Computer Monitor or a TV?

[Hoagie_one]

I'm about to start my first MAMEBOX and I want to know which is the prefered Video on people's cabinets.

I was gonna use a Computer Monitor but the larger size of a TV would be premium.

Need input.
Thanks

[BillyJack]

Input... input... ok...

Wouldn't you like to be a Pepper too?

[Hoagie_one]

um...Ok.

Seriously though, has anyone had any issues with using a TV instead.  Like resolution or just looking right?

[AlanS17]

One issue I would imagine with most TV's would be having to turn it on seperately. You couldn't just flip one switch. It's not so authenti. Plus I don't know how others do it, but wouldn't mounting also be an issue? I wouldn't want a TV sitting on a shelf inside a machine so that it looks like an arcade machine... I'd want a real arcade machine.

I use a VGA monitor with mounts for the machine. Acts like a computer but looks and feels like an arcade monitor. It's the best of bothworld (to me).

Lots of people complain that computer monitors don't look realistic enough because they show the picture TOO well, but mine isn't top grade. It's a kiosk quality monitor. Nobody would know it's not a real arcade monitor... Plus with easy, STABLE mounting and quick connecting, I think it's the best solution...

If I wanted to play games on a TV I'd just hook them up to a big TV in my living room...


(Personal opinion... I'm sure somebody will have something to say about that...)

[shmokes]

Here's a link to a quick comparison of different monitor options.

http://www.oscarcontrols.com/monitors.shtml

All things considered I think a TV is your best bet.  The picture is very close to a true arcade monitor, without having to hack or use advance mame.  It's also the least expensive option.  People tend to feel that PC monitors display the lines too crisply and sharp to be authentic.  They are also comparitively VERY expensive (compare a 27" TV price with a 27" PC monitor price).

As far as mounting goes just put the TV on a shelf and put a bezel around the screen and cover it all with a sheet of lexan, plexi or glass (preferrably smoked).  The shelf is covered and as far as anyone can tell by looking at it, it may as well be a properly mounted arcade monitor.

All things considered except cost moves the Wells Gardner D9200 up to the top of the list.  It's like a best of both worlds Arcade Monitor/PC Monitor.  It hooks directly to any videocard and will display resolutions up to 800x600 (as opposed to a maximum 640x480 for a TV) but displays a much more "arcade-like" picture than a regular PC monitor.  A new one will set you back about $500 shipped, though.  It is 27", by the way.

The general concesus, though some disagree, is that a PC monitor is the least attractive of the different available options, but if you plan to use your machine for windows related tasks such as word processing, etc. a PC monitor is really your only choice.  It's really very dependant on your personal situation, preference, disposable income, electronics capability (for hacking arcade monitor cables).  

Keep an eye on the monitor forum.  This stuff really has been discussed a lot and you'll be able to find more info there on the subject than you could ever want.  Use the search feature near the top of the page to search the forum for things like "which monitor" or "PC monitor v. TV".  When you find a post that seems relevant click on the subject line of the post and it will take you to the entire thread.

Good luck.

[Hoagie_one]

Thanks.  Stupid me, didnt even realize there was a monitor forum, lol

[Cue-Ball]

I originally tried using a TV in my cabinet and it SUCKED!  Televisions just were not designed to be watched from 2 feet away.  The picture is just too blurry when you're that close.  I changed out using a 24" TV over s-video for a 21" Viewsonic monitor and i would never in a million years go back to the TV.  The monitor is only 3" smaller, but is much more crisp and clean looking.  I don't have to worry about any refresh issues that come about from using a TV.  I can run my FE at up to 1600 x 1200 resolution, whereas a TV only supports a max of 800x600 (and actually displays much lower than that).  Not to mention that i bought a used 21" monitor for well under $200.  You're not going to find a decent TV that supports S-Vid for that much money.

Frankly, after trying both, the only advantage the TV has is size.  And when your face is 2 feet from the screen, that extra 3-4" really doesn't matter (in fact, all my friends have commented on how BIG the screen looks).

[Hoagie_one]

aye, i think im gonna go with a computer style monitor

[paigeoliver]

I personally prefer computer monitors. I LIKE the nice sharp picture that they put out. I think classic games look great on PC monitors.

I also own a lot of real games, so I would rather save my good arcade monitors for my real games anyway.

[pmc]

Cost made my decision for me. I found a 20" computer monitor used for $40 and my existing video card will work with it. So I'm up and running with no more hunting for the perfect TV and don't have to go buy a video card either.

But I do want to switch to a TV eventually so that I can a) get a bigger and more authentic looking image, and b) install my Sega Genny and SONY PSX in the same cab and use arcade controls instead of the handheld gamepads. The retrofit should be very easy to do (just a new bezel and an s-video capable AGP card).

[cp316]

where did you find one for that price.  I can't seem to find one for less than 150

[chuggy]

One issue I would imagine with most TV's would be having to turn it on seperately. You couldn't just flip one switch. It's not so authenti.

One simple ass solution that no one has mentioned is if you hold the power button down while the tv is on, then unplug the tv, and plug the tv back in, the tv powers on. So basicly you could wire the whole shabang to turn on wiht one switch. I just plugged 2 staples in, and it did the trick. im sure you could get creative.

(maybe it was just my T.V., but maybe not. Check out your system)

[pmc]

where did you find one for that price.  I can't seem to find one for less than 150

On the Internet!

Seriously, I used a local forsale USENET group and picked it up directly from the seller. I got an early 90's Hitachi SuperScan that's clearly been around the block (a little blurry, a little jiggly on the edges, picture doesn't like to center well, manual degauss). It was perhaps $1000 new and way past its prime. But for MAME, it's perfect. I'm not certain I'd appreciate it at all if it was my everyday monitor. Horizontal games are great, but verticals are little small. Rotating the display makes for great vertical games too!

I see 19-in used displays for $100 here and there. But that's starting to get a little small for MAME. I'd look for a 21" and expect to pay $120 minimum depending on age and condition. It's the end of the school season and students need to clean house before going home. Gotta be some 20/21" displays out there cheap (they are big n' heavy!).

- Patrick