Samsung claims 500,000:1 contrast ratio with 70-inch LCD

Samsung has introduced a new high definition 70-inch LCD TV with dynamically-controlled LED backlighting that provides a contrast ratio of 500,000:1 and can halve power consumption, the company has announced. The new display was launched in South Korea today, and will go on sale worldwide in the second half of the year.

The screen achieves its extremely high contrast ratio with a technology Samsung refers to as 'local dimming'. The brightness of the array of LEDs that light the screen from behind is dynamically controlled, depending on the brightness of the source image in that area. By reducing power to LEDs in darker areas, the screen can consume only half the power of similarly sized TVs from competitors, Samsung claims.

samsung_70_lcd_led Traditionally, LCD screens have used a cold cathode fluorescent tube for backlighting, as LCD panels themselves produce no light. Falling prices for white LEDs have allowed manufacturers to switch to LED backlights, which are smaller, consume less power, and generate less heat. However, LED prices, together with technical issues, have slowed the introduction of LED backlights into larger screens.

Samsung has not yet announced pricing for the new screen. However, initial pricing is likely to be extremely  high as the company's existing 52-inch LCD screens cost between $3,000 and $4,000. Moreover, the small number of very large format LED backlit screens announced so far are advertised at prices in excess of $10,000.

Samsung New High Contrast 500,000 to 1 120 Hz TVs

this is just the 70" the 52" is the bomb..