I have used a few LCDs in my MAME builds and they have huge advantages in ease of installation, weight, and space savings. However I do prefer the traditional arcade monitor look, I just don't want the hassle of cleaning up, re-capping, and maintaining an older arcade CRT if I can get close to the same look with a CRT computer monitor or CRT TV. Also, I seem to be able to still find these types of monitors in good condition, virtually for free on CL. I currently have a couple of CRT computer monitors with VGA input - two 19" and a 17". I think the 19" ones support up to 1600x1200 resolution. I also have access to a few CRT TVs with s-video input. These would be much lower resolution. I am curious about the pros and cons of these vs. an actual arcade monitor in a MAME application.
The CRT computer monitors would be the easiest to use in a MAME cab as they have VGA input. I know the higher resolution is not an advantage with MAME, but the curved screen would look more like an arcade monitor. I also know MAME can be setup to emulate scan lines and such. I am also aware of the ArcadeVGA card. Does anyone have feedback on using one of these VGA monitors for a MAME machine? Can you get close to authentic visuals with a standard video card or do you need to go the ArcadeVGA route to truly emulate a arcade monitor?
Using a CRT TV would require a video card that can output to s-video. Is there any advantage to using a CRT TV vs. CRT computer monitor?
I guess I am just looking for a good trade-off in ease of maintenance, close to authentic arcade picture quality, and availability.