In the market for a new CRT TV

[ZP3]

So, I am looking for a "new" CRT TV for my retrogaming needs. I saw a flatter RCA model with s-vid support on craigslist for $10. The TV is 28 inches, and I was curious if RCA made good TVs. Thanks fellow compatriots

[kai123]

So, I am looking for a "new" CRT TV for my retrogaming needs. I saw a flatter RCA model with s-vid support on craigslist for $10. The TV is 28 inches, and I was curious if RCA made good TVs. Thanks fellow compatriots

I would search on Craigslist for a PVM or RGB monitor. If you want something cheap I would hold out for a Sony CRT with at least component and 480P for best results up to the PS2 era. I am sure most people you would be buying from might be open to letting you take one of your favorite systems and testing it out before you buy it.

[Flojomojo]

For $10, wouldn't it make sense to just get it and make up your own mind?

[theclaw]

It sounds good. The extra sharpness of component is useful on larger sets. But too new and you risk light guns not working.

[RP2A03]

Unless for some reason the good stuff is hard to come by, I would wait for something better. Things to look for include a real flat tube and component inputs. The best sets will have dynamic focus and convergence. If you get a set with velocity scan modulation (VSM, SM), make sure it can be disabled. This "feature" will appear to give you a sharper picture, but it creates distortions. If you care about light guns or having scanlines, then an SDTV is a must. WEGAs are good; but JVC, Panasonic, and Toshiba also made good TVs. If you see a TV that looks like it might be good, get the model number and research it. That TV will likely be around for a few days, if not weeks. Goodwill is also a good place to look for TVs, or at least they are where I am.

[Gameguy]

Not sure exactly where you're located but checking out the Iowa craigslist and nearby areas listings, there are several free Sony TVs available.

http://desmoines.craigslist.org/ele/4754077939.html
http://desmoines.craigslist.org/zip/4754064163.html
http://desmoines.craigslist.org/zip/4734995272.html

[ZP3]

Not sure exactly where you're located but checking out the Iowa craigslist and nearby areas listings, there are several free Sony TVs available.

http://desmoines.craigslist.org/ele/4754077939.html
http://desmoines.craigslist.org/zip/4754064163.html
http://desmoines.craigslist.org/zip/4734995272.html

Fantastic. I have looked at craigslist (almost every day), but these I must have missed. What is the biggest you would go on a CRT TV?

[kai123]

Fantastic. I have looked at craigslist (almost every day), but these I must have missed. What is the biggest you would go on a CRT TV?

Depends on how strong you are. I have a 27 inch and it is awkward as hell to move. Luckily I can move it by myself.

[Gameguy]

Fantastic. I have looked at craigslist (almost every day), but these I must have missed. What is the biggest you would go on a CRT TV?
As mentioned it depends on how strong you are, another thing to consider is how much space you have for the TV. A 19" is easy enough to move with one person, any larger and you would probably need two people.

In our living room we have a 13" Toshiba TV set up. The bigger TVs are just being stored at the moment. I couldn't turn them down as they were Sony Trinitrons and they'd otherwise be trashed if I didn't agree to get them(kindly for free), we don't exactly have a large enough place to really set them up properly.

[ZP3]

As mentioned it depends on how strong you are, another thing to consider is how much space you have for the TV. A 19" is easy enough to move with one person, any larger and you would probably need two people.

In our living room we have a 13" Toshiba TV set up. The bigger TVs are just being stored at the moment. I couldn't turn them down as they were Sony Trinitrons and they'd otherwise be trashed if I didn't agree to get them(kindly for free), we don't exactly have a large enough place to really set them up properly.


I have a decent amount of space and I can get people to help carry; I was just curious as to if the bigger tvs make games look stretched out or not.

[Greg2600]

You cannot carry a 32" Sony yourself. I would definitely try to get one if they are FREE! Or like $25. PVM's are more money and too small for my tastes.

[Gameguy]

I have a decent amount of space and I can get people to help carry; I was just curious as to if the bigger tvs make games look stretched out or not.
It depends on the quality of the TV, usually there won't be any distortion with quality sets. I actually notice a slight distortion with newer flat tube CRTs, not much but very slight. Family members have a flat tube CRT by Toshiba, it's pretty good with component inputs but I do notice it near the top and bottom of the screen. They owned it since new as well.

[Gentlegamer]

The biggest CRT I would go is 27" for the sake of being able to move it myself.

[synbiosfan]

The biggest CRT I would go is 27" for the sake of being able to move it myself.

Oh so this.

I'd check out the thrift shops near nicer areas. They usually have the sets plugged in so you can check them out.

I recently paid $7 for a mint 2006 20" JVC CRT with component, s-video, etc, that's perfect for my basement gaming hovel. They had some nice bigger CRTs but I didn't feel like carrying them down the stairs8-)

[ZP3]

Oh so this.

I'd check out the thrift shops near nicer areas. They usually have the sets plugged in so you can check them out.

I recently paid $7 for a mint 2006 20" JVC CRT with component, s-video, etc, that's perfect for my basement gaming hovel. They had some nice bigger CRTs but I didn't feel like carrying them down the stairs8-)

$7 is a great find. My local Goodwill is completely devoid of TVs :grrr:

The only thing that scares me about a 32 incher is distortion due to size. However, since it's free, what do I have to lose? LOL

Thanks for all the great responses; love hearing great advice rather than just a tirade of "this has been covered before"

[WCP]

I highly recommend a 20 inch Sony PVM or BVM, manufactured post 2002, with low hours on it.

Obviously, you have to be patient, but eventually you can score one in pristine condition, and you'll be the happiest retrogamer on your block once you get your rgb cables in, and see the warm glow coming from the screen...

[CRTGAMER]

The biggest CRT I would go is 27" for the sake of being able to move it myself.

Really? I wouldn't let the weight be an issue as long as space and a stand can support it. The TV only has to be moved once, must be a friend that can help. Oh and HD Tubes weigh more then SD CRTs of the same size.

[ZP3]

Really? I wouldn't let the weight be an issue as long as space and a stand can support it. The TV only has to be moved once, must be a friend that can help. Oh and HD Tubes weigh more then SD CRTs of the same size.

HD Tubes are ridiculously heavy.

[Dashopepper]

Really? I wouldn't let the weight be an issue as long as space and a stand can support it. The TV only has to be moved once, must be a friend that can help.

As someone who has moved a 36" trinitron multiple times, unless you're hitting the gym regularly be weary. Remember all the weights on one end so you're carrying it with 1 hand pretty much. I think there like 230 lbs or something. Beware of doorways and stairs. 27" is the largest I feel comfortable moving by myself, glass towards chest.

[Gentlegamer]

By the way, are tv stands for large CRTs even available anymore? That's something else to consider when choosing a size, I don't think you'll find something to hold those heavy monsters above 27" these days.

[RP2A03]

By the way, are tv stands for large CRTs even available anymore? That's something else to consider when choosing a size, I don't think you'll find something to hold those heavy monsters above 27" these days.

http://www.amazon.com/Bush-Furniture-VS44936-03-Cobra-Stand/dp/B000W8HXXM

Got my 30" widescreen 150 lb KD-30XS955 on it.

[ZP3]

http://www.amazon.com/Bush-Furniture-VS44936-03-Cobra-Stand/dp/B000W8HXXM

Got my 30" widescreen 150 lb KD-30XS955 on it.

I really like the look of this stand. Thanks for posting it!

[celerystalker]

I have had 4 identical 27" RCAs for about ten years. In that time, one crapped out, and the other 3 work great. I've had other TVs look a bit more crisp, but in S-video they look great. Tempest 2000 on Jaguar in S-video is awesome on my RCAs. I keep 3 hooked up at all times in my basement to run systems that don't do great in HD, a separate 27" monitor setup for Neo Geo AES, and a 32" HDTV mounted on the wall behind my bar back so you can sit at the bar to play PS3 or 360. With my arcade cabinets, I just turn it all on, order a pizza, and generally pretend I'm a 12 year old in my own private Chuck E Cheese. So, yeah, I'm an idiot.

I do like the RCAs I have, though, for S-video picture, but running them side by side, I've noticed the color on the same settings actually looks slightly different, for what it's worth.

[ZP3]

I have had 4 identical 27" RCAs for about ten years. In that time, one crapped out, and the other 3 work great. I've had other TVs look a bit more crisp, but in S-video they look great. Tempest 2000 on Jaguar in S-video is awesome on my RCAs. I keep 3 hooked up at all times in my basement to run systems that don't do great in HD, a separate 27" monitor setup for Neo Geo AES, and a 32" HDTV mounted on the wall behind my bar back so you can sit at the bar to play PS3 or 360. With my arcade cabinets, I just turn it all on, order a pizza, and generally pretend I'm a 12 year old in my own private Chuck E Cheese. So, yeah, I'm an idiot.

I do like the RCAs I have, though, for S-video picture, but running them side by side, I've noticed the color on the same settings actually looks slightly different, for what it's worth.

That's good to hear that you like them so much. Are they flatscreen by chance?

[celerystalker]

No, they're not flat. I prefer thr old convex style myself, as it's what I grew up on for those older systems, just better picture.

[RP2A03]

I've noticed the color on the same settings actually looks slightly different, for what it's worth.

Perfectly normal. CRTs are like snowflakes; no two are exactly the same, even when fresh from the factory.