Should I pick up this Sony Trinitron?

[mitsuman]

It's about 5 minutes from my house.
I'm currently playing my Duo on our 48" Visio from 2014.

https://evansville.craigslist.org/zip/6085510274.html

[NoSexGex]

48' is big. Assuming your duo isn't modded, it wouldn't look great with the whole digital/analog conversion. I would get any CRT you could asap, at least with me personally I can't stand composite video on flat screens. I would get this one if I was you, and upgrade tv's as you find better ones. Or maybe this one is perfect for you, i'm not sure on your setup. With me, i'm looking for a black 36' trinitron to replace the one I used back in 96 that recently died. But I have another CRT i'm using that's runner up to what i'm looking for.

[Gypsy]

Looks nice. Just make sure it's actually working well. Of course they say it is, but most people have poor standards for "working well".

[SignOfZeta]

Way way WAY better than a cheap ass Visio. So much better it's sick. Your current set is essentially showing crime scene photos of a murdered PCE signal and they're blown up huge as fuck to boot.

This assumes the Sony isn't completely wasted from a million hours of use of course...all things being equal though, yeah, no comparison.

[crazydean]

Make sure the picture is crisp and colorful. Remote is a plus. I assume it has component video? It's difficult to tell from the pics. I used to use an RGB Scart converter to Component into a Trinitron and found it to be quite nice.

[NoSexGex]

Make sure the picture is crisp and colorful. Remote is a plus. I assume it has component video? It's difficult to tell from the pics. I used to use an RGB Scart converter to Component into a Trinitron and found it to be quite nice.

I was always curious how much more quality you get from a setup like that. Seems the most popular CRT setup with RGB is on BVM/PVM's.

[crazydean]

Make sure the picture is crisp and colorful. Remote is a plus. I assume it has component video? It's difficult to tell from the pics. I used to use an RGB Scart converter to Component into a Trinitron and found it to be quite nice.

I was always curious how much more quality you get from a setup like that. Seems the most popular CRT setup with RGB is on BVM/PVM's.

Well sure, a professional monitor cost 5-10x a Trinitron when it was new. So, of course, it is going to have a better picture. The PVM/BVM also has a lot of control over the geometry of the picture. On the other hand, consumer sets are able to get much brighter, making them more suited to playing in a brightly lit room.

As for the RGB vs YPbPr quality, it's hardly noticeable. However, the difference between YPbPr and composite is huge and looks great on a CRT.

If I had to start a setup now, I'd go the with Trinitron and RGB to component converter. Plus, you don't have to pay $1k for something bigger than 20".

[SignOfZeta]

I have a JVC CRT that I use with component. I think NecroPhile has a similar model and has said good things as well. PCE games over component look...pretty much perfect.

The difference between compant YPbPr and RGB, all things being equal, is undetectable. Unless there is some kind of artifact in the conversion I'm not sure how you'd tell the difference even with a scope.

[Gypsy]

Yeah PVM/BVM is a cute idea if you can get one for cheap. If you aren't it's kind of killing the point, especially for tech that is dying and you can't really source replacement parts for. I predominantly use an HD CRT and stuff looks...fine? No doubt PVM/BVM would look a bit better but I have 3 of these things and have spent like $15. I do keep around a couple SD sets similar to the one linked to in the OP for light gun games.

Make sure the picture is crisp and colorful. Remote is a plus. I assume it has component video? It's difficult to tell from the pics. I used to use an RGB Scart converter to Component into a Trinitron and found it to be quite nice.

Definitely want a remote. Fortunately, Sony remotes are fairly universal, and it's not like a complex one would be needed to operate all the features on this tv.

As for the RGB vs YPbPr quality, it's hardly noticeable. However, the difference between YPbPr and composite is huge and looks great on a CRT.

Absolutely.

If I had to start a setup now, I'd go the with Trinitron and RGB to component converter. Plus, you don't have to pay $1k for something bigger than 20".

Yeah, you likely wouldn't have to pay anything for the tv. Most of the thrifts in my area won't even take CRTs. A couple of my favourites that I donate to a fair bit do, though one tops out at 27'', which makes sense given the weight of these things. The converter can probably be had for $50 or less. Then you just need cables.

[mitsuman]

Well, the dude never got back to me. So I guess I'll just keep playing my Duo on my modern flat screen.

[TDIRunner]

That Sony looks pretty similar to the one I use in my setup and I love that TV.  It's heavy, but can still be managed by one person.

[seieienbu]

Nice thing about CRTs, you can just go to craig's list and people are getting rid of them for next to nothing.  ...or sometimes just for nothing.

[NoSexGex]

People are getting rid of them for next to nothing.  ...or sometimes just for nothing.

I would personally never pay for a CRT. Unless it's a PVM or w/e. CRT's extremely abundant, and the demand is so little. So the seller should just expect the buyer to arrange carrying the TV out of the house for them; so they don't have to.

[seieienbu]

I bought one for $10 a while ago.  I had zero complaints about the transaction.

[SignOfZeta]

People are getting rid of them for next to nothing.  ...or sometimes just for nothing.

I would personally never pay for a CRT. Unless it's a PVM or w/e. CRT's extremely abundant, and the demand is so little. So the seller should just expect the buyer to arrange carrying the TV out of the house for them; so they don't have to.

If it's an RCA, sure. But I'd gladly pay for certain CRTs. No fucking question. The good ones aren't always free and they aren't making any more of these. %90 of CRTs were shit just like %90 of LCDs are today. Quality varies greatly.

[CrackTiger]

Looks like the set that I use. Playing 16-bit games on it looks and feels like a deluxe arcade cabinet.

You'll have to be strong and have someone else strong to help and plan out every maneuver beforehand, in order to get it into your place and to its resting spot. I wound up damaging the corner of the base by not setting it down perfectly. It'll also require a heavy duty TV stand made for crts.

Mine was free on the condition that I also take the matching stand.

If I knew beforehand how great it is, I'd gladly pay a lot for one.

[TheClash603]

I have my giant Trinitron on a plastic and plywood stand which is rated for 1/5 the weight of the set.  Underneath it I have the incredibly heavy Laseractive.  I sort of do it because I am curious if the LA will be able to handle the weight of the TV smashing through the stand, which it inevitably will.

As long as my arm isn't down there or I don't have 3D Virtual Australia in the LA when it happens, I welcome the excitement in my life.

[roflmao]

Lol @ Clash! It's too bad he never responded to you, mitsuman, but you should definitely keep an eye out for a CRT. Sonys are often considered the best (and they are definitely great CRTs!) but I also have JVC and Toshiba CRTs that I think look just as good as either of the WEGAs I've owned.

Keep an eye on the "Free" section of Craigslist - I'm sure you'll find one nearby soon. I gave away my 36" Sony WEGA before a move because it was so friggin' heavy, and I spent about a grand on it when I bought it new.

[crazydean]

As a piece of buying advice, I would recommend the 27" or 32" Trinitron over the 36". I made the mistake of getting a 36", and unless you want to have wireless controllers for your systems or controller extenders, you have to sit too close to the TV.

Of course, this is just my opinion. Some people need to overcompensate for their small penis with a large TV, I guess.

[Gypsy]

Lol @ Clash! It's too bad he never responded to you, mitsuman, but you should definitely keep an eye out for a CRT. Sonys are often considered the best (and they are definitely great CRTs!) but I also have JVC and Toshiba CRTs that I think look just as good as either of the WEGAs I've owned.

Keep an eye on the "Free" section of Craigslist - I'm sure you'll find one nearby soon. I gave away my 36" Sony WEGA before a move because it was so friggin' heavy, and I spent about a grand on it when I bought it new.

This is exactly how I got the main one I'm using now. Sony KV-XBR800. Of course it's and HD set, and extremely heavy. I picked up a 960 awhile back but mump me if I want to swap them out when the 800 is totally fine and the 960 is kinda meh on the geometry (can never be unseen).

If it's an RCA, sure. But I'd gladly pay for certain CRTs. No fucking question. The good ones aren't always free and they aren't making any more of these. %90 of CRTs were shit just like %90 of LCDs are today. Quality varies greatly.

Lol RCA. I grew up with a shitty RCA set. It actually fell off of where it was sitting one time and hit me on the head, probably why I'm such a dumbass now LOL. Also thankfully it was an RCA piece of shit so it really wasn't all that heavy.

Anyway yeah, I'd pay for the right CRT as well. At this point though, I've been donating a lot of them (including some pretty good Sony sets) to the two thrifts here that will take them. I want to get down to just to two HD sets I mentioned earlier and the SD Sony set I have a bunch of stuff hooked up to and perhaps one SD back-up. Trying to find somewhere to take this other HD set might be tough.

[majors]

As a piece of buying advice, I would recommend the 27" or 32" Trinitron over the 36". I made the mistake of getting a 36"...

Plus the fact of moving it takes two ppl when you go above 32". I picked up a "free" 35" (KV-35S65) and if there is a house fire, it's gonna stay inside to melt...no way I can move that shit by myself. 13" and 20"s can be saved tho

[jperryss]

As a piece of buying advice, I would recommend the 27" or 32" Trinitron over the 36". I made the mistake of getting a 36"...

Plus the fact of moving it takes two ppl when you go above 32". I picked up a "free" 35" (KV-35S65) and if there is a house fire, it's gonna stay inside to melt...no way I can move that shit by myself. 13" and 20"s can be saved tho

Even a 32" Trinitron weighs 150+ lbs and can be dangerous to handle alone.

27" is fine unless you're sitting 10' away.

[NoSexGex]

As a piece of buying advice, I would recommend the 27" or 32" Trinitron over the 36". I made the mistake of getting a 36"

Interesting.. So you're recommending a smaller TV, because with the larger TV's you have to sit too far back for a clean picture?
Somehow i've never thought of that before being an issue. But now that you mention it, it completely make sense

[xcrement5x]

As a piece of buying advice, I would recommend the 27" or 32" Trinitron over the 36". I made the mistake of getting a 36"...

Plus the fact of moving it takes two ppl when you go above 32". I picked up a "free" 35" (KV-35S65) and if there is a house fire, it's gonna stay inside to melt...no way I can move that shit by myself. 13" and 20"s can be saved tho

Even a 32" Trinitron weighs 150+ lbs and can be dangerous to handle alone.

27" is fine unless you're sitting 10' away.

Yeah, I have to agree there.  I was using a 27" Trinitron before I switched to the a professional display that's about the same size and anything larger than that would be hard to deal with personally.  For where I sit the 27-29" is the sweet spot.

[johnnykonami]

Seems like the Toshiba CRT I bought a few months ago is going up already, it's spitting out weird pink and yellow discolorations now.  To make matters worse, I found a month old listing on Craigslist for a 20" Sony PVM (which is only the 2nd pvm I've seen listed in my area ever), so I e-mailed the guy with hopes he might still have it.  Of course, I missed the boat.  So I guess it's back to the grind on finding a working display to play games on.

I wanted to go to some retro game cons soon anyway, but maybe I'll have to find a PVM seller there.  If only there were more events happening around Baltimore!

[SignOfZeta]

I think you're about a million times more likely to find a good deal on a PVM in Baltimore in general than you would be at some con.

Do remember that these were not designed for gaming, they were expensive pro gear. The bigger your city the better your odds at getting one. Rual America is Poor America. Maybe a Christian TV station, that's about. In the city you have duplication houses, network affiliates, production, FX, etc.

Also, these things sat around for a decade or two before you started looking for them. Don't get discouraged just because nothing turned up in the extremely brief span of time you've been looking.

Btw, I got a free 20" Toshiba today. Flat tube. It even has more than one component in. This should do until I get my JVC pro monitor back up and running.

[Gypsy]

Btw, I got a free 20" Toshiba today. Flat tube. It even has more than one component in. This should do until I get my JVC pro monitor back up and running.

Nice.

Oh and yeah it's easy to miss shit on CL. You can go months without finding anything interesting and then something pops up and you miss it. There was an ad for a sale near me with a bunch of old professional equipment, I got lazy so I ended up missing it. Not that I really NEED any of the shit listed.

There is actually an HD broadcast monitor up on my CL right now asking $300. Not anything I'm particularly looking for but it was cool to see.

[Winniez]

I don't know about the US but in Europe I think 90% of the time you are better off buying a good CRT TV than a PVM. CRT on average has way more life left in it (atleast without adjustements/repairs), supports 60hz, RGB, SCART, S-video, multiple inputs, is bigger, has integrated speakers etc. In my experience Sony Trinitrons and Panasonics are the best bet. For me the sweet spot is mid to late 90s, before the flatscreen and widescreen. And screen size between 25-28 inches.

[SignOfZeta]

This depends entirely on the owner. PVMs are rated for thousands of hours of use, many have hour counters. If it was a 24/7 live TV station then they probably wear the things out a lot. If it was used for other things, medical stuff, running the DVD recorder, etc it may have almost no time on it.

Similarly, lots of people buy a TV, set it to Fox News, and put it to the road 6 years later when it blows up, never once giving it a break.

[Gypsy]

It's also possible that a pvm has had things replaced/serviced, with a note on the last time it happened. Seen that before. If it was fully serviced and then not used a ton after, it would be good to go you'd figure.

Also yeah I took a free SD CRT awhile back and the volume had been jacked to max and the setting were shit. Had been running probably just about nonstop if I had to guess. I ended up donating it.

[Winniez]

I was only talking about my own experiences. Its true that PVM are built to last and to be on 24/7,  and most of them have been. What I was trying to say is that there are plenty of CRT TVs out there that haven't seen that much use. I'm sure you can somehow access the service menu and see the actual hours. And they are usually free, I  had to pick up 4 until I found one that I'm happy with.
Like I said in the US it might me different considering the RGB and SCART support.

[SignOfZeta]

There are a lot of medical use PVMs here that were made just for comp/YC but from my experience most have some sort of component video. It's never SCART though as that had zero market penetration here ever. It's usually BNC or some f-ed up combo connector.

[GohanX]

I don't know about the US but in Europe I think 90% of the time you are better off buying a good CRT TV than a PVM. CRT on average has way more life left in it (atleast without adjustements/repairs), supports 60hz, RGB, SCART, S-video, multiple inputs, is bigger, has integrated speakers etc. In my experience Sony Trinitrons and Panasonics are the best bet. For me the sweet spot is mid to late 90s, before the flatscreen and widescreen. And screen size between 25-28 inches.

I'm in the US and I used to have a pvm but I agree with you and went back to a consumer Trinitron with a RGB to component converter. It's really much better suited to my needs than a pvm. It doesn't quite have the same pure RGB image as my old set but the component is really close, it's bigger, and it's a lot better for other uses like playing DVDs or Laserdiscs.

[SignOfZeta]

Yeah, for movies a PVM is not the best choice. PVMs have basically zero post processing. No 3D comb filters, the pitch is often much finer on a TV. TVs have tons of features that make them better than PVMs for actual viewing of motion picture content. PVMs are designed to show you the most accurate version of the signal you are providing, nothing else.

But, not to brag or anything, I have more than one monitor in my house.

[johnnykonami]

Someone just posted a 13" PVM for $140 near me yesterday.  A bit too much for the size and I don't know the hours on it.  I would be perfectly happy with the consumer model Toshiba I have now if it weren't failing, I also had it connected via a component to scart adaptor and it looked pretty decent, except for maybe some blurriness at the corners.  If I can talk the PVM guy down (if he still has it) I might consider the 13", I'd like to get away from having to move heavy CRTS.

[SignOfZeta]

Personally, I'll buy anything regardless of size. 13" is no problem, but the input selection and the integrity of the tube matter big time.

[crazydean]

Not all PVMs have RGB input. As far as I am concerned, it's not worth the hassle if there is no RGB. At that point, you might as well get a consumer set with component.

[jperryss]

I've owned a bunch of different Sony/Olympus PVMs and none of them counted the running hours. BVMs do this but I don't think any PVMs do. If it was a medical unit (usually white instead of gray) I figure chances are good it wasn't on for weeks or months at a time.

Definitely make sure it accepts RGB input otherwise it'll barely be an upgrade from a nice CRT TV. Most of the ones that take RGB will also accept component YPbPr on the same inputs. The inputs are mostly BNC connectors. You can get RCA-BNC adapters, or the easier way is to pick up a a SCART-BNC cable like this one, and then just pick up SCART cables for each system.
https://www.retrogamingcables.co.uk/sony-pvm-scart-converter-bnc

$140 is a bit high for a 13". I would try to get it for around $100 if it's in really good condition.

[SignOfZeta]

On a 16-bit game system Y/C is just as good as RGB or component. An s-video hacked Genesis on one of those old C64 monitors is, IMHO, a better experience than a larger more convoluted set.

Obviously this is only practical if you have a dedicated gaming display, but who's got room for that what with our complete Wii collection and demo kiosks and shit, right?

[Gypsy]

Got a tiny little baby pvm on the way. 9'' Ikegami. Tops out at SVideo. Was pretty much dirt cheap considering shipping. I was actually thinking about having a family member pick it up (for safety reasons) as it's in SE Michigan where a lot of my family is but I realized it will probably be at least a year before I'm up there again.

Anyway I'm intrigued to try it out, hopefully it survives the trip.

[TDIRunner]

But, not to brag or anything, I have more than one monitor in my house.

[Dicer]

Not all PVMs have RGB input. As far as I am concerned, it's not worth the hassle if there is no RGB. At that point, you might as well get a consumer set with component.

This is correct logic...

[Gypsy]

I will direct compare PVM svideo and good ole component on a consumer SD trinitron for you guys.

[jperryss]

Got a tiny little baby pvm on the way. 9'' Ikegami. Tops out at SVideo. Was pretty much dirt cheap considering shipping. I was actually thinking about having a family member pick it up (for safety reasons) as it's in SE Michigan where a lot of my family is but I realized it will probably be at least a year before I'm up there again.

Anyway I'm intrigued to try it out, hopefully it survives the trip.

I still have an 8" Sony PVM. It's portable and has a handle on top so it's easy to just move it to where I need it to quickly test a console or a cable. Kinda tough to play games on it for any period of time.

I've tested various 8/16-bit consoles on a few different monitors and often s-video is almost as good as RGB. The difference between composite and s-video is night and day.

[johnnykonami]

You guys reminded me of one of my primary methods of playing my  original TG-16 back in the day, at least before I got a Duo and could finally use something other than an RF connector.  My family had this black and white TV with a tiny screen, maybe like  8" actually.  We got it for camping or something, it had a radio and a kickstand built in.  Eventually, it just ended up in my room and I remember clearly playing Dragon's Curse in B&W on that thing.  Eventually I got a Duo and switched over to composite on my C64 Monitor, which I used for a super long time afterwards until it kicked the bucket.

[Gypsy]

Got a tiny little baby pvm on the way. 9'' Ikegami. Tops out at SVideo. Was pretty much dirt cheap considering shipping. I was actually thinking about having a family member pick it up (for safety reasons) as it's in SE Michigan where a lot of my family is but I realized it will probably be at least a year before I'm up there again.

Anyway I'm intrigued to try it out, hopefully it survives the trip.

I still have an 8" Sony PVM. It's portable and has a handle on top so it's easy to just move it to where I need it to quickly test a console or a cable. Kinda tough to play games on it for any period of time.

I've tested various 8/16-bit consoles on a few different monitors and often s-video is almost as good as RGB. The difference between composite and s-video is night and day.

Yeah I'm not sure about it. I grew up old PC gaming on a small monitor so maybe. I'll see how it feels. I've actually been playing some mildly old PC games lately on a 19'' monitor. I know that's over twice as big, which is kind of crazy to think about.

[esteban]

Got a tiny little baby pvm on the way. 9'' Ikegami. Tops out at SVideo. Was pretty much dirt cheap considering shipping. I was actually thinking about having a family member pick it up (for safety reasons) as it's in SE Michigan where a lot of my family is but I realized it will probably be at least a year before I'm up there again.

Anyway I'm intrigued to try it out, hopefully it survives the trip.

I still have an 8" Sony PVM. It's portable and has a handle on top so it's easy to just move it to where I need it to quickly test a console or a cable. Kinda tough to play games on it for any period of time.

I've tested various 8/16-bit consoles on a few different monitors and often s-video is almost as good as RGB. The difference between composite and s-video is night and day.

Yeah I'm not sure about it. I grew up old PC gaming on a small monitor so maybe. I'll see how it feels. I've actually been playing some mildly old PC games lately on a 19'' monitor. I know that's over twice as big, which is kind of crazy to think about.

Personally, I just have to find the proper *distance* from *any* screen and I can be happy playing.

For the past 2 years, I have been using a tiny 8" Sony and its perfect on my desk (I prefer to be 2-4 feet from the screen).

If I am sitting further away (more than 6 feet), I would prefer a larger screen.

[Winniez]

Are you guys seriously happy with the sub 10inch screens? I know the picture quality is great on PVMs but that sounds like a really big compromise to me.

[GohanX]

You guys reminded me of one of my primary methods of playing my  original TG-16 back in the day, at least before I got a Duo and could finally use something other than an RF connector.  My family had this black and white TV with a tiny screen, maybe like  8" actually.  We got it for camping or something, it had a radio and a kickstand built in.  Eventually, it just ended up in my room and I remember clearly playing Dragon's Curse in B&W on that thing.  Eventually I got a Duo and switched over to composite on my C64 Monitor, which I used for a super long time afterwards until it kicked the bucket.

The Commodore 64 monitor is really sweet for gaming. I keep one in the closet as a backup, I've had it for almost 20 years now.

[jperryss]

I think 8" is too small for regular use.  You can probably play games just fine on a 7" tablet but a tablet can also be angled and adjusted easily if you want to change positions while playing. It's harder to do that with a 30lb cube.

That being said the rugged build and abundance of buttons and inputs makes them inherently cool and there's something enjoyable about using them for gaming, which is so far away from their intended use of monitoring broadcast video feeds and scoping people's rectums.