Sony WEGA CRT - HD or SD preferable for classic gaming?

[CRTGAMER]

I have opportunity to get a HD WEGA for free.

My only reservation, can I switch better 4:3 (black bars on side) to 16:9 like I can on my Sony Bravia LCD?

FREE, GRAB IT! Which model number? The WEGA HD CRT can display all the way up to 1080i.

I'm guessing from your description it is a widescreen tube? There is not a Full or Stretch setting in the regular menu of my 4:3 WEGA HD, though the hidden Service Menu might. It would revert to a widescreen display with bars on top and bottom for any image set above 480p. Not sure on the WEGA widescreen tubes, they are newer and might have a Full setting in the menu.

[Jagosaurus]

I have opportunity to get a HD WEGA for free.

My only reservation, can I switch better 4:3 (black bars on side) to 16:9 like I can on my Sony Bravia LCD?

FREE, GRAB IT! Which model number? The WEGA HD CRT can display all the way up to 1080i.

I'm guessing from your description it is a widescreen tube? There is not a Full or Stretch setting in the regular menu of my 4:3 WEGA HD, though the hidden Service Menu might. It would revert to a widescreen display with bars on top and bottom for any image set above 480p. Not sure on the WEGA widescreen tubes, they are newer and might have a Full setting in the menu.

Yeah CRT man, I'm excited. All I know is that is a widescreen & HD (component only, no HDMI). I'll grab the model # tonight when I see it & snap a pic. I have a relative getting rid of it & he knows I like CRTs.

[ViperVisor]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FD_Trinitron

[Jagosaurus]

Pics! I have the chance to get this 34" for free & will probably jump on it. I was wrong it does have 1 HDMI.

Model: KD-34XBR960
Super Fine Pitch 1440x1080i

I have a 27" RCA 480p EDTV FD/TruFlat already. How will this compare for retro gaming? I checked & can switch between 4:3 & 16:9.

[CRTGAMER]

Pics! I have the chance to get this 34" for free & will probably jump on it. I was wrong it does have 1 HDMI.

Model: KD-34XBR960
Super Fine Pitch 1440x1080i

I have a 27" RCA 480p EDTV FD/TruFlat already. How will this compare for retro gaming? I checked & can switch between 4:3 & 16:9.

Look at all the connections, I love WEGA HD CRTs! Note the two RF inputs, the Ant button on the remote is the only way to switch between them, not all WEGA remotes have that button. I set the spare RF input to just channel 3 for instant access to my Atari 5200 coaxial connection. One of the latest HD Tubes before they were phased out, it has HDMI instead of DVI of the older models. I use a conversion cable with mine, but have to run separate RCA audio cables. Even the Mem Stick slot is better then mine, it supports the Pro series Mem sticks. Ooh yeah, better snag it!

Since it is at a relatives house and a very heavy TV, maybe hook a console up before hauling it out? Be sure to try a console that at least has component capability and the right game to test; PS2 Gran Turismo 4 and Tourist Trophy can be set to 1080i. I think you will be impressed with the quality, especially when you try the HD mode.

I am curious how the 4:3 & 16:9 picture comes out. Does a 4:3 image of an older non HD console fill the screen in either setting? I prefer a 4:3 HD Tube since most of my consoles are not wide screen. That stated, any HD Tube will give you a great pic, especially for older consoles as well as HD signals of new consoles and movie players.

The Sony Support site has PDF manuals, found yours. Page 59 goes into detail on the different screen modes. It looks like it has all the options including the Full fill the screen mode.

Sony Support PDF Manual - http://www.docs.sony.com/release/KD34XBR960.pdf

[sonic2041]

I would definitely take that if I could get it for free. I like how it has multiple S-video inputs, and having an HDMI input is great.

One thing that doesn't make sense to me is the 1440 by 1080i resolution. That's 4:3, but the TV is clearly widescreen.

Also, Does anybody know how badly these TVs overscan, or do they have a per-pixel mode?

[AppleQueso]

The XBRs are multiscan iirc, so the TV can actually switch to proper 15khz modes for old games and such. A lot of HD CRTs don't actually do that.

Definitely worth picking up.

[Jagosaurus]

Thanks for the input everyone. I'm definitely looking to snag it. He lives two hours away but I visit a few times a year so Ill snag it when I can recruit a friend to lift! Yeah, the iputs are awesome. The ability to have my Genesis & Blu Ray player (HDMI) hooked up to the same TV is pretty nuts.

@ CRT, I have played non HD consoles on this TV (before I knew I was going to be offered it lol). Much like my Sony LCD, it will stretch the image to fit 16:9 (still doesn't look terrible IMO) or have the black barson the side in 4:3.

[CRTGAMER]

I'm definitely looking to snag it.

Good for you! The stretch is the way I do it too to fill in all the screen estate, an opposite affect watching widescreen anamorphic movies on my 4:3 HD tube. The CRT is so much more forgiving, the image though stretched has none of the pixilation upscale issues that plague older LCDs.

The one picture you posted showing the TV spun out on one side past the stand made me cringe a little. Most of the weight is at the front, have care when you move it. The HD CRT weighs almost double compared to a same sized standard tube. I added an anchor bolt to both of my sets due to the front heavy aspect, any easy preventative measure.

[Jagosaurus]

I'm definitely looking to snag it.

Good for you! The stretch is the way I do it too to fill in all the screen estate, an opposite affect watching widescreen anamorphic movies on my 4:3 HD tube. The CRT is so much more forgiving, the image though stretched has none of the pixilation upscale issues that plague older LCDs.

The one picture you posted showing the TV spun out on one side past the stand made me cringe a little. Most of the weight is at the front, have care when you move it. The HD CRT weighs almost double compared to a same sized standard tube. I added an anchor bolt to both of my sets due to the front heavy aspect, any easy preventative measure.

Anchors! Very impressive. Yeah I helped him move that bad boy upstairs a few years ago. I remember the front being awkwardly heavy so I was being careful.

What makes the HD CRTs heavy in front? My Tru Flat/ FD CRT (RCA 27") seems to have the weight distributed differently.