The Contrast Ratio of a TFT is the difference between the darkest black and the brightest white. As a rule of thumb, the higher the contrast ratio, the better. The depth of blacks and the brightness of the whites are better with a higher contrast ratio. When considering a TFT monitor, a contrast ratio of 700:1 to 1000:1 is pretty standard nowadays, but there are models which boast specs up to over 1000:1. Be wary of quoted specs however, as sometimes they can be exaggerated. VA panel specs are generally the most reliable and accurate to reality when considering contrast ratio. Some technologies boast the ability to dynamically control contrast and offer much higher contrast ratios of well over 3000:1. Be wary of these specs as they are dynamic only, and the technology is not always very useful in practice. Traditionally, TFT monitors were said to offer poor black depth, but with the extended use of VA panels, the improvements from TN Film technology, and new Dynamic Contrast Control technologies, we are seeing good improvements in this area.