Sony KD-34XBR960

[velcrobomb]

Good evening,
I was just given a Sony KD-34XBR960 HD CRT Television and I would like to use this in an upcoming cabinet project.  The thing weighs 196 lbs!  I'll shave a few lbs off of it by removing the shell and some of the framing for the cabinet installation but I'm pretty sure it will still be pretty heavy.
So, I'd like to hear your thoughts on this TV to use as a monitor and whether or not it would be suitable for an upright cabinet.
P.S.  This will be for a mame cabinet.

[Heretik]

Everything I've read about that TV states that it only accepts hi-def signals (720p, 1080i) and displays in 1080i. Yes, the TV will work in a MAME cabinet, but only if you design the rest of your cab around the display capabilities of the TV. You won't be able to obtain "true" arcade resolutions, however.

[Yenome]

yea it says it can do 480p which you might be happy with. but unless it goes down to 240p you wont be getting arcade res out of it. there is a post here bout using a tv. cant seem to find it at the moment.

[rCadeGaming]

I think Yenome may be referring to the second link in my signature.  Check it out.

As pointed out, that TV can't display below 480p.  90% of the games in MAME originally ran around 240p.  If you're going to go through the trouble of using a real CRT, you should try to go native res, so you have real arcade quality picture, with real scanlines. 

Save that TV for watching real 720p content from your couch, it will be nice for a PS3 or 360.  It's way too big for an upright anyway; it will be pretty uncomfortable being close to that thing, burning your eyes out and having to look all around to see what's going on. 

You can get an appropriate TV for MAME for under $50 on Craigslist, eBay, or similar, in most places.  I've picked up about a dozen, many of them free.  Just be sure to get something with component inputs, that CAN'T display 480p or more.  I like Sony Trinitron's, 24" or 27" max for a cab.

[Jack Burton]

Everything I've read about that TV states that it only accepts hi-def signals (720p, 1080i) and displays in 1080i. Yes, the TV will work in a MAME cabinet, but only if you design the rest of your cab around the display capabilities of the TV. You won't be able to obtain "true" arcade resolutions, however.

Most modern arcade games run in 720p or 1080p.  They are true arcade games, as legit as anything made in the 80s or 90s. 

This TV would make a very cool modern cab if it were decased and mounted into something that would resemble a Vewlix.  However, it would be a massive undertaking that probably wouldn't be worth the payoff.  The resulting cab would be an absolute bear. 

[rCadeGaming]

"You won't be able to obtain "true" arcade resolutions, however."

You're right, very poor wording on my part.  I meant you won't be able to display "classic arcade game" resolutions, specifically meaning 15kHz progressive/240p/90% of what's in MAME.

[velcrobomb]

I appreciate all of the replies.   There are two S-video inputs on the back of this TV.  So, I realize now that below 480p is out of the question.
My revised plan for this monster is to probably go with a sit-down cabinet like a Star-Wars type.  I agree that an upright just won't work.  I'm thinking about the center of gravity for the TV itself and it would be difficult to balance.  I do plan to remove it from the case and get the speakers out of the way.  I got the service manual for the TV and I think it's doable.
As far as the undertaking goes I do believe it will be significant.  Fortunately, my uncle has a CnC machine so whipping out the cabinet won't be too much of a chore.  It will be massive however.

[rCadeGaming]

There are two S-video inputs on the back of this TV.  So, I realize now that below 480p is out of the question.

Do you mean that the presence of s-video inputs indicates an inability to display below 480p?  This is not the case.  There are tons and tons of 15kHz only (capable of real 240p) TV's with both s-video and component inputs.  Your particular TV can't go below 480p because the design of the chassis is focused on 31kHz and up.

Maybe you didn't mean that.  Just thought it needed to be cleared up as not to confuse anyone else.

What games will you be playing in MAME exactly?  If you're actually playing Star Wars and other vector games, that TV might be quite good.  For simulating a vector monitor, the higher the resolution the better.  It also might not feel too big, as most of the screen being black will keep it from burning your eyes out to much.

However, it's still way too big for normal MAME games.  Keep in mind the original Star Wars cockpit still only had a 25" monitor.  Unless you plan on spacing yourself much further back, like a few feet, the amount of light a 34" puts out in normal non-vector games will burn your eyes out and give you a headache in short order.

Is there any particular reason you're tied to this TV?  Again, about 90% of the games in MAME originally ran around 240p, and they'll look much better on a display that can replicate that.  You could get an appropriate TV dirt cheap on Craigslist.

[velcrobomb]

Do you mean that the presence of s-video inputs indicates an inability to display below 480p? 

No, I didn't mean that.  I should have proofread.  I did read somewhere that s-video is the best delivery method to modern monitors though if you have the right video card for your PC.

Yeah, I'll probably just list this TV on craigslist or use it for something else and find a more suitable monitor for an upright cabinet.

This is all gearing up for the project and I think right now I need to decide on exactly what project I want to do.  I would like to have the retro look and feel and this TV is not going to get me that.  It's also not going to work well for an upright nor a close sit-down type game.

I really appreciate the candid feedback.  It's very helpful.  I'm in the right place!

[rCadeGaming]

I'm glad it's appreciated.  It can be frustrating when people seem to prefer bad or incomplete advice in a friendly package over the hard truth, even though they could benefit more from the latter.

Sounds like you're on the right track.

If you want to keep that TV, it'd be great for 480p or 720p, meaning Dreamcast through modern consoles, if you put it in a showcase or just use it like a normal TV, playing from the couch.