Head on over to Gizmodo to read an excellent “contrast ratio” write-up:
What is contrast ratio? Simply put, it’s the difference between the darkest and brightest spot on a display. This is expressed as a ratio measuring luminosity. A good way to think of contrast is like the volume on a stereo. You might have a stereo that goes all the way to 11, but that doesn’t mean it sounds good.
Just keep in mind an individual spec like contrast ratio doesn’t live in a vacuum: When making a HDTV or projector purchase (or bragging to friends) factors such as color range, resolution, and even price should be taken into account.
You know, a buddy of mine was buying a LCD tv recently, and bought based on contrast. We noticed that the tvs with higher contrast ratios had a much better picture. Nice to know I was right :).
Yes contrast is a big factor. If u want this best picture possible especially in terms of contrast you go past a 9 inch crt projector like sony g90u. Although not made for a few years they will beat any tv for picture and any digital. They aren’t used in cinema’s because they have a low ansi brightness. it would require a stack or 4 or so.
CRT is best for contast because they are the only display capable of modulating it’s light. it does this by turning light on and off for each pixel.
No digital can do that. But if thay can allow the light source to light up each pixel individually then u will get good contrast.
We need Film projectors back at the cinema. Digital picture doesn’t come close in picture detail and realism.
DLP has light output of film and crt has contrast ratio.