Good TVs for classic games?

[Tupin]

I know that modern LCDs aren't the best for old systems, so I've been trying to find a decent one that I can play games as they were intended to look.

I'm looking for a smaller TV (less than 20 inches) that has stereo and S-Video inputs. Sadly, most of the TVs produced in this category seem to either be aerial jack only or mono input only. I'm guessing a Sony Trinitron or similar "high-end" TVs would work best?

[jwmollman]

I use an older Sony WEGA Trinitron TV which I got from a friend for free. The screen size is 24 inches diagonally. Here's a crap-quality image, but this is it:

http://www.lacuracao.com/images/prod...20_320x320.jpg

It's a flat CRT screen with the big domed back, but the picture is great. Everything is pretty sharp and the colors are vibrant. The sound is also pretty good coming from a TV. It has a nice, simple surround effect, but I usually just keep it on the standard stereo setting as that sounds just fine. It looks and sounds great with the SNES (using the S-video cable), and also with the PSone. So those vibrant-colored 2D games look and sound great. I haven't tried with modern consoles as I don't have anything newer than a PS2.

This thing has connections in the back for component video, standard composite video, S-video, and coaxial. And then on the front, it has another set of standard composite video and stereo inputs.

You might be able to find one at a yard sale for around 50 bucks or so. I don't know how much they go for, but this model looks to be made in about 2006. This thing weighs a ton, too.

[Casati]

I have a RCA ColorTrak made in the late 80s. It's not as good as the Trinitron but I got it for a cheap price.

Here's a thread that provides some details on it:http://www.digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?t=125595

[dukenukem]

you could try and find a 17inch samsung crt at a goodwill store.I have a 17inch samsung crt that was bought as a graduation gift for my sister back in 99 that is still going pretty strong.

[Collector_Gaming]

still telling you guys early 80s JC Penny color tv.
Still going strong after all these years.

[Ryudo]

I just got this today at goodwill for 15$

[c0ldb33r]

I just got this today at goodwill for 15$...

I've go the same TV. I love it.

Weighs a TON though. I really hurt my back moving it from the top floor to the basement.

[Ryudo]

I've go the same TV. I love it.

Weighs a TON though. I really hurt my back moving it from the top floor to the basement.

Yeah ahaha it took two guys to get it in here and they were huffin

[substantial_snake]

I would highly suggest the Samsung TX-P2036. I grabbed one off of a trade on another forum and have been suing it for a least half a year with no problems. The TV is equipped with a pair of really nice speakers and its very light and easy to move. I live on a second story and wanted a TV that both had RGB and S-video inputs and didn't weigh a ton, and this really fit the bill.

Detailed Specs on the Samsung TX-P2036 here

I only have two complaints with this system and the first is that the system has more composite inputs then it has channels. On the rear panel and the front of the TV make it appear as if it uses four but in reality their are only two composite channels the TV displays. One is labeled monitor out and does not pick up composite signals and the front mounted one is just an alternate for composite 2. The only other complaint is that the component input and S-Video use composite 1's left and right audio inputs for its own sound so if you have multiple consoles you will have to switch them out occasionally.

I have no idea how common these were so you may find one and you may not, but if you come across one in good shape I highly recommend it.

General Size Shot:



This TV is pretty light and that combined with a semi-slick stand surface makes cardboard the idea super cheap TV swivel.



Please forgive the bluryness, the top slot is the Monitor-Out mentioned above, the middle is composite 2 and the bottom is composite 1. As mentioned above you will need to switch audio inputs in composite 2 if/when you use RGB or S-Video.

[Icarus Moonsight]

Weighs a TON though. I really hurt my back moving it from the top floor to the basement.

I can't even lift mine and take more than a step or two, let alone take it to another floor. 38" screen - over 250lbs... Here it is sitting next to my black leather couch.



These are not easy to come by cheaply. But Broadcast/reference class are the king of CRTs. You need luck or money.

Sony Trinitrons are the best set that is both cheap and easily found.

[dnehthend]

I have a 36" Toshiba CRT. It supports s-video which I thought was interesting because my parents had the same model but no s-video.

I managed to get it off of the truck by myself, but that was it, two man job to get it into the entertainment center.

[treismac]

Let me know if that extra Sega Master System ever starts to get in your collection's way.

Also, R.O.B. is quite scared of heights. I would happily give him a lower, safer home if you would be so inclined, sir.

[retroman]

I also use a Sony Wega Trinitron 32inch...its great for retro games.

[nouserever]

tv under 20 inches with s video, trintron kv-20v80. has stereo and weighs 50 pounds. im 12 and i could bring it up stairs no problem

[Jaruff]

I gave it away when we moved in September but I used an old GE console my mom received when my great grandparents died in 1997. Good TV, good picture, but it was starting to fade in recent years so we gave it to the guy that helped us move. Plus, it was way too heavy and beaten up to move again. It was either a 27" or 31" but I can never remember. I always liked it because there was enough room on the top to place my main systems and a composite switch.

[theclaw]

It's really too bad how many TVs lack proper geometry controls. Makes game devs have to go out of their way to offer overscan related options, and very few will...

[Blanka789]

Can anybody recommend a good CRT television with VGA input? I'm not even sure if these exist.