Choosing the proper display

[DirtyDachshunds]

Hey guys,
I've been lurking around here the last few months trying to gather all the information I can before I start tearing into my cabinet here soon.    I'm looking for opinions on what display to use. 

Cabinet Info:
I have the construction plans and plan on building the ULTIMATE ARCADE II for North Coast Customs
I am using Hyperspin as my FE
The cabinet will play MAME, NES, SNES, N64 Neo Geo, Dreamcast, Genesis, Playstation, and PC games (such as Street fighter 4)
I have already began configuring the software side and plan on starting the cabinet build next month.
Cabinet can hold display as large as 27" (4:3).
Authenticity and capturing the feeling of an old arcade is not my highest priority, but would be nice.

Here are my display options:

LCD Monitor or TV:
Easiest to configure.  No additional hardware needed.  Clearest display.  Great for new PC games (street fighter 4).  I would need a monitor that can handle 4:3 aspect ratio.
Not sure how I will mount it for use of widescreen and 4:3.  No 4:3 LCD montiors over 20" (at a reasonable price).  Must get a widescreen monitor.

CRT TV (4:3)
Most likely the cheapest option.  More authentic than an LCD.
Not as crisp.  Dis-charing the TV will likely be necessary, which frightens me a bit.  I have never discharged a monitor, but I do have some experience with electronics.  Also interfacing with the TV would require an adapter or additional hardware for my computer.  Not as clear for newer PC game such as Street fighter 4.
Are there recommended TVs that have been used that are tight to the display so I wouldn't have to take it apart and can still maximize my space?

Arcade Monitor
As true to the arcade as it gets.
Interfacing with an arcade monitor can be tricky.  Additional hardware will be needed to interface.  Not as clear for newer PC game such as Street fighter 4. 

Let me know which route you think I should take.  Any opinions will be helpful.

Thanks guys Cheers 

Also, I will be posting my cabinet progress once I get started.  I plan on being an active part of the community.  Anyone around the Columbus, OH area let me know I'd love to see your cabinet and pick your brain.

Ross 

[gryhnd]

Another option to consider is a CRT PC monitor. They can easily be found for cheap or free on Craigslist. I've picked up a few in the 21-22" range.

[DirtyDachshunds]

Another option to consider is a CRT PC monitor. They can easily be found for cheap or free on Craigslist. I've picked up a few in the 21-22" range.

I haven't thought of that.  But I would like to get a 27" monitor to optimize the cabinet space and I don't know if I'll be able to find any 27" 4:3 CRT monitors.

[DirtyDachshunds]

I have stumbled across the Wells Gardner 27" Arcade Monitor.

http://www.xgaming.com/store/arcade-parts-and-accessories/product/wells-gardner-27-d9400-monitor/?utm_medium=shoppingengine&utm_source=googlebase&cvsfa=2340&cvsfe=2&cvsfhu=3137

This may work out the best for me.  No need to discharge.  No extra interfacing needed (VGA).  Can display 32 bit (good for newer PC games).  Price isn't bad.

Has anyone tried using this?

[BobA]

It is a CRT monitor.  There is still a requirement to discharge for safety.

[DirtyDachshunds]

It is a CRT monitor.  There is still a requirement to discharge for safety.

Yes, but I'm hoping to have it installed and mounted before using.  Also, it claims to have a auto discharge feature.
My choice is now between that or a 27" TV that has power-return and speakers not on the sides to decrease the width needed in my cabinet.  I haven't been able to find such a TV on craigslist yet.

I'd rather get the TV if I could find one, for cost reasons.  Anyone recommend any TV models that have worked well (without dismantling) in their cabinets?

[BobA]

Even if you have not used it there will still be a charge if it was tested at the factory.  I am not sure I would trust a self discharge device.  Discharging a monitor is not hard and your safety comes first. 

[DirtyDachshunds]

I didn't think about that.  I've always been leery of things that can kill me, especially electrically.  I think I'm going to find a TV with thin casing off of craigslist.

Thanks for all the help.  Cheers bud. 

[november]

I know you want to go CRT arcade mon/TV but I have an old SF2 cab that I converted into a MAME cab.

The inner width of this cab is 25.5.  I found the perfect 27'' monitor for $250 on Newegg.  It fits with a bit +- 1mm gap on each side.  I was so stoked when I slid it in and it fit so well.

Here are pics of it.  Also, please save your "go with a classic crt blah blah authentic blah blah".  This is what I wanted and its what I will keep.