Dynamic contrast, is it a good reference value or a hoax?

The needs of office users and gamers, in many respects, are the opposite of hardware needs. Gaming requires more powerful hardware than is needed in offices, where more basic components are needed. We are going to look at the contrast of monitors, and more specifically, the “invention” of the dynamic contrast ratio.

Contrast refers to the ratio of brightness at the same point on the screen . Refers to the brightest point (displayed in white) and at its darkest point (displayed in black). The higher the contrast ratio, the softer and more expressive the image will be.

Dynamic contrast, is it a good reference value or a hoax

Dynamic contrast, is it a hoax?

A contrast ratio of 1000:1 has the ability to simulate a real scene. Higher quality monitors, with a contrast ratio of 3000:1, can offer a display that improves image quality.

Offering a high contrast ratio such as 3000:1 on a monitor is very expensive . For such high contrast ratios, you have to invest a lot in R&D and the hardware is much more expensive. The solution they have found to reduce costs is the dynamic contrast ratio.

Dynamic contrast refers to an average contrast value on a monitor under specific conditions. Each area of the screen is tested one by one. The highest area contrast value is taken as the product contrast parameter . Some reduce the brightness of the screen to improve contrast.

We can say that dynamic contrast is a very ingenious solution. When the image is detected to be dark, the backlight current on the screen is automatically reduced. This darkens the image as needed. When the brightness is increased, the dynamic contrast constantly updates the contrast. Values of 1000000:1 can be given; of 10000000:1: or of 100000000:1.

The original contrast ratio has been changed to a “static contrast ratio”. Normally, manufacturers hide the “static contrast” and only show the dynamic one, because it is higher.

New trick in order to confuse the user

As we have commented, the “dynamic contrast” is a trick and has rather little reference value. Contrast on many monitors, whether “normal” or gaming, only display this dynamic contrast. It is often difficult to find a monitor that gives us a real value, which would be the maximum contrast that can be given in all areas of the screen.

If you are thinking of purchasing a monitor, whether for gaming, browsing or office automation, you should take this information into account. Our recommendation is that you get a monitor with a high dynamic contrast ratio, the more the better.

Ideally, the contrast ratio should be equal to or greater than 1000:1 to avoid eye discomfort. If we find broken down information, where the static contrast (general or whatever you want to call it) and the dynamic contrast are provided, the more information we will have and the better we will be able to choose. The problem is that finding monitors with these two values is very rare, so we must always go for the highest possible value.