Any CRT fans on the forum? Monitors, broadcast, tvs

[Swainy]

5 minutes ago, MrSpiggott said:

I've got a feeling the SCART is only wired for composite, which was quite common on lower price TVs. (Can't find the specs online) 

If that's the case you can mod it to accept RGB, but it's not a simple job.

Yeah so thought that might be the case. Anyone near Bishops Stortford want a free CRT? 🤣

[dataDave]

I managed to acquire a PVM-20L4 from an NTSC-UK regular. Their dad was nice enough to look after it for me until COVID had passed and I was able to travel to collect it.

 

 

It's minty. I'm not really sure why I'm trying to take shots with the phone. I just can't be arsed getting the camera out.

 

 

You get the idea. It's almost at PC CRT levels of sharpness. It's also recently been pro calibrated.

 

 

I'm not sure what to do with all this now, tbh. This layout isn't ideal, although I do like sitting on that rug sometimes.

[MrSpiggott]

3 hours ago, dataDave said:

I'm not sure what to do with all this now, tbh. This layout isn't ideal, although I do like sitting on that rug sometimes.

I'd stick the 14", on its side, on top of the 20". Have your main input going into the 20" and loop though into the 14" for TATE mode.

That's what I've done on my setup.

[dataDave]

11 hours ago, MrSpiggott said:

I'd stick the 14", on its side, on top of the 20". Have your main input going into the 20" and loop though into the 14" for TATE mode.

That's what I've done on my setup.

 

I like that idea. I've never looped multiple PVMs before, does the first in the chain need to be powered for it to relay the signal?

 

Which side is the PVM best seated on in terms of heat dispersion, generally? The PSU board is on the right, which is my precious as that's eventually going to get transplanted into my dead BVM - I think I'd rather let the (little) heat from the board travel up past the tube, unless of course there are reasons why not to do that.

[MrSpiggott]

1 hour ago, dataDave said:

 

I like that idea. I've never looped multiple PVMs before, does the first in the chain need to be powered for it to relay the signal?

 

Which side is the PVM best seated on in terms of heat dispersion, generally? The PSU board is on the right, which is my precious as that's eventually going to get transplanted into my dead BVM - I think I'd rather let the (little) heat from the board travel up past the tube, unless of course there are reasons why not to do that.

That's a good question. Depends on the termination circuitry of the monitor, I'm try to find schematics and check. Worst case is you use T-pieces.

 

Orientation of the second monitor is going to be fixed to whatever your source outputs and you'll need to fit feet or something to raise the monitor a little.

[dvdx2]

21 hours ago, dataDave said:

I managed to acquire a PVM-20L4 from an NTSC-UK regular. Their dad was nice enough to look after it for me until COVID had passed and I was able to travel to collect it.

 

 

It's minty. I'm not really sure why I'm trying to take shots with the phone. I just can't be arsed getting the camera out.

 

 

You get the idea. It's almost at PC CRT levels of sharpness. It's also recently been pro calibrated.

 

 

I'm not sure what to do with all this now, tbh. This layout isn't ideal, although I do like sitting on that rug sometimes.

Very nice - the L4 is an exception crt. What would you do with all this now? Bin the lcd!

[dataDave]

Just now, dvdx2 said:

Very nice - the L4 is an exception crt. What would you do with all this now? Bin the lcd!

 

Nah, honestly the LCD is fine for huge screen gaming. It's just two frames behind the CRTs, and that RetroTink 5X slotmask is to die for:

 

[MrSpiggott]

41 minutes ago, dataDave said:

 

 

Update.  I’ve looked at the schematics and you should be fine. You should be able to turn off your master monitor, and the slave monitor attached to it should still receive a signal.

Just need BNC cables now.

[dataDave]

Same. Thanks!

[dataDave]

FFS. That Top 100 games thread had me trying out some 480i action on this screen with Resident Evil 4 (and now F-Zero GX).

 

I feel like I somehow owe these games a huge apology for ever trying to get them looking good on a flat panel, although I'm very glad I did originally play them on a semi-decent 32" 4:3 back then.

 

I must try Galaxy 2 and Sin & Punishment 2 next. It's also utterly impossible trying to take photos of 480i, even with my good camera - so I can't share this revelation in any way.

[megamixer]

I have a 28" Sony Wega Trinitron CRT that I still use on-and-off. If I ever get rid of it then I'll probably offer it up here.

 

It's bloody massive though, and very deep. Weighs an absolute ton. Fantastic TV though - never had any problems with it.

[Kevvy Metal]

On 19/08/2022 at 19:28, dataDave said:

I managed to acquire a PVM-20L4 from an NTSC-UK regular. Their dad was nice enough to look after it for me until COVID had passed and I was able to travel to collect it.

 

 

It's minty. I'm not really sure why I'm trying to take shots with the phone. I just can't be arsed getting the camera out.

 

 

You get the idea. It's almost at PC CRT levels of sharpness. It's also recently been pro calibrated.

 

 

I'm not sure what to do with all this now, tbh. This layout isn't ideal, although I do like sitting on that rug sometimes.

 

Wow nice! 

This is the same PVM that I have. It is a rather nice thing aye! 

 

Also don't bin the flat-panel. using it is good fun in itself.

[Kevvy Metal]

On 22/08/2022 at 12:06, dataDave said:

FFS. That Top 100 games thread had me trying out some 480i action on this screen with Resident Evil 4 (and now F-Zero GX).

 

I feel like I somehow owe these games a huge apology for ever trying to get them looking good on a flat panel, although I'm very glad I did originally play them on a semi-decent 32" 4:3 back then.

 

I must try Galaxy 2 and Sin & Punishment 2 next. It's also utterly impossible trying to take photos of 480i, even with my good camera - so I can't share this revelation in any way.

 

Yes, worth noting that Wii games in Widescreen mode have always looked bad, as it's a stretched anamorphic image. The actual resolution is still 640x480. 

I defo prefer the Wii (and Gamecube) on a CRT in 4:3 480i. 

[Kevvy Metal]

I have a connundrum. 

Does anyone know of some decent (does not have to be great) powered-speakers that are actually magnetically shielded?

 

I had to ditch my original speakers as they were not magnetically shielded, and causing a bit of interference with my PVM. So need a replacement! 

I bought some from Amazon, that claimed to be so, but they absolutely were not! So back to Amazon they go! https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000WQIKJ0/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

As mentioned, they don't have to be amazing because basically... I'm skint! 

[dataDave]

That's a problem I've been trying to solve for years. I hate sending stuff back.

 

I use these ones currently. They seem fine, but I also place them as far away as possible just to make sure.

 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Logitech-Z200-Multimedia-Speakers-PC/dp/B00FSF2OSS/ref=sr_1_33?c=ts&keywords=Computer+Speakers&qid=1661766684&s=computers&sr=1-33&ts_id=429889031

 

I'd love some old Sony ones. I do have a pair here but they're shit, they hum, and they're also not shielded. Aesthetically they're perfect, so I'm hanging onto them as I believe mods can be done.

 

[Kevvy Metal]

39 minutes ago, dataDave said:

That's a problem I've been trying to solve for years. I hate sending stuff back.

 

I use these ones currently. They seem fine, but I also place them as far away as possible just to make sure.

 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Logitech-Z200-Multimedia-Speakers-PC/dp/B00FSF2OSS/ref=sr_1_33?c=ts&keywords=Computer+Speakers&qid=1661766684&s=computers&sr=1-33&ts_id=429889031

 

I'd love some old Sony ones. I do have a pair here but they're shit, they hum, and they're also not shielded. Aesthetically they're perfect, so I'm hanging onto them as I believe mods can be done.

 

 

 

hmmm, those wee speakers look quite cool aye! I think I'll get me a pair of them too!

 

[dataDave]

26 minutes ago, Kevvy Metal said:

hmmm, those wee speakers look quite cool aye! I think I'll get me a pair of them too!

 

They also double as my main PC speakers when I'm not using them for retro stuff, so they're not shit. They're also not as weedy as they look! Again, I can't really guarantee shielding, or how well they'll match your setup.

[mwaawm]

Is this jvc likely to be any good?

 

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/255714619805

 

looks to be composite and s-vhs input only given was always told to go with rgb or better still component am not sure this will be worth a purchase. 

[dataDave]

5 minutes ago, mwaawm said:

Is this jvc likely to be any good?

 

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/255714619805

 

looks to be composite and s-vhs input only given was always told to go with rgb or better still component am not sure this will be worth a purchase. 

 

Some here are happy with S-Video (I'm not one), but even then that's a steep price for a non-RGB unit. At least compared to what goes up on the Dutch marketplace.

 

Are you handy with electronics? Maybe you could mod RGB into it yourself.

[Popo]

Hello! I’m getting a bit curious about sourcing a CRT with the intention of getting my old consoles currently stored in my mum’s house and hooking them up, particularly for some light gun game action. I haven’t read the whole thread here, but I have done a bit of Googling about what I’m after. Unfortunately most websites focus on advice for North American enthusiasts, who don’t have easy access to RGB SCART, and therefore isn’t really worth reading as a European. 
 

I understand that PVMs are considered best in class due to their high durability, excellent refresh rates and sharper image reproduction thanks to the higher quality materials used in the screen and the cathode ray. Conversely, they are small, expensive, don’t have speakers built in and generally have a poor selection of inputs (and definitely no RGB SCART). Did I get that right?

 

I think I want a 21 inch, 4:3 aspect ratio consumer grade screen with at least component and RGB SCART inputs which supports both 50 and 60 Hz refresh rates, ideally built after 2000. Are there any models I should specifically be on the lookout for? Is there a CRT equivalent of the LG CX? The absolute slam-dunk model that you’d be daft not to buy?

 

Would component and RGB SCART cover the needs of all systems from MegaDrive to GameCube? I am guessing any set that supports these will also have composite, either through RCA plugs or through the SCART socket using an adapter?

[phillv85]

1 hour ago, mwaawm said:

Is this jvc likely to be any good?

 

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/255714619805

 

looks to be composite and s-vhs input only given was always told to go with rgb or better still component am not sure this will be worth a purchase. 

 

It's quite expensive for a non-RGB unit, but the S-Video and even composite picture on those are superb compared to a consumer set.

[Colonel Panic]

I've got one of those. RGB modding them is each enough if you have the tools and soldering skills, but to be honest, S-Video on them is pretty awesome if you don't.

 

I wouldn't pay that for it though, but professional display prices are stupid.

 

[JamesC]

The biggest problem with RGB outputs is RGB shift.

Unless you have the means to compensate for that (which you probably won't have in-set on a consumer CRT but may find on a PVM) It's a massive downside. You can buy a scaler to sort the issue but that's another significant expense.

Personally I don't think the results warrant the expense or hassle. A decent consumer CRT with S-Video (or even a quality composite lead) will look great and probably far better than anything you played on as a kid.

[nakamura]

RGB shift? As in the Image moving over slightly?

[JamesC]

6 minutes ago, nakamura said:

RGB shift? As in the Image moving over slightly?

Yes, slightly, or quite a bit depending on the output (and not always the same for each console, so if you have various things plugged in, the shift can be different for each machine).

It's really annoying if you're playing a shmup or somehting and half the score is off the side of the screen.

[dataDave]

The MiSTer accurately replicates RGB shift. Fortunately you can budge the image back in most of the time from within the video menu.

 

Back when switching between real hardware I’d use the PVM controls to centralise the image. It takes seconds.

[mwaawm]

Many thanks for the replies and advice....the JVC looked tempting as ebay was offering me £25 off the list price bringing it just shy of £100 hence why I was tempted.....but seeing as I want my crt purchase to be a long term investment and I wouldn't know where to begin with a soldering iron I will pass on this and keep looking for now.

[thegreathopper]

3 hours ago, JamesC said:

The biggest problem with RGB outputs is RGB shift.

Unless you have the means to compensate for that (which you probably won't have in-set on a consumer CRT but may find on a PVM) It's a massive downside. You can buy a scaler to sort the issue but that's another significant expense.

Personally I don't think the results warrant the expense or hassle. A decent consumer CRT with S-Video (or even a quality composite lead) will look great and probably far better than anything you played on as a kid.

RGB shift is no problem with the B&O and Sony tv’ s, if I recall correctly the whole image shifts to the right a bit, this is easily adjusted in the menu. I have only had RGB consoles and just assumed back in the early 90’s that was normal and no one noticed the slight loss of image on one side.

[JamesC]

When I had a B&O Avant, the horizontal positioning still wasn't enough to rectify RGB shift from my MD or Saturn. 

It wasn't a huge problem on most games but was a pain for Cannon Fodder as the menu is on the far left and parts of it were off the screen. 

[dvdx2]

5 hours ago, Popo said:

Hello! I’m getting a bit curious about sourcing a CRT with the intention of getting my old consoles currently stored in my mum’s house and hooking them up, particularly for some light gun game action. I haven’t read the whole thread here, but I have done a bit of Googling about what I’m after. Unfortunately most websites focus on advice for North American enthusiasts, who don’t have easy access to RGB SCART, and therefore isn’t really worth reading as a European. 
 

I understand that PVMs are considered best in class due to their high durability, excellent refresh rates and sharper image reproduction thanks to the higher quality materials used in the screen and the cathode ray. Conversely, they are small, expensive, don’t have speakers built in and generally have a poor selection of inputs (and definitely no RGB SCART). Did I get that right?

 

I think I want a 21 inch, 4:3 aspect ratio consumer grade screen with at least component and RGB SCART inputs which supports both 50 and 60 Hz refresh rates, ideally built after 2000. Are there any models I should specifically be on the lookout for? Is there a CRT equivalent of the LG CX? The absolute slam-dunk model that you’d be daft not to buy?

 

Would component and RGB SCART cover the needs of all systems from MegaDrive to GameCube? I am guessing any set that supports these will also have composite, either through RCA plugs or through the SCART socket using an adapter?

Any consumer Trinitron will fit your needs perfectly (RGB scart/good speakers built in etc) and will give you a nice image. Don’t settle for s-video if you are in the UK; most consumer sets will have an RGB scart socket. If the one you are looking at doesn’t then move on as you will quickly come across one that does. Look out for the KV range (Trinitron). The sizes are from memory; 14, 21, and 29” (there might be a 25 too). JVC have some nice ones to.

 

A few of the older pvms have an RGB scart sockets, but will usually have BNC connectors;  a simple scart to bnc cable will let you attach your consoles RGB leads to display RGB, though. PVMs are a different ball game to consumer sets quality wise, and you need to hook them up to a 2.1 stereo system as the speakers are not great - image quality, build quality, and tweakablity is where they shine.

 

Keep an eye out for the JVC pro monitor range call the TM-H. You can buy clone RGB cards for them that will give you a direct scart plug in like a consumer set and they are stunning and comparable (arguably better) to pvms.