Best CRT TV for retro consoles

[Some1]

I've decided I'd get into retro gaming, but I'll need a good CRT TV. I read here

http://www.tested.com/tech/gaming/456719-best-crt-retro-games/

that a Sony BVM-20F1U(E) is the best choice, but they're expensive (300-500$). I've also heard good things about the Sony Trinitron, which is cheaper (~100$).
Now I'm not sure if the extra cost of the BVM is worth it.

What do you guys think?

[Mark III]

Keep a close eye on craigslist and kijiji. Seen lots of free Trinitrons in my local ads, that's where I got mine. With the Trinitron be aware that some will not display color on Genesis systems for some reason. There is a workaround but it can get annoying.

[Some1]

Is the Trinitron multi-standard? I live in Europe, but I'm planning to buy an NTSC NES because of all the problems with a PAL signal (slower gameplay, weird resolution).

[Ed Oscuro]

The BVM and PVM line tend to only take special plugs, so it's not going to be exactly plug-and play with some of those.

Trinitron sets are different depending on what region they're for. Playing a US NES in Europe will require a set that specifically supports NTSC timing - there may be some of these but not too many. Most Trinitrons in Europe are going to be PAL only, I believe, but you can always look up the details of any set you're seeing. I think some of the professional (BVM and PVM line) sets might be multi-standard but I'm not sure. I don't think importing an NTSC screen is going to be terribly cost effective (and it will require a big, but not terribly expensive, step-down converter for voltage as well; just making sure it's a real one and not some travel plug converter kit).

Something else to think about: Some (late) Trinitron sets have a High Voltage Regulator (and not all in the same line). This is a nice thing to have (and mine evidently doesn't) because it stops the screen from distorting when bright colors or white are on the screen. Some sets that do have it should include the Sony KV-34HS420 34" and the Sony WEGA KV-36HS420 36" as well as at least some XBR models.

[Some1]

Hmm... I also have a PAL PSone (which I'd also prefer playing on a CRT). Does this mean I'll need 2TVs - one for the NTSC and one for the PAL systems? I've seen many people play a Sega Genesis (Megadrive) with the 50/60Hz mod in both settings on one TV (which I believe was a Trinitron in one case) without any problems whatsoever.

[ApolloBoy]

I think some of the professional (BVM and PVM line) sets might be multi-standard but I'm not sure.
Most PVMs and BVMs are so no worries there.

[Parodius Duh!]

Hmm... I also have a PAL PSone (which I'd also prefer playing on a CRT). Does this mean I'll need 2TVs - one for the NTSC and one for the PAL systems? I've seen many people play a Sega Genesis (Megadrive) with the 50/60Hz mod in both settings on one TV (which I believe was a Trinitron in one case) without any problems whatsoever.

Yes you will need the proper region TV for the proper region system. A PAL Playstation will not work with a NTSC CRT television, never. Playstation is a big difference from Mega Drive, its not nearly as hackable. Also if you are in NTSC region PAL PS1 games will work on a modded NTSC PS1 but ONLY will display in color through RGB, same goes for NTSC modded PS2 trying to run PAL.

[Some1]

So, what's the best way of determining wether a TV (BVM-20G1E, for example) is multistandard? Conatcting the seller, I presume?

Also, what does this mean?


The BVM and PVM line tend to only take special plugs, so it's not going to be exactly plug-and play with some of those.


Shouldn't TVs meant for broadcasting have all manner of inputs (RF, composite, component, RGB, S-Video etc.)? :confused:

[Niku-Sama]

i would vote trinitron.

I have 2 of them, one is a 20" from 1992, the other is a 27" from about 1987. In my opinion i think the trinitron from 1987 has a better picture than the one from 1992

[ApolloBoy]

So, what's the best way of determining wether a TV (BVM-20G1E, for example) is multistandard? Conatcting the seller, I presume?
Look up the part number and most of the time you'll be able to find specs on it.


Shouldn't TVs meant for broadcasting have all manner of inputs (RF, composite, component, RGB, S-Video etc.)? :confused:
They do, most PVMs have composite, S-video, RGB and component inputs. Except for S-video (which uses the standard mini-DIN jack), all the inputs on most PVMs use BNC connectors as opposed to RCA jacks. It's no big deal though as you can find BNC-to-RCA adapters for cheap. For RGB, the older PVMs used a DB25 connector while most use BNC jacks. AFAIK, none came with a SCART plug so you'll have to buy a SCART adapter or build one.

None of the PVMs/BVMs had an RF tuner, you'll have to use a VCR or RF demodulator for systems that only use RF (or mod those systems of course).

[bigbacon]

odd question only because i don't know if the "monitors" work the same but can you use the light guns on those PVM style monitors/tv?

[Ed Oscuro]

Yes, you can.

[Zama]

Somewhere in my living room lies a sleeping giant JVC CRTV. I haven't used that TV in years but it may be worth the time to fire it up again for a classic retro adventure :)

[Ed Oscuro]

What's a CRTV? I know what CRT is and what a TV is, but CRTV is a new one on me. Did JVC get a license from Commodore to make one of those fancy Amigas for use with a TV? :D

[Some1]

I've looked up some SCART to BNC adapters and some have 4 BNC jacks + 2 RCA adapters for output. What's the point of that? If you want to hook it up to multiple TVs?

http://www.retrogamingcables.co.uk/sony-pvm-scart-converter-bnc.html

[theclaw]

I've looked up some SCART to BNC adapters and some have 4 BNC jacks + 2 RCA adapters for output. What's the point of that? If you want to hook it up to multiple TVs?

http://www.retrogamingcables.co.uk/sony-pvm-scart-converter-bnc.html

RCA jacks carry sound. Most monitors don't use BNC for that.

[Greg2600]

I think it's a little unrealistic to go hunting for a PVM or similar RGB monitor. Very difficult to find, and often they aren't larger than 20 inches. At that small a screen, RGB really won't gain you much. If you have the room, I'd shoot for a 27 or 32 inch CRT by Sony or Samsung, with the flat glass, and component and S-video input. Then get a $50 SCART to component adapter. While Nintendo consoles SNES, N64 will look fine on S-Video, the Genesis and SMS look terrible on composite and really benefit in component. Then you'd have component, with a switchbox, available for modern systems like Gamecube (though that cable is expensive), PS2, X-Box, etc.

[Some1]

I think it's a little unrealistic to go hunting for a PVM or similar RGB monitor. Very difficult to find, and often they aren't larger than 20 inches.

Thanks for the tip, but I still think finding a well-preserved BVM is worth the trouble, and I don't really need anything above 20 inches.

Anyway, what do you guys think of this setup:

NES (NTSC) with PAL MasterSystem power supply - composite out => composite to SCART adapter
PSone (PAL) - RGB SCART out => SCART cable

Then plug the cable and the adapter into a good SCART switch.
Plug the output into a sync cleaner (needed for the PS) like the Sync Strike with a VGA out.

Then:
option 1) Take a VGA to 5 BNC cable (like the one here: http://www.ambery.com/pr15vgato5bn.html) and plug it into a multistandard BVM/PVM.
option 2) Take an ordinary VGA cable (I think some BVMs have a VGA in) and proceed the same way.
Which one do you think is better?

Wire in any additional consoles the same way (add an RF demodulator and/or a step down transformer, if needed).

[BricatSegaFan]

Kind off topic but id like an opinion on my main CRT I use. Its a Sony Wega KD32XS945 circa 2005.

So far I think its pretty good but id like a second opinion from the pros here.

[ApolloBoy]

I think it's a little unrealistic to go hunting for a PVM or similar RGB monitor.
I take it you've never seen one in action? I've got two 13" PVMs and the picture quality on both is awesome, especially through RGB. Even S-video and composite look pretty good on both.


NES (NTSC) with PAL MasterSystem power supply - composite out => composite to SCART adapter
You won't need a composite-to-SCART adapter for the NES on the BVM, just use a regular RCA cable along with a BNC-to-RCA adapter.


PSone (PAL) - RGB SCART out => SCART cable

Then plug the cable and the adapter into a good SCART switch.
Plug the output into a sync cleaner (needed for the PS) like the Sync Strike with a VGA out.
A sync cleaner isn't necessary unless your display doesn't accept composite video as sync. Most PVMs are fine with composite video as sync (and I think most BVMs as well), so unless you know for a fact that it doesn't, don't bother.


option 1) Take a VGA to 5 BNC cable (like the one here: http://www.ambery.com/pr15vgato5bn.html) and plug it into a multistandard BVM/PVM.
Unless you're using that with the Sync Strike, that cable won't work because you only have one sync signal with RGB. Just try looking for a SCART-to-BNC converter, there's a few people out there who make them.


option 2) Take an ordinary VGA cable (I think some BVMs have a VGA in) and proceed the same way.
No BVM (or PVM) has a VGA input as they only use 15 KHz signals (31 KHz is the scanrate for VGA) so this option won't work.

[Some1]

A sync cleaner isn't necessary unless your display doesn't accept composite video as sync. Most PVMs are fine with composite video as sync (and I think most BVMs as well), so unless you know for a fact that it doesn't, don't bother.


That's just it, I know for a fact that the one I'm after (BVM-20F1E) has to have clean sync: http://shmups.system11.org/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=43256



Unless you're using that with the Sync Strike, that cable won't work because you only have one sync signal with RGB. Just try looking for a SCART-to-BNC converter, there's a few people out there who make them.


Since I will need to use a Sync Strike, I take it the VGA to BNC method will work, right?
Also, what happens to audio travelling through the Sync Strike? Is it simply forwarded into the VGA cable or does it have its own output?



You won't need a composite-to-SCART adapter for the NES on the BVM, just use a regular RCA cable along with a BNC-to-RCA adapter.


I have a bunch of them at home anyway, and I'd prefer to control everything with a single SCART switch. :)


OT I'm going to be away from this thread for aout 2 weeks (travel).

[Greg2600]

I take it you've never seen one in action? I've got two 13" PVMs and the picture quality on both is awesome, especially through RGB. Even S-video and composite look pretty good on both.

No but I grew up with a 13" black and white TV in my room for a time, and that screen size is not something I want to be nostalgic about!

[ApolloBoy]

No but I grew up with a 13" black and white TV in my room for a time, and that screen size is not something I want to be nostalgic about!
A 13" PVM blows that out of the water to the point where you wouldn't care so much about the screen size.

[BlastProcessing402]

Kind off topic but id like an opinion on my main CRT I use. Its a Sony Wega KD32XS945 circa 2005.

So far I think its pretty good but id like a second opinion from the pros here.

Sony Wegas are indeed pretty good. I have one that's almost the same as that model, just 16:9 instead of 4:3.

[wiggyx]

A 13" PVM blows that out of the water to the point where you wouldn't care so much about the screen size.

No way on earth that I'd ever use a 13" TV for anything at this point. Well, maybe I'd use it for a step stool or a bookend.

[Greg2600]

Yeah, that was kind of my point, too small. I'd rather just use my PC's 24" LCD for that matter.

[MarioMania]

On my brothers 2 Trinitrons

My Model 1 SNES freaks out in AV, Also does this on RF

Like going to Color to B/W, Flickering

[Some1]

Hey, I'm back.

I've done some other research and I might actually get this thing to work.

I've got one final question: do the BVMs have built in speakers?

Thanks for all the tips, guys.