Anyone tell me the difference between SONY BVM-20F1U & 20F1E

[HandOfIke]

Hi,

Just want to know what the differences are between these two sets, BVM-20F1U and BVM-20F1E.

Thanks

[Ed Oscuro]

E = Europe, U = US. I think they both have a multi-standard power supply, so you can plug in almost any old computer power supply cable, but do check the back. If it says something like 115V-240V input then you're good to go.

Are you in Europe or the US?

[HandOfIke]

E = Europe, U = US. I think they both have a multi-standard power supply, so you can plug in almost any old computer power supply cable, but do check the back. If it says something like 115V-240V input then you're good to go.

Are you in Europe or the US?

Thanks,

I'm in the UK.... Seen a possible BCM-20F1U for sale. It's been used in a studio so it is running on local power. Other than possible power supply is there anything else that could be problematic using a U in the UK? Will it accept most video signals (at 15kHz) that I throw at it or will there be issues?

Cheers

[22point8]

I saw that one, its from the famous Elstree studios so its probably been professionally calibrated at some point. Well worth going for, I don't have the space, or a car otherwise I'd get it.

[Ed Oscuro]

RGB is just RGB, and isn't limited to a specific region standard. (To get really accurate-to-the-design colors you might change the color temp setting, but that's not strictly necessary.)

For PAL format signals, most all PVMs (certainly the newer ones) should have menu options allowing you to select what region video you have.

Basically, a good PVM or BVM will allow you to play import consoles, should you wish to do so.

[HandOfIke]

RGB is just RGB, and isn't limited to a specific region standard. (To get really accurate-to-the-design colors you might change the color temp setting, but that's not strictly necessary.)

For PAL format signals, most all PVMs (certainly the newer ones) should have menu options allowing you to select what region video you have.

Basically, a good PVM or BVM will allow you to play import consoles, should you wish to do so.

That's great news... I'll see if I can get hold of one!

Cheers

[Ed Oscuro]

Incidentally, any monitor with an RGB SCART input or BNC plugs for RGB+sync will do the same for RGB sources, so long as they support 15KHz. I can't guarantee all sets will support NTSC composite or component, but they certainly will support RGBs.

[HandOfIke]

Incidentally, any monitor with an RGB SCART input or BNC plugs for RGB+sync will do the same for RGB sources, so long as they support 15KHz. I can't guarantee all sets will support NTSC composite or component, but they certainly will support RGBs.

That's great... only interested in RGB so sounds like it's not going to be a problem!!

Thanks

[Omegaknuckles]

Both the BVM U and BVM E (and BVM J) series use switching power supplies with a standard NEMA 15-P input plug. I've never had the opportunity to test a 220VAC version of that plug but from what I understand, it should work fine with any region BVM Monitor.

[HandOfIke]

E = Europe, U = US. I think they both have a multi-standard power supply, so you can plug in almost any old computer power supply cable, but do check the back. If it says something like 115V-240V input then you're good to go.

Are you in Europe or the US?

Both the BVM U and BVM E (and BVM J) series use switching power supplies with a standard NEMA 15-P input plug. I've never had the opportunity to test a 220VAC version of that plug but from what I understand, it should work fine with any region BVM Monitor.

Just got to see the back of the monitor, it says AC100-120V 50/60Hz 200W, is this going to work off of the UK power supply or will I need a stepdown converter?

Thanks

[Ed Oscuro]

Well, that doesn't say it supports 240V. I recently read some people discussing this issue, but it was possibly a different monitor and I don't recall exactly what/if it was decided that it's safe. Sorry I can't be helpful on this one

[HandOfIke]

Well, that doesn't say it supports 240V. I recently read some people discussing this issue, but it was possibly a different monitor and I don't recall exactly what/if it was decided that it's safe. Sorry I can't be helpful on this one

Thanks,

I shall do some more digging before I buy, I really want a BVM-20F1(x) and they don't come around that often and can go for a good price so I want to be sure I'm not buying a dud.

If I ran a step-down transformer supply taking the 220-240v from my mains and outputting it to 110-120v (the Back of the BVM says 200w max so I would use a 200w step-down) it should work, anyone have any ideas?

Cheers

[Ed Oscuro]

If you do get a step-down, I'd go for higher than 200W. If it had more than one outlet, you'd also be able to plug in an import console, if you wanted to do that.

[HandOfIke]

If you do get a step-down, I'd go for higher than 200W. If it had more than one outlet, you'd also be able to plug in an import console, if you wanted to do that.

Thanks,

But the Sony says 200w max on the back, if I went with a 300-500w transformer wouldn't that damage the BVM?

[nissling]

No. If a transformer is rated at 300W then it's the limit of what it is capable of output. In this case, the monitor requires 200 watts and therefore it will only utilize that much power from the transformer.

[HandOfIke]

No. If a transformer is rated at 300W then it's the limit of what it is capable of output. In this case, the monitor requires 200 watts and therefore it will only utilize that much power from the transformer.

Thanks,

Just to double check, the BVM is only going to draw 200w from the transformer regardless of how many watts the transformer can output?

[nissling]

Yes, that sums it all up. I'm using a 300W transformer for my BVM-20F1J and it works perfectly.

Also, I think the only differences between the F1E and F1U (most likely F1J as well) other than the power supply is that the European model has EBU phosphor in the tube while the other two has SMPTE. Not a big deal though for consumers. If you like the CRT characteristic you're going to love the F1.

[HandOfIke]

Yes, that sums it all up. I'm using a 300W transformer for my BVM-20F1J and it works perfectly.

Also, I think the only differences between the F1E and F1U (most likely F1J as well) other than the power supply is that the European model has EBU phosphor in the tube while the other two has SMPTE. Not a big deal though for consumers. If you like the CRT characteristic you're going to love the F1.

Thanks for that,

I've never used a step-down before, when I get one what should I look out for? Are there any makes that are recommended?

I have no idea what the difference between EBU phosphor and SMPTE would be (though I though that SMPTE was to do with timings?), are there any resources online I could go look up?

I'm going to be putting a Dreamcast, Saturn and PS2 through the 20F1U I'll also be putting an Xbox 360 through it via an Extron Super Emotia. I also have a Blu-Ray player I hooked up to my 2011P via a S-VHS to VGA convertor going into the Super Emotia. Can you see any issues I'd have with the 20F1 with those?

Cheers

[Fudoh]

I have no idea what the difference between EBU phosphor and SMPTE would be

slightly different color rendition (hardly visible).

I also have a Blu-Ray player I hooked up to my 2011P via a S-VHS to VGA convertor going into the Super Emotia.

why ?

[HandOfIke]

I have no idea what the difference between EBU phosphor and SMPTE would be

slightly different color rendition (hardly visible).

Thanks!

I also have a Blu-Ray player I hooked up to my 2011P via a S-VHS to VGA convertor going into the Super Emotia.

why ?

I really like the look of films on the BVM! I love how bright the image looks and the colour saturation. a Blu-Ray player is all I have so that's what goes in if I'm watching a film. Is this odd?

[nissling]

Just sounds strange to go from S-VHS (I assume you mean S-Video?) to VGA and then through a Super Emotia... Isn't it easier to just use YPbPr out of your player?

I think BDs look great on 15KHz BVMs but the downscaling is causing so much moire/aliasing and I find that being very annoying. Also I wouldn't stand to watch a feature length film on such a small screen but for grading and editing it's very useful.

[HandOfIke]

Just sounds strange to go from S-VHS (I assume you mean S-Video?) to VGA and then through a Super Emotia... Isn't it easier to just use YPbPr out of your player?

I think BDs look great on 15KHz BVMs but the downscaling is causing so much moire/aliasing and I find that being very annoying. Also I wouldn't stand to watch a feature length film on such a small screen but for grading and editing it's very useful.

The reason I use S-Video (S-VHS) is so I can put it thorough an Extron VGA matrix, I then output various sources to the Super Emotia without having to unplug/plug etc.

I actually don;'t mind the moire/aliasing that much. I have my BVM-2011P (when it was working) near to my desk so when I'm there it can be nice to have a film running on the screen. I output TV though my computer via the matrix too.

[Ed Oscuro]

Just a note on the power side:

The 200W rating on the back seems to denote the maximum amount of power it'll draw. After being powered up, in normal usage should be much less, especially if you turn down the brightness to save tube life (which you should, as much as you're able). For example, my PVM 20L2 seems to draw something like 60W, but the back panel sticker says 108W.

But your transformer should still support at least that amount of power.

About S-Video, isn't this monitor going to have the US style 4-pin S-Video connector? You should be able to leave that plugged in all the time since it doesn't interfere with the component video ports, I'd think.

[HandOfIke]

Just a note on the power side:

The 200W rating on the back seems to denote the maximum amount of power it'll draw. After being powered up, in normal usage should be much less, especially if you turn down the brightness to save tube life (which you should, as much as you're able). For example, my PVM 20L2 seems to draw something like 60W, but the back panel sticker says 108W.

But your transformer should still support at least that amount of power.

Got it. With the BVM's I like the contrast high and the brightness low so that should help the tube out!

About S-Video, isn't this monitor going to have the US style 4-pin S-Video connector? You should be able to leave that plugged in all the time since it doesn't interfere with the component video ports, I'd think.

The 20F1U doesn't have a S-Video input nor does my 2011P or 14G5E so the easiest way for me to hook them up is through the MVX Matrix Switcher (which only accepts D-SUB 15), it looks great, might be odd but I don't have to unplug and plug in all the time so it suits my needs. I really like the look of films on the BVM!

[HandOfIke]

The Saga on this BVM-20F1U continues on this thread http://shmups.system11.org/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=55076....