Need non CRT recommendations for a new cabinet

[goldenageofarcade]

I'm going to build a dedicated vertical cabinet, I intend to use a 19" monitor.  To my dismay, CRTs are all but extinct now, so I've resigned to using an LCD. 

Part of me is glad about this, I won't need a power-supply, tricky interfaces with a PC, messing around with configuring the resolutions, etc.  But I just don't like the way old games, which is what I play (nothing newer than '89 that I can think of, and 90% of my play is on games '84 and earlier) look on a computer monitor. 

Are there any techniques available now to soften the looks of the games in such a way that it looks fairly accurate?  My last build was in 2003, there weren't many options then, but new CGA monitors were widely available then too, so all it took to make games look perfect was a $300 monitor and a $100 video card.

I'm realize it won't be possible to have perfection, but any ideas on how to get the game to look at least somewhat more authentic on a VGA would be greatly appreciated!

[Marsupial]

how about using a computer CRT VGA 19 inch?

They still aren't too hard to find, at least here, and are cheap - or free - because everyone wants LCDs...

otherwise, use a LCD and fiddle with the settings to add scanlines. Not the same, but better then plain LCD when it comes to retrogaming.

[severdhed]

I just set up a dedicated vertical cabinet with a 19" LCD, and personally, i think the games look just fine.  i'm not sure why everyone hates LCDs so much.  anyway, when looking for an LCD monitor, i'd try to find one that is designed to be rotated vertically.  the big problem with LCDs is they look crappy when viewing them from the wrong angle.  they are generally OK if you are off to either side, or looking down from above it, but when you have to look up from the bottom, it gets very dark and crappy.  this is especially a problem when setting one up in a vertical position, because if you stand off to side that was the bottom, it gets very dark.  some LCDs however are designed so that they rotate on their base, and generally have a better viewing angle for situations like this.  

[javeryh]

Anyone have any screenshots of games running on the Happ LCD replacements?  They are really expensive so I'm curious if they can faithfully reproduce the CRT image (or get it close).

[TOK]

Anyone have any screenshots of games running on the Happ LCD replacements?  They are really expensive so I'm curious if they can faithfully reproduce the CRT image (or get it close).

No pics, but they are just regular LCD's that sync at arcade resolutions. A dedicated board on one looks just like MAME on an LCD.

goldenage: You can still find CRT's pretty easily on forums. Some vendors and individuals have stockpiled them and prices are still not crazy. If you can find a newish 19" that doesn't require an ISO it will be very easy to connect and look way better than an LCD.

No bias here, my ragtag fleet of machines includes arcade monitors, TV's using component, and a bartop with an LCD.  

[goldenageofarcade]

I'll search around for a CGA, or maybe even just find a beater cab to convert that has an ok/decent monitor.  Maybe I can postpone the LCD compromise just a little longer... 

Nothing against LCD, I gather from this site that a lot of people have gone that route in their cabs and are happy with having done so, but for me, there's just something about the hum of the giant power supply and the hint of screen-burn on a blurry, curved screen for authenticity!

Thanks to everyone who replied!!

[chriso]

Wake up and smell the coffee.

I've just put 42" LCDs in a Ghost Squad & an Eighteen Wheeler and they look magnificent - also done a Pocket Money and an ICE kiddie ride.

The projectors I've replaced look great because there are now no Fresnel lines in the display - just smooooth pictures.

Next I'll convert a Time Crisis 4 deluxe twin which has always looked horrible.

We have a Global Games NFS Carbon with £1500 Samsung panels - one failed and I replaced it with an LG 32" TV stripped of it's case - I'd defy anyone to tell which is which - the TV cost £280.

I use LG because the PSU's run 110-230Volts - they turn on from power-up - look great - are cheap.

The Ghost Squad converted easily as it uses Sega's gun sensor array around the monitor - that's the only problem wiih LCD  - raster sensing guns don't work - that's one reason why I have a job - keeping the old stuff running.

I've got a couple of Chinese CGA/EGA video converters in the cupboard for when Manx TT's Samwa's die and they go LCD or Plasma.

The 16:9 screen ratio doesn't seem to concern people as that's what they are used to at home  - we put a polycarb screen protector in front of the LCD and mask it to hide the 4 x 3 bits.     

[TOK]

Comparing projection CRT's to large screen LCD's for a standard cabinet?
Your coffee smells like irrelevance! 

[CheffoJeffo]

Wake up and smell the coffee.

A year ago, I would have bitten hard on that bait.

Today, not so much, although the comparison is pretty stupid (tks TOK).

RickN is almost out of CRTs. I've only got 7 in the shop. I may have to start buying machines at auction just for the monitors.

 

[mytymaus007]

HELLO! Lcd's Are weak for games 1989 and earlier. (Retro Games) The games you just listed are awsome for LCD no doubt but threr is no comparision to Arcade monitors and yes even Crt's If you have a cab Just get an Arcade Monitor. Solve all your problems no regrets

Wake up and smell the coffee.

I've just put 42" LCDs in a Ghost Squad & an Eighteen Wheeler and they look magnificent - also done a Pocket Money and an ICE kiddie ride.

The projectors I've replaced look great because there are now no Fresnel lines in the display - just smooooth pictures.

Next I'll convert a Time Crisis 4 deluxe twin which has always looked horrible.

We have a Global Games NFS Carbon with £1500 Samsung panels - one failed and I replaced it with an LG 32" TV stripped of it's case - I'd defy anyone to tell which is which - the TV cost £280.

I use LG because the PSU's run 110-230Volts - they turn on from power-up - look great - are cheap.

The Ghost Squad converted easily as it uses Sega's gun sensor array around the monitor - that's the only problem wiih LCD  - raster sensing guns don't work - that's one reason why I have a job - keeping the old stuff running.

I've got a couple of Chinese CGA/EGA video converters in the cupboard for when Manx TT's Samwa's die and they go LCD or Plasma.

The 16:9 screen ratio doesn't seem to concern people as that's what they are used to at home  - we put a polycarb screen protector in front of the LCD and mask it to hide the 4 x 3 bits.