LCD Monitor Contrast Rate

[KidKasha]

What contrast rate is sufficient for an 18" monitor. Sony has a model for about $550. and it's rate is 400:1, Viewsonic has monitor for about $600, at 600:1. What is the difference, and does anyone have any suggestions where to purchas a good LCD monitor. My Viewsonic crashed and cannot be repaired.

Thanks

 

[Viper96720]

Don't know what's sufficient but viewsonics ratings are way overrated.

 

[KidKasha]

Does woo:1 contrast seem too low. I really have no idea what the reasonable rate should be. Sony had a refurb model for $550. Does that seem alright?

 

[NeBaWONG]

get the Dell 1900FP

 

[0roo0roo]

read the anantech review of the viewsonic. its contrast ratio is bullhocky. its no better and probably slightly worse then the competition. there is no standard for said measurement.

you can pull whatever number you please out of your bum.

 

[azkiwi]

I have a Viewsonic VG191, I think they claim 450:1 for this and it has similar apparent contrast to my Viewsonic 17" CRT. Seems like everyone claims 400 to 500. AS long as you have about 250 nits of brightness I think you're OK.

That said, Sony has lagged in their LCD offerings for years (inferior screens for too much money) and I think there are better choices to consider. I have never been dissatisfied with the VG191, the Dells and Samsungs seem to have high brand loyalty and there are lots of reviews out there.

If you're a heavy gamer look at response times more than contrast, and more generally check reviews for accurate color rendition.