Home Theater Term of the Week- Contrast Ratio

Contrast ratio is the difference between the brightest whites and the blackest blacks that a television or video projector can display. High contrast ratios deliver whiter whites and blacker blacks and a greater degree of gray values in between. If the contrast ratio is low, even if the image is bright, your image will look washed out. Contrast ratios of at least 1,500:1 are good, but 2,000:1 or higher is considered excellent.

For additional terms and definitions, check out my Home Theater Glossary