So what are we supposed to do?

[smurf]

We've got a million choices for montiors but it seems like everything single one sucks. I've read reviews for just about every monitor and all of the feelings are mixed. Some people say D2900 is the best. Others say Betson is the best. So I've read into them and always find people saying that the monitor breaks in a matter of weeks or has discoloring issues.  How can anyone decide on a monitor and how are you supposed to make the thing work longer than a week? This has me really frusterated (as if you couldn't tell).  I want a 27" monitor capable of running most if not all games possible. It's impossible, I say. Doesn't anyone have a solution by now? Surely there's a Ultrastik 360 of the montiors out there somewhere (what I mean is the 360 is the answer to all joysticks. We need a monitor like that).

[Ken Layton]

Try www.niemandisplays.com

[ahofle]

There isn't an ultimate choice for arcade monitors unfortunately, although I haven't read very many Betson or Billabs complaints (the D9200 has a bad rep around here though).  Just so you know, the Nieman multisync is not digital, and therefore not the best choice for a MAME cabinet if that's what you are going for.  I've heard nothing but great things about the quality of their monitors though (Ken's recommendation really says something).  Rick from Nieman Displays also mentioned a while back about the possible development of a Nieman's digital multisync.  If that day ever happens, I think it is very possible that would be considered the U360 of arcade monitors for MAME cabinets.

[nen10dough]

Any recommendations for a good 19" MAME arcade monitor then?  I've read the same complaints about Happs and WG.

[smurf]

There isn't an ultimate choice for arcade monitors unfortunately, although I haven't read very many Betson or Billabs complaints (the D9200 has a bad rep around here though).  Just so you know, the Nieman multisync is not digital, and therefore not the best choice for a MAME cabinet if that's what you are going for.  I've heard nothing but great things about the quality of their monitors though (Ken's recommendation really says something).  Rick from Nieman Displays also mentioned a while back about the possible development of a Nieman's digital multisync.  If that day ever happens, I think it is very possible that would be considered the U360 of arcade monitors for MAME cabinets.

What is your opinion on Beston monitors? I'm thinking that it's probably the best. Unfortuanatly its like trying to hit a lottery when buying an arcade monitor. If you're lucky you'll get a monitor that lasts years. If you don't "win" the lottery then your monitor is like the majority and it suffers from discoloration or it just won't turn on.

[ahofle]

What is your opinion on Beston monitors? I'm thinking that it's probably the best. Unfortuanatly its like trying to hit a lottery when buying an arcade monitor. If you're lucky you'll get a monitor that lasts years. If you don't "win" the lottery then your monitor is like the majority and it suffers from discoloration or it just won't turn on.

I have the Betson (about 6 months old now).  Frankly I'm not sure where you are getting all these horror stories of dead new arcade monitors.  The only monitor I've read consistent bad reviews about is the D9200 which is now out of production.  I have heard mostly good about the Betson and Billabs.  There are exceptions of course, but it's nothing near as bad as you describe it (ie. lottery).  My only complaint with the Betson is that there is a bit of quishing on the far right and left of the monitor in certain CGA resolutions.  A few others have reported the same geometry issue.  Mine is not terrible, but noticeable.  Other than that it's been rock solid and looks terrific.