CRT issue, what is it happening?

[RCBH928]

Look at my CRT screen, see those black lines by the sides of the text. Why does this happen?
I lately started to notice this. I also can see some sort of bars on the screen that are like brighter than the rest of the picture, horizontal too, but not always. Looks like it is affected only by some colors.

I am using a switch box . I didn't notice a difference in color using my other devices that are not connected to the switch box like my 360.

This didn't use to happen. Do you have any idea what this image turns out like this?
Can you recommend a good switch box they seem rare if you ask me.
Would like to see a component switch box too.

[Cronozilla]

It looks like interference.

And you're saying the same source, when directly hooked to the TV, doesn't do this? If that's the case, then yeah it's likely the switch box.

The best I know of is the circuitry inside most audio receivers. But using it purely as a switch box would be needlessly expensive (Though I saw some Sony ones on sale with HDMI upscaling and 7.1 audio for $280 ... so maybe not :\)

[BoringSupreez]

I don't know if it's interference. I notice all the bars are lined up with the text, which makes me think it's the TV's problem.

Try playing the video you're watching through a different hookup, and see if you get the same problem.

[CRTGAMER]

Try attaching the cable directly from the DVD Player to the TV. This will confirm if the switchbox is the problem. Strange the way the bars are in line with the text, does not look like a good sign.

[Jontendo]

Yours is exaggerated, but I think every CRT does this to some degree near boarders of sharp contrast.

If cabling & connection quality have been ruled out, that would make me wonder about TV contrast setting (too high), AGC setting and/or TV age (component wear).

I think the "technical" term for the problem is "smearing", if you want to investigate other potential solutions.

[Zing]

It definitely looks like the contrast is too high.

[RCBH928]

The contrast is not too high,
I changed sharpness and contrast on the image to make the bars more visible as my blackberry camera will not capture the CRT as I see it.

Yes those bars are out there because of the TEXT thats why its outlined. Whenever text pops up this happens and it also happens during viewing the film at certain times though they are not black bars. Its like a slight brightness shift.

Suppose this is because of the switch box, what switch box can I use?
Everyone out there has 10's of things hooked up to their tv, but I never heard of a good switch box.

[flojocabron]

some tv's the older they are the weirder they get.

I had an old tv, and whenever a white screen came on (some commercials and PSA's) you would get a hissing sound and strange fuzzyness.

It also doesnt help that it had cheap bunny ears and it was kinda snowy.

There are also times when theres too much red (on screen) or the color is off and you get red shadows strange things would happen to your tv.

Growing up I also had an older TV that had to heat up(?). when you turn them on the first hour or so, it had a strange fuzzy look and once fully on it would go away. It was also accompanied by a slight shreiking sound. It was the only tv you had and you had to get used to it.

Like I said TV's (especially older ones) can be strange.

[Cronozilla]

Welcome to the world of A/V where manufacturers cut corners and don't seem to understand that radio frequencies and magnetic fields interfere with video and audio signals.

I don't know of any specific A/V switch brand or model that is "amazing" or anything. Every system I have set up uses an audio receiver to do the switching. Except for on TV which has a GE switch box. The signals look OK, but I'm not particularly concerned with artifacts on the screen on that setup.

And TVs age too. I have a Samsung HD CRT which is bowing ... it started after 2 years because the voltages were set too high and it blew a resistor. It really sucks when this stuff happens. And sadly CRTs are the more dangerous type of display to operate on if there is an issue you can fix.

To be honest, your description is starting to sound more like the TV being the issue, not signal interference. It sounds like it acts differently at different times.

[RCBH928]

I dunno, my 360 looks crisp and beautiful, plus its a Sony not a cheap brand. Even more, its one of the last CRTs made . I bought it like in 2004 before the flat panel craze started. Its not like from 1995.

From my experience, cheap CRT's will die quickly but good quality ones last a life time. We all have seen TV's from the 70's working OK!

Personally, I have been looking for an excuse to buy an HDTV but What would i hook the retro consoles to? particularly I am mostly concerned about the 64 as I emulate about everything else. I hear retro consoles and HDTV don't play well, and I DO NOT want to have 2 TV setups. I just don't have the space.