The History of HD TV

If people are considering purchasing an HDTV then they should really take the model's contrast ratio into consideration. The contrast ratio along with screen resolution, have a major effect on the overall picture. A high contrast ratio is desired since these models produce fantastic colors that most accurately reflect "real world" conditions.

The contrast ratio is defined as a measurement of the ratio between the brightest color (white) and the darkest color (black) that a television can produce. The televisions that offer the best pictures are the ones able to produce the darkest blacks and brightest whites. In most cases, it should be noted that contrast ratio tests are performed by the manufacturer.

Unfortunately there is not a standard method for measuring the contrast ratio. Each manufacturer uses a different means to measure the ratio, which can make it difficult to accurately compare different models. To help standardize the industry, ANSI (American National Standards Institute) developed a test that uses a checkerboard panel to measure both the white and black simultaneously. Many companies now use the ANSI method to test the contrast ratio.

Another test used in measuring contrast ratio in HDTV is called the "full on full off method" which measures the ratio between a pure black and pure white screen. Furthermore, the test will produce a higher contrast ratio but is not a good representation of realistic conditions.

Most people make the false assumption that contrast ratio plays a minimal role in the color quality of a television picture. However, an HDTV picture is made up of hundreds of thousands of tiny pixels and they are arranged to form a wide range of colors. The models with the best contrast ratios have the ability to precisely separate the black pixels from nearby lighter pixels. HDTV manufacturers are always looking for the latest technology to combat what is termed "light leakage".

Plasma TV's have generally offered the highest contrast ratios with certain companies advertising ratios as high as 1,000,000 to 1. LCD and now LED technology have since been able to equal these contrast ratios while providing even brighter colors.

One thing to remember regarding contrast ratio is that it does not play a role in how well motion is displayed. HDTV delivers an incredibly superb picture so it is important to select a television with a good contrast ratio. After all, one should not waste the features of an HDTV by using an old television with a poor contrast.

If one loves the experience of HDTV and HD movie, then a television with a high contrast ratio is the ideal choice. Whether a person is in the market for a plasma, LCD or LED television, the screen resolution as well as the contrast ratio should all be taken into consideration. Lastly, it is important to take the cost of a television into account before making one's final selection.

Zeeman Haus enjoys writing articles online on a variety of subjects. You can check out his latest website on 7 Inch LCD TV which reviews and lists the best LCD TVs to help you pick the best one for your needs.