Fudoh's ode to old display technology

[danielretrogamer]

Someone just offered me a SONY PC CRT monitor for U$20. Seller says it is a G420. Googling it revealed the model as CPD-G420. I know these CPD monitors are considered good, I once was offered one for a much higher price. Now, anyone has this monitor (or a similar one)? They all have RGB or are there different versions (maybe some VGA only)?
I believe it goes from 60Hz to 89Hz so "Multisync" is not so great.
I am considering getting it to use as my Dreamcast monitor (I now use a 19" DELL 4:3 LCD), will it work with other consoles?

Spoiler

Picture I found online (seller only had a picture of the monitor screen)

Considering 20" PVMs here in Brazil go for U$500-U$700 I think I will go for it.

It has 5 BNC connectors for RGBHV, I don't know if it supports RGBS (sync plug on the H connector). Still, no 15 kHz...

[hyrulebr]

Hi

Someone have tried these Sony Pro Plasma models from 2005? I´m looking for info for the model FWD-42PV1 but info on other similar Sony models will be appreciated.

manual
https://docs.sony.com/release//FWD42PV1.pdf

I want to find out how it handles 240p 4:3 (15khz RGBs), 480i and 480p signals (both 4:3 and 16:9). If 240p are properly handled as progressive, if it is almost lag free and other advices about the monitor using for gaming. I´m aware of risk of "burning in" fro gaming. But this monitor have some tricks to reduce it (see manual) and I will take care to it not happens.

I already have a Sony BVM/Ikegami CRT and will still the king for 240p gaming but maybe add some competition with 480p or even 480i depending how good are the deinterlacing. The larger size will be a lot nicer!

Any advice will be nice.

Thanks

[danielretrogamer]

I am not sure how long is the lifespan of a plasma screen. I know SONY, Pioneer and Panasonic had the best ones, but still, you must check it before buying since it will certainly have too many hours on it.
Plasma screens were so expensive here in Brazil that no one sold them used (to upgrade to LCDs) but waited for them do die instead. And I don't think these were ever used in broadcast, so it only had a market as "signaling/public event display" monitors.
This guy uses a plasma (Sony or Pioneer): https://www.youtube.com/user/andretidus
I believe he shows it on this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SR-4l3JTx78
he uses a chinese cheap VGA>VGA scan line generator to add scanlines to his plasma screen.
I've tried to find a plasma but never found one (that I could pick up) in good condition for a decent price...
Wonder if he IS in Brazil, he sure got some rare/expensive stuff if he is here

abraço!

[Lord of Pirates]

Someone just offered me a SONY PC CRT monitor for U$20. Seller says it is a G420. Googling it revealed the model as CPD-G420. I know these CPD monitors are considered good, I once was offered one for a much higher price. Now, anyone has this monitor (or a similar one)? They all have RGB or are there different versions (maybe some VGA only)?
I believe it goes from 60Hz to 89Hz so "Multisync" is not so great.
I am considering getting it to use as my Dreamcast monitor (I now use a 19" DELL 4:3 LCD), will it work with other consoles?

Spoiler

Picture I found online (seller only had a picture of the monitor screen)

Considering 20" PVMs here in Brazil go for U$500-U$700 I think I will go for it.

It has 5 BNC connectors for RGBHV, I don't know if it supports RGBS (sync plug on the H connector). Still, no 15 kHz...

It's a PC monitor, so no native support for 15khz. If it's in good shape it'll likely offer a better picture for the Dreamcast than your current LCD. Be sure to test it before buying. A lot of people had a tendency of running tubes into the ground by maxing brightness.

[hyrulebr]

Someone just offered me a SONY PC CRT monitor for U$20. Seller says it is a G420. Googling it revealed the model as CPD-G420. I know these CPD monitors are considered good, I once was offered one for a much higher price. Now, anyone has this monitor (or a similar one)? They all have RGB or are there different versions (maybe some VGA only)?
I believe it goes from 60Hz to 89Hz so "Multisync" is not so great.
I am considering getting it to use as my Dreamcast monitor (I now use a 19" DELL 4:3 LCD), will it work with other consoles?

Spoiler

Picture I found online (seller only had a picture of the monitor screen)

Considering 20" PVMs here in Brazil go for U$500-U$700 I think I will go for it.

It has 5 BNC connectors for RGBHV, I don't know if it supports RGBS (sync plug on the H connector). Still, no 15 kHz...

I had a G400 17 years ago. Really nice picture but that time I only used it for pc gaming. G420 seem to be a updated version but not that much. (G400 have two VGA inputs. No BNC connectors, among other things).

For cheap price (and if you have space to keep it) I recommend you to buy it. Besides Dreamcast you can also play old pc games. Two months ago I played Manic Mansion Deluxe in a 26 Led monitor and I missed too much the G400...

[Sid]

Someone just offered me a SONY PC CRT monitor for U$20. Seller says it is a G420. Googling it revealed the model as CPD-G420.

I have something very similar and feed it mostly 720p/1080p stuff using an HDFury (HDMI->VGA). Narrowing the image down to 16:9 it ends up quite small, but it looks amazing. I also have a Pioneer KRP-500M (which is absolutely the best plasma ever to be sold), and as supreme as it is I'm always a little bit disappointed when I go from the Sony to the Pioneer. There's a richness that is just gorgeous. I've had four different friends play on it, and literally three of the four struggled to play properly because they were too distracted by the quality and allure of the image. True story.

High definition feeds of retro games with a mock scanline effects can look amazing as well, and you're obviously not stuck using less of the available screen real estate then.

Very important note - these monitors at a certain point will likely experience rising black level. The good news is that often using the colour restoration function will bring back the black level with a vengeance. Mine was washed out to the point where I wouldn't have used it when I got it. After the colour restoration process was done I had enough scope that I could make the image way darker than I would ever need it to be. Night and day, both figuratively and (semi) literally.

[muggsy]

I just recently picked up a Toshiba 32" CRT, 329P8NZ.. an SD beast with S-Video and RGB Scart.. but I'm struggling to find any information on it.. specifically how to get into the service mode.. looks pretty good using Pi2scart

Anyone have any ideas or information..

Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk

Looks great! Maybe if you find the service menu info about another Toshiba model it will work on yours, manufacturers don't change the setup modes very often between models.

Thanks for the advice .. I have literally tried every code I could find on the interweb.. it's so frustrating... I can't seem to find any information at all about it.. except for a local friend says it's a Nanao MS9 chassis.. a couple of guys reckon I may have to open it up to check. Thanks for the advice.. I appreciate it

[danielretrogamer]

I was offered an old (I guess) SONY PVM 1344Q for a low price.
Now, I found a manual online from 1988, would this be the year when this monitor was released?
Specs say 600 TVL which would be "HR" for that time.
Anyone knows when SONY stopped manufacturing this specific model/it's product line? I did not know there were "multi system" NTSC/PAL/SECAM monitors that old.
PVM-13[44]
44 would mean late 80s early 90s, correct?

[hyrulebr]

I am not sure how long is the lifespan of a plasma screen. I know SONY, Pioneer and Panasonic had the best ones, but still, you must check it before buying since it will certainly have too many hours on it.
Plasma screens were so expensive here in Brazil that no one sold them used (to upgrade to LCDs) but waited for them do die instead. And I don't think these were ever used in broadcast, so it only had a market as "signaling/public event display" monitors.
This guy uses a plasma (Sony or Pioneer): https://www.youtube.com/user/andretidus
I believe he shows it on this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SR-4l3JTx78
he uses a chinese cheap VGA>VGA scan line generator to add scanlines to his plasma screen.
I've tried to find a plasma but never found one (that I could pick up) in good condition for a decent price...
Wonder if he IS in Brazil, he sure got some rare/expensive stuff if he is here

abraço!

Thanks for the videos. The model he is showing (PFM-42v1 - 2003) is not the same but a previous model, but helped me a lot. I'm betting that the newer model (pwd 42v1 - 2005) kept the features of the previous one (240p support, excellent image, almost without lag, etc) because the two monitor have same specs, even in detail. I bought it for around USD 230 and I will try to pick it up on the weekend (another city - 70 km/40 miles away).

[danielretrogamer]

Nice find, for a very good price if it is in good shape.

This one?
http://produto.mercadolivre.com.br/MLB- ... -42pv1-_JM

for some reason most plasma screens in good shape are in Rio

are you in RJ or SP?

[hyrulebr]

Nice find, for a very good price if it is in good shape.

This one?
http://produto.mercadolivre.com.br/MLB- ... -42pv1-_JM

for some reason most plasma screens in good shape are in Rio

are you in RJ or SP?

Not this one because I'm in São Paulo and too much trouble to pick up in (Rio).

bought this one from a São Paulo seller:
http://produto.mercadolivre.com.br/MLB- ... 2-sony-_JM


A little cheaper (after bargain: original price was 1200 brazilian reais - USD 350), and pluses remote, DVI cable and 2 sony speakers.

[22point8]

I was offered an old (I guess) SONY PVM 1344Q for a low price.
Now, I found a manual online from 1988, would this be the year when this monitor was released?
Specs say 600 TVL which would be "HR" for that time.
Anyone knows when SONY stopped manufacturing this specific model/it's product line? I did not know there were "multi system" NTSC/PAL/SECAM monitors that old.
PVM-13[44]
44 would mean late 80s early 90s, correct?

My 2044qm was made in January 1990 according to some stamping on the neck board, my 1454qm was made in December 1995, so whenever they started making the 5x models was when they stopped making 4x models. The M series came out in 1997.

[danielretrogamer]

and does the 1995 PVM still works fine?

[danielretrogamer]

Nice find, for a very good price if it is in good shape.

This one?
http://produto.mercadolivre.com.br/MLB- ... -42pv1-_JM

for some reason most plasma screens in good shape are in Rio

are you in RJ or SP?

Not this one because I'm in São Paulo and too much trouble to pick up in (Rio).

bought this one from a São Paulo seller:
http://produto.mercadolivre.com.br/MLB- ... 2-sony-_JM


A little cheaper (after bargain: original price was 1200 brazilian reais - USD 350), and pluses remote, DVI cable and 2 sony speakers.

nice find

[hyrulebr]

nice find

Well I started testing the Sony plasma fwd-42pv1 and the image is excelent for 480p sources. Just 2 frames of delay compared with CRT monitors (measured using 240p test loaded in a dreamcast). Good image with 480i (5 frames of delay). But I cannot get this monitor to proper recognize 240p signals.

I'm using the HD15 out (vga) of a Gscartw 3.4 switch to the monitor. The first 5 seconds that I turn on the signal on the monitor recognize it as 720x480/60 and all the image framed in the 4:3 aspect. But after that the signal changed automaticaly to 640x200/60 and the image was cut off in the sides and a little in the bottom. This also happens with component (a direct cable without using the gscartw) using a Neo Geo Consolized. The problem is 240p. I tried all the settings on the menu like type of RGB mode (DTV and PC), type of sync (H/comp and Video), disable automatic image adjusting and tried to adjust manually. Nothing I do can get a correct image.

I asked the guy from the video if the previous model he had have the same behavior. In the video he said the monitor was good to old console but only show it using mame emulator. Maybe he only tried old consoles with composite and s video (that also works flawlessy in my monitor).

I bought it just for 480p. I have others CRT monitors to use 240p but I'm disapointed that a pro monitor cannot handle 240p correctly.

[22point8]

and does the 1995 PVM still works fine?

Yeah, at default contrast a white window test pattern is 200 candela (I set the contrast control to give me 120 candela), starts of a little bit green for the first minute its on, and takes a few minutes to settle the vertical position (it creeps a tiny bit), I think thats normal enough behaviour.

My 1990 2044qm has a few problems, my front panel green gain control doesn't work, in RGB a white test window is only 40 candela, but 80 candela in component, composite or s-video. It starts off green tinted, then gets brighter and darker, before settling after 10 minutes. I think it needs a recap because with maxed out contrast it can do 400 candela but looks like a milky blurry mess at anything above the contrast setting that gives 40 candela so I think the problem is something to do with power supply efficiency. Some day when I recap it I will do the A board, neck board, power board and check the ribbon cables for the front panel.

[4fxtwin]

Had to pull out of buying a Sony KX20-PS1 earlier today. In perfect picture and cosmetic condition. Collection and everything sorted until a quick Google search proved that the Scart at the back doesn't accept RGB and the special 35 pin RGB connector is impossible to find cable for. Also didn't see any evidence of anyone successfully soldering one themselves despite the pinout diagram being available. Usually I can understand most of Sony's design decisions but that "Peritel" Scart port just seems incredibly dumb

Hi werk91 for giving me the impetus to finally sign up as a member here following many years of lurking

I guess your loss was my gain, as I was the one who snapped it up after you pulled out! When I spoke to the seller he mentioned that the previous buyer was having difficulties figuring out the RGB input possibilities, might have known that buyer would turn up here

For the record, both this and the 27" Profeel models accept RGBS on the SCART (Peri-TV) connectors. I know this as I am a jammy sod who owns both. What they won't accept is composite video as sync (on that connector)...raw sync all the way baby! Having said this, if you can break out the composite video signal from the SCART earlier in the signal chain then you can feed it straight into the composite video BNC input on the set and it will sync perfectly. I accomplish this using a SCART switch which has a secondary composite video RCA output. You can also break out Luma and feed this in and it's equally happy.

if you check out Futurematt's youtube video regarding the KX-27PS1 (which he also gave up on) you'll see my previous comment to this effect. I just want to open peoples' minds to this wonderful monitor which, following a little effort in setup and calibration, offers among the best quality retro gaming images you'll find out there. Disclosure: I also have a few BVM-20F1s and a PVM-2950QM but the original Profeel beats them all IMHO.

Anyhow, on with the thread and hopefully going forward I can be of some value to this great community!

[okerlo]

Anyone has experience with the PVM-1442QM, is it any good? I can't find too much information online, I would like to play SFC, N64, PS1, Gamecube on it.

Thanks in advance!

[Xer Xian]

Anyone has experience with the PVM-1442QM, is it any good? I can't find too much information online, I would like to play SFC, N64, PS1, Gamecube on it.

What piece of information are you looking for exactly? It's an old-ish PVM with the "Super Fine Pitch" label, meaning it will have ~600 TV Lines - more than an average consumer TV but less than the best PVM's or any BVM's. If the price is good go for it, but only if you can first test it out, or at the very least were provided with a few pictures of it turned on and displaying stuff properly.

[okerlo]

Anyone has experience with the PVM-1442QM, is it any good? I can't find too much information online, I would like to play SFC, N64, PS1, Gamecube on it.

What piece of information are you looking for exactly? It's an old-ish PVM with the "Super Fine Pitch" label, meaning it will have ~600 TV Lines - more than an average consumer TV but less than the best PVM's or any BVM's. If the price is good go for it, but only if you can first test it out, or at the very least were provided with a few pictures of it turned on and displaying stuff properly.

Thanks for the reply. He is currently asking for 100€ on a German craigslist equivalent, here are some pictures:

Spoiler

He describes it as being in good technical condition but no hints on how many hours are on it or anything else.

From what I understand this monitor only supports 15khz, can I still connect my Wii with RGB to it? Most NTSC games (bulk of my collection) seem to support 480p output so 31khz right? I can probably force 480i output?

Thanks in advance

[Xer Xian]

There's no way of telling operating hours on PVM's (they just don't keep track of that as far as I know). Pictures look alright.

Yeah Wii through RGB will be ok, but you'll need a BNC breakout cable and clean sync - retrogamingcables should start selling Wii cables shortly. Yeah most Wii games support 480p but through Component only. 480p is a no go on that PVM, but 480i is ok, and most or all Wii games will support 480i as well. Still, a 15kHz only display is not the best choice if you're gonna use it with a Wii. A good and inexpensive solution for 480p is any old PC CRT monitor paired with something to transcode to VGA, or with a line doubler to have access to 15kHz titles too.

[Einzelherz]

A Wii will run in 480i just fine all day.

I doubt he'd need clean sync. PVMs are very tolerant of sync signals.

You can also run 480i through component cables if that is easier, and the PVM can accept its signal.

[Shadolf]

I´m currently sorting out what 25" CRT TV´s are good and availabe for using with my Pony Mark III 25 repro cabinet project.
Started this thread, to hopfully get a list of all the 25" TV´s that could be used:
http://shmups.system11.org/viewtopic.ph ... 3#p1258543

Someone at the AO forum told me about the B&O BeoVision 1 / BeoCenter 1. It´s 25" an B&O are good TV´s right?
Are there any other B&O 25" TV´s? How is the service menu with B&O? As many options for geometry and convergence as with the Sony TV´s?

[Lord of Pirates]

Anyone has experience with the PVM-1442QM, is it any good? I can't find too much information online, I would like to play SFC, N64, PS1, Gamecube on it.

What piece of information are you looking for exactly? It's an old-ish PVM with the "Super Fine Pitch" label, meaning it will have ~600 TV Lines - more than an average consumer TV but less than the best PVM's or any BVM's. If the price is good go for it, but only if you can first test it out, or at the very least were provided with a few pictures of it turned on and displaying stuff properly.

Thanks for the reply. He is currently asking for 100€ on a German craigslist equivalent, here are some pictures:

Spoiler

He describes it as being in good technical condition but no hints on how many hours are on it or anything else.

From what I understand this monitor only supports 15khz, can I still connect my Wii with RGB to it? Most NTSC games (bulk of my collection) seem to support 480p output so 31khz right? I can probably force 480i output?

Thanks in advance

I'd check out how dark images (with lots of detail) look before committing to buy.

[Narroo]

Hmm....mmmHmmmmM!

Right, so a contact of mine offered to sell me either a PVM 20M2U or 20M2MDU for about $200. The thing is, I already bought a 14M2U off him last year for about $80 or $90. While I do want a 20 inch screen, I'm not sure it's worth it since the 14 incher works great. Want I really want is something that does 480p, like a 20L5, but those are stupidly expensive nowadays.

Thoughts?

[bobrocks95]

Hmm....mmmHmmmmM!

Right, so a contact of mine offered to sell me either a PVM 20M2U or 20M2MDU for about $200. The thing is, I already bought a 14M2U off him last year for about $80 or $90. While I do want a 20 inch screen, I'm not sure it's worth it since the 14 incher works great. Want I really want is something that does 480p, like a 20L5, but those are stupidly expensive nowadays.

Thoughts?

Selling your 14" will help offset the cost, unless you want to keep both.

[DoomsDave]

I'd keep both and tate one.

[FinalBaton]

Hmm....mmmHmmmmM!

Right, so a contact of mine offered to sell me either a PVM 20M2U or 20M2MDU for about $200. The thing is, I already bought a 14M2U off him last year for about $80 or $90. While I do want a 20 inch screen, I'm not sure it's worth it since the 14 incher works great. Want I really want is something that does 480p, like a 20L5, but those are stupidly expensive nowadays.

Thoughts?

I'd personally pass on the 20 incher, and as you said, wait for a 20L5

To me the 14 inchers are as good for gaming as the 20 inchers. Hell, I even prefer them to the 20 inch screens
It's not as if you'll be able to sit much farther with a 20 incher... you're still looking at a desktop rig

Just my opinion

[danielretrogamer]

20" monitors are great, but 14" are very good too. Considering how much you pay and what you get, the 14" are as good as the 20" (which tends to be overpriced), and are easier to tate or move around. It is easier to find a good deal on 14" too.
And unless you really need the money (or will use it to buy more monitors) I'd keep them all.
One monitor could always fail, and then you'll have to buy a new one, and probably pay more then you sold your old one for.
Also, one 20" and one 14" make a very good monitor set (the 14" for vertical games) and as a plus if my 20" (which I use more) fails I still got the 14" one.
Hell, I even have 2 "like new" 10" JVC which I keep just because it is not worth selling them.

[Hoagtech]

I would keep the 14 and keep looking for a bigger crt monitor.

If it had to be pvm the 32" bvm with the 4:3 mask would be cool.

Or Get a get a huge one and go with an Nec or Mitsubishi monitor you can find those in bigger sizes 29-37 typically.