Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum

Main => Monitor/Video Forum => Topic started by: ifkz on August 27, 2007, 10:59:40 am

Title: The best/most inexpensive replacement arcade monitor?
Post by: ifkz on August 27, 2007, 10:59:40 am
I've had two of my repaired/capped monitors blow out on me and I'm tired of trying to make these things work again.  What new monitors are recommended?  I'm looking to replace a standard 19 inch CGA.

All of the major online collectors like the Vision Pro on arcade shop.  Is this the best price I'm able to get?  Happ's site says theirs are $155, but I've heard shipping from them is murder.  Thanks for the advice! :cheers:
Title: Re: The best/most inexpensive replacement arcade monitor?
Post by: Ken Layton on August 27, 2007, 11:18:26 am
Do you want the best or the the most inexpensive? If you want the best it's gonna cost ya. If you want the most inexpensive you generally sacrifice quailty/longevity.

For cheapest price it's Alva Amusement:
http://alvaamusement.com/_wsn/page4.html

And look at the M820H model for $134.95 (needs an isolation transformer) and the model M2820H for $139.95 (does not need an isolation transformer)

Title: Re: The best/most inexpensive replacement arcade monitor?
Post by: ifkz on August 27, 2007, 12:00:04 pm
Ken, how does this rate against the VisionPro?  The difference in price isn't that big.
I know you are a monitor technician, how do these hold up in the field?  Do you use them in your company's arcade machines?  How long to they typically last?

Please, I would like any other members that have purchased new arcade monitors to drop a line here and tell everyone about your experiences.  The more information the better :applaud:
Title: Re: The best/most inexpensive replacement arcade monitor?
Post by: Ken Layton on August 27, 2007, 12:21:01 pm
Happ Controls' Vision Pro monitors are rebranded Tovis brand. This Vision Pro/Tovis monitor is used by some video slot machine/gaming manufacturers.

I've always had good luck with the Wei-ya (sold by Alva Amusement and other dealers). Merit Industries used some Wei-yas in their Megatouch games

The Betson/Kortek/Imperial (www.betson.com) monitors get good ratings for price, quality, and reliability/longevity from me. Betson frequently has their Betson/Imperial monitors (actually made by Kortek) monitors on sale. If there's a Betson branch office near you then you could pick one up there and save on shipping. Betson won't rape you like Happ Controls.
Title: Re: The best/most inexpensive replacement arcade monitor?
Post by: javeryh on August 27, 2007, 02:39:56 pm
Anyone have any thoughts on the billabs BL27CB0P or BL27C90T?
Title: Re: The best/most inexpensive replacement arcade monitor?
Post by: rockin_rick on August 27, 2007, 10:43:47 pm
FYI -

Happ Vision Pro 2 CGA 19" are on sale now for $135.00...

Rick
Title: Re: The best/most inexpensive replacement arcade monitor?
Post by: ifkz on August 28, 2007, 11:04:14 am
Where are they on sale, what site????
Title: Re: The best/most inexpensive replacement arcade monitor?
Post by: FrizzleFried on August 28, 2007, 04:45:54 pm
Where are they on sale, what site????

www.happcontrols.com

...and the funny thing is that people ---smurfette--- about HAPP's shipping...which sucks because they WON'T give you an exact amount until it actually ships...but I just ordered one from them $135 that they estimated would be $22.00 shipping from Las Vegas to Idaho.
Title: Re: The best/most inexpensive replacement arcade monitor?
Post by: rockin_rick on August 28, 2007, 08:54:52 pm
You can also pick them up if you are close enough...

Rick
Title: What is the BEST Monitor?
Post by: albrigsr on September 01, 2007, 08:55:33 am
Ken or others,

I see the response listing the least expensive and good value monitors, however, not what is the best in your opinion.  What would it be for a 25" or 27" monitor (best in terms of longevity and quality)?  Also, what is the rough price range?  I am asking in case I need to replace the monitor in my Golden Tee Complete.  THanks!
Title: Re: The best/most inexpensive replacement arcade monitor?
Post by: Ken Layton on September 01, 2007, 11:06:48 am
Get a Nieman Displays monitor. Not too bad price-wise and seem to hold up ok. Even though they are located in Canada, they have some USA distributors.
Title: Re: The best/most inexpensive replacement arcade monitor?
Post by: Larry on September 08, 2007, 06:23:44 pm
25" trimode Nieman display $426 plus shipping.  Probably ~$40 to Idaho.  If you post to the forum, copy to my email.

Larry Rosenthal
Rosenthal Enterprises, Inc
7000 W Firebird Dr
Glendale, AZ 85308-9424
Cell: 602-228-7333
LRosent345@aol.com
Title: Re: The best/most inexpensive replacement arcade monitor?
Post by: Kevin Mullins on September 09, 2007, 05:33:33 pm
Get a Nieman Displays monitor. Not too bad price-wise and seem to hold up ok.

They also seem to have really good support from what I've seen here on the forums.