HDTV contrast ratio and refresh rates?

Question

what is the ideal contrast ratio as of today's standard? I'm looking at 3 TVs with a 30,000:1, 40,000:1, and 20,000:1 (dynamic)...Well what is the difference between dynamic and "regular" contrast ratio?

And how about the refresh rates? One is 60Hz while the other 2 is 120 Hz...what is the difference?

Other specifications of the 3 TVs are basically the same.

Answer 1

Firstly, contrast ratios cannot be compared between brands because they all measure it differently.  So when you see 30,000 :1 on a Samsung, that might only be 9,000:1 on a Sony.  You need to go to the store to decide which set looks the best with your eyes.  Always look at regular or "native" contrast ratio.  Dynamic is when the backlight is manipulated to give false colors, and is just a means of the manufacturer to put a big number on a pec sheet.

120hz offers a smoother picture with sports and action movies.  This is always a good feature to have on an lcd.  I personally wouldn't buy an LCD without 120hz processing.

Make sure you are buying from a brand you can trust to provide good after-market support.  If you buy from an off-brand and something happens to the tv you just spent a lot of money on, you are largely on your own to get parts for it and get it fixed.  Larger brands actually have their own service departments that can repair tvs cheap.

Answer 2

Ideal contrast ratio is 30,000:1. 120hz will be better.

Native Contrast refers to the maximum difference possible if the most light and most dark image were on the same frame. Dynamic is the theoretical difference of the most light and most dark, by means of back lighting tricks and the like that the panel is able to do.

Tom Masters