[Paul Brown @ Jul 2nd 2007 7:58AM]

Why do you guys report the non-science statistic sometimes referred to as contrast ratio? There is no formal scientific method to determine contrast ratio; it is a mere marketing tactic. It has no real value in the world of true geeks that know better --- the demographic that I would assume most Engadget readers would be leaning toward.

[Kamokazi @ Jul 2nd 2007 8:52AM]

There are several 'scientific' methods to determine contrast ratio (going by the basic definition of scientific), but there is not a universally accepted way to determine it...sometimes they use different methods.

Still, the statistic can be useful in comparing models from the same manufacturer, or as a general reference between manufacturers. Decent manufacturers can usually be expected to use more realistic tests (i.e. not modifying settings between the dark and light pixel tests).

So yes, contrast ratio shouldn't be taken as gospel, and it is used as a marketing tactic, but it is not only a marketing tactic. If you understand the types of testing that is done on them and know how different brands usually test, then it can be plenty useful.

[Paul Brown @ Jul 2nd 2007 11:00AM]

I could entertain your response, if in fact the manufacturers were more forthcoming about their methods. However, contrast ratio is a useless stat without a normalized standard.

[Kamokazi @ Jul 2nd 2007 12:03PM]

The manufacturers don't have to be more forthcoming about their methods (it sure as hell would help, but I haven't seen any pigs soaring the skies lately)...you just have to keep up on reviews with image quality tests and most brands will have trends...i.e. Brand A usually rates theirs a little higher than Brand B, but both are much higher than Brand C.

So really, your original comment is actually backwards...true geeks would be about the only ones who would actually be able to get anything useful at all from a contrast ratio. Average Joe Consumer sitting in a Best Buy would be better off ignoring them. But in general, there are more important specs to consider.