Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum

Main => Monitor/Video Forum => Topic started by: Thomp on November 06, 2007, 09:40:24 am

Title: Will a 21" computer monitor make a good bartop display?
Post by: Thomp on November 06, 2007, 09:40:24 am

I recently picked up a 21" Sun GDM-5410 (Sony GDM-5410) monitor that I plan to use as a display for an oversized bartop cabinet.  Any experience with one of these?  Is there any reason to not use it?

http://www.sunshack.org/data/sh/2.0/infoserver.central/data/syshbk/Devices/Monitor/MONITOR_Color_21_Prem_Flat_CRT.html

This will be my first cabinet build, so I'm really looking forward to it.   :)

Title: Re: Will a 21" computer monitor make a good bartop display?
Post by: ChadTower on November 06, 2007, 09:48:59 am

It would have to be really oversized... 21" CRTs are very deep and heavy.  I have one on my desk and just gave one away and wouldn't want one in a bartop.

Title: Re: Will a 21" computer monitor make a good bartop display?
Post by: Thomp on November 06, 2007, 10:15:21 am

Yeah, when I'm thinking "oversized", I'm basically thinking the upper half of a upright cabinet.  My delima is that I'm short on floorspace, but have desk/table area.  Also, I want to have the cabinet be 2 player capable.

I'm toying around with different ideas right now, but haven't came up with anything that screams "THIS IS THE ONE!".

Title: Re: Will a 21" computer monitor make a good bartop display?
Post by: HaRuMaN on November 06, 2007, 10:24:01 am

Considering what you are building, and what you want, that sounds like that would be a good choice.  :cheers:

Title: Re: Will a 21" computer monitor make a good bartop display?
Post by: ChadTower on November 06, 2007, 10:40:13 am

Is an LCD out of the question?  That would give you the screen size you want while eliminating all of the weight/dimensions issues.

Title: Re: Will a 21" computer monitor make a good bartop display?
Post by: Thomp on November 06, 2007, 12:32:59 pm

If I had an LCD for the same price that I picked up the CRT ($25), I would use it instead.  Since this is my first shot at a cabinet, I'm trying to keep it cheap, expecting a learning curve.

Title: Re: Will a 21" computer monitor make a good bartop display?
Post by: BobA on November 06, 2007, 12:56:56 pm

Good solid monitor for a cocktail but a bit large for a bartop.   The bartop sort of becomes a regular cab cut in 1/2.  Make sure you have good cooling as it is going to produce alot of heat.  Other then that have fun.