Good CRT Models?

[TIGR]

For someone set on getting a CRT monitor (here's why), what are some good models to look out for? I've been scanning Craigslist and Ebay for the exceptional Sony GDM-FW900 or one of its variants (SGI GDM-FW9011 or HP A7217A) but for something like this, shipping is something worth avoiding if possible and I haven't found any in my area at a reasonable price. And of course, these are rather well-known models that are likely to be snapped up quickly.

So what are some other CRTs 21" or larger that are worth looking for but might be easier to find? I tend to think anything with a Trinitron tube should be decent but specific model numbers would be useful as I search.

I'd like to pick up three and don't care if they match. They'd be used for gaming, graphics design, video and DSLR photo editing, and "regular computing stuff." Believe it or not, I find CRTs are easier on my eyes than LCDs.

Will happily "thank" anyone who contributes good suggestions and advice for myself and anyone else who might be viewing.

 

[Sir_Real]

I'd forget bout getting a CRT, theres a big problem with still using crt's ( for gaming ). This problem being some games even new releases dont have an option to change the refresh rate its stuck at the default 60htz.
Afew years back when most people had win XP there was ways around this using force refresh rate in the driver or dx9 settings or software like powerstrip. This force refresh rate option is no long available with vista or 7. It simply doesnt work with DX10 or DX11

So some games displayed on a crt will always flicker away at 60htz (Not good for your eyes)

Obveusly LCD's dont strobe like crt's so theres usually no need to change from 60htz

 

[FordGT90Concept]

I'm afraid CRTs are out of production. The only way to get one is used and everything available used was built about two years ago which means they aren't likely to survive more than approximately two years. Basically, due to the market outright rejecting CRTs (they aren't "fashionable" ), it is bad idea to get one for support sake.


I was faced with a similar situation as you not even a year ago (my 17" CRT died). I got something similar to this: SAMSUNG 2443BWT-1 Black 24" 5ms Widescreen Height ...

Basically, you trade a decrease in response time for an increase in real estate (pixels).

 

[TIGR]

Thanks for the input so far. I should have put some more info in the OP rather than just linking to it.

I'm already using a 17" CRT for gaming without any issues and loving it, even though it's a very old one that has dimmed significantly over the years. I did an experiment spanning about six months and ~27,000 kills in CoD4 to see how using a CRT impacted my gaming performance and found that it improved my KDR (Kill to Death Ratio) tremendously. That's in part why I want a CRT. Like I said, I also find them easier on my eyes (the opposite of what most people report).

There is an active community of CRT devotees over at [H], where you'll find this huge topic about the GDM-FW900 CRT.

I'm aware of the issues CRT users face and of the fact that they aren't made any more. I also understand there will be no support and that used is probably the best bet (although there are still new ones for sale in various places that have simply been sitting in warehouses for years). At the moment I am considering buying two Sony P1130s for $10 each. At that price, I really don't care about support. Just wondering if there's something better I should consider.

 

[Sir_Real]

P1130 excellent crt. 2048 x 1536 at 80 Hz may require a monitor driver mod for it to show up in the windows resolution setting. Simple edit to the MONITOR.INF file in the windows folder.

But then thats only if your using win xp still. If you have vista or win7 theres a good chance 1600x1200 will be the max resolution you can select. There is a vga cable mod to around this tho.

 

[TIGR]

^^ Good to know, thanks. I wouldn't bother with the mod as 1600x1200 is adequate for me.

 

[sneekypeet]

Ever make it northern Ohio I got a tank CRT in my basement collecting dust. 21" IIRC

 

[TIGR]

Haha sounds good sneeky, any idea what model that is?

 

[sneekypeet]

lemme run into the dungeon and look....expect an edit. Don't think its flat either.

model matches to this, although mine seems a bit more "off" white
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000056SMP/?tag=tec06d-20

 

[Frick]

Nokia made some real good CRT monitors I think..

 

[FordGT90Concept]

I did an experiment spanning about six months and ~27,000 kills in CoD4 to see how using a CRT impacted my gaming performance and found that it improved my KDR (Kill to Death Ratio) tremendously.

What monitor were you using before then?

 

[TIGR]

^^ Some details here.

Edit to add something kinda amusing: the number one way I personally can check for input lag is to play Minesweeper. It's easy to play fast with smooth and precise clicks using the CRT or low-input-lag LCD. With more input lag, it's downright frustrating.

 

[FordGT90Concept]

Maybe you should consider using a plasma TV (they don't sell plasma monitors because of the burn in) instead of an LCD. Make sure it has anti-burn technologies and that you enable them. Also make sure your monitor either goes off, or a screen saver comes on after being idle for a few minutes. As far as I know, plasma doesn't have latency problems like LCD.

 

[Tatty_Two]

If your ever on holiday in the UK, I have this 19 inch LG Flatron in my attic, pretty much mint condition that you can pick up for free

http://www.computerdisplays.co.uk/19 inch monitors/lg_915ft.htm