Monitor Contrast?

[Decster]

Can anyone enlighten me on what the difference is between the contrast of a computer monitor of 500:1 and 700:1?

Obviously 200.

But what in real terms does this mean?

Which one is better and why?

D

 

[Tobers]

Better difference between very dark areas and very light areas. Generally it means that things displayed black are closer to real black than with a lower contrast ratio. This is a good thing, as otherwise they look grey and naff (and cheap).

Same thing for plasma/LCD tellies - the higher the contrast ratio the better. My LG 42PX5D plasma has great contrast and very black blacks.