Having the ultimate home theater means knowing all the pieces and mechanics of your system. If you are working on installing a massive high-definition screen, learning everything about how projectors function is essential to perfection. Today, “what is contrast ratio in a projector” will be our topic of discussion, and we will run through why it is so important.
So, What is the Contrast Ratio?
The quick and simple answer to this question is that the contrast ratio is the difference between the white and black display output. Using a number expressed as X:X, you can quickly determine the variance of black and white of your desired equipment.
The ratio number is black to white usually you see them as 1000:1, 10,000:1, etc. What this tells us is that the white will appear 10,000 times brighter than the black in your projected images and video. The higher the ratio, the crisper and more natural the image will look.
A Little Science
To help better illustrate how contrast ratio works, we should take a minute to talk about light and color. All the colors we see lie on a spectrum with white and black at the extreme opposite ends. In your projector, the more significant the difference between black and white, the more color you will be able to see in any given image.
Think of this concept like a crayon box. A 64 count crayon box will have a wider color range than a 16 count box. The same goes for your projector, a 10,000:1 contrast ratio will be capable of producing a superior color spectrum than a 1000:1 ratio.
A Quick Note
Even a projector with the highest possible contrast ratio can only perform according to the source content. Your projector can’t magically make an old VHS tape look as good as a modern 4K camera video. >>>Related Guide: Most affordable 4k projectors
Why you want a high contrast ratio
In case we haven’t been direct enough thus far, especially with all the science stuff, the better your contrast ratio, the better your experience. Grass will be greener, skies will be bluer, and the next time you watch an action movie, everything will look lifelike enough that you will begin to believe that maybe aliens and superheroes exist.
Limits to Contrast Ratio
A higher contrast means a more beautiful, vibrant, and crisp image. The best projector will have the maximum gap between black and white. However, the ability to produce the desired image quality can diminish thanks to ambient light in the room.
Ambient light is the natural enemy to any projector. Windows, lamps, and other sources will reduce the contrast ratio. Do your best to eliminate these sources by using blackout curtains, turning off all non-essential lights in your theater, and painting the walls and ceiling dark colors that won’t reflect light. >>>Related article: What Type of Paint to Use For a Projector Screen
Your Screen
By using material or paint specifically designed for use with a home theater projector, you maximize the image production power. The proper set up will absorb just the right amount of light and reflect that perfect image straight to your eyes. With exception to the projector itself, the screen may be the single most crucial component to maximizing your contrast ratio.
In any event, the highest contrast ratio you can find will help you overcome less than ideal conditions as you build your home theater.
Get Ready to Invite Your Friends Over
Now that we have answered one of the critical questions to projector ownership, you are one step closer to the definitive theater system. Just remember that the contrast ratio makes the difference between a championship game that looks like an old photograph and feeling like you are sitting on the sideline.