What is Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) Contrast Ratio

Contrast ratio relates to the display's comparative difference between its brightest white values and its darkest black values. As a rule of thumb, the higher the contrast ratio, the better. A higher contrast ratio will have truer colors with less "wash out." The standard offering for lower end models is commonly 700:1. Many experts recommend a contrast ratio of 1000:1 or better.  This is also referred to as the static contrast ratio.

When considering a TFT monitor, a contrast ratio of 1000:1 is pretty standard nowadays for TN Film and IPS-type panels. VA-type panels can offer static contrast ratios of 3000:1 and above which are significantly higher than other competing panel technologies.

Be wary of quoted specs however, as sometimes they can be exaggerated. Some technologies boast the ability to dynamically control contrast and offer contrast ratios of 3000:1 and above!

Some technologies boast the ability to dynamically control contrast (Dynamic Contrast Ratio - DCR) and offer much higher contrast ratios which are incredibly high (millions:1 for instance!). Be wary of these specs as they are dynamic only, and the technology is not always very useful in practice.