racketboy.com

I run different setups than others have suggested:

My recommendation is to buy a mid size 16 by 9 CRT with component video. A flat panel LCD/led can also get the job done. My first one that I still have is a 14" widescreen toshiba that puts off awesome quality through component. I am currently searching for the ever rare widescreen pvm, so that I can make a second scart to rgb setup with bookshelf speakers like my primary one.

I'd just find a smaller 4:3 TV with component/s-video in. Pawn shops are your friend.

With converting to VGA you can either get a cheap converter or a nice one, there's not much middle ground IMO.

I was very happy running PS2, dreamcast, saturn, and other consoles through a tate'd consumer CRT TV for years. The TV was cheaper than anything to convert to VGA, that's for sure.

True point but... I currently have a 32 inch sony trinitron and a slightly smaller toshiba HD CRT in my game room. Neither of those are going to be TATE'ed (is that a word?) anytime soon because they both weigh a ton. In fact I also have a 19 inch rca CRT I use at my desk for testing systems, but its a garbage little tv that is not worth more than what I use it for. So, since I already think I have all the CRT goodness I can fit, I'd like to keep this set up small. If I can make this monitor work for under 35-40 bucks I still think it's worth it to try.

+1 to noise for the assist!

Mike still had the N6! Thanks man

Specs for the monitor I have. How does this thing stack up? I have no idea what is considered good as far as all the specific numbers.

Display type: LCD / TFT active matrix
Native res: 1280x1024 at 75.0 Hz
Pixel pitch: .294 mm
Bright: 250.0 cd/m2
Contrast ratio 500:1
Color support: 16.7 million colors
Response time: 16 ms
Vertical refresh rate: 75Hz
Horizontal refresh rate: 80Hz
Interface: 1.0 VGa - 15 pin HD D-Sub (HD-15)


My picture did not go as planned
Here is a link if you want the whole thing http://www.engadget.com/products/dell/e193fp/specs/

Response time seems kinda high; you may notice ghosting.

So a smaller response rate is better. Does the ms stand for milliseconds? So the smaller the number the quicker the response? Just curious, as I plan to look for a good monitor this summer when garage sale season hits.

Yeah, ms = milliseconds. The smaller the number in response time, the faster the pixels change from one color and back again (not sure how yours is measured, black-white-black or gray-to-gray).

NOTE: This is not the same thing as input lag!

Response time is really only useful for determining how much ghosting you may notice when using the monitor; which may appear as trails in movement on screen. Input lag is a different beast, which has to do with how fast the monitor is able to process the signal it is being sent.

Well, we'll see what happens. Converter box is on its way, and I've gone ahead and modded my monitor stand to allow for full rotating. I added pics on first post for anyone that's interested in what I did. Thanks again everyone for all the pointers.

Just wanna say well done on the DIY TATE, very nice. 4:3 TATE is boss!