Question RE: flicker problem with Panasonic 800u (50" only) in 48Hz mode

[Trix]

Originally Posted by Mr Dodger Blu

I still have that question about the dynamic 1,000,000:1
Is that automatic or is there a menu option for that.

Alright, I will try to answer your question without getting too sidetracked, or just plain angry at the manufacturers.

So, your set's native contrast is 20,000:1. That means, in theory, when measured, your whitest white is 20,000 times brighter than your darkest black. In theory. The 1,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio.....takes other factors into account. What exactly does that mean? Well, that is a very good question.

First, HT Mag quoted Samsung as saying that when they measured their 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio, they waited for the screen to "dim" after not showing an image (half-brightness anti-image retention), giving you a black you will never, ever see in real situations. Second, add the facts that contrast ratios can be measured:

1) Many different ways (full white: full black, checkboard patterns, etc.)
2) With many different instruments (different light meters, different sources, different picture settings)

And then add that third, when measured semi-accurately, HT Mag has rated the PZ85 models, with a so called 1,000,000:1 dynamic, 30,000:1 native contrast, as having a contrast ration of 3,390:1 (0.010 black, 33.9 white), and you start to get an idea of why there is so much confusion in regards to contrast ratios.

Now, where am I going with this you ask? Actually, that's a good question, let me remember what my point is...

Right. All this is to say that, in order to get a 1,000,000:1 ratio, you must pray, wish, whatever you like. The truth is, achieving a 1,000,000:1 contrast ration is near impossible. Your set's contrast ratio, though "adjustable", cannot go from 20,000:1 to 1,000,000:1 with the push of a button. The only thing you can really strive for is the best color reproduction possible with your set, which means a professional calibration. No, putting your contrast setting to 100 will not make your contrast ratio higher. It will make your white whiter, but it will make your black grayer. To get as good picture quality as possible, all you can do is get a professional calibration, either yourself with a disk, or with a professional ISF calibrator.

Right, so, I've not avoided getting sidetracked, but I seem to have avoided getting plain angry at the manufacturers. For the most part.

Makes sense?