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/45...t-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.

[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.

[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.

[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.)?

[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.)?

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).

[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.

[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.