Contrast ratio

[carolin]

How much is contrast ratio important in an LCD monitor? I am looking to buy an LCD monitor and I have found a variety of contrast ratios and sellers trying to boast about them. I have seen from 800:1 to 10000:1. Which one is better? What should I be looking for in an LCD monitor?

[passmark]

In general the higher the better. But there are many different ways the ratio can be measured. So the manufacturers figures can't all be trusted.