Which is better? Commodore 1084 or Sony PVM Monitor?

[Tempest_2084]

I'm currently using a Commodore 1084 (not 1084S) for my classic computers and systems that use composite or S-Video, but I see a local ad for some Sony PVM-14N1U monitors. My 1084 is alright (color is a little off to me but that could just be my eyes), but these PVM's are ex-security monitors which means they probably have a lot of use. Then again for $3 I'm thinking about taking a chance.

Are the Sony PVM monitors better than the 1084 at all or should they have the same quality?

[22point8]

N series are cheap CCTV monitors, some don't even have RGB and the ones that do don't have component.

[Tempest_2084]

N series are cheap CCTV monitors, some don't even have RGB and the ones that do don't have component.

Yeah I don't need RGB for my systems, the ones that do are hooked up to my 1943MD. This would be for some of my classic game systems and computers that use composite and S-Video.

[Ed Oscuro]

If you don't think you need RGB, a good consumer set from a recent year could be a better choice.

[Tempest_2084]

If you don't think you need RGB, a good consumer set from a recent year could be a better choice.

You think? You mean a CRT TV from the last 10 years or so?

[gray117]

As long as you're fine with trinitron pixels [some few people not a fan] - pvm.

Going to be the best svideo handling you'll find, although a large part of that also seems to come down to cable quality, assuming all other things being equal of course.

I think Ed's opinion is based around: why pay top dollar for old kit unless using the best signal/connection/picture quality (rgb) ... Given that there's a slight gamble over component age/durability you could easily pick up (and dismiss, or have as back up) quite a few consumer sets for the price of a single specialist one which could turn out not to be in perfect condition and void the lengths you went through to get it.

... And although pvms tend to have the best components and construction quality, they were probably also used in environments where they saw extended use. So pot lucking it, unless you're really after trying to top notching the experience, you may simply be best served by spreading your bets... so to speak.

Personally even for rgb (I'm in euro zone, I'm assuming you are American by the way?) I would tend towards consumer sets these days if I was to pick up a crt simply because I would want one of the larger screen sizes and the 1) rarity, 2) price, of any 25-29" pro monitors...

[Tempest_2084]

Looks like I'll be getting my hands on 12 Sony PVM 14N1U monitors for a VERY good price. I know they don't do RGB, but they do do S-video and composite (I'm using them to replace my 1702's). I was going to sell off the spares I don't need. Are these monitors worth much? I don't think I'll have a problem getting rid of them, but I'm not sure what I should be asking.

[Ed Oscuro]

Price? At the same time the lack of RGB disqualifies this from consideration by many, this will certainly beat out any consumer 14" set you could buy. Just make sure you're comfortable gaming on that size screen.

Also not sure what I think about picking up the full dozen. If you're thinking of reselling...count on making far less money than a simple eBay calculation would suggest. All the stories here about people getting broken PVMs (mine wasn't broken, thank goodness) make me expect the worst for sellers. Even insurance isn't necessarily going to ensure profits.

If I was looking for a 14" set with consumer-grade connections, and didn't want component, I could only hope to best these by going to a newer unit. These may well be the right choice.

[Tempest_2084]

$2 each. The guy said they're tested and work fine. Like I said, I'm going to use them to replace my old Commodore 1702's for my classic computers. The size is perfect for classic computers as you don't want a giant 20" TV in your face.

As for shipping, that's always a risk but I can drop $50 of insurance on them cheap (which will more than cover what I could hope to sell them for) and try to sell them locally for pick up. I also plan on bringing them to the local Vintage Computer Fest, good quality monitors always are appreciated there.

I was thinking something like $30 each which is still cheaper than a good quality 1702 these days.

[Ed Oscuro]

That should be a hell of an upgrade. $2 isn't bad at all! I might have to ask about getting one or two, if you'd sell and are located in the right place.

[Tempest_2084]

I'm in SE Michigan. I'll probably have at least 8 or 9 left after I'm done.

[cham0mile]

I'm in SE Michigan. I'll probably have at least 8 or 9 left after I'm done.

I picked up a set of 14 and 8 inch PVM's for the cheap with RGB. They work great but make sure your front panel knobs work and aren't loose. I find that if you can't test them it's a bit of a gamble but for that price it sounds like it'd be worth it.

[Tempest_2084]

I'm in SE Michigan. I'll probably have at least 8 or 9 left after I'm done.

I picked up a set of 14 and 8 inch PVM's for the cheap with RGB. They work great but make sure your front panel knobs work and aren't loose. I find that if you can't test them it's a bit of a gamble but for that price it sounds like it'd be worth it.

8" is a bit too small for my tastes. RGB would be nice, but just about everything I have that can do RGB is already hooked up to my 20" PVM. On the remaining two systems look good with S-Video or Composite.

I suppose I could test them before I grab them, but he did say they were already tested and good (he got rid of the ones that weren't).

[Ed Oscuro]

I'm in SE Michigan. I'll probably have at least 8 or 9 left after I'm done.

Oh, cool; I might pick up a couple off ya. I'll have a look at the weight and stuff.

[Tempest_2084]

I'm in SE Michigan. I'll probably have at least 8 or 9 left after I'm done.

Oh, cool; I might pick up a couple off ya. I'll have a look at the weight and stuff.

Sure no problem. I'll be picking them up this Friday so I'll be able to test them all over the long holiday weekend and post some results. The only caveat is that these were security monitors so they probably have more than a few hours on them, but the seller said there's no burn-in and they looked good. I guess I'll see when I get them.