The best CRTs for PS2/PS1?

[alice_squared]

Hi all,

I made a post on here the other week regarding which hardware works well with a Playstation 2 (which I use to play both PS2 AND PS1 games). As a beginner, the advice recieved was very useful, and it seems like a CRT television with RGB-capable SCART input (UK here) is the best option for me. With this knowledge, but still remaining pretty unknowledgable, I have a few questions for you guys and girls:

- Are there any brands, and in turn models, that are "a cut above the rest" when it comes to CRTs? (Bear in mind I have a somewhat limited budget, and a severe lack in knowledge when it comes to any complex TV-modding or technical know-how). CRTs with a range of costs and required technical ability would be useful.

- Similarly, are there any brands/models that should be avoided at all costs?

- Out of the reccomended brands/models, do they have SCART inputs (important), and is it an RGB SCART input? (also important)

- How long is a second-hand CRT television's lifespan likely to be? Would you advise buying a brand new one (is this even possible?)

- Does screen size have much effect on picture quality? Is there a minimum/maximum screen size?

- Finally, would the same CRT display both PS2 games and PS1 games correctly? Are there further settings that would need to be altered for this?

Sorry there are so many queries. I hope they are as clear as possible, and I have much trust in this community to be able to help me with them

tl;dr

CRT requirements:

- RGB-compatible SCART input (multiple preffered)
- Within budget i.e. less than £200 / $265
- Prefferably above 20" screen, less than 30"
- Able to display both Playstation 2 and Playstation 1 games
- Reliable / Long-life investment

[LEGENOARYNINLIA]

Basically, you're asking which models of CRT TVs available in your location would other users here recommend. No one would recommend you to get a CRT in the UK that doesn't accept RGB, so don't worry about that.

Your budget is really high for what you're looking for. There are people giving away perfectly fine CRTs for free. And as no one can tell you how much a tube has been used previously so there is no definite answer for how long it will last. Both my CRTs are over 25 year old, for example. But a Sony Wega that I got in 2002 as brand new suddenly died in 2010.

I would also recommend that you find a "good enough" model and stick with it instead of trying to look for "the best" if you don't actually know what is "the best" as it can come down to preference. You might get a recommendation for a nice Sony Wega with a Trinitron tube but end up finding a shadowmask tube more pleasing to your eyes. So, don't make it too difficult for yourself. Just look around for what's available locally and ask users here if the model is any good. Sony and Bang & Olufsen are popular brands among most UK shmuppers, it seems. It's also easier to get rid of something that didn't cost a fortune and doesn't weight a ton, so think about that. It's also a good idea to test a CRT before you buy it.

Things to avoid: 100Hz tubes
Things to take into consideration for your future setup: do you need stereo sound? If so, will you use a separate amp or do you need a CRT with stereo speakers?

[austin532]

-Sony and Toshiba TV's are often considered top tier when it comes to brand names. Sony uses an aperture grille while others use a slot mask.

-I'm not sure of what brands to avoid but any CRT will be fine as long as it's in good condition.

-Uhh, can't answer that as I live in the US but most of them should.

-CRT's can last several decades as long as they are well taken care off and get tuned up every now and then. The problem is it's getting harder to find people who know how to fix these.

-Yes, the bigger the screen size the more it is likely to have geometry issues. It can usually be tweaked in the service menu if it's not too bad. I would say 20" minimum and 32" maximum.

-Oh course, CRT's support 240p/288p and 480i/576i natively. No other settings need to be altered for this. That is the beauty of CRT's.

[accaris]

I could be wrong, but over in the UK, I've heard people rave about Bang & Olufsen. Even moreso than the Sony Trinitron for RGB.

[azmun]

I could be wrong, but over in the UK, I've heard people rave about Bang & Olufsen. Even moreso than the Sony Trinitron for RGB.

Besides B&O, I believe Loewe sold pretty high quality CRTs as well. So if you can find some of these second hand in good working condition, consider yourself lucky. Lastly, another brand I recommend is Philips. They may not be as high end as the previous two mentioned but may be easier to source with decent quality and reliability.

Oh, and when you eventually play your games make sure you have your PS2 set to output RGB (and not component) in the configuration setting.

[tacoguy64]

If I was in your neck of the woods, I think I'd go with the B&O. Some very nice looking tv's. Kind of jealous we didn't get anything like that in the states