Unfortunately, contrast ratio specs mean very little. The mfrs can use several different methods for calculating the numbers, and there are no real standards. Some of the methods have very little to do with real-life usage. Wildly overstating the numbers is also very common - I'm sure most of the mfrs *could* produce the test methods they used to get their number, but since they aren't required to do so - they don't.
Personally, I would ignore the spec CR and try to see the blacks and whites using your own eyes. Have the sales rep take the display out of torch mode, and then put on something like Sin City or Underworld: Evolution. Look for the blacks *and* how much definition & detail you see in the shadows. IMHO, a display that gets you very black at the expense of the shadow detail (everything in shadow is just black) isn't a good trade-off. Also look for scenes with bright whites and do the same thing - are the whites a dirty gray? Do you see appropriate detail in the white dress, or is it just a blown-out white spot? I want an all-around good display, not just one that can render one end or the other.
I also want realistic flesh tones and smooth colors - not super over-saturated and over-sharpened like you see when the displays are in torch mode at the stores (especially the Samsungs).
Spending this kind of money is hard, and the mfrs AND stores don't make it any easier!
