Questions about TV for MAME

[Invader_Stu]

I am planning to build a MAME cabinet in the near future. I was going to get a 21' monitor, but for all the time and effort spent I dont want to end up with a small screen, or one that is 'just' big enough.

I have recently been checking out buying a TV instead, and have spotted a few 68cm (29") models with AV inputs (no S-video) within my price range.

My questions:

Is 29" too big a screen? Will all the games run nicely at full screen? There is no point getting such a big screen only to have blocky pixelated games.

How much of a difference does S-Video make as opposed to standard AV? Is there any links to comparisons?

I have heard getting the TV to turn on automatically can be diffcult - is this true? I have limited electronic experience, so no ultra-complex wiring setups will be suitable.

Is it necessary to take the TV out of its case? I just have seen so many MAME cabinets where this has been done. This idea does not appeal to me, as I dont want to fry myself or my new screen. I'd much rather leave it in the case with some fans for air flow if needed.

Thankyou for any help, I look forward to becoming a regular around here

[TalkingOctopus]

Is 29" too big a screen? Will all the games run nicely at full screen? There is no point getting such a big screen only to have blocky pixelated games.

All of the games will run fine, but the screen will be too big for some types of games.

[Invader_Stu]

Thanks for the info, really helpful

I was worried about having to 'look around the screen to see it all' problem, and I think that might happen, considering the close proximity the player is to the screen.

The cabinet I wanted to build was going to be a tall upright with 2 joysticks and 6/7 buttons for each player., as I am quite tall I dont want to hunch over it. The cab might be 6'2 - I saw someone else that built a cab for the same reason so I was going to copy that.

If a 21' screen will look fine in a 6'2 cab, I might revert back to buying a PC monitor. As I am a MAME noob, this definately seems the easiest to get going.

[StephenH]

If you want to go the TV Route, get one with at least S-Video, if not component video.  Composite or RF often leads to a very low picture quality.

[PaulG]

Why not just get a smaller tv?  If you're worried about blocky/pixellated graphics, you're gonna have a much bigger problem with a monitor.  Monitors are too good for their own good when it comes to MAME (Unless you're talking Vector graphics).


I second the above poster.  If possible, go the component route.  Beautiful.

[GameOver]

I use a 24" RCA w/S-vid.  Works really well IMHO.  Check out my webpage for some screenshots - vector, raster & VPinball.  The pics of the vector games are pretty close to the real thing, the raster games look better on the TV than the pics, and the VPinball looks much better on the TV than the pics.

You lose a bit of detail w/a TV - you can't read small print.  This is most evident in VPinball trying to read stuff on the playfield.  Also vector games aren't as crisp, but still very good.  Otherwise, the TV provides a near classic arcade translation of these games.  And, at a good price.  I got mine new/scratch & dent for $129.  Can you see the scratches & the dents on mine? 

Check out my web page & go to the bottom for the screen shots.

[aliveon2legs]

I've been using an rca 27" tv and it's bad but also not quite everything I was hoping for.  The picture isn't nearly as sharp or have that glossy look of a monitor, could just be my tv though.  Also, the lowest res my video card will display is 800x600 but I'm not sure if that matters since a sdtv will only display 640x480 anyway.

[IMMark]

I've been using an rca 27" tv and it's bad but also not quite everything I was hoping for. The picture isn't nearly as sharp or have that glossy look of a monitor, could just be my tv though. Also, the lowest res my video card will display is 800x600 but I'm not sure if that matters since a sdtv will only display 640x480 anyway.

What OS are you using?  I thought most cards would do 640 x 480?

[aliveon2legs]

XP with a GForce 2 mmx 440 graphics card.  I will display a wide range of resolutions unitl I plug my tv in as my second monitor, then it only allows two options, the lowest being 800x600.

[IMMark]

You don't have more options if you go to
Display Settings/properties
Advanced/Adapter/All Modes

[mnm1200]

You don't have more options if you go to
Display Settings/properties
Advanced/Adapter/All Modes

Yep, that should be it. XP hides the 640x480 resolution so you'll have to dig for it.

[aliveon2legs]

Never knew that was there.  Thanks for the info. 

[ALeX K]

i got hold of a 29in tv, plugged in into my lap top, and did a test run with it.... for me it was so big i had to stand back a mile away to see it all. not bad, it just would have made my cab dimensions too big if i was going to place the CP as far away from the screen as i wanted to see it comfortably from (around 95cm). not a problem if you have the space though.

the main problem for me though was just the flicker of the tv... it really strained my eyes anywhere less than 95cm from the screen.

i now have 25in tv and its great both for viewing proximity and percieved flicker. also makes my cab dimensions more managable, and reduces the wieght a hell of alot.

maybe the 29in was a bit knackered, or not (was fine for normal tv watching...

[redsquirrel2005]

i use a 24 inch tv for mine and its great. The tv turns on automatically with the powerstrip i have.

Unfourtunatly i still have to press AV1 on the remote control.. i dont see any other way around this.

Mine res is 800x600, i dont find it a prob. Should i use 640x480?!?

[Xiaou2]

 You definitely want to go with Svideo or Component  in/out.   Composite is horrible.

 I bought a panasonic 27"  tv and use it with svideo.  Picture is amazing.    Has component in as well.. but my video card dosnt support that.  I may choose to upgrade later...

 Since there are many vertical games...  when mame displays them, it has the black border edges - and the screen is just about exactly 19" diagnolly! (same size as most vertical monitors   )

 Horizontally, Its huge!   but not really that bad.   Most fighters in the
arcade are 25".  If you are ok with that,  then 27  isnt that much more.    29 may be a bit much.

 My plans were to use mine as a Podium style cab.  Basically, the controls are about 4ft away from the tv.   Havnt built the thing yet... still in the planning mode.