SD CRT choices
SD CRT choices
Hi, after reading the (fantastic) CRT threads on this forum I've decided to purchase a Sony BVM unit. I'm going to be using it to display old consoles via RGB. I don't care about widescreen or HD resolutions. Is the BVM-20F1E(U) the ideal unit for me? Are the "D" series units better for SD content in any way? If I want to play, conversationally, PS2/GC/Xbox generation and down should I look for a D unit so that I can use 480p output for some of the newer titles? Would a BVM-D32E1WU be better than the 20 inch models for SD content due to the larger display area? (how large is 4:3 content on those sets?) Thanks in advance for any insight you BVM owners may have. I'm here to learn.
Re: SD CRT choices
Try to find the brochure / marketing info for whatever one you find and are considering. Compare the dot pitch or TV lines, that will tell you how sharp the CRT will be. Also sets with SMPTE-C phosphor tend to be higher quality than P22. Most all BVM's are high quality, but I wouldn't rule out a PVM. Some are not as nice, but using the above two metrics will help separate the nicer ones from the lower end ones. Example: 600 TVL P22 phosphor will be lower end, while a 800 TVL with SMPTE-C would be a higher end one.
I don't believe there is much benefit getting a newer D series for only 15khz content, other than being newer.
I don't believe there is much benefit getting a newer D series for only 15khz content, other than being newer.
Re: SD CRT choices
If you need an all in one unit then something like the D is one of the choices available to you. On a 24" widescreen it's about 20" for 4:3 ratio. If you don't need 480p or don't mind having another monitor for that purpose then the other range of BVM's and PVM's are good monitors. A lot of this is down to choice. If you have a choice get a BVM, if not PVM's (certainly the later models) are also a great choice.
Re: SD CRT choices
Guys, thanks for the replies!
I don't need an all in one unit, unless 480p from ps2/gc/xbox is incredible compared to 480i (doubt?) and the "D" series sets don't run the analog inputs through a bunch of digital processing because the target input is HD for these sets? (no idea) I know on the later "digital" consumer sets the SD input would go through various DRC shenanigans that looked pretty bad. I owned a KD-36XS955 super fine pitch 4:3 set and was disappointed with the SD picture. I want the best available picture for analog, 4:3 content that I can get.
I don't need an all in one unit, unless 480p from ps2/gc/xbox is incredible compared to 480i (doubt?) and the "D" series sets don't run the analog inputs through a bunch of digital processing because the target input is HD for these sets? (no idea) I know on the later "digital" consumer sets the SD input would go through various DRC shenanigans that looked pretty bad. I owned a KD-36XS955 super fine pitch 4:3 set and was disappointed with the SD picture. I want the best available picture for analog, 4:3 content that I can get.
Re: SD CRT choices
480p certainly does look a lot better than 480i for games that support it and there are many previous gen games that do. This is especially true for CRT's.
I wouldnt worry about digital processing, the BVM's were evaluation grade sets aimed at professionals with the goal of precision reproduction not consumer sets aimed to wow those who knew no better.
If you can get a D or A for not that much more then better go for a device that offers the most flexibility.
I'd stay away from 16:9 models though. Too much wasted bulk and weight when your primary sources are almost exclusively 4:3. Instead of a 24" 16:9, get a 20" 4:3, the display area you'll use on both is equal but not so for unit size.
I wouldnt worry about digital processing, the BVM's were evaluation grade sets aimed at professionals with the goal of precision reproduction not consumer sets aimed to wow those who knew no better.
If you can get a D or A for not that much more then better go for a device that offers the most flexibility.
I'd stay away from 16:9 models though. Too much wasted bulk and weight when your primary sources are almost exclusively 4:3. Instead of a 24" 16:9, get a 20" 4:3, the display area you'll use on both is equal but not so for unit size.
Re: SD CRT choices
Part of the question will be knowing what you want 
For example - I can't stand interlacing - I'm a 480p and 240p only kind of guy - So I'd be looking to the 480p displays and a means of converting 480i -> 480p if those were my consoles of choice.
But general you'll find that native sd screens have less pronounced scanlines than tri-sync monitors. So that may be important to consider if your priority is actually 240p content...
Similarly, if you are particular, or have any preferences, you'll also want to consider some of the finer points mesmer raised; how trinitrons compare to non-trinitrons etc... Especially if you go through any hassle with shipping or slightly higher asking prices to get what you want.
Finally - euro or not - if euro, and if you're not too particular for SD I'd suggest simply getting a bunch of sony trinitrons. Of the ones that converge nicely - tweak the geometry via service menu, then simply offload the ones which you don't want. You can then spend more time/money/space if you want to acquire a particular screen for HD/480p only content ...
For example - I can't stand interlacing - I'm a 480p and 240p only kind of guy - So I'd be looking to the 480p displays and a means of converting 480i -> 480p if those were my consoles of choice.
But general you'll find that native sd screens have less pronounced scanlines than tri-sync monitors. So that may be important to consider if your priority is actually 240p content...
Similarly, if you are particular, or have any preferences, you'll also want to consider some of the finer points mesmer raised; how trinitrons compare to non-trinitrons etc... Especially if you go through any hassle with shipping or slightly higher asking prices to get what you want.
Finally - euro or not - if euro, and if you're not too particular for SD I'd suggest simply getting a bunch of sony trinitrons. Of the ones that converge nicely - tweak the geometry via service menu, then simply offload the ones which you don't want. You can then spend more time/money/space if you want to acquire a particular screen for HD/480p only content ...