CRT Monitors? Anyone?

[WLC-1989]

Hey Guys,

I'm looking for a monitor to accompany my new build, which has at least a resolution of 1600x1200 (and is preferably in black ).

Although my initial searches were solely for LCD screens, I have since spent a significant amount of time looking for CRTs with comparable features. It strikes me as very odd that a technology which offers better colour reproduction (and more) can be replaced in what seems like a short time by a technology which lacks such features; I recall seeing CRTs everywhere only a year or so ago, but now you'd be lucky if anyone stocks them, let alone makes them.

On my searches of the net, I have come across one screen in particular which seems to have a fantastic specification that suits what I need for an afforable price: The Samsung SM1100MB. Not only does it do 1600x1200 @ Above 100hz, it also supports QXGA at a very respectble 80hz.

Still, I'm sure there are others available with perhaps more modest max-resolutions (UXGA) but still high refresh frequencies, yet unfortunately, these seem to be most difficult to locate; it seems near impossible to find anyone who stocks them in this country. Is the above forementioned monitor (and CRTs as a whole) really that decrepid by modern standards? I thought CRTs were still considered gaming-monitors of choice by many.

So my question: Is there anywhere which still stocks top-of-the-range CRT displays within the UK? Also, can anyone recommend any other CRT monitors which operate at 1600x1200 @ 80hz+, or indeed, LCD monitors which have this resolution at a reasonable price?

I'm starting to resign myself to the fact that I'll end up getting a 17" LCD with a resolution of 1280x1024, which, although not bad by any means, doesn't really do what I need.

Thanks for any help you can give.

[Koolpc]

I was in the same boat as you. I was trying to decide wether or not to get a TFT or a new CRT. I researched a lot and in the end i bought an Xerox XAP 17" TFT. Had it for a couple of months or so and it is awesome! Really crisp and no errors at all. Plus, with the glass front it is easy to clean and it protects the TFT screen!

[WLC-1989]

Thanks for the reply Koolpc. Unfortunately, although the monitor you have certainly has nice colour reproduction etc from what the Xerox site tells me, none of the range go to 1600x1200.

Keep the suggestions coming though, guys.

[Hottentot]

I don't think many manufacturers (Samasung, Iiyama) make CRTs anymore. I been looking to replace my 22" CRT but the only thing that comes close is one of the 24" TFTs which are too pricey for me. You could try second hand units from flea bay, they are pretty cheap but its a bit of a lottery as to a quality.

[kalniel]

Scan may have this one if you bug them:

http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/Produ...oductID=168321

Savastore have this one capable of 1920x1440
http://www.savastore.com/productinfo...pid=0&rstrat=0

[Funkstar]

Whats your budget?

i have the Viewsonic VP2030B in mind as a photo editing monitor....eventually

http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/Produ...oductID=326951

[jamena]

2nd hand might be the way to go for CRT as people switch to TFT, but as you're discovering people rather took to the slimmer lighter option. If you want 1600x1200 on a TFT you're looking at a 20" model I reckon. If you go for widescreen 20" (1680x1050) you're looking at around the £280 mark and upwards. 4:3 ratio 20"ers are generally a bit dearer. In terms of picture quality I think you'll find current model TFTs are very good. Only the extremely picky and those who are serious photographers might find enough fault to not buy TFT in terms of picture quality. Price is the other concern I guess, but then 1280x1024 with all the settings turned up isn't exactly bad!

[Smokey21]

Scan may have this one if you bug them:

http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/Produ...oductID=168321

I have the same. Had it for 2 years, love it. 1600x1200 @ 85hz, 1280x1024 at 100hz. great monitor if you want a CRT.

Also has a nice button on the front that increases prices 2 times, easy and quick, good for games like D3, and Quake 4.

[WLC-1989]

I have the same. Had it for 2 years, love it. 1600x1200 @ 85hz, 1280x1024 at 100hz. great monitor if you want a CRT.

Also has a nice button on the front that increases prices 2 times, easy and quick, good for games like D3, and Quake 4.

I had checked that monitor out, and asked about availability in the Scan forum... Never realised it did 1600x1200 @ 85hz though! Sounds perfect for what I need.

May I just ask you, Smokey21: Is the screen a true flat one, or one of those rounded screens with a flat plate over them, to give the illusion that they are flat?


#EDIT#
Just checked on Overclockers' site, and they give the resolutions at:
- 1600 x 1200 @ 75 Hz Max. Resolution
- 1280 x 1024 @ 85 Hz Recommended
Which isn't really what I was looking for.

[oshta]

I'd still go for a tft over a crt if you can afford a good one.
- I too was very anti-tft. Then i got one, and was blown away!



Daniel

[charleski]

TFTs are *much* sharper than CRTs. I would always notice that when going from my laptop back to the Iiyama 17" I used to use on the desktop (which was still going strong after 6 years). If colour reproduction is important, then CRTs still rule, but for that you're looking at professional calibrated machines that don't come in under 4 figures.

[WLC-1989]

I would certainly go for a LCD if I could afford one at the resolution I need. Colour reproduction on CRTs is obviously the best, but I would still favour an LCD if it were of a similar price.

Could anyone perhaps suggest a LCD screen of 1600x1200 or above which is of a reasonable price?

[Norky]

I've been sitting in the dark all week as the sun shines into my room and I can't see my CRT

[Mithrandir]

TFTs have matured well over the past couple of years and recent releases rival or even surpass the quality of a good quality CRT (ones like Mitsubishi DiamondPro, etc)

If you have room then you can defintely pick up fantastic CRT bargains. My original Mitubishi 720 stopped working after 3-4 years and I was on the hunt for another. In the end I managed to get one (diamond pro 750) from ebay for less than £20 (although the owner wanted to get rid of it and would have taken a fiver). The only downside to CRT are that they consime a lot of power and in return generate a lot of heat. colours are not as vibrant as TFTs but it seems CRTs are more flexible in the range of colours/temps but range of resolutions can't be faulted.

I've placed an order for a Daewoo Lucoms from Scan today only and still awaiting delivery. Hopefully the quality is good, but I think I've chosen a good time to migrate to TFT.
I'll still have my CRT next to it though.


WarrenLCooper I think only 20" TFTs have resolutions of 1600x1200 and they don't come cheap, probably around £300-£400.

[Waka]

I don't know if you are near York, but if I was in your position I would *definitely* get this:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Mitsubishi-Dia...QQcmdZViewItem

Not black, but does 2048 x 1536 / 86 Hz !

My Mitsu 2040u is still looks great after 6 years.

And another thing... ;-) why does my 17" laptop manage 1920x1200 yet it's virtually impossible to find a stand-alone screen of that size at this resolution?

W.

[Smokey21]

I had checked that monitor out, and asked about availability in the Scan forum... Never realised it did 1600x1200 @ 85hz though! Sounds perfect for what I need.

May I just ask you, Smokey21: Is the screen a true flat one, or one of those rounded screens with a flat plate over them, to give the illusion that they are flat?


#EDIT#
Just checked on Overclockers' site, and they give the resolutions at:
- 1600 x 1200 @ 75 Hz Max. Resolution
- 1280 x 1024 @ 85 Hz Recommended
Which isn't really what I was looking for.

Sorry, got the links mixed up, i meant the 2nd link, the NEC obviously, as in my sig.