Contrast ratio query

[Dave]

I've been looking at Plasma's recently and noticed that the contrast ratio
from brand to brand ranges from 1000:1 up to 4000:1. I've also included a
few LCD's to my testing list and noticed that the contrast ratios are much
lower than Plasma's, usually around the 600:1 to 800:1 mark. I was looking
at the specs for the new Sharp 45inch LCD (LC-45GD4U ) and it quotes a "high
contrast ratio of 800:1". Is contrast measured differently on Plasma's
compared to LCD's?

[What The!]

Its a high contrast ratio when compared to other LCD units, not when
compared to CRT or Plasma.


"Dave" <zippy_xyz@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:PVSSc.304$aA.12678@news.optus.net.au...
> I've been looking at Plasma's recently and noticed that the contrast ratio
> from brand to brand ranges from 1000:1 up to 4000:1. I've also included a
> few LCD's to my testing list and noticed that the contrast ratios are much
> lower than Plasma's, usually around the 600:1 to 800:1 mark. I was
looking
> at the specs for the new Sharp 45inch LCD (LC-45GD4U ) and it quotes a
"high
> contrast ratio of 800:1". Is contrast measured differently on Plasma's
> compared to LCD's?
>
>

[Trevor S]

"Dave" <zippy_xyz@yahoo.com> wrote in
news:PVSSc.304$aA.12678@news.optus.net.au:

> I've been looking at Plasma's recently and noticed that the contrast
> ratio from brand to brand ranges from 1000:1 up to 4000:1.

Typically the "higher end" sets have higher contrast ratios

> I've also
> included a few LCD's to my testing list and noticed that the contrast
> ratios are much lower than Plasma's,

Indeed.

> usually around the 600:1 to 800:1
> mark.

800 is good for an LCD but not really "good enough", I notice it
particularly in the shadows and black areas on my Sharp AQUOS.

> I was looking at the specs for the new Sharp 45inch LCD
> (LC-45GD4U ) and it quotes a "high contrast ratio of 800:1". Is
> contrast measured differently on Plasma's compared to LCD's?

Not AFAIK. Sharp seem to be concentrating on LCD and have driven the
technology foward, it lags Plasma in some areas that may be critical to
some viewers, I find LCD generally more pleasing to the eye and if/when
the contrast ratio gets to about 1000:1 then I think LCD will make gains.

The pricing on higer def Plasma is still "expensive" for most people but
instead of opting out and waiting Joe Public seem to be snapping up the
lo def models, which I think personally look terrible but best of luck to
'em.

--
Trevor S


"Unthinking respect for authority is the greatest enemy of truth."
-Albert Einstein

[Sanjay]

Valuable comments, Trevor, as I am in the market for a big screen, and High
Definition Wide Screen is a must for me. You seem to be saying if you have
to buy now, spend the $8000-10,000 for a HD Plasma, or wait for a high
contrast (1000:1 or higher) LCD. Where do you see the big screen rear
projectors? They are much cheaper ar around $3000-4000 for BIG screens
(e.g. Panasonic TX-47P 800 HA) is Retail $3849 at 119 cm and High Def. (576p
& 1080i). Reports say it looks better than plasma. Weighs a whopping 62kg
tho, probably double the weight than the comparative sized plasma. I'm
probably going to buy a HD Plasma, the Panasonic TH-50PH W6 AZ is 127 cm but
no DVI input - Retail is $10,999. If I can pick this up for under $10,000
later in the year, I will be happy. It has a contrast ratio of 3000:1.

Trevor S" <bill@gates.com> wrote in message
news:Xns95469B1CCD0BAbillgatescom@130.133.1.4...
> "Dave" <zippy_xyz@yahoo.com> wrote in
> news:PVSSc.304$aA.12678@news.optus.net.au:
>
> > I've been looking at Plasma's recently and noticed that the contrast
> > ratio from brand to brand ranges from 1000:1 up to 4000:1.
>
> Typically the "higher end" sets have higher contrast ratios
>
> > I've also
> > included a few LCD's to my testing list and noticed that the contrast
> > ratios are much lower than Plasma's,
>
> Indeed.
>
> > usually around the 600:1 to 800:1
> > mark.
>
> 800 is good for an LCD but not really "good enough", I notice it
> particularly in the shadows and black areas on my Sharp AQUOS.
>
> > I was looking at the specs for the new Sharp 45inch LCD
> > (LC-45GD4U ) and it quotes a "high contrast ratio of 800:1". Is
> > contrast measured differently on Plasma's compared to LCD's?
>
> Not AFAIK. Sharp seem to be concentrating on LCD and have driven the
> technology foward, it lags Plasma in some areas that may be critical to
> some viewers, I find LCD generally more pleasing to the eye and if/when
> the contrast ratio gets to about 1000:1 then I think LCD will make gains.
>
> The pricing on higer def Plasma is still "expensive" for most people but
> instead of opting out and waiting Joe Public seem to be snapping up the
> lo def models, which I think personally look terrible but best of luck to
> 'em.
>
> --
> Trevor S
>
>
> "Unthinking respect for authority is the greatest enemy of truth."
> -Albert Einstein

[Trevor S]

"Sanjay" <steve_aust@hotmail.com> wrote in
news:41202e24$1@dnews.tpgi.com.au:

> Valuable comments, Trevor, as I am in the market for a big screen, and
> High Definition Wide Screen is a must for me. You seem to be saying
> if you have to buy now, spend the $8000-10,000 for a HD Plasma, or
> wait for a high contrast (1000:1 or higher) LCD.

Not really. I am saying that's what I would do. I prefer the picture
from an LCD (contrast ratio aside) but others prefer a plasma, a decent
CRT is still hard to pass by if SD resoltion is all you want. Eyeball it
yourself and make your own mind up, albeit this can be hard, as they are
often set up badly.

> Where do you see the big screen rear projectors?

Consigned to history, along with SD plasma :)

> I'm probably going to buy a
> HD Plasma, the Panasonic TH-50PH W6 AZ is 127 cm but no DVI input -

I would require something with DVI if I was stepping out today.

My TV hardware needs are fairly simple, I would not buy a tellie that
could not display what is being broadcast at it's native resolution.
Doesn't matter how you slice or dice it the screen needs to display 1080i
in 16:9. If it can and I can afford it and am happy with the display, I
would get it, if I cant I would wait until I could afford it and new
models become available, Sharp are about to bring out a LCD tellie that
qualifies but it will be at a higher price more then I am willing to pay
for a tellie. HD plasma barely cut's it. All of that is irrelevant to
your situation, if you're happy, buy whatever takes you fancy, at least
you have some forsight to get a "higher density" set.

As an asdie, it was interesting to see a feature in our local paper the
other week about the popularity of HT and "flat screes" in particular and
the local AV guy whom I deal with cautioning people to think twice about
buying an SD plasma.

--
Trevor S


"Unthinking respect for authority is the greatest enemy of truth."
-Albert Einstein

[angryofmayfair]

> to buy now, spend the $8000-10,000 for a HD Plasma, or wait for a high


There are cheaper HD plasmas around if you look for them - the Hitachi,
Yamaha & Sony ALIS HD panels can be had for around $6k for the 42" panel,
good value if you can live with a little solarisation.
One of the best HD panels on the market is the Pioneer MXE1 which is the
commercial version of the fancy black gloss 434 model but can be had for
around $7500, a lot less than the $10499 they ask for the 434 with it's
useless analogue tuner and media box. The MXE1 has neither but does have
DVI, VGA, RGB, component and a lot more fine tuning adjustments all for $2k
(street price) less then it's consumer sibling...