In the market for new LCD TV

Contrast ratio one of those things that has been reduced to a fake stat. Every company is using different methods to measure it, different settings and tactics to inflate it. Pretty much don't get a bottom brand (store brand) and you are fine. Any middle brand or top brand will have good enough contrast ratio on even the cheapest sets they offer. Plasmas are even less concern with contrast, never seen one that had a low ratio, this is probably because plasmas are harder to manufacture so there are no bottom brands compared with LCD. The best way I would say to judge contrast ratio is just to look at the Brand name. Top brands, Sony, Samsung will have the higher contrast ratios. Middle brands, Visio, LG, etc will have average and above average. Store brands no matter what they claim will have shit contrast.