Optimum monitor angle.

[2slk]

 Is there a generally accepted or optimum angle that the monitor should be inside the cabinet? My reason for asking is the following.

 I'm considering building a cabinet but I have an issue regarding size. I simply don't have the space for a full-sized cabinet. From most of the cabs I've seen, it's the depth of the box that really troubles me. Even a Ms. Pac-Man or Defender style cabinet at 33 inches deep would be pretty obtuse in my place.

 I had the idea that using a flat-panel (LCD) monitor could help reduce the footprint of my design. For this to work, I would have to reduce the angle at which it sits inside the cabinet and I suppose, sit it higher than normal. I would appreciate some advice/opinions on this. Thanks in advance.    

[eightbit]

Monitors go anywhere from vertical to horizontal. Most monitors, especially older ones, are fairly deep. Therefore they'll take a lot less depth if you get them closer to horizontal. In this picture you can see my rally-x compared to a former Mortal Kombat cab-

You could do a cabaret style, which is much smaller-

Or a cocktail which isn't really smaller but it can do double duty as an endtable or something.

[planetjay]

Is there a generally accepted or optimum angle that the monitor should be inside the cabinet? My reason for asking is the following.

90

[hyiu]

if you are using LCD... the depth of your cab can be cut significantly....

most LCD nowadays have a mount where it can stand at an angle... (tilted...) some even can be rotated !!!

I forget about the link...
but I have seen 1 cab.... the glass in front is actually a door... and it holds a nice LCD in there....  all you got to do is open the glass door (tinted)... and turn the LCD... and you play evrtical games FULL screen !!.... (effortless.... ) very nice design...

for myself... I don't have enough budget for a LCD.... so... monitor it will be... (and no rotating...)

I have setup a normal cab before... and found out... if where you put your cab has ceiling lights.... you better put it at an angle where the light won't be reflected !!!... it is annoying that way.....

I'll be putting my monitor pretty much upright.... maybe just a few degree angled....

hope it helps....

[neuromancer]

Yes, If you put it at less of an angle, then it is better to put it higher. As alread said, a line from your eyes to the center of the screen should be 90 degrees from the face. That angle will minimize the refocusing your eyes need to do as you look from the top of the screen to the bottom.

Bob

[Minwah]

It's a bit tricky for me to decide as I'm thinking about being OK whether stood up or sat on a bar stool.  I have no cab/stool atm so I'm guessing a bit...but sitting down your likely to be further away so less angle required.

I'm just gonna guess it when it comes to it I think

[Distortion]

I've always been a fan of the near-vertical view...like the MK cabinets and such.

[hunky_artist]

Is there a generally accepted or optimum angle that the monitor should be inside the cabinet? My reason for asking is the following.

90