Difference between Makvision 29" Arcade Monitor CRTs?

[munkee222]

Hey guys.  I'm new to these forums.  Was reading a few of the old posts to see if they could answer my questions, but I just got more confused.  I had a few questions that I was hoping you guys would be able to clarify.

First off, I'm trying to build my first MAME cabinet.  I'd like to use an actual arcade monitor (CRT at 29").  I was looking to purchase a Makvision monitor from Xgaming.com.  However, there were two different CRTs.  They are the following:


29" Tri-mode CRT Arcade Monitor
http://www.xgaming.com/store/arcade-parts-and-accessories/product/tri-mode-crt-arcade-monitor/

27/29" Makvision CRT Arcade Monitor
http://www.xgaming.com/store/arcade-parts-and-accessories/product/weiya-29-flat-screen-crt-arcade-monitor/


I'm sorry, but I really don't understand the difference between these two monitors.  Would you guys be able to clarify?  I figure one is tri-mode....is that actually better?  Also, would it be easiest to use an AVGA card if getting one of these monitors?  I thought I remember in one of the Makvision posts in these forums that the AVGA card was not necessary for one of the monitors.  I didn't know if it applied to both monitors.

So my main goals are to play fighting games, neo geo, and console emulators.  Are there better monitors that are readily available out there?  These were the readily available ones I found that had decent reviews.  But if you guys know of any other 29" CRT monitors, I'd be more than happy to take a look.

Sorry for all the questions.  I'm pretty new and don't really have any other outlet to ask these questions.  I greatly appreciate any help you guys can provide.  Thanks in advance!

[rabidfrog]

I've got the tri-mode makvision.  I'm certainly no expert, but the tri-mode is able to display most games in their native resolutions, so yes, I believe it should be the better choice.  I think that the arcadeVGA is the easiest way to get a working setup also.  I've been pretty happy with it.

There are not a lot of choices out there for crt monitors, at least if you plan on buying new.  Happ carries these same ones I think.

[TJCOMBO]

The HUGE difference that matters the most btw the two is the horizontal freq and resolution!

Sounds like you are new to this, so if you want to play the vast majority of games, get the Tri-Mode one with the 15/24/31KHz horizontal freq.  15KHz output is what most classics have.  That other monitor is for a handful of the late 90s games and it can only play those.  You'd probably hate yourself if you got the wrong one so do your homework and learn about the differences between horizontal freq and resolution.

[grantspain]

first is tri sync 15/24/31khz analogue and is a wei ya 3129

second is quad sync 15/24/31/38khz digital and is a wei ya 2929

second can handle any res up to and incl 800x600

[MonMotha]

second is quad sync 15/24/31/38khz digital and is a wei ya 2929

second can handle any res up to and incl 800x600

30-40KHZ; vertical 47-90

We have a discrepancy here...

I was of the impression the digital model that they're selling is indeed 30-40k only, which would mean 640x480-800x600 in common PC resolution terms (all progressive, of course).  No low resolutions supported.

[munkee222]

Thanks guys, for the replies!  Really helps a lot.   

And yes, I am new to this and don't really know the first thing about monitors.  I tried reading some of the posts and stickies around here, but honestly, the descriptions went over my head.  So I greatly appreciate the help from you guys.  Do you guys happen to know of any tutorials?  I've read the monitor FAQ posted here already.

I guess I'm leaning towards the 2929D based on everyone's descriptions.  Was looking for something pretty versatile in playing both older and newer arcade games in native resolutions.

Just curious...do these  have a limited lifespan?  My old CRT TV lasted almost 20 years.  But I'm not sure if CRT arcade monitors could be held up to the same standards.  I don't see why they wouldn't, though.

On a sidenote, I thought it was weird how on xgaming.com, the 2929D was cheaper than the tri-mode, but on na.suzohapp.com, the 2929D was more expensive.  This threw me off on to which one was better.

[grantspain]

second is quad sync 15/24/31/38khz digital and is a wei ya 2929

second can handle any res up to and incl 800x600

30-40KHZ; vertical 47-90

We have a discrepancy here...

I was of the impression the digital model that they're selling is indeed 30-40k only, which would mean 640x480-800x600 in common PC resolution terms (all progressive, of course).  No low resolutions supported.

dunno,last one i actually worked on was working on 15khz-perhaps they have a few models

[MonMotha]

Could be.  It may just be that the website is wrong, but I have seen the 30-40kHz spec in a few different places selling that same model.  I'd just hate to buy it only to find out it won't do what I want.

[italdream]

I am the happy owner of the 27/29. I have a cabinet running multiple emulators ranging from c64, mame, to snes, genesis, gamecube. My F-E is hyperspin.

The xgaming website explains it well: the 29 uses Analog adjustments, so you must manually change display settings on the monitor itself for any change in resolution/refresh.   This makes it an unlikely option for a standard MAME user.  The Tri-Mode monitor is ideally suited for replacement of an arcade machine which will be set to one of the Three Modes PERMANENTLY.

My $.02: if you want to run anything other than a select few games where you need the lower refr rates, go with the 27/29. I would go as far as saying, if you are posing this question, you probably won't have much use for the 29.

I'll admin that I am a bit biased, since I have the 27/29 and, in my view, it is worth every single penny. It gave me the right balance of simplicity/authenticity. You won't even need any special video card, pretty much plug and play once you figured out how to output your windows system/video card to 640x480 or 800x600.

Most (if not all) old games look fantastic, including things from the eighties. And certainly much better than any LCD monitor I tried.

[MonMotha]

The xgaming website explains it well: the 29 uses Analog adjustments, so you must manually change display settings on the monitor itself for any change in resolution/refresh.   This makes it an unlikely option for a standard MAME user.  The Tri-Mode monitor is ideally suited for replacement of an arcade machine which will be set to one of the Three Modes PERMANENTLY.

Can you confirm that the digital model supports CGA/EGA timings at all?  If not, the digital adjustment memories you mention aren't overly helpful since you're going to have to scale everything up anyway.  You could always do that on the analog adjustment model if you got annoyed with having to constantly tweak the settings, too, but you'd ALSO have the OPTION of "going native" if you prefer.

[holaplaneta]

Can you confirm that the digital model supports CGA/EGA timings at all?  If not, the digital adjustment memories you mention aren't overly helpful since you're going to have to scale everything up anyway. 

I would love to know this too! I´m thinking about getting this monitor for my mame cab with the J-Pac and I want to know how hard it would be for the monitor to sync when selecting a variety of games.