ratio: 300:1, LCD brightness (cd/sqm): 400

All the rest of the specs are the same. Is doubling the contrast ratio worth the extra $100.00? I'm not thinking so, but I could be wrong.

Thoughts?

-Ben

**3Tripnip** · 03-05-2006, 08:14 PM

Nobody has any thoughts?

**Scouse Monkey** · 03-05-2006, 08:43 PM

which monitors, links please so i can shed some more light on it.

most of the motorised screens we use have the hitachi panel.

the only other panel is the panasonic used in the gain/xenarcs.

tbh i dont trust any of the contrast specs given on these screens.

**3Tripnip** · 03-06-2006, 01:14 PM

Thanks for the reply! I don't have the product links handy, but the supplier is telling me that they're Panasonic screens. Are those better than the Hitachi? I'll try and get some product links and throw them up. Thanks!

-Ben

**Scouse Monkey** · 03-06-2006, 01:19 PM

much of a muchness. I quite like hitachi but the controllers are bit more flakey on the back of them. The hitachis I have are going in my projector - any of the screens are damn nice at native resolution.

The higher contrast should be better. I believe the current gain/xenarcs are 300:1 and they are sweet screens.

**volum3rider** · 03-06-2006, 01:25 PM

In dealing with almost any screen/monitor, the higher the contrast ratio the better the colors are reproduced. The colors would be more true to life and look more vibrant.