Best tv for NES/SNES [Archive] - Retrogaming Roundtable

majax79

04-13-2010, 10:29 AM

I've been slightly confused with regards to classic systems and tvs.I've got a 32" Samsung LCD HDTV and the picture quality on the SNES isn't that great. I'm going to buy a CRT tv. I was wondering if it'll make a difference if it's analog or digital? Is there a particular brand of tv I should look out for? I haven't the slightest clue who made good CRT tvs.

I want to get the tv before I begin snes collecting.

FxMercenary

04-13-2010, 10:41 AM

a 1992 Sony Trinitron XBR with detachable speakers and a top mounted subwoofer! Curved surface ensures light guns work perfectly!

http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc184/fxmercenary/PC260044.jpg

rpepper9

04-13-2010, 11:16 AM

No offense to FxMercenary, but at least get a flat front CRT, none of the curved face tubes. Then make sure it has the connections in the back that you want to hook in to. Sony makes great sets.

GarrettCRW

04-13-2010, 01:11 PM

Are you using the S-Video cables for the Super NES, and is the video free of the "checkerboard" artifacting inherent in low-quality cables?

Eyedunno

04-13-2010, 01:44 PM

Are you using the S-Video cables for the Super NES, and is the video free of the "checkerboard" artifacting inherent in low-quality cables?
Even using a Monster S-video cable (with no composite output), I still get checkerboard artifacts on my LCD. It kinda irks me. In any case, the LCD handles interlaced video terribly no matter what settings I use, and fast motion onscreen actually causes the video signal to lag and jump around. So I went and got a $20 14" CRT at Goodwill, which is working for my purposes, even though I can only use composite input, and I'm using separate speakers for stereo.

But yeah, if I had the money, I'd definitely get a largeish flat-screen CRT (actually, hell, if I had the money, I'd get a monitor that accepts RGB and use that :P ).

Fatalstar64

04-13-2010, 01:57 PM

I don't really mind it as it only happens when the screen is extremely dark so I'm fine with my 26 inch Samsung lcd. Happens rarely within the actual games. It does look better however than other old tv's colors especially I plugged into an old TV to compare and it's much worse overall. I also notice that if you use an RF adapter it looks like absolute crap compared to the composite cables. Does anyone know of an LCD that does not artifact at all?

Orion Pimpdaddy

04-13-2010, 02:09 PM

:).....

BetaWolf47

04-13-2010, 02:11 PM

I thought it was only LCD tv's that light guns didn't work on?

Xomoi

04-13-2010, 02:17 PM

Late model Sony crts from the early 2000s are your best bet. I would stay away from any sony crt that has a built-in digital tuner since they lack many features and inputs that those without the digital tuners have. I agree with FXmercenary that the curved tube tvs are great, but it is much more difficult to find a quality one nowadays. I will list some of the more important things to look for and those to stay away from.

1. Convergence: Check the screen for any color separation, particularly around the edges. Convergence issues are very difficult to fix and usually require opening the back of the tv. Poor convergence is usually due to changes in the posistion of the CRT yoke (the mechanism that puts the image on the screen) from wedges that tend fall out over time. This is not that big of a problem for Sony tvs 32 inch and up since they have convergence controls in the service menu.

2. Darker screens are better than lighter screens: You need to look at the screen while the tv is off. The darker the screen the deeper the black level of the tv will be. Lighter screens make the darkest blacks look grey. If you take a look at several crts in a pawn shop, you'll know what I mean. This is often overlooked.

3. Inputs: Good crts will have at least two composite inputs, one S-video input, and an analog audio out. Some later model sonys have component video (a major plus).

4. Geometry: This is the most common problem of a crt and no crt has perfect geometry. Try to look for any image bowing or lines that are not straight. Many geometry issues can be corrected in the service menu, but research this thourghly before attempting.

5. Contrast and Brightness: Pay particular attention to the change from dark to bright scenes and look for any blooming or expanding images during this transition. If this occurs, it could be due to a weak power supply or short someone on the board. Stay away from tvs with this problem.

Pay attention to these five points.

Emperor Megas

04-13-2010, 04:23 PM

No offense to FxMercenary, but at least get a flat front CRT, none of the curved face tubes.What's your issue with curved tubes exactly?

Leo_A

04-13-2010, 04:40 PM

A CRT with a curved screen and an s-video connection in the back. I have heard that CRTs with flat screens don't read the light guns. Also, the highest possible SNES connection is s-video, so that's why I mention that.

They were wrong, it has nothing to do with light guns working or not. Things like the NES Zapper work just fine on my flatscreen CRT's.

Of course, I'd still say get a curved screen because I've never seen a flatscreen CRT that didn't have significant geometry issues.

Inputs: Good crts will have at least two composite inputs, one S-video input, and an analog audio out. Some later model sonys have component video (a major plus).

Plenty of non Sony CRT's have component inputs too. They basically became an industry standard during the last 5 years or so of SD CRT production for anything except budget sets in the ~13" range (Even then, they sometimes had them) and the combination VHS or DVD CRT sets.

Gavica

04-13-2010, 04:50 PM

my toastes NES and SNES look awesome on my LCD 46". I use av for nes and svideo for snes

jperryss

04-13-2010, 05:14 PM

A CRT with a curved screen and an s-video connection in the back. I have heard that CRTs with flat screens don't read the light guns. Also, the highest possible SNES connection is s-video, so that's why I mention that.

Already been said here, but flat tube TVs alone work fine with light guns.

I think only the hi-def tube TVs will not work with a light gun.

understatement

04-13-2010, 05:23 PM

This has an amazing picture with NES games! :D

http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/699/dscf0275x.jpg (http://img100.imageshack.us/i/dscf0275x.jpg/)

Too bad it only has RF in the back. :(

slip81

04-13-2010, 05:38 PM

I would suggest a CRT monitor with warm chocolate puddn'

Oldskool

04-13-2010, 05:46 PM

This has been gone over and over and over again. Basically the general consensus has been that a Sony Trinitron Wega preferably a 32"-36" is about the best quality that you can get without going to LCD. It is a flat screen though, which does have a better picture, but your light gun games on the SNES and NES won't work (have not personally verified that). It's got S-Video and Component Inputs on the back (your modern consoles will look good on it too) If you don't care to play Duck Hunt much, the flat screen is a non issue.

Trebuken

04-13-2010, 07:22 PM

This has an amazing picture with NES games! :D

http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/699/dscf0275x.jpg (http://img100.imageshack.us/i/dscf0275x.jpg/)

Too bad it only has RF in the back. :(

The SharpNES has the most 'authentic' NES picture I feel.

I personally have an HD-CRT, it's a JVC I'Art set, 34" I think. It upconverts the image some and I prfer it to a conventional CRT. Not all HD-Crt's give a good image with retro-consoles, but I think I hit the jackpot. They seem impossible to find.

I also like my Sony PVM-2530, which I purchased for RGB, but the NES looks well on it in composite.

FxMercenary

04-13-2010, 09:32 PM

No offense to FxMercenary, but at least get a flat front CRT, none of the curved face tubes. Then make sure it has the connections in the back that you want to hook in to. Sony makes great sets.

Sorry but I have light gun games, and they dont work very well, if at all on flat screen CRT televisions. Virtua cop was all over the place on my Sony flat screen CRT.

That and flats aren't very Retro in my retro gaming room. Pics below

http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc184/fxmercenary/PC260042.jpg

http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc184/fxmercenary/PC260041.jpg

http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc184/fxmercenary/PC260040.jpg

http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc184/fxmercenary/PC260039.jpg

Leo_A

04-13-2010, 10:03 PM

Never had any issues here with light guns on flat screen standard definition CRT's. If there was a widespread problem, I don't understand why I've been unaffected unless the NES Zapper is more tolerant of them.

Mobius

04-13-2010, 11:26 PM

NES, Master System, and Saturn light gun games all work perfectly on my 27" flat screen CRT. Not sure why people keep saying they don't work. Mine is an Akai (actually a rebadged Samsung), and it's been absolutely PERFECT for retro games. I will be hanging onto it for a very long time (in fact, I have an HDTV I wouldn't mind getting rid of, but will still be holding onto this TV).

It has several composite inputs, S-video, and even Component inputs, plus a "squeeze" mode for full resolution 16:9 content. It has great color and geometry that's about as good as a CRT can get.

I think I bought it somewhere around 2001, so I would shoot for a TV from that era. It's pretty much where standard definition CRTs peaked, before the onslaught of HD and LCD.

Orion Pimpdaddy

04-14-2010, 12:11 AM

Already been said here, but flat tube TVs alone work fine with light guns.

I think only the hi-def tube TVs will not work with a light gun.

But isn't there a issue with the Super Scope Gun and flat CRT TVs. AVGN talks about it and shows it in one of his episodes. I know he's not the best source for knowledge, but the video is here:

http://www.cinemassacre.com/2008/05/14/nes-accessories/

majax79

04-14-2010, 10:07 AM

Thanks for all the advice. My Samsung LN32B460 doesn't have an S-video input so that wouldn't be an option. I was a bit surprised by that myself but apparently S-video isn't on a lot of LCD's.

I just gave away a 32" Trinitron about a year ago. My god that thing was heavy, phew. I would want the zapper to work because I guess I'm OCD about it. So, the general consensus is a rounded CRT 27-32". Does it matter if the tv is digital or not? I think it would be hard to find a non-digital tv nowadays. I want to make sure I know exactly what I want before I put a wanted on craigslist.

Canadian Psycho

04-14-2010, 10:14 AM

I have a 27 inch Panasonic Gaoo from 2007 and it's pretty good. However, I would prefer a flat screen... So, what's the consensus on Panasonic Tau models from the 2000s as far as gaming is concerned? (I'm partial to Panasonic as you can see, but reading about Sony Wegas, Trinitrons and the like has got me thinking about my "allegiance" to Panasonic as far as their CRTs go.)

Xomoi

04-14-2010, 02:20 PM

Panasonic made great crts and it sounds like you have one of them. It looks like the Gaoo was made to rival Sony's XBR series, which were there absolute top-of-the-line crts. If your tv has a good picture and no issues, I would keep it. You never know what kind of problems a used crt has. I would have no problem choosing a high end panasonic over a high end sony. Part of the reason Sonys are so popular is that they are easy to find.

As far as the Tau series, I generally would stay away from hd crts for classic gaming. They are great for high definition content, but still tend to make standard definition content look bad. Arguably the best hd crts were those with the Sony Super Fine Pitch tube. I have one, the sony kd-34xs955. SNES, Gamecube, Dreamcast look decent on it, but much better on a standard definition set. Even through component video(480p), standard definition content looks better on standard definition sets(480i). I may post some pictures later comparing SNES on my HD-CRT and on a good Sony standard definition CRT.

Slate

04-14-2010, 02:30 PM

I would suggest a CRT monitor with warm chocolate puddn'

I was wondering when I'd see that in this topic. Forgive me but does the whole "Warm chocolate puddin'" Thing have to do with Scart cables (AKA RGB?)

Austin

Canadian Psycho

04-14-2010, 05:29 PM

Thanks!

Panasonic made great crts and it sounds like you have one of them. It looks like the Gaoo was made to rival Sony's XBR series, which were there absolute top-of-the-line crts. If your tv has a good picture and no issues, I would keep it. You never know what kind of problems a used crt has. I would have no problem choosing a high end panasonic over a high end sony. Part of the reason Sonys are so popular is that they are easy to find.

As far as the Tau series, I generally would stay away from hd crts for classic gaming. They are great for high definition content, but still tend to make standard definition content look bad. Arguably the best hd crts were those with the Sony Super Fine Pitch tube. I have one, the sony kd-34xs955. SNES, Gamecube, Dreamcast look decent on it, but much better on a standard definition set. Even through component video(480p), standard definition content looks better on standard definition sets(480i). I may post some pictures later comparing SNES on my HD-CRT and on a good Sony standard definition CRT.

Zing

04-16-2010, 07:43 PM

I have a 32" Sony Wega FD Trinitron which I purchased used strictly for use with older systems. It had severe geometry problems when I acquired it, but all were fixed using the system menu. It's a great set. I wouldn't settle for anything less.

WCP

04-16-2010, 09:17 PM

http://bilgisayarlarim.com/Amiga/1084S-D1/21.jpg

Commodore 1084S-D1.... ba-by, ba-by

:)

HyperDuel

04-16-2010, 09:24 PM

I was running the Twin Famicom on a Plasma and it wouldn't be that bad if it wasn't for running a 4:3 game in 16:9. :beaten:

imanerd0011

06-15-2010, 10:31 PM

I'm picking up the KD-36XS955 this weekend, which many consider the pinnacle of HD CRT televisions. It is the best 4:3 HD CRT television ever made, and should make my retro games look great!

Ed Oscuro

06-15-2010, 10:49 PM

Theoretically it should be easier to judge distances and accuracy on a flat screen; in practice I've been playing everything on a moderately curved TV from about 1998 and everything is fine, from the NES / FC on up.

I suppose NES and older systems should suffer more from curvature, but it's obvious enough with simple systems that you can see it and forget it's there. It's probably the 3D consoles that are affected worst by distortion actually - again this is probably more than moderated by slow turning of stuff in most 3D games, you don't usually need to precisely judge distances much less distortion of objects on the sides of the screen.

It's worth avoiding fake "flat screens" - some monitors I've seen (and probably some TeeVees by extension) just put a flat glass in front of a curved monitor (Perfectflat was one of the brand names) and are nothing special.

I would suggest a CRT monitor with warm chocolate puddn'
That's white chocolate pudding, you disgrace to the name of the saint.

Leo_A

06-16-2010, 12:07 AM

I was running the Twin Famicom on a Plasma and it wouldn't be that bad if it wasn't for running a 4:3 game in 16:9. :beaten:

Then don't

I've never heard of an HDTV that didn't have a setting that could be reached with the press of a button on the remote control to tell the television to preserve the aspect ratio it's being told to display.

It's only being stretched to fill the screen because you have the tv set to stretch 4:3 material.

lotec25

06-18-2010, 05:41 PM

a 1992 Sony Trinitron XBR with detachable speakers and a top mounted subwoofer! Curved surface ensures light guns work perfectly!

http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc184/fxmercenary/PC260044.jpg

does anyone have the model number of this tv? I have looked but cant seam to find it. I had seen one of these a few years ago and passed picking it up. I want the sub and all.

thanks

Ed Oscuro

06-18-2010, 06:54 PM

The only place looking for model numbers will get you is spending too much on eBay. People don't usually advertise sets with the actual model numbers, you're lucky if they just mention the size and branding (Trinitron etc). Just try to find the best set you can, almost any Trinitron should do but if you just look at sets in a thrift shop you can usually spot the good ones.

lotec25

06-19-2010, 07:06 PM

I have a nice CRT now, I am looking for this one, not just any trinitron. The attached sub and satalite speakers is the thing i am looking for.

BocoDragon

06-19-2010, 07:27 PM

I'd also suggest a SMALL CRT. I'd actually say 27" is too large! I know because I have a flatscreen 27 inch Sony Wega... and I'd much rather play old school games on my smaller 21" Toshiba flatscreen.

Everything looks so much tighter and charming at that size. Also the "interlaced" look of the old games is not apparant on a small screen. Not just 8/16-bit... but even Playstation, Saturn, N64 games look far more tolerable on a small screen. It's even appropriate for PS2/Cube.

Bigger is not better... especially when we are talking about games that were created for a market of small TVs. Large setups just make it look wrong... and if you're buying a CRT for gaming in the first place, you want it to look right!

I recommend finding a small flatscreen CRT from the mid 2000s. They even have component inputs if you want to go all the way up to PS2/Cube/Xbox or Wii.

lotec25

06-19-2010, 08:12 PM

here are 2 of the tv's I use right now.

This is my main 32inch JVC. Atari, NES, SNES, Genesis, N64, etc
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/lotec25/crttv.jpg

This is what I usually hook my atari up to, Its a KMC 20inch old school.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/lotec25/crttv1.jpg

Here is my desk with my xbox.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/lotec25/room1.jpg

The NES does not look to great on the 32, but very much playable. The SNES shines on the 32. I just like the idea of the sub and extra speakers on the one that FxMercenary has.

NayusDante

06-21-2010, 12:29 AM

Don't get this one:

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4033/4521596826_e883be8717_b.jpg

Geometry issues, gross overscan, can't find a 100% working remote code... It has S-Video, component input, and composite output, but the overscan is terrible. NES is alright because the resolution starts a little more to the right (outside the overscan), but everything else sucks. It's alright on stuff that lets you adjust the picture, but that's not what I bought it for. Also, forget watching CNN or anything with a ticker at the bottom of the screen.

Peonpiate

06-21-2010, 05:29 PM

I have had this TV for about 5 years now in my bedroom.

http://www.epinions.com/reviews/pr-Daewoo_DTQ_20U4SC__Standard_Televisions

I have it hooked up to my Snes, Gamecube, and PS2...My 360 is currently hooked up to it aswell [My Gf demanded I remove it from our 40 inch Hdtv..whole nother story there :p].

Imo it looks great. The GC and Snes are hooked up via svideo and the quality is excellent. The colors are solid and do not bleed. The Ps2 I hooked up via component and again it looks really good. As for the 360, that of course is better left for Hdtv's...Though it did die on me last month with the Red ring shortly after moving it, so im unsure of how it looks on the 20 incher.

Bad things about it though...The composite is not good. Composite looks like RF on this tv. Svideo-Component is what this tv is intended for, and both look fantastic for SD content/systems. The built in speakers are better than most SD Tvs aswell...But i would still hook up everything to a seperate speaker set.

aaron7

06-21-2010, 05:40 PM

We've got a MASSIVE 40" CRT in the basement that we use for SNES/PS2/ and DDR.

Here's an old pic of the gaming setup with our 27" TV before we upgraded. Need to get a new pic.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v245/aaron7/DSC02034.jpg

lotec25

06-21-2010, 09:49 PM

We've got a MASSIVE 40" CRT in the basement that we use for SNES/PS2/ and DDR.

Here's an old pic of the gaming setup with our 27" TV before we upgraded. Need to get a new pic.

I love this picture. you have got to get a new one with the 40" I have to see it.

Eduardo

06-22-2010, 09:32 PM

I'm walking around pawn shops trying to get the biggest CRT I can for my light gun games. Does anyone know whats the size of the biggest production CRT that would be easy to find. I know there are like 40 inch ones out there but it seems a lot of people here settle on the 32 right?

aaron7

06-22-2010, 09:37 PM

Only had my cell but here's a pic with the 40":

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v245/aaron7/SSPX2925.jpg

imanerd0011

06-24-2010, 05:46 PM

As far as the Tau series, I generally would stay away from hd crts for classic gaming. They are great for high definition content, but still tend to make standard definition content look bad. Arguably the best hd crts were those with the Sony Super Fine Pitch tube. I have one, the sony kd-34xs955. SNES, Gamecube, Dreamcast look decent on it, but much better on a standard definition set. Even through component video(480p), standard definition content looks better on standard definition sets(480i). I may post some pictures later comparing SNES on my HD-CRT and on a good Sony standard definition CRT.

I recently got the KD-36XS955 and I agree. Gamecube/Wii look great, but I still would think they could look better on a curved SD set, especially if hooked up via S-Video.

Does anyone know what the absolute top of the freaking line Sony XBR Trinitron that has a curved tube is? I know the 32XBR48 has to be up there, but there is very little online info about them, because they are so damn old.

imanerd0011

06-25-2010, 09:48 PM

Alright, I did a little research and found the absolute top of the line non flat screen Sony CRT. It's the KV-32XBR100. The thing sold for damn near $3,000 in 1997! I'm currently looking for one, but they are VERY hard to find, compared to the high end HD CRT sets.

Seaquest

06-25-2010, 10:56 PM

I always have liked a good old antalogue tv. Flat screen is evebn better!:-P

imanerd0011

06-26-2010, 10:34 AM

I always have liked a good old antalogue tv. Flat screen is evebn better!:-P

I don't think so. Most Flat Screens (especially the HDCRT's) don't display a good picture when viewing an SD picture. NES looks pretty bad on them to be honest.

That's why I'm looking for the best SD Sony Trinitron, which I believe is the Kv-32xbr100. The only problem is that they are VERY hard to find!

FXmercanery,

What is the model number of your Sony Trinitron?

Gavica

06-26-2010, 01:20 PM

those are nice

Ed Oscuro

06-26-2010, 06:13 PM

I'd also suggest a SMALL CRT.
A 33" non-flat I've been using seems fine to me. Guess it's just preference. Myself, I like to see details bigger...less eyestrain that way.

Zing

06-27-2010, 07:01 PM

lotec25

06-27-2010, 10:27 PM

I'm still confused as to why some people believe that a curved CRT is better. Yes, you want to avoid HDTV sets, but SD flat screen should be better than curved. It's not like the NES or its games were designed with a curved tube in mind.

Actually they were designed with a curved tube in mind. Not saying that NES games dont look fine on the Wega style tv's. But just like game developers now are programming for HDTV with 480 up to 1080P output. I do see a difference using a Wega style and a regular curved tv, but not that much to make a difference.

Alright, I did a little research and found the absolute top of the line non flat screen Sony CRT. It's the KV-32XBR100. The thing sold for damn near $3,000 in 1997! I'm currently looking for one, but they are VERY hard to find, compared to the high end HD CRT sets.

Have you found any tv's like this yet? after you said this I did a little searching and this tv was awesome back in the day. But finding one of these does not look easy.

Eduardo

06-27-2010, 11:29 PM

I need a bigger CRT to play PS2 light gun games in two player mode. I tried some Time Crisis and it was unbearable. I can get a 42" Trinitron for $250, Ill go see it tomorrow and see whats up.

imanerd0011

06-28-2010, 01:37 AM

Yep, I agree. I've done quite a bit of research and the two top of the line SD Trinitrons are the KV-32XBR100 and the KV-32XBR200. The KV-32XBR200 is a flat screen, and the 100 is a curved tube. They were both the top of the line sets in their day.

I haven't found a single KV-32XBR100 for sale anywhere near me. They are extremely hard to come by. I did find a KV-32XBR200 near NYC for $150 (great price!) that looks damn near brand new and comes with the original stand. I'm just not willing to drive that far right now.
My dream setup would be having my NES/SNES/N64 hooked up to a KV-32XBR100, the NES via A/V and the SNES/N64 via S-Video. It would also include having my Gamecube and Wii hooked up to a KD-34XBR960N, both systems via component video.
Having these systems hooked up in this fashion would give the best picture possible (I would think).
Tracking down either of these televisions is quite a task, but I'm hoping to get at least one of them (or hopefully both) by the end of the year!

Actually they were designed with a curved tube in mind. Not saying that NES games dont look fine on the Wega style tv's. But just like game developers now are programming for HDTV with 480 up to 1080P output. I do see a difference using a Wega style and a regular curved tv, but not that much to make a difference.

Have you found any tv's like this yet? after you said this I did a little searching and this tv was awesome back in the day. But finding one of these does not look easy.

Pikkon

06-28-2010, 03:16 AM

Here is what I use for retro gaming.
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y101/pikkonson/uy4u6.png

Its a old Konka tv I found in a abandoned house.

Its super heavy but the quality I get when playing snes and nes games are very nice.

Zing

06-28-2010, 02:02 PM

lotec25

06-28-2010, 02:27 PM

One thing I looked for when buying my CRT was a headphone output. A couple of the very last CRT models Sony released here in Canada had them, but since they were relatively "new" and still being sold in store for $500-700, people wanted far too much money for them. I ended up getting a slightly older WEGA without a headphone output.

Do any of the higher end older Sony sets have headphone out?

Now this is a good idea, I forgot they used to have headphone out. I have most of my systems running threw my Logitech speakers that has a headphone jack on them, so I use that if need to, I remember having an old maybe 10" back in the day that had a Headphone out, And it sounded awesome.

On the Note of the Wega I did pick up one of them this weekend from a friend. Ill get a picture of it up later. Its a 27" and the picture quality is fine. As far as the Gun games I have not tried.

Zing

06-28-2010, 06:16 PM

One thing I did when I bought my used TV was to hook up my PlayStation 2 and run through a calibration DVD on the composite input. I optimized the brightness (to control blooming), fixed up the geometry, and got the overscan down to 4% on all sides. The set has some minor convergence problems in the bottom left, but it looks far better than it did when I acquired it.

I actually got the seller to knock $50 off the cost because it had a huge geometry problem in the top right. I knew it would be a simple matter of adjusting the system menu settings, which I would do anyway, but I wasn't going to tell him that.

Leo_A

06-28-2010, 08:43 PM

Actually they were designed with a curved tube in mind.

I've never seen any evidence of a design decision made in a game due to the curvature of the set.

Zing

06-28-2010, 09:37 PM

I've never seen any evidence of a design decision made in a game due to the curvature of the set.

I agree. It is an extremely dubious claim.

If this was true, then at the very least, the games would be distorted on flat panels, emulators, etc.

lotec25

06-28-2010, 09:37 PM

I've never seen any evidence of a design decision made in a game due to the curvature of the set.

I should of worded this different, But let me explain. When they were testing the code display they used a curved screen to see how it looked, just like they use flat panels now to test and check the code displayed. Sorry if i worded that wrong.

I actually got the seller to knock $50 off the cost because it had a huge geometry problem in the top right. I knew it would be a simple matter of adjusting the system menu settings, which I would do anyway, but I wasn't going to tell him that.

The Wega I picked up is doing this also. like the left side is higher then the right side. I looked threw the menu but did not look very hard to see if there was a way to correct this problem. Cant really tell until I bring up my cable channel list witch has lines running left to right, and it is apparent it is leaning.

Retromangia

06-29-2010, 03:15 AM

God what a great Fuckin post!! imanerd0011... you are the man!! I've been looking around the net for probably close to two years... trying to figure out which Sony CRT is best! This post deserves to be a sticky thread... I think all retro gamers should know about this.

I mean, if your going to really enjoy your hobby... why not play these games the best way possible.

Imanerd0011,

The TV you mentioned..the xbr100/200.. do those use the "hi-Scan" screen resolution?

I would imagine sony's next step up.. the "super fine pitch" screens would be to high in resolution for retro games correct?

And lastly.. the TV you mentioned for Wii/Gamecube/Ps2 (progressive scan), the KD-34XBR960N... That TV has a default resolution of 480p I would assume? I think it's what you would call an "EDTV".... boy those things weren't around for long.

Great stuff! thanks again

- retromangia

imanerd0011

06-29-2010, 08:22 AM

Thanks! I was interested in getting a high end CRT a few months ago when someone said they were the best for video games.
I thought the same thing. If you're going to spend tons of money on video games, you might as well have a great T.V. to play them on.
I don't think the XBR100 or XBR200 are high scan models. I'll do a little more checking online, but the XBR100 is pretty hard to research, as their isn't much info online about it.
Pretty much most HDCRT's don't look too good when playing retro games. This includes the Super Fine Pitch models. They look great on anything that is 480P, but not so hot for older games.
The KD-34XBR960N is 480P/720P/1080I set, as are most high end Sony Trinitron's that were made near the end of the crt life cycle. There are a few models that are very similar, but this one is the one I'm looking for as it doesn't have the anti glare film on the screen, which is prone to have problems. That is what the N stands for in the end of the model number. The KD-34XBR960 is the exact same T.V., but it has the anti glare film on the screen. You can remove it, but I'd rather not have to.

God what a great Fuckin post!! imanerd0011... you are the man!! I've been looking around the net for probably close to two years... trying to figure out which Sony CRT is best! This post deserves to be a sticky thread... I think all retro gamers should know about this.

I mean, if your going to really enjoy your hobby... why not play these games the best way possible.

Imanerd0011,

The TV you mentioned..the xbr100/200.. do those use the "hi-Scan" screen resolution?

I would imagine sony's next step up.. the "super fine pitch" screens would be to high in resolution for retro games correct?

And lastly.. the TV you mentioned for Wii/Gamecube/Ps2 (progressive scan), the KD-34XBR960N... That TV has a default resolution of 480p I would assume? I think it's what you would call an "EDTV".... boy those things weren't around for long.

Great stuff! thanks again

- retromangia

Zing

06-29-2010, 03:22 PM

imanerd0011

06-29-2010, 04:34 PM

I checked out the XBR100 and it's interesting. It uses a break-out box for all of the inputs. It does use a form of digital processing, so hopefully that doesn't introduce any input lag. It also does not have component input.

Are there any SD Curved Screen CRT's that have component inputs? I've never seen one myself. I do know the KV-32XBR200 has a component input, but it's a flat screen SD CRT.

Leo_A

06-30-2010, 03:22 AM

I should of worded this different, But let me explain. When they were testing the code display they used a curved screen to see how it looked, just like they use flat panels now to test and check the code displayed. Sorry if i worded that wrong.

I understand what you mean now. Thanks for clarifying.

But in the same vein as the point you just made, NES/SuperNes games were never developed on or with the expectation that they'd be displayed on the large screen high end CRT's that were produced after the 8/16 bit era. It's not really any different of an argument so I really don't see the validity of it or why this aspect should even matter.

Flat screens tend to have geometry issues, but as long as someone is willing to dig into the service menu to make adjustments, there's absoluely no reason they won't be able to enjoy their classic games on a high end CRT flat screen model. Programmers never made adjustments to compensate for screen curvature, so things like platforms in a Super Mario Bros. game are going to look correct on a flatscreen (And in some ways, more correct then on a curved screen).

Are there any SD Curved Screen CRT's that have component inputs? I've never seen one myself. I do know the KV-32XBR200 has a component input, but it's a flat screen SD CRT.

Many

The vast majority of standard definition CRT's over the past decade besides the absoluely bottom rung of 12-13" bargain basement sets had component inputs. That includes many non flatscreen models. There's a 14" or so non flatscreen SD CRT bought in the past year in my kitchen right now with a DVD player hooked up via component and another model for a future replacement bought even more recent in storage.

Canadian Psycho

06-30-2010, 01:33 PM

I don't think so. Most Flat Screens (especially the HDCRT's) don't display a good picture when viewing an SD picture. NES looks pretty bad on them to be honest.

That's why I'm looking for the best SD Sony Trinitron, which I believe is the Kv-32xbr100. The only problem is that they are VERY hard to find!

FXmercanery,

What is the model number of your Sony Trinitron?

How about this model : KV-36XBR250. Is it up there too?

FxMercenary

06-30-2010, 01:42 PM

my model# is KV27XBR55 its a 1992 27" with the top-mounted subwoofer and 2 side/satellite speakers.

http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc184/fxmercenary/PC260044.jpg

Retromangia

06-30-2010, 02:54 PM

imanerd0011

06-30-2010, 04:50 PM

Moderator... can you sticky this thread please?? This is a very important topic.. wouldn't you all agree?

ok, so if your saying the XBR100 doesn't have Component inputs??... then it should be out of the question completely no?...I mean..there is a very EASY way(read: no mods required) to get component output from our favorite retro systems. All you need is to import some SCART cables, and SCART > Component transcoder box. I know for sure this can be done for the SNES, Sega Genesis, and Saturn.. and I'm probably missing one or two others. The NES can only do Composite, and the N64 can only do S-video.e.

The XBR200 should be the official king of SD gaming :pimp:

Have you guys checked out any threads over at avsforum.com ??? They have a ton of great info on this I remember correctly from a few years ago. Perhaps I'll start a new thread over their and see If I get any bites.

lets keep the info coming!

- RetroMangia

Hmm,I never knew about the component mods that are available for the SNES/Genesis.

I'm not sure if the XBR200 is the SD king or not, mainly because of the flat screen aspect. I really retro games (NES/SNES/N64) look best on a curved television, although I have never seen one in action on the XBR200 before, so it's hard to say.
I would actually think having component wouldn't matter too much for retro games anyway, as they don't have component available (unless you mod them). For all the systems that have component available as a stock option, you would be better off using an HD CRT (such has KD-34XBR960).
I really wish there were more people interested in this topic. I actually started a thread over on AVSforums, but didn't come up with too much info, other than people recommending the XBR100 and a few other sets.

charles__99

03-06-2012, 01:38 PM

anyone have any information about using a n64 on a Xbr400?

Zing

03-11-2012, 04:24 PM

What do you mean by "any information"?

Get a Nintendo s-video cable. Plug into N64 and TV. Done.

ebo0763

03-11-2012, 04:33 PM

I have this one and it's AWESOME! It also works well with the zapper. it has composite (RCA), S-Video and component. It's the best I've ever seen.

http://www.jvc.ca/en/consumer/archived-product-detail.asp?model=AV-32WF36

dukenukem

03-12-2012, 01:04 PM

i saw a xbr100 in person and it is an awesome tv.My cousin has it and another sony from 89.here's my quick shot of a curved tube screen with mario brothers played on top loading nes through coaxal.
http://img600.imageshack.us/img600/8199/img1663xk.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/600/img1663xk.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

Parodius Duh!

03-12-2012, 01:18 PM

picked this baby up from the goodwill for 5 bucks today

http://s9.postimage.org/ndnuyx7j3/432176_10150584721855899_614470898_9366501_14129.j pg

and heres my daily driver....40" RCA home Theater....better than my buddies Wega....picture is perfect on this thing, especially for being so large.

http://s7.postimage.org/m6uqdccaj/Picture_002.jpg

http://s7.postimage.org/vfwwngl6j/Picture_001.jpg