Definition: Contrast ratio is a measurement of the difference in colors displayed on a screen at the same time. Most accurately, it is measured as the difference between the brightest and darkest colors on the screen. Contrast ratio is a term associated with LCD, Plasma and projection televisions as well as computer monitors. Televisions with a higher contrast ratio are considered to be better than ones with lower contrast ratios.
Think of a contrast ratio as the amount of shades between black and white. More shades between black and white means the television won't sacrifice quality in when displaying images with extreme differences between light and dark. Many televisions (excluding CRT tube) have trouble displaying an accurate representation of black, especially when there is bright images on the screen at the same time.
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Examples: Examples of contrast ratios are 800:1, 1000:1, 5000:1, etc. In this example, the 5000:1 contrast ratio would be perceived as better than the 800:1 or 1000:1.
