Tube TV recommendation?

[Jasonbar]

Howdy-

I'm looking to pick up a used tube TV, probably 21" in size (not too small but not too heavy to lug upstairs & put in a small bedroom). It needs to have an S-video input, as pretty much all of my consoles are modded for S-video. Stereo inputs & speakers are also required.

Is there any recommendation or standard for a good gaming TV to fit my needs? (For 2600, A8, INTV, TG Duo, NES, SNES, N64, SMS, Gen, Saturn, DC, 3DO, PS1, & PS2).

Thanks,
-Jason

PS--I'm in Los Angeles, in case anybody local has one for sale/trade.

[Pikkon]

I would recommend looking on craigslist in the free section,people do give away free tv's.As for a brand I heard sony has one of the best crt tv's.

[Ryudo]

Sony XBR or Sony flat screen trinitron

[Niku-Sama]

i've had distortion problems in the corners of the flat trinitrons, the linear curved (where the high point is in the center top to bottom instead of just one point in the middle like a regular tube) dont do it. atleast the 2 i have dont (19" & 27")

[chrisbid]

i dont have the model numbers at my disposal, but there was a line of toshiba flat screen crts with av/s-video/component inputs available in several sizes that produce gorgeous images. since the sony name isn't on front of these sets, you can find them in thrift stores and for sale elsewhere for next to nothing. i found a 32" model at a thrift store for 20 bucks, and it is now my primary classic gaming television. i also own a couple 13 and 19 inch models i use for my gaming tournaments.


but what i would do is take a lame namco plug and play unit with you to thrift stores and test screens on-site before buying them. if you can get a good picture with an otherwise poor av output plug and play video game system, you have a winner.

[Ed Oscuro]

I haven't gotten to use mine yet, but I got a 27" WEGA Trinitron that looks basically new.

You might also seriously consider picking up an old production Trinitron pro monitor, like one of the PVM or BVM series. The high resolution on some sets makes even weak signals look very nice.

[wiggyx]

Just as an FYI for anyone interested, those late model WEGA tubes generally don't get along with light guns :(

[otaku]

I've scored several for free recently and have given some away myself have one about to go out right now also. My fave are the trinitrons for sure

[Jasonbar]

Howdy again-

Thanks for all of the helpful input. I picked up this 20" Sony PVM-20N2U yesterday for $40: http://losangeles.cr...3486377467.html

For sound, I'm going to use a pair of powered PC stereo speakers & attach them to the sides of the case (assuming the tube's case is shielded well enough that the speakers don't distort the picture--if so, I'll move them farther away).



I am finding one small issue, however.

I've tried my S-Video modded 2600 & S-Video modded SMS & 2 different S-Video cables & both of the Y/C (S-Video) inputs & they look swell except for one issue that persists always. I believe that it's called "ghosting." When there are very light pixels to the left of dark (but not black) pixels, then the white pixels cast a bit of a shadow towards the right. Attached pics show 2600 Pitfall.

Any ideas on how to fix this issue?


I just ordered some RCA female-to BNC male gold-plated adapters & will try composite & RGB next. (My SMS has both composite & S-Video out, for an easy back-to-back comparison).


Thanks,
-Jason

[Gamevet]

Just as an FYI for anyone interested, those late model WEGA tubes generally don't get along with light guns :(

They work fine for older consoles, but I had problems with my 27" Wega when I tried to use light guns with my Dreamcast.

[Jasonbar]

I tried out composite input with my SMS today. The banding that showed with S-Video wasn't there with composite. Good deal. I'll soon have the bits needed to try out RGB. Can't wait!

Thanks,
-Jason

PS--here's a fun thread on the Sony PVM: http://www.neo-geo.com/forums/showthread.php?238415-CRT-Fetish-Thread

[wiggyx]

They work fine for older consoles, but I had problems with my 27" Wega when I tried to use light guns with my Dreamcast.

Not on mine.

Mine wot work with an NES zapper, Super Scope, or Saturn. Haven't tried PS1 Namco guns yet, but I don't imagine I'll have much luck.

[Jasonbar]

Added powered speakers, ran all speaker wires inside the monitor case, skinned the case with used Centipede sideart (thanks to Fly from the KLOV forum!), added stereo RCA audio input jacks to the back panel, & am gaming! Still working on getting the RGB to work.

http://s242.beta.photobucket.com/user/infernolab/library/Sony_PVM-20N2U

Thanks,
-Jason

[dukenukem]

Nice work you've done:). Are you planning on getting more crt's or just sticking with this one sony pvm?

[Jasonbar]

Just the 1 is enough for me, thanks! :]