LCD vs CRT

[TheShaner]

I just got off the phone with a local repair/distributor here locally who is working on a few elements of my Cyclone Pinball restoration.  I was picking his brain on what he thought about some monitors for my Mame Arcade project.  He basically told me not to waste my time with a CRT and should go LCD.  I mentioned specifically the Makvision monitor I was thinking about buying, and he told me it was about a 1 year monitor.  Now, he could just be trying to sell me one of his overpriced LCD's, but Im curious how much validity there is to this.  I am debating really heavily the LCD vs CRT option and am starting to dig through this thread for the info I need.  Can anyone here give me a good starting point on the research?  Perhaps a good model/brand I can look into as an alternative to the 27/29" CRT I was thinking about purchasing?  Or just a few opinions on the pros and cons?  I will continue to dig in this section, but a good starting point could save a lot of time.

Thanks!

[karnov64]

crt advantages over lcd:

- crt is very cheap or even free to obtain (nobody wants them anymore)
- more authentic (retro/vintage arcade) looking picture with crt*
- no viewing angles problems as with lcd

crt disadvantages over lcd:

- much heavier in weight than lcd
- larger in physical size than lcd
- lcd will give you more input options (hdmi in, vga in, etc)

* although if using emulators such as mame, you can use software video effects (eg. scanlines) to produce a more 'retro/vintage' looking display on lcd screens

[jimmy2x2x]

CRT is a lot more hassle, all the weight and bulk - not forgetting the electrical dangers if you decase it or if its open frame.

Despite all that, for me, its the only choice.

There have been some excellent jumps in LCD technology and some great progress with MAMEs HLSL effects (for simulating CRT like effects), but they still don't come close to the authenticity of a CRT.

I would say compromising CRT for LCD tech is like swapping out the arcade control panel with a computer keyboard.

That is just my personal opinion of course, and there are lots of users who wouldn't consider a CRT these days.  Slim profile cabinets are popular at the moment, they do look neat but for me they don't capture my memory of the arcade experience.

Before you spend any cash, pick up a couple of free CRT sets from CL and have a play around with groovymame, then you have a good measure and know what to compare an LCD to.

[TheShaner]

Great, thanks for the input.  I have always wanted a CRT in my box anyway.  Here's the big question then... I was going to go out and pay an arm and a leg for a Makvision 29", but I am hearing to go grab a tube off of craigslist.  Trinitrons I have heard are the way to go.  Are there any particular manufacturers/models that are preferred?