I am posting this in the interest of current CRT availability. This is all regarding U.S.A. availability and relates to new products only which can currently be purchased retail in the U.S.
I've been conducting some current research on acquiring a new CRT arcade monitor. I wanted at least a tri-sync (CGA/EGA/VGA), preferably a quad with SVGA, and 25"-29", 4:3 aspect ratio. So far, my research indicates that there are only THREE model tri-sync monitors still in production (and possibly only TWO). The Quad and Penta CRT's are long gone. If you are fortunate to have one, don't ever get rid of it.
The Tri-sync CRT's are nearly out of production - period (see details below).
If you have ever contemplated purchasing a real CRT arcade monitor, I strongly suggest you buy one now (
that's my personal advice, I have no vested interest in your decision either way).
Research FindingsSo here is what I have found so far. BTW, these are all FLAT tubes. There are no more curved tubes available anywhere.
Betson: None. No longer producing the CGA/EGA/VGA monitors. They sold out of all remaining inventory last month.
Billabs (Wei Ya): Has stopped producing the larger CRT's. Some 24.8" (25") tri-sync CRT's ARE available now ($ 350). I am not sure if these are still in production or not (waiting on word of that from Billabs HQ). They do still have some 19" SVGA versions, but that's it (and from what I can tell they are SVGA/XGA only). Everything else is now LCD. BTW, their website is awful. Totally useless except for the contact info, but their customer service is very good (when you can get in touch with them).
Ceronix: LCD versions only.
Happ: They don't make their own monitors. These are typically Vision Pro from what I have gathered.
MakVision: So far, the ONLY manufacturer still actively producing tri-sync CRT's (24.8" and 27/29"), and I'm not sure how much longer this will be the case. Cost is $ 365 / $ 420 respectively (Happ's website).
Neiman: I corresponded with Rick recently. Neiman's LAST batch of CRT's was recently sold to Shaffer Distributing. Neiman is sending them over in batches of 10 (receiving next week). They are 27" non-digital tri-sync. They will not accept SVGA.
Vision Pro: LCD only.
Wells-Gardner: Documented much elsewhere on BYOAC. Stopped making CRT's awhile ago.
Summary by type/size:
25" CRT Tri-Sync: Your choices are Billabs (1 model), MakVision (1 model); you need to contact Billabs by phone/email to get one; MakVision can be ordered online, such as here:
http://www.happcontrols.com/monitors/49305600.htm)
27"/29" CRT Tri-Sync: Your only choice is MakVision (1 model; link:
http://www.happcontrols.com/monitors/49271500.htm); though
for a limited time you can get one of the very last batch of Nieman CRT displays (but
Note they are NOT digital, though they are tri-sync). If you want one of the last Nieman's, contact Shaffer Distributing for purchasing information (614.421.6800 or 1.800.282.0194).
If anyone else has any relevant comments or especially information to add to this post, please advise. In particular I'd like to know of any other reputable manufacturers of CRT arcade monitors who are still producing them and/or have inventory available right now. Please indicate the country where such product is sold, so that BYOAC members will know which comments are relevant to them.