Looking to jump into the monitor arena

[btp2k2]

OK....I am a noob...No point in denying it. For the record, I have already been to the Wiki, and still have questions....so please be nice when deciding to flame the noob.

I have built a few cabinets using various forms of monitors....used the S-Video equiped TV, used a large CRT computer monitor, so on and so forth.

For my next cab, I want to go with an arcade monitor. I have been looking around trying to research, but haven't gotten very far. I have looked at the WG site, and the thought of explaining a $500 bill to my wife for a single part frightens me. I have found plenty of monitors that are more affordable, but I have no idea how they hook up, etc. Like I said before...I am a noob when it comes to arcade monitors. Any cost effective options out there that can hook up to a PC with minimal effort and still have a decent picture? I am looking for something in the 19 inch range. Any ideas would be most helpful.

Thanks

[Hawkypro]

Any cost effective options out there that can hook up to a PC with minimal effort and still have a decent picture?

This might help.

http://www.ultimarc.com/avgainf.html

[StephenH]

I heard that Wells Gardners are unreliable.  I would consider checking out the options from these companies:

www.billabs.com
www.niemandisplays.com
www.betson.com
www.happcontrols.com


On the resolutions:

CGA (up to 300 vertical pixels) - Standard Res (15Khz) - Most Arcade Games Run at this resolution

EGA (up to 450 vertical pixels) - Medium-Res (25Khz) - A few arcade games run at this resolution

VGA (Typically 480 vertical pixels) - (31Khz) - A few newer arcade games run at this resolution, as well as the common PC 640x480 resolution

SVGA (Up to 600 Vertical Pixels) - (38Khz) - This is for the popular 800x600  PC resolution

XGA (Up to 768 Vertical Pixels) - 48Khz - This is for the popular PC resolution

So, basically get a monitor that will run the resolutions you want.  Please note that if you plan to run 15Khz or 25Khz resolutions, you need a video card capable of outputing them (such as ArcadeVGA).

[sfrascella]

You can get a Happ 19" Vision Pro on E-bay shipped to your door for $200.00. and get an arcade vga card from Ultimarc for around $100.00. I think you need a modified vga cable to hook up the monitor, but if you have any trouble Andy from Ultimarc is great with tech support and fast response.

[btp2k2]

Thanks guys, I ended up swallowing the 500 dollar bill and going with the Betson Imperial.

The RetroBlast review is what sold me....

Now, my biggest question is which ACT Labs gun to go with...since it is hooked up through the VGA, I would say the PC version....but I have heard it said that an arcade monitor is closer to a TV....so there is some confusion....anyone know the answer?