Help me find a small monitor/tv for my retro stuff!

[Bradtemple87]

I have the HD side of things covered with my plasma for the ps3 and 360, but I am lacking something around 17-20" for my retro systems to sit next to my iMac on my computer desk. I am thinking something component and s-video ready. I have been thinking about possibly hooking up the dreamcast through vga as well. I have looked at the various guides we have from CRT and other members. I am not partial toward crt vs flatscreen but I do want the proper screen displays for the systems below:

Sega Genesis - Model 1
Snes - model 2 (mini)
Sega Saturn - model 2
Sega Dreamcast
Playstation 2 - slim

I found a 20" Toshiba CRT in my parents garage in great shape, but it only has a few composite inputs. That could always be a something to start with. Any suggestions? I appreciate the help everyone!

[CRTGAMER]

THRIFT STORES
Plenty of CRTs with SVideo and even Component hookups at a great price.

[Ziggy]

Craigslist. Might be able to find something in your area. Some one that upgraded to an HDTV and just wants to get rid of their old (or not so old) CRT, you can get it for cheap. Or just put the word out to people you know, my retro game room always has a handed-down CRT TV in it. Started off with older and smaller bubble screens, got a few TVs here and there through the years, now I've finally got a nice 25 or 27" flat screen CRT with S-Video and component. Free always makes it better lol. A lot of people that upgrade to an HDTV just want to get rid of their CRT with no hassle, which is great for us! Search Craiglist, or Goodwills/thriftstores as CRTgamer suggested. Also keep an eye out for garage sales, if you don't mind the hunt. In the past, I've even found decent TVs on the curb.

[Hatta]

What you'll probably find most readily available are Sony Wega Trinitron sets. Good shit.

[Mechblue]

bummer you don't live closer, we got a decent sized Sanyo tv that has both component and composite inputs we're about to toss it on Craigslist.

I'm sure you could find plenty of good cheap sets on craigslist. Getting harder to get rid of these TVs.

[o.pwuaioc]

I'm right there looking for one too, and in your area as well! If you find an extra one, lemme know. I'll take even smaller than 17''.

[Anapan]

I too would suggest getting a Sony FD Trinitron/WEGA (or just a regular Trinitron if you don't mind the bubble shape) from Craigslist. They're really common, and one that size should be really cheap too. Lol, there's an older 15" Sony CRT sitting on the side of the street 5 houses down from me.

If you're willing to search around and want a better solution, you might want to look into a 1084 Amiga monitor. It's only 13" but the picture is very good. They're SCART ready (Composite too), and all the consoles you listed have SCART cables available. I wasn't willing to wait for one to pop up around my area, so I ordered one from the UK. Even with the cost of shipping I'm happy with the purchase.

[fastbilly1]

I will second the Amiga monitor suggestion. My 1084 has many hours on it, but has a mighty fine picture on it and is just the right size.

[arnold_the_bartender]

I'm looking for a component ready CRT as well. Though I play my retro consoles such as the Genesis through component, there's no doubt the image will be slightly better on a CRT, even though my 27" Samsung LCD supports down to 240.

I heard the Sony WEGA's are good to go for. My aunt has a big one at her house. It's a beast and I'm pretty sure it weighs a lot but is THE ideal CRT for retro gaming. As for Dreamcast, I think it'll still look good on HDTVs though probably better on CRTs. I have my DC hooked up through VGA with a VGA box (comes with S-Video as well. I recommend getting the same one I bought. I think it's the same one that is sold in the Racketboy store.) to my Samsung and it looks nice and sharp. I've never seen DC gaming look any better.

[sevin0seven]

THRIFT STORES
Plenty of CRTs with SVideo and even Component hookups at a great price.

^this!

my local thrift stores always have new/used CRTs in stock (most of them made for gaming).