How important is contrast ratio for LCD displays?

[ArmyofKirb]

I've seen a number of great deals on monitors in the 19"-24" widescreen categories, but invariably they have contrast ratios of around 1000:1. How important is contrast ratio? What would you consider to be the sweet spot for price and performance?

 

[SNGX1275]

It really depends on how crazy you are about stuff like that.

It literally is the ratio of the brightest pixel to the darkest pixel. I expect that the increasing ratio is sort of a logarithmic function on how much you notice (ie - you'll notice the difference between 500:1 and 1000:1 a lot more than 2000:1 and 3000:1).

I think that probably every monitor out there will look fine for regular computer use and most gaming. I think where it really becomes important is if you watch a lot of movies with the lights off.