Does Contrast Really Matter (plasma TVs)? Making a 60inch purchase!

[Uppie1414]

Hey guys and gals

Thanks for checking this out--I guess I need this answer answered: Does contrast really matter? And, if so, does native or dynamic mean more??

I realize that this is the difference between the blackest black and the whitest white...so the higher the contrast, the richer and more vivid the picture will look, but does it really make that much of a difference?

I'm looking at the LG60PY3d TV (the CF version, which simply has another fan and is used for commercial...which I'm not really sure changes anything besides the fact that it won't overheat/can stay on all day)? I also looked at the LG60pg and that had 30000 to one, so I'm really confused.

I heard that each company rates contrast differently so the numbers really mean nothing. It also kind of states that contrast it so over-rated and that resolution is the thing to worry about.

But then if you read up on those two models above the lg60pg is suppose to be cutting edge with amazing 30,000:1 contrast.


Bottom Line--does contrast matter? Should I spend $2400 on a TV with 3,000-to-1 contrast ratio? If not, where is a better deal, on a dlp and on a non-dlp tv?


Thanks so much!

 

[sivart]

Contrast, no, contrast ratio yes if you can compare apples to apples.

My cheap 'Vizio' Plasma looks great. My brother's expensive Sony looks just as good. The cheap LCD I had looked a lot worse.

 

[Uppie1414]

Hmm....I'm still confused though--so I should simply disregard the 3,000 to one on this LG? I mean, how good are the LG's? Their 3,000 to one is just like a, say, samsung's 10,000 to one?

!

 

[s44]

Advertised contrast ratios are baloney. Basically completely made up. Trust your eyes.

 

[sdifox]

You want a big contrast ratio number, but look at the native CR. Dynamic contrast ratio for display = PMPO power rating for amps, useless. Korean CRs have to be taken with a big block of salt, compared to pinch of salt from Japanese/Taiwanese ones.

 

[sdifox]

http://accessories.dell.com/sn...cs=cadhs1&sku=A2050203

50" C1600

 

[sivart]

Originally posted by: sdifox
http://accessories.dell.com/sn...cs=cadhs1&sku=A2050203

50" C1600

Might as well buy the Vizio with the Reon HQV upconverting chip for that price...Sanyo...come on.

 

[sdifox]

Originally posted by: sivart

Originally posted by: sdifox
http://accessories.dell.com/sn...cs=cadhs1&sku=A2050203

50" C1600

Might as well buy the Vizio with the Reon HQV upconverting chip for that price...Sanyo...come on.

lol, Canadians are not as lucky as Americans when it comes electronics.

http://www.bestbuy.ca/catalog/...26554&logon=&langid=EN

that is a better deal I guess.

 

[Uppie1414]

Thanks guys! Any other help would still be appreciated.

 

[spidey07]

Contrast ratio is extremely important, it doesn't just affect black and white but also your range of color. It's probably the most important aspect.

Also as noted, manufacturer numbers are meaningless.

 

[sdifox]

Originally posted by: spidey07
Contrast ratio is extremely important, it doesn't just affect black and white but also your range of color. It's probably the most important aspect.

Also as noted, manufacturer numbers are meaningless.

I am more interested in colour fidelity.

 

[BurnItDwn]

Originally posted by: spidey07
Contrast ratio is extremely important, it doesn't just affect black and white but also your range of color. It's probably the most important aspect.

Also as noted, manufacturer numbers are meaningless.

Agreed ....
Contrast ratio is paramount. Otherwise dark scenes look bright grey...

 

[sdifox]

Originally posted by: BurnItDwn

Originally posted by: spidey07
Contrast ratio is extremely important, it doesn't just affect black and white but also your range of color. It's probably the most important aspect.

Also as noted, manufacturer numbers are meaningless.

Agreed ....
Contrast ratio is paramount. Otherwise dark scenes look bright grey...

black performance <> contrast ratio.

 

[kalrith]

Originally posted by: spidey07
Contrast ratio is extremely important, it doesn't just affect black and white but also your range of color. It's probably the most important aspect.

Also as noted, manufacturer numbers are meaningless.

I agree with you about the manafacturer numbers being meaningless. The Imaging Science Foundation (ISF) agrees with you about contrast ratio being the most important aspect.

Quoted from this CNET article:
...the most important aspect of picture quality is contrast ratio, the second-most important is color saturation, and the third is color accuracy.

 

[BurnItDwn]

Originally posted by: sdifox

Originally posted by: BurnItDwn

Originally posted by: spidey07
Contrast ratio is extremely important, it doesn't just affect black and white but also your range of color. It's probably the most important aspect.

Also as noted, manufacturer numbers are meaningless.

Agreed ....
Contrast ratio is paramount. Otherwise dark scenes look bright grey...

black performance <> contrast ratio.

They are not the same obviously, however, they are related.
I guess I should have said "in dark scenes EVERTHING looks bright grey" hard to tell the characters apart from the backgrounds often ...

Also, usually the cause of bad black level performance is the same think that causes the contrast ratio to be crap...

 

[Uppie1414]

All very helpful....

So what are your opinions on the LG LG60PY3D with only 3,000 to one contrast ratio???

 

[The-Noid]

Pioneer Kuro PRO-151/141/6020 FTW. Contrast ratio is effectively limitless.

3,000:1 is horrible for a plasma. The least I have ever seen including 4+ year old panels.

 

[spidey07]

Originally posted by: Uppie1414
All very helpful....

So what are your opinions on the LG LG60PY3D with only 3,000 to one contrast ratio???

If the manufacturer is saying it'a that low, that's a REALLY bad sign.

 

[JackBurton]

Originally posted by: Yoxxy
Pioneer Kuro PRO-151/141/6020 FTW. Contrast ratio is effectively limitless.

3,000:1 is horrible for a plasma. The least I have ever seen including 4+ year old panels.

I think if he had the means or really wanted to spend that kind of money, I doubt he would be looking at the LG. However a good compromise would be the 58" Panasonic. Very nice plasma and at a good price.

 

[DrunkenSano]

3000:1 seems really low for a plasma. The higher the ratio, the more colorful your picture will be. It's best to go look at various televisions on display before purchasing.

 

[The-Noid]

Yeah the panny is quite good. I think something is wrong with this picture as 3000:1 seems absolutely atrocious. It is possible that he is looking at the wrong statistic...

 

[Uppie1414]

Yoxxy

I don't think so--I checked a couple places. He's looking at the LG60PY3d for $2410 with 2 year on site warranty and a wall mt.

I said I can find a better deal but I'm in the process.....confirm the CR of 3000 to 1 if anyone can

And ---thanks for the help!!!!!!!!!

 

[Uppie1414]

Originally posted by: JackBurton

Originally posted by: Yoxxy
Pioneer Kuro PRO-151/141/6020 FTW. Contrast ratio is effectively limitless.

3,000:1 is horrible for a plasma. The least I have ever seen including 4+ year old panels.

I think if he had the means or really wanted to spend that kind of money, I doubt he would be looking at the LG. However a good compromise would be the 58" Panasonic. Very nice plasma and at a good price.

Link?

 

[JackBurton]

Originally posted by: Uppie1414

Originally posted by: JackBurton

Originally posted by: Yoxxy
Pioneer Kuro PRO-151/141/6020 FTW. Contrast ratio is effectively limitless.

3,000:1 is horrible for a plasma. The least I have ever seen including 4+ year old panels.

I think if he had the means or really wanted to spend that kind of money, I doubt he would be looking at the LG. However a good compromise would be the 58" Panasonic. Very nice plasma and at a good price.

Link?

Panasonic Viera TH-58PZ800U

Or you could also take a look at the Panasonic Viera TH-58PZ85U too. But with any TV, just make sure you see it in person before you make any decisions. Specs don't always tell the whole story..

 

[Uppie1414]

Thanks again guys...what's the dif. between native and dynamic contrast resolution and what one is more important??

Thanks!