PC Monitor or HDTV 1080p for MAME

[JobberSpence]

Hello all!! I'm sure this is a frequent question that's been beat to death but I need to know which to pick. I need a 27" PC Monitor or an HDTV for my MAME Cabinet. Which is better and why?  I've seen different reviews but tell me your opinions and why, Thanks

[Token]

Welcome and good luck on your project. You are correct that this has been beat to death. Check out the wiki for the pros and cons: http://newwiki.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?title=FAQ#Displays

When you say 27" PC monitor do you mean a 4:3 CRT or a  16:9 LCD? You are not likely to find a 27" 4:3 monitor.

Some of us are using 16:9 LCDs and turning them vertically in the cabinet. You can see an example of this in my signature.

[paigeoliver]

A 21" 4:3 crt is almost exactly the same height as a 27" widescreen, and they are easy to find on craigslist for super cheap. The games look better on crt and the crt has a better response time, which matters for emulation.

TVs and computer monitors are essentially the same thing today, only real difference it that the ones labeled TV have a tuner and speakers.

[Token]

I just saw your post in B/S/T.

Up for sale is a 2004 27" Wells-Gardner Monitor. It comes with the chassis, frame, bezel, and circuit boards.  It is in excellent shape. Maybe only used 100 hours and I never left the machine on, so there is no burned images on screen. It was manufactured in March 2014 from a dealer that made home arcade units. THIS IS NOT A REBUILT , REFURBISHED MONITOR. IT DOES WORK PERFECTLY. I didn't get to use the machine much over the years due to having children and a demanding job. I just let the machine sit unplugged in the gameroom.  This item weighs 87lbs. Hit me up if interested. I need to get this out of here ASAP. Make me an offer or we can do a trade. I am looking to use the cabinet for a hyperspin pc due to the other windows OS being so old that I had in there.  Email me at JobberSpence123@gmail.com. I tried attaching pics but they were too large so email me and I will gladly send pics to you.  Also the item is located in Culpeper, VA 22701

So you are selling a fully working almost new 27" arcade monitor and want to replace it with a PC monitor or HDTV? 

Yes, Hyperspin is slick. But you have the holy grail in your hands and you are trading it in for a red Solo cup.

[BadMouth]

I would keep the arcade monitor but between the two choices you asked about, go with a PC monitor.
It will turn on and off automatically with the PC and the processing in a lot of TVs adds lag.
Sure some of them have "game mode", but you have the hassle of having to switch to it.

I have a 27" widescreen in my cab and it feels about right.
The 4:3 image is more like 23-24"

[voltz]

I do wish HDTV's would have made good monitors as they at least allow you all the calibration features a regular pc panel lacks.  If you want to go that route, best bet is to research the current panels on the market and make certain reviews have lag tested with a Leo Bodnar or something.

Forget gaming mode.  Most HDTV's should have a menu option to switch an input's lable to "PC".  This will kill off all the excessive processing and make timings on the display a hell of a lot quicker.

[JobberSpence]

Well I just signed on to this today, And never saw the wise advice you guys dropped on me. I really screwed up because I sold the monitor and finally got pc hooked up to an AOC e2795vh 27" LED Monitor. WHAT A HUGE MISTAKE!!!    I can't even find a way to put monitor into 4:3 ratio.  I've got to figure out HLSL and how to add borders or something. What a regret!!!  Now the hunt to get another CRT is on. I guess this is a lesson learned

[pbj]