LCD monitor: Widescreen? 16:10? 4:3?

[kvncooper]

I am purchasing an LCD TFT for my new cab. It's my first one and I am unsure about the monitor.

I am definitely getting an LCD TFT, however, do I go for the 19" widescreen? The 19" standard? I don't understand the aspect ratio thing - is it best to go for 4:3 or 16:10?

I'm looking at playing a lot of MAME, but also current games.

Thanks.

[csa3d]

It's probably up to your personal preference.  I'm building a cab with a 4:3 LCD in it.  Old games didn't use 16:9 (or 16:10), and so you'll end up loosing some screen space.  The appeal to me of an LCD, was it's ability to easily rotate, therefore allowing games to be played using the maximum number of pixels possible.  You actually end up with a bigger viewing area if you go 4:3 for the classics.  Other's have used widescreen format LCDs, and are either OK with the waisted black space, or are even talking about hacking custom bezel arwork around them.  That's your call.  As for the newer games, maybe there's a good debate on why you should go 16:9 for them.. I'm not the one to ask about all that however.

Hope that helps.

-csa

[kvncooper]

What about such titles as the Capcom Classics? Streetfighter etc?

Aren't they remade to work in 16:9?

[csa3d]

Looks like they run at 384x224, which puts them at an aspect ratio of 1.71.  4:3 ratio is 1.33 and 16:9 is 1.77.... so yeah, if you'd most closely match a widescreen format if this was the benchmark game you are shooting for.  You will still have somewhat of a black boarder.  Like I said, there are many game resolutions, and you're gonna have stretching.  It's your call on how you optimize the amount of black space you will see.

This information was derived by going to the M.A.W.S. website btw..

-csa

[jcoplin]

What's the biggest 4:3 LCD monitor people have found?  I was considering LCD as I want to play "standard" pc games on my console as well but couldn't find anything large enough for my tastes.

James R. Coplin

[csa3d]

One I'm using:  Viewsonic VP2030B



 It's pretty nice, 20.1", and yes.. there are cheaper alternatives.  This one has great viewing angle, fast update, and a slim bezel for tight mounting.  This is being put in a pacman style cab.. so viewing angle was important to me.

-csa