Re: Is Contrast Ratio THE spec that makes the biggest difference?

On Jul 1, 5:23 pm, "Howard Lester" <heyles...@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
I read on CNET that, for the best overall? picture, contrast ratio is more
important than pure resolution. Is it? If I were to compare the quality of
picture from spec sheets among various sets and manufacturers (LCD set size
from 20" - 37" max), is that the figure I want to concentrate on, or are
there others? (720p will be fine for my needs, per what I've read.) I see
specs for multiple color filters, for different types of tuners, but don't
understand their value. When purchasing a set I am looking for best value,
not wanting to spend another $500 just to eke out a little more in quality.

Thanks for any insights.

As I did - favorable reviews at the time on a Syntax unit, or $500
less than a Sony or Sharp. Problem is it broke, got replaced by a
newer model with newer HD tuner the first lacked. But, wow, I'm
impressed (so long as the replacement holds up :; ). Stick to 32 min.
and preferably a 37" -- looks to be the sweet spot, bang for buck
(between 32/37).

Back to Sony/Sharp. Reviews indicated this unit favorable in
comparison for picture quality. My experience (w/out ever having seen
a highend Sony/Sharp) is categorically -- no way I'd care to go back
to the 25" Sanyo CRT I had before this Olevia Syntax. Night-and-day,
eye-opening amazing.

It's merciless with artifacts. Darkness, how blacks scale into greys
are an important aspect of contrast. Mine has two factory settings -
to showcase the set's abilities in a store display environment, and
user controls. Brightness and contrast appear closely allied, most
relevant among settings. I haven't individual R/B/G color controls,
just overall tint. I've played with a couple set-up software
adjustment tools, and find the set needs little apart from its factory
setup.

Resolution is source based - the immediate perception, how detailed
and good the impression. Everything is coming from SVGA to the LCD/
HDTV from a lowend Pentium Duron / ATI 9800 agp-slotted setup. Six HD
channels, 3 ea., from two local universities - (can't stand
commercials/programmes on a dozen or so other HD stations available).
HD tuner resolutions vary from full-screen HDTV format to various
lower aspect ratios and ATI chipset modes available to stretch some
accordingly. Broadcasting never looked this good. Doubt I'll be
looking at a computer slotted tuner, in other words, anytime soon.
I've also several layers of filters, aside from passive chip-based
within the LCD unit set (another ATI chipset), as well as a layering
of rudimentary software filters as software movie-player features --
sharpness, smothness, quality, etc. Resolutions can be circumvented
on-the-fly through software players in accounting picture ratios.

I'm leery of adjusting for brilliant contrasts either through the LCD
setup or software. I may have conceivably over-adjusted my first set
by turning up the LCD backlight. Rather than take chances, I set
brightness as low possible with a grayscale (gama) software setup
procedure, and then take up contrast as the higher of the two for
added layer above -- adding vibrancy and comfort to the picture
without needlessly aggravating an initial gray scale setting.
QuickGamma is the freeware/pubdomain I used to adjust for that initial
level of contrast/brightness. (Playing through a set top will be
different. Just a few general ideas.)

Monitor Calibration 1.0
QuickGamma

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