Marco Retro recently uploaded a video showing the differences between a few different consumer CRT’s, as well as Sony PVM, BVM and JVC monitors, most multiformat. While the video was partly a story about Maro’s journey to decide which of these amazing high-end displays would be better for his main gaming setup, there’s also some excellent comparison shots that help give people a sense of what the actual differences between them are. I loved the 480i comparisons and even just seeing how each of them handled different resolutions was great! Even if you own these exact monitors, you may not have gotten to see them side-by-side like this and I highly recommend the video.
As always, I have my own opinions on some of what Marco showed. One example is I actually think 480p looked excellent on the 20L5 I had, but I agree with Marco that finding a PC CRT monitor with a Trinitron tube would be at least equal to the 20L5…and far cheaper. In fact, I always suggest people consider two displays (one PVM, one PC VGA CRT monitor), rather than a multiformat, as it’s often much cheaper overall.
…and while I agreed that the BVM’s handling of 480i was a bit too sharp for video content, it’s also such a wonderfully unique experience that I think anyone who owns one should give it a try! In fact, I watched the whole Godfather Saga on Betamax via an E-Series BVM, D32, consumer-grade, 20″ Sony CRT and the RT4K on an OLED via it’s CRT simulation. I enjoyed all of them equally, but I definitely think there was something truly unique about watching it on a BVM.
So while you absolutely do NOT need an expensive, rare CRT to enjoy video games – Just like you don’t need an expensive, rare car to enjoy driving – I think seeing these in action is something most retro enthusiasts would enjoy! Oh and stay till the end for a cameo and some more excellent CRT footage…you won’t be disappointed 🙂
