When I'm looking at the TV's all in a row at the stores, those with a lower contrast ratio "usually" have lighter blacks. Although, I've noticed recently that the cheaper TV manufacturers seem to be upping their ratios, even though the blacks aren't any darker.

One TV that caught my attention today is the Vizio VL370M. Contrast ratio 50,000:1, 1080p, at Sam's club for around $550.

http://www.vizio.com/review/product/list/id/114/

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?...amp;usp=sharing