bartop build; monitor question

[atlsud]

I'm planning a bartop build and wanted some input on monitor size.

Most of the builds I have seen use a 19" 3:4 monitor.  I have also seen builds using monitors as large as 24" (wide screen).  I think I would like the larger screen but wondering if the actual display is smaller on the widescreen if the height of the widescreen is smaller than the 3:4.

Does anyone have experience using a widescreen monitor?  Should i just stick to the 3:4 sized monitors?

Thanks in advance!

[markc74]

There’s very little difference in vertical height between the two. You just get extra space on the sides:

http://www.displaywars.com/19-inch-4x3-vs-24-inch-16x9

If it’s a 2 player and you plan on playing newer widescreen games, then you might want to go for the widescreen but it all depends on what games you’re playing.

[DeLuSioNal29]

For a bartop it's not really practical to have a widescreen in there, since it takes up extra real estate where space it critical.  I'd look for a 4:3 LCD for sure.

DeL

[acjgoblu]

I would just add that it should probably be based on how wide your CP is going to be. I ordered the ultimate widescreen bartop kit from HaRuMaN, which is designed to accommodate a 24" widescreen monitor. I ordered this specific model, however, because I wanted enough room on my CP for 2 player (6 button each) controls and a trackball in the middle. If you're only planning a 1 player or standard 2 player bartop, you probably won't need that wide of a CP and can stick with a 4:3, which is going to display most games better. Mine just has black bars on the sides for most of the older games, which is fine, but not super authentic...

That being said, I love my bartop and wouldn't change a thing 

[keilmillerjr]

Grab a small 13" 4:3 crt tv for free and call it a day.