Billabs Opinion needed!

[acevedor2]

Hey guys, I just bought a Sharp 27 inch TV to use as my monitor in the cab I am building.  I am not impressed.  A couple of specifics.

Screen while in Windows is Very blurry.  I am running it at 800x600 which is the lowest avaialble to me in the video settings of the computer.  I am assuming this is because of the video adapter.  I am using a laptop (temporary only for testing) as the source and it only has the built in intel graphics. 

Secondly, the screen is cut off on all sides (as if it was too big).  On a computer monitor I would just use the menu buttons to adjust the screen in so I could see it all (the vertical and horizontal sizing buttons).  On the TV, however, there are no such buttons. My understanding is that I have to go into the service menu to make this change  Is that correct?

Because of all of that, I am very seriously considering using the Billabs monitor - the 27" Tri mode.  It has a max resolution of 1024 x 768 but still supports all of the arcade graphics.

I used the search on this forum but can find no opinions on this newer model.  My big question is that if I get this Billabs Monitor and plug it via VGA port into my standard video card, will it work right in all modes.  I origianlly chose the Sharp TV because it was big and it was cheap.  That said, it is NOT proven easy to configure and use.  I am thinking that Imight just spring for the Billabs.  Thoughts?

[MikeQ]

I have the Billabs monitor and love it.  It looks far better than the TV I was using.  Not as good as a trinitron VGA monitor but pretty darn good.  I had my first one die in a few weeks but Billabs sent me a new Chassis and I did the swap.  The new monitor has been running for a little under a year as is doing good.  It has a VGA connector on it and works without any setup. 

[acevedor2]

Mike, did you get the tri-mode?

What resolution are you running in windows?  How does it look in Windows?  What Front End are you using?  And lastly, what video card are you using?  Sorry for all of th questions, but before I plunge into 600 bucks, I want to be sure!

[tranq]

The SXGA is a pentamode: cga-sxga.  The trimode only does cga-vga.  If you're getting an arcade monitor at all, then you want at least SVGA (800*600) - in which case, I'd just get a Betson (but that I happened upon that ebay gig).

[johnvv]

I ordered a Billabs BL27CB0P-U in November and installed it a few weeks ago.  I'm also using an Ultimarc AVGA2 card.

I'm very happy with it.  Yes, you can run Windows at 1024x768 @ 60Hz.  This is fine for typical mame box administration.  I'm not clear from acevedor2's original question if he is looking to also use the monitor for normal Windows sessions.  I don't recommend it for that.  The 60Hz refresh will drive you crazy after a while.  For a mame box, it is fine.

When the AVGA2 and mame32 are properly setup, the monitor is very nice and switches between native resolutions for the various games.  Monitor adjustements are via a remote panel and are pretty easy to do.

I defintely recommend it.  If you are on a budget, there are cheaper alternatives.  I went with the Billabs due the the 1024x768 capability and the flat screen.  My eyes are used to flat LCDs and CRTs and I did not want to revert to a traditional curved CRT.

[acevedor2]

John,
   Thanks or the info.  That is the exact model Billabs I am thinking about getting.  I wouldn't say I was going to use it as a PC monitor for normal sessions, but I do want the screen to have the option of doing windows admin for the cab, and jukebox functions from within windows and have the screen look nice and not blurry.  With the TV I am currently using, Windows looks terrible.  Hence it is one of the reasons I am looking at going to the Billabs.  I have not decided if I will use the Arcade VGA, but right now I am leaning against it.  I will probably be running  a standard ATI or NVIDIA card.  My understanding is the Billabs should be good with that setup - correct?

[MikeQ]

John,
   Thanks or the info.  That is the exact model Billabs I am thinking about getting.  I wouldn't say I was going to use it as a PC monitor for normal sessions, but I do want the screen to have the option of doing windows admin for the cab, and jukebox functions from within windows and have the screen look nice and not blurry.  With the TV I am currently using, Windows looks terrible.  Hence it is one of the reasons I am looking at going to the Billabs.  I have not decided if I will use the Arcade VGA, but right now I am leaning against it.  I will probably be running  a standard ATI or NVIDIA card.  My understanding is the Billabs should be good with that setup - correct?

I have the BL27CB0P-U and am running an ATI R580  (X1900 I think is the marketing name) at 1024x768.  I use MAME32 but will be switching to my own 3D FE soon.   

 Nvidia cards will burst into flames, molest your dog and burn your house down.....   don't use them

I work for ATI/AMD.

[johnvv]

I have not decided if I will use the Arcade VGA, but right now I am leaning against it.  I will probably be running  a standard ATI or NVIDIA card.  My understanding is the Billabs should be good with that setup - correct?

I've not tried it without the AVGA2 card, but it is my understanding that you should be fine with current drivers from and ATI or NVIDIA card.  All the settings are done via standard windows tools and drivers.  Doesn't hurt to set your PC's resolution to 800x600 @70Hz or below prior to hooking up the Billabs.  That way you know you'll get a readable/syncable Windows screen from which you can then fine tune your setup and resolution.

It would be really nice if there were a Windows XP monitor driver for the Billabs (or any of the arcade monitors).  I've never run across one, so the default 'plug and play' monitor driver must do.

[acevedor2]

Thanks John.

Mike - I have to be honest, I have always liked Nvidia displays better than ATI.  That said, I think I am definitely goin with an Nvidia for this project because of what I have read on this forum using the search.  Only good things to say about ATI with respect to Arcade/Mame use.  Nvidia has received poor marks on this board for sure.

[Ken Layton]

Billabs are actually rebranded Wei-Ya monitors.

[tranq]

Yes, yes; there's a review of an older model at Retroblast, which is how I found out about them.   As for cards, everywhere I've been people seem to prefer Nvidia.

[jtfields]

I'm very happy with it.  Yes, you can run Windows at 1024x768 @ 60Hz.  This is fine for typical mame box administration.  I'm not clear from acevedor2's original question if he is looking to also use the monitor for normal Windows sessions.  I don't recommend it for that.  The 60Hz refresh will drive you crazy after a while.  For a mame box, it is fine.

At the risk of fully displaying my ignorance, why would the 60Hz refresh rate drive you crazy?

[TOK]

I'm very happy with it.  Yes, you can run Windows at 1024x768 @ 60Hz.  This is fine for typical mame box administration.  I'm not clear from acevedor2's original question if he is looking to also use the monitor for normal Windows sessions.  I don't recommend it for that.  The 60Hz refresh will drive you crazy after a while.  For a mame box, it is fine.

At the risk of fully displaying my ignorance, why would the 60Hz refresh rate drive you crazy?

Some people are sensitive to it. I can see a visible flicker at that refresh rate while using a PC. It usually makes my eyes start watering and gives me a headache after about an hour.

If you don't think you are capable of noticing it, use a CRT and a much higher refresh rate, then drop it back. I think most people will notice an uncomfortable difference, even if they can't place exactly what it is.

[shorthair]

I've heard about this.  I only really notice it if I look away from the monitor.  I never get tired of it, though.  Actually, LCD's can end up making my general vision funky.  But, definitely a higher refresh will get rid of the flicker.

[iamnaeth]

This is probably already know by most of you but I thought I'd post it anyways.  The reason the 60Hz screen setting bugs you is typically because your actual lights flicker at ~60Hz.  Power in the US and Canada is generated at 60 Hz therefore, the screen and the lights could get off cycle and become noticable and bug you.  If 60Hz alone made your eyes water, you'd be miserable all the time....at least indoors at night.