Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum
Main => Monitor/Video Forum => Topic started by: immortal on February 22, 2009, 10:55:21 pm
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Howdy!
After months of searching, I finally acquired a gutted cabinet that I will be turned into an awesome Mame machine. This is my first expedition into this territory, and I have a few questions.
I've done a ton of research on the subject of monitors, and I think I want to pursue getting an arcade monitor.
The cabinet I have was fitted with a 15" monitor. I haven't measured, but I believe there is enough space to stick a 19" monitor in.
Everything I've read tells me to order a WG monitor, but I know their latest line of products have some quality issues.
My questions:
1 -- can anyone recommend a good brand for a decent / middle-of-the-road 19" monitor?
2 -- Is a computer monitor more versatile in terms of playing games with different resolutions? I'd like to be able to play older and newer games without having to do much configurations.
Thanks!
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1. get specific measurments to be sure it'll fit.
2. look in B/S/T at 'vendors'.
3. PC monitor & different resolutions: which resolutions?
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If you're looking for the 19" variety, you're almost positively stuck with a 15khz (standard res/ CGA) monitor. This is what 90% of all arcade games are, so all the mame games will look nearly perfect. A computer monitor is much easier to use, but it won't look as authentic and since it's so crisp, the games will likely look blocky. When you say new games, do you mean newer arcade games or console games? Many current arcade games are still 15khz. There are some 31khz (high res/ vga) games out there, but aren't likely emulated in mame, like Naomi. If you only plan on using Mame, then a regular 15khz monitor will look the best and keep the price under control. I can't recall any medium/high res monitors in the 19" range. The ultimate monitors are called tri-sync (15/24/31khz) and they start at 25/27" and many hundreds of dollars. You can look on ebay or the forums and usually find a used 19" monitor for a decent price. I've had mostly WG, but Electrohomes are also very popular and reliable. You need to first pick your price range and that'll determine what your options are.
Scott
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Ummon and Shess --
Thank you both very much for your input. There's a lot of conflicting information out there -- you've helped me greatly!
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I've had good luck with Betson-Imperial 19" CGA monitors over the years.