Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 20 of 28

Thread: Best CRT TV for retro consoles

  1. #1
    Insert Coin (Level 0) Some1's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2013
    Location
    Slovenia
    Posts
    34
    Thanks Thanks Given 
    0
    Thanks Thanks Received 
    0
    Thanked in
    0 Posts

    Default Best CRT TV for retro consoles

    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?

  2. #2
    Strawberry (Level 2) Mark III's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2003
    Location
    Canada
    Posts
    580
    Thanks Thanks Given 
    0
    Thanks Thanks Received 
    0
    Thanked in
    0 Posts

    Default

    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.

  3. #3
    Insert Coin (Level 0) Some1's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2013
    Location
    Slovenia
    Posts
    34
    Thanks Thanks Given 
    0
    Thanks Thanks Received 
    0
    Thanked in
    0 Posts

    Default

    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).

  4. #4
    drowning in medals Ed Oscuro's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2002
    Posts
    16,556
    Thanks Thanks Given 
    3
    Thanks Thanks Received 
    1
    Thanked in
    1 Post

    Default

    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.

  5. #5
    Insert Coin (Level 0) Some1's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2013
    Location
    Slovenia
    Posts
    34
    Thanks Thanks Given 
    0
    Thanks Thanks Received 
    0
    Thanked in
    0 Posts

    Default

    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.

  6. #6
    Pear (Level 6) ApolloBoy's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2003
    Location
    San Jose, CA
    Posts
    1,219
    Thanks Thanks Given 
    0
    Thanks Thanks Received 
    0
    Thanked in
    0 Posts

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Ed Oscuro View Post
    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.
    Quote Originally Posted by starsoldier1 View Post
    GUY WAS SUPPOSE TO PLAYABLE IN THE GAME
    My collection

  7. #7
    Famicom Pirate Custom rank graphic
    Parodius Duh!'s Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2010
    Posts
    1,558
    Thanks Thanks Given 
    0
    Thanks Thanks Received 
    0
    Thanked in
    0 Posts

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Some1 View Post
    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.

  8. #8
    Insert Coin (Level 0) Some1's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2013
    Location
    Slovenia
    Posts
    34
    Thanks Thanks Given 
    0
    Thanks Thanks Received 
    0
    Thanked in
    0 Posts

    Default

    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?

    Quote Originally Posted by Ed Oscuro View Post
    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.)?
    LIVE LONG AND MAY THE TRIFORCE BE WITH YOU!

  9. #9
    Great Puma (Level 12) Niku-Sama's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2005
    Location
    Deadford, OR
    Posts
    4,128
    Thanks Thanks Given 
    5
    Thanks Thanks Received 
    63
    Thanked in
    59 Posts

    Default

    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

  10. #10
    Pear (Level 6) ApolloBoy's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2003
    Location
    San Jose, CA
    Posts
    1,219
    Thanks Thanks Given 
    0
    Thanks Thanks Received 
    0
    Thanked in
    0 Posts

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Some1 View Post
    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.

    Quote Originally Posted by Some1 View Post
    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).
    Quote Originally Posted by starsoldier1 View Post
    GUY WAS SUPPOSE TO PLAYABLE IN THE GAME
    My collection

  11. #11
    Strawberry (Level 2)
    Join Date
    Dec 2012
    Posts
    528
    Thanks Thanks Given 
    0
    Thanks Thanks Received 
    0
    Thanked in
    0 Posts

    Default

    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?
    COMPLETED MY USA SMS SET!!!!

  12. #12
    drowning in medals Ed Oscuro's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2002
    Posts
    16,556
    Thanks Thanks Given 
    3
    Thanks Thanks Received 
    1
    Thanked in
    1 Post

    Default

    Yes, you can.

  13. #13
    Strawberry (Level 2) Zama's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2010
    Location
    East Coast, U.S.
    Posts
    493
    Thanks Thanks Given 
    0
    Thanks Thanks Received 
    0
    Thanked in
    0 Posts
    PSN
    Mokida

    Default

    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


    I lived my life with no fear nor hatred... For these traits are certain to the content of my immortal being.

  14. #14
    drowning in medals Ed Oscuro's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2002
    Posts
    16,556
    Thanks Thanks Given 
    3
    Thanks Thanks Received 
    1
    Thanked in
    1 Post

    Default

    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?

  15. #15
    Insert Coin (Level 0) Some1's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2013
    Location
    Slovenia
    Posts
    34
    Thanks Thanks Given 
    0
    Thanks Thanks Received 
    0
    Thanked in
    0 Posts

    Default

    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/s...erter-bnc.html
    LIVE LONG AND MAY THE TRIFORCE BE WITH YOU!

  16. #16
    Pac-Man (Level 10) theclaw's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Location
    USA
    Posts
    2,217
    Thanks Thanks Given 
    0
    Thanks Thanks Received 
    1
    Thanked in
    1 Post
    Xbox LIVE
    theclaw135
    PSN
    Eonclaw

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Some1 View Post
    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/s...erter-bnc.html
    RCA jacks carry sound. Most monitors don't use BNC for that.
    Lum fan.

  17. #17
    Ghostbuster
    Greg2600's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2006
    Location
    Soprano Land, NJ
    Posts
    3,967
    Thanks Thanks Given 
    9
    Thanks Thanks Received 
    62
    Thanked in
    57 Posts
    Xbox LIVE
    Greg2600

    Default

    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.
    The Paunch Stevenson Show free Internet podcast - www.paunchstevenson.com - DP FEEDBACK

  18. #18
    Insert Coin (Level 0) Some1's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2013
    Location
    Slovenia
    Posts
    34
    Thanks Thanks Given 
    0
    Thanks Thanks Received 
    0
    Thanked in
    0 Posts

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Greg2600 View Post
    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).
    LIVE LONG AND MAY THE TRIFORCE BE WITH YOU!

  19. #19
    Peach (Level 3) BricatSegaFan's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2012
    Posts
    626
    Thanks Thanks Given 
    0
    Thanks Thanks Received 
    0
    Thanked in
    0 Posts

    Default

    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.

  20. #20
    Pear (Level 6) ApolloBoy's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2003
    Location
    San Jose, CA
    Posts
    1,219
    Thanks Thanks Given 
    0
    Thanks Thanks Received 
    0
    Thanked in
    0 Posts

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Greg2600 View Post
    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.

    Quote Originally Posted by Some1 View Post
    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.

    Quote Originally Posted by Some1 View Post
    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.

    Quote Originally Posted by Some1 View Post
    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.

    Quote Originally Posted by Some1 View Post
    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.
    Quote Originally Posted by starsoldier1 View Post
    GUY WAS SUPPOSE TO PLAYABLE IN THE GAME
    My collection

Similar Threads

  1. Older HD (crt) TV's and retro consoles
    By Stringfellow in forum Classic Gaming
    Replies: 21
    Last Post: 10-20-2013, 05:39 PM
  2. Retro Consoles: Hooked Up or Displayed?
    By Polygon in forum Classic Gaming
    Replies: 41
    Last Post: 06-22-2013, 02:24 PM
  3. New retro consoles! Retron 3 and Retro Twin
    By neojapan in forum Classic Gaming
    Replies: 152
    Last Post: 10-08-2011, 03:37 AM
  4. Collecting sealed retro consoles
    By theclaw in forum Classic Gaming
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 04-23-2011, 02:52 AM
  5. retro consoles in porn
    By lurpak in forum Classic Gaming
    Replies: 19
    Last Post: 05-19-2006, 08:33 PM

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •