Debate: Does size matter? (TV)

[rhoelsch]

Ok, we all know that large TV's (27") are more likely to have S-vid inputs, and a large display looks great in a cab, but they're more expensive and some people indicate that the 27's cause eye strain and aren't quite as sharp in picture quality versus smaller, 20-25" models.  Of course, I'm concerned that smaller ones look puny in a cab, and there's not as many to choose from that have s-vid.  If mounting horizontally, anyone think a 20" would look to small in a "regularly" sized cab?  And what about the eye strain and sharpness vs. size issues?  Experienced advice needed!

***insert size jokes here***

[Frostillicus]

Yeah I was browsing Best Buy last week actually for 19-20 inch regular TV's(not flat CRT, I mean), and there is definitely a lack of s-vid options for smaller sets.  They are cheap though.  

Keep in mind that most classic games used 19" arcade monitors, so a 20" TV isn't too far off the mark size-wise(19 in viewable prob?).   So it all depends on what you call a 'regularly' size cab.  Of course, vertical games on a 20" tv will look like a postage stamp...

I've hooked up a 20" tv via composite connection and honestly it wasn't too bad considering it was just a tv.  It was definitely bright, and perhaps using smoked plexi like in the thread that Oscar just started would help in that regard.  I didn't play it long enough to get eye strain - plus my face wasn't  right up to the glass.  Best advice is just to try it out with your living room tv or something first.

[Ghoul]

Also remember that a lot of those old games with small monitors were 1 player. The more players you have the more comfortable it will be to have a bigger monitor, at least that's true in my experience.

I would suggest you look around at examples to see how the tv would look inside your cab design. My experience with cab building has been about 20% asking question, 80% research research research. Almost everything on your cab is going to come down to personal preference, there is no right answer. A vector junky likes pc monitors, die-hard hobbyists have to have an arcade monitor, etc. Computer monitors don't follow quite the same measurement rules as a tv but there's quite a few 19-21" computer monitor cabs sitting in the archives that you could use for reference.

[kspiff]

Another consideration is whether you live mainly for horizontal or vertical games.. if vertical and you choose to use a horizontal orientation for wider compatibility, I've heard a 25-27" maintains a closer aspect ratio to the original.

[bionicbadger]

Do what I did.  Get a used TV.  I just picked up a 27" Toshiba last night for $200 Canadian (~$125 US).  (hooked it up last night for "testing" it works great, power & video in come on when unplugged an plugged in again, even picture in picture(wonder if it works with MAME...?)) I was looking at a 25" in a pawn shop, but this one was nicer.  Check out your local on-line forsale newsgroup, pawnshops, and newspapers, you'll probably find a decent deal before too long.