What is projector contrast ratio?

[Adney]

Contrast is the ratio of the darkest part of the projected image to the whitest part of the illumination in an all-black environment (usually determined using a special test signal), that is, the gradation from dark to light. The higher the ratio, the more layers the image can show, the richer the color performance.

The main weakness of LCD projector is the low contrast, the level of detail of the picture, especially the dark part of the level of detail performance is poor.

Early low-grade LCD projectors had a contrast ratio of 100:1, while CRT tubes generally had a contrast ratio of 500:1 and DLP projectors had a contrast ratio of 500:1 -- 1000:1.

Now the mainstream LCD projector is generally in 200:1-400:1, at present a few use special materials, special technology of the LCD projector can already do 500:1----800:1, LCD projector in contrast in the defects are making up.

 

[Adney]

However, in practical use, we find that the index significance of contrast is far less effective and economical than the adjustment and arrangement of the use environment. The contrast was measured in an all-black environment. In actual use, it is in a certain light environment, and the front projector (including LCD, DLP projection, and even movie machine) and CRT color TV, back projection, plasma TV, large LED display screen is different, because the projection light path before the display screen, the contrast is greatly affected by the environmental light.


So no matter how bright the projector is, it is difficult to use it normally outside in direct sunlight, while CRT color TV is much better in this respect. Be in bright indoor, the actual use contrast of a 400:1 projector may fall to 100:1 below, and can achieve 300:1 above in shading good night, from this visible, had adjusted use environment as far as possible is very important.

 

[Adney]

The subjective perception of human eyes can get a better viewing effect when the actual contrast ratio is above 100:1, and a satisfactory effect can be achieved when the actual contrast ratio is above 250:1, of course, not to say that the LCD is not suitable for use in a bright environment, such as in the bright room, 800 ANSI lumens projector is generally can be competent for auditorium, office, show purposes, this is due to the above purposes generally is not the pursuit of fine quality, content is given priority to with file, usually by more, the contrast of the request is not high.

And be used at fine video play, contrast, administrative levels sense is very important so that even the professional film machine or projector with very high brightness need the shading that is sufficient commonly decorate or use at night.

 

[Markkk_4]

thanks for your sharing, helped a lot

 

[Pikak]

I often see the contrast ratio when buying projectors, finally find this article that is easy to understand. New for me, thx