From legit CRT to the depths of LCD...

[releasedtruth]

Hey all, after 10 years, my flat CRT powered through component video has given up the ghost. I have 26.5" horizontal space and am descending into the LCD world.

Here are some options I've explored and would appreciate feedback:

- 27" Dell 2709W 16:10 (1920x1200):   Beautiful colors, looks good with HLSL, but does have input lag issues and is quite old
- 28" Vizio D28h-D1 720p HDTV:  Much lower resolution, may not deliver HLSL well, no idea on input lag or brightness
- 28" ASUS VN289Q 16:9 (1920x1080):  Never seen in person, supposed to be 5ms response time

Any other options come to mind? The 28" 16:10 is an old, rare size, but maintains great overall scale for MAME. Did try the 28" Viewsonic value LCD and it was atrocious. Washed out, poor blacks, difficult to tune.

Let the skewering begin 

RT

[yotsuya]

Where's the option to look for another CRT on Craigslist?

[Fydo]

For determining input lag, I'd recommend checking out the displaylag database. It's not super up to date with the most recent monitors, but has quite a few displays tested:

http://www.displaylag.com/display-database/

The Asus VS278Q should be a similar size to the VN289Q that you had listed, but has excellent display lag.

As for aspect ratio and resolution, a 240p image will scale cleanly (ie. using integer scale so you can retain nice crisp pixels) into a 16:10 1200p display and into a 16:9 1440p display with full height and pillarboxing. Though if you're planning on using HLSL shaders that probably doesn't matter so much.

[releasedtruth]

I had a great Toshiba 25" flat tube in there so a 27" won't fit. Have been looking. Have been using a 24" Dell 16:10, but it craves the 27-28 size

[Fydo]

Keep in mind that screen sizes are measured diagonally. This means that, for instance, the VS278Q that I mentioned in my last post would only be 25.5" wide and would fit in your cabinet that has 26.5" horizontal space.

Happy hunting!

[markc74]

A 1200 vertical resolution can scale the usual 240 line resolution better. Having toyed with hlsl this can make a difference if you're really looking for the best image you can get. you will only lose 1" of vertical height using the 24"/16/10 over a 28"/16/9 display but to adopt Microsoft's misused statement - they'll be better quality pixels...

http://www.displaywars.com/28-inch-16x9-vs-24-inch-16x10

[releasedtruth]

Found one more option, the Viewsonic VP2655. Boost in size, but unlikely in quality over the current Dell. On the lookout for a 2709w, as long as it's Rev 01

Appreciate the responses, longer process that I expected.

[8BitMonk]

I'd go with a 4:3 1600x1200 20" that has a low response time.

Here's one on Arrow Direct with a 5ms response time for $54: http://arrowdirect.com/nec-multisync-lcd2070vx-22.html
Full specs here: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824002144

There are Dell's or Samsung's that would fit the bill as well. Occasionally you'll see a 21.3" 4:3 come up on Arrow if you want the absolute largest size. Don't remember seeing any larger.

[JDFan]

I'd go with a 4:3 1600x1200 20" that has a low response time.

Here's one on Arrow Direct with a 5ms response time for $54: http://arrowdirect.com/nec-multisync-lcd2070vx-22.html
Full specs here: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824002144

There are Dell's or Samsung's that would fit the bill as well. Occasionally you'll see a 21.3" 4:3 come up on Arrow if you want the absolute largest size. Don't remember seeing any larger.

If you do go with Arrow don't forget the discount code (currently "arrow" for 14% discount) with the discount it is $46.66 +TAX (if you live in a state they charge tax) including shipping !

[releasedtruth]

Great advice, thank you!  Prices are very reasonable compared to forcing a modern aspect ratio into the design. Shame those big SCART presentation monitors are so rare these days. Would be the perfect bridge.