Cheap, nice 27" CRT @ Walmart for classic gaming

[+wood_jl]

Looking for a 27" CRT? GOOD LUCK!!! Did your nice one break down yesterday and you think you can replace it easily? BWAAAAA HA HA HA HA!!! THINK AGAIN!!! Happened to me last week!

 

Several years ago I was in the market for a 27" CRT and looked and settled on a Trinitron KV-27something. I didn't see Toshibas where I was looking, but it was a choice between a Sanyo (low-boy then) and the Sony. This is before the "WEGA" stuff came out. I've always thought Trinitrons had great pictures, but were overpriced but got one anyway.

 

So last week my Trinitron took a dump and it was prohibitively expensive to repair. After doing some research on the web, I find that LOTS of people had trouble with their Trinitrons of the era. Seems they have a nice picture when they work, but the coax (tuning) was kind of flaky on mine for the past couple of years and finally the vertical scanning went out so I chucked it into the dumpster.

 

I went looking for a WEGA Trinitron (27" CRT is all I want) and I couldn't find one anywhere. So have to settle for a cheapie. Note I'm not interested in Hi-def yet. As appealing as the new stuff is, somehow the PS2/Xbox(1)/Gamecube and even Dreamcast graphics [i guess these are now "classic" systems] still look good to me and I have more games than I can ever play. Not mention PS1/Saturn/N64 won't improve on hi-def. Ditto SNES/Genesis. Ditto NES/2600. I have TONS of DVDs and I'm not buying any new-format movies. When the smoke all clears in future years - all channels are hi-def with no compromise and all standards have not only been established but have become dirt cheap - then I'm ready. I know I must seem like Grandpa, but just because something isn't the lastest technology doesn't INSTANTLY TRANSFORM IT INTO SHIT. I guess I can't help it if "regular" TV (a quality tube, mind you) still looks good to my defective eye.

 

Enter the Sanyo at Walmart. Over the past several years, I guess they've improved. I picked up a "HT27547" which is flat screen. It has the speakers on "the sides" like a WEGA. It's also BLACK which I like because the silver crap looks so "Krylon" to me. (the HT27546 was the store display and is cheap-o silver).

 

I must tell you I am impressed, for a cheapie. The picture is sharp and the colors are bright. For $270 I think it's a good deal because it appears to be high-end CRT even though I know it is not. Hell, I can't believe how clear the 2600's RF comes in - I didn't know how crappy my Sony's coax input was getting until I tried this. The 130XE through S-video looks smashing! There's also a component video input but I don't know why anyone would want to use it on a "low-def" TV. I can't imagine any improvement over S-video at this low resolution.

 

This unit also has a digital tuner so (if I understand correctly) it will pick up HDTV signals in 2009 and downgrade them to "shit" which is what I am accustomed to. I think a lot of TVs have that now.

 

The only other 27" CRT they had was an "ILO" brand that has the WORST REVIEWS I've ever seen. Even on Walmart.com the user reviews are universally bad - quits after 2 months, remote quits after a month, etc.

 

I can't believe what a dying breed the 27" CRT is. It was a choice between the Ilo or Sanyo. I suppose people look at little 19" fishbowls until they can put a LCD/PLASMA on the charge card.

 

When I was growing up, a 27" (CRT) was the "big" TV and as such, it's all I need. Too bad when this one pukes on me, I have a feeling I won't be able to buy one.

 

Guess I'll have to throw out all the light guns....no more Duck Hunt, Virtua Cop, Point Blank.

No way to get those to work on TVs that don't do a raster scan, is there?

 

I know a couple of people with BIG CRT's and to me, they are still desirable. One has a 36" Trinitron and the other has a 40" WEGA Trinitron. (The 40" even does 1080i). Man I wish they still made those.

 

The only other "larger" CRT they had at Wallyworld as a 32" ILO fishbowl. Do yourself a favor and google that brand before you buy anything of the name.

 

If you're looking for a cheapie 27" CRT available at Walmart, check out the HT27547 (or HT27546 in silver) because it works - and looks as good as - a $400 Trinitron....only you can't buy a $400 Trinitron or I might still have considered it.

 

I think you can still get Sharp and Sanyo in 32" models. I am not sure if you can get Sony in 32". Trouble is with CRT you're limited to what is available locally since nobody could afford to ship one.

 

James Wood

[gdement]

I bought an expensive Trinitron computer monitor a few years ago. I figured I was buying a higher end monitor, and it would be built to last. I actually paid more to get the Sony vs a comparable Mitsubishi monitor, thinking it would pay off. It had an awesome picture when new, but like yours it didn't last very long, maybe 2 years before it got unacceptably awful to look at and started having power problems.

 

I've been less than impressed with the quality of most Sony products I've used over the last few years, I don't think their name is all it's cracked up to be. The monitor was the worst, but all their stuff seems to only last a few years before it dies.

[MCHufnagel]

I've been less than impressed with the quality of most Sony products I've used over the last few years, I don't think their name is all it's cracked up to be. The monitor was the worst, but all their stuff seems to only last a few years before it dies.

As far as I'm concerned, the Sony name wasn't that good to begin with. I bought a Sony A/V receiver back in the early 80's to dub and mix video tapes that I recorded. The thing lost one channel after a couple of years and had to be repaired. A couiple of years after that, the same channel blew. I just tossed it out. Meanwhile I was also using (still am) an old Pioneer "chrome and wood" model from the 70's when I was in college (so you know it was abused). This doesn't even include the various Walkman/Discman products I've bought and disgarded.

 

It was a long time before I bought a PS2 for my kids because after all thoese years I was still leary about Sony quality. I haven't had any problems with Sony products in the last few years (I recently bought a Sony HDTV) so I think their quality has improved. But I've always seen Sony as a company that sells middle of the road products for high end prices.

[workingstiff]

Sanyo is a poor man's Sony. I mean that in a good way, I've always had good luck with them. I have one that is 10 years old and it works great.

[Ryanw]

Sanyo is a poor man's Sony. I mean that in a good way, I've always had good luck with them. I have one that is 10 years old and it works great.

 

Yeah basically the same thing for me. Had mine for about eleven years and there hasn't ever been a problem

[Scumdogg]

I've been using a 27" Sharp CRT that i got, oh...seven or so years ago. It was a display model and i got it for like $150 at a store that was going out of business. I didn't expect it to last, but it was my main tv until earlier this year when we finally upgraded to a shiny new HDTV. Now i can't imagine how i ever survived with the 27 incher as my main set, but it still makes a spectacular home office tv, and it hosts a VCR, TurboGrafx, 2600, and a Playstation. Still works great.

[warmachine]

I bought my 27" phillips tv back in '02 as a sears display model, it's still got an amazing picture and I haven't had any problems

with it what so ever.

That's not saying much really, since most decent sets from the 70's and 80's are still kicking ass today, but only time will tell

how this one stands up.

 

I've even used this one as my only computer monitor for a number of years.

 

It's kind of sad that the CRT monitor may not be with us for very much longer, especially since our classic game consoles rely on

it so much to produce an acceptable picture.

 

 

I have been toying with the idea of replacing the tube of an older console t.v. with an arcade monitor and wiring it up to an scart input.

It may not a cheap short term soloution, but it will provide the best possible "classic gaming" picture while being fairly inexpensive to

repair if it ever did crap out over time due to it's simplicity and use of mostly "off the shelf" parts.

[Scumdogg]

It's kind of sad that the CRT monitor may not be with us for very much longer, especially since our classic game consoles rely on it so much to produce an acceptable picture.

 

 

All CRTs really have going for them is that they're ridiculously heavy and expensive to repair. I'm not quite sure what you deem acceptable in your classic gaming pictures, but i've hooked up everything i own to my 52" DLP, from the 2600 on up, and everything looks pretty freaking fantastic. All i've had to leave behind are light guns.

[warmachine]

There's just somthing about scanlines that just does it for me.

 

I just wish that perhaps manufacturers would provide a set of filtering options

into hd sets that would kind of simulate how an older, pre dreamcast console would

look on a CRT tube.

 

With scanlines

 

 

without scanlines

 

[Scumdogg]

There's just somthing about scanlines that just does it for me.

 

I just wish that perhaps manufacturers would provide a set of filtering options

into hd sets that would kind of simulate how an older, pre dreamcast console would

look on a CRT tube.

 

With scanlines

 

 

 

 

I don't really get that with mine. At least not that bad, that looks terrible.

[phaxda]

When I was looking for a TV, I just put an ad on craiglsist that I would pay up to $20 for a working older TV with woodgrain (that was the key) to play Atari on. I got a ton of responses and scored myself a beautiful old 27" Magnavox for $14. I just brought along a pair of rabbit ears for testing and was good to go! Honestly, I can't see spending a lot of money (and to me, $300 is some cash) at Wal-mart, when people are willing to give away comparable sets. And those older sets have some character! Someday when I have a house I am going to get myself a nice 70s/80s console TV.

[JamesD]

The only Sony thing I have is a PS2. I avoid Sony otherwise.

[VideoFever1982]

I would have to agree on using an older tv with an older system. It seems natural to use something like a 2600 on a tv made between 76 and 89. I have a 25" stereo console by Zenith with original remote that i found and it is in mint condition. No wear, scratches or dirt. I got lucky with that one. I think its a 86 or 87. I have a Samsung 19" from 86 or 87 with the knobs and woodgrain that i found. Very clean too. I can't see hooking a 2600 up to these new tvs they have now. They're great when it comes to things like Blu-ray movies and PS3 but when it comes to nostalgia and the original feel, there's nothing like an older set to match up to the equipment your using. I plan on doing a vintage game room with something of a 70's early 80's theme.

[fdurso224]

Hi guys,

 

Sanyo is a alternative Sony & Panasonic. When shopping for electronic goods, always take Sanyo in consideration! I personally have a 27' TV, Sound system & CD Boombox from them, and their still going strong. Sanyo really wasn't a inexpensive company, but just a alternative one when you weren't pleased with the other electronics that are being offered.

 

In the 1980's, Sanyo used to be hugely popular. But it died down in the 90's and has a nice steady following. Why did that happen?

 

Anthony....

[fdurso224]

Hi guys,

 

The reason why most Sony products don't withstand the test of time is that the quality control and the workmanship of them are horrible.

 

Sony likes to cut corners doing this. They use really cheap labor , bad wiring, lousy constructed microprocessors, and so-so motherboards. The estimated lifespan of a Sony brand machine is roughly around 3-8 years. Unimpressive to anybody.

 

Try your best with Panasonic, Sanyo, RCA, Sharp, JVC, or Zenith.

 

Also, avoid Toshiba. They've been slacking to.

 

Anthony....

[VideoFever1982]

Hi guys,

 

The reason why most Sony products don't withstand the test of time is that the quality control and the workmanship of them are horrible.

 

Sony likes to cut corners doing this. They use really cheap labor , bad wiring, lousy constructed microprocessors, and so-so motherboards. The estimated lifespan of a Sony brand machine is roughly around 3-8 years. Unimpressive to anybody.

 

Try your best with Panasonic, Sanyo, RCA, Sharp, JVC, or Zenith.

 

Also, avoid Toshiba. They've been slacking to.

 

Anthony....

Good point. Also take note, i've noticed RCA falling back since around 2000. I know the older ones are built tough as nails but when it comes to the newer ones, their cheap. I'll go with RCA any day as long as it's an older model. Up till at least 98. Never had a problem with the older ones.

[fdurso224]

Hi guys,

 

The reason why most Sony products don't withstand the test of time is that the quality control and the workmanship of them are horrible.

 

Sony likes to cut corners doing this. They use really cheap labor , bad wiring, lousy constructed microprocessors, and so-so motherboards. The estimated lifespan of a Sony brand machine is roughly around 3-8 years. Unimpressive to anybody.

 

Try your best with Panasonic, Sanyo, RCA, Sharp, JVC, or Zenith.

 

Also, avoid Toshiba. They've been slacking to.

 

Anthony....

Good point. Also take note, i've noticed RCA falling back since around 2000. I know the older ones are built tough as nails but when it comes to the newer ones, their cheap. I'll go with RCA any day as long as it's an older model. Up till at least 98. Never had a problem with the older ones.

 

 

Hi homie,

 

Now that you mention RCA, someone in my apartment complex said the same line about modern RCA merchandise. I haven't purchased a new RCA from them in years. I had a 13 inch portable black & white unit that lasted 21 years until it said "ciao".

 

My brother purchase a VCR from RCA about 3 years ago & said he likes it alot. Works fine.

 

But yeah, I have to do some research now on RCA. I'll take a look on what Consumer Reports has on its write-up on them. If there slacking, them I recommend Zenith next.

 

Anthony....

[VideoFever1982]

Hi guys,

 

The reason why most Sony products don't withstand the test of time is that the quality control and the workmanship of them are horrible.

 

Sony likes to cut corners doing this. They use really cheap labor , bad wiring, lousy constructed microprocessors, and so-so motherboards. The estimated lifespan of a Sony brand machine is roughly around 3-8 years. Unimpressive to anybody.

 

Try your best with Panasonic, Sanyo, RCA, Sharp, JVC, or Zenith.

 

Also, avoid Toshiba. They've been slacking to.

 

Anthony....

Good point. Also take note, i've noticed RCA falling back since around 2000. I know the older ones are built tough as nails but when it comes to the newer ones, their cheap. I'll go with RCA any day as long as it's an older model. Up till at least 98. Never had a problem with the older ones.

 

 

Hi homie,

 

Now that you mention RCA, someone in my apartment complex said the same line about modern RCA merchandise. I haven't purchased a new RCA from them in years. I had a 13 inch portable black & white unit that lasted 21 years until it said "ciao".

 

My brother purchase a VCR from RCA about 3 years ago & said he likes it alot. Works fine.

 

But yeah, I have to do some research now on RCA. I'll take a look on what Consumer Reports has on its write-up on them. If there slacking, them I recommend Zenith next.

 

Anthony....

Zenith has always been a good choice, especially when it comes to vintage.

[Lemmi]

Ive been using a Samsung 27" TV since 1999 bought it new from ABC warehouse for $260 (i got them down to that from the original price of $430) i told the sales guy i really like this TV as it had AV ports on the front and back and i only have $280 on me what kind of deal can you give me

i walked out broke but i had a new TV to replace the 20" RCA i was using since 1990

 

just last year i opened up the back of it to see how dirty the insides were and OMG i couldnt see much of anything but dust .. lol

so i took some canned air and cleaned it up, i dont want dust to make things hotter than they should be and blow up, like my original 15 inch computer monitor did because of the dirt inside it, well i dont know if dirt killed it as it could have been the almost 2 straight years it was on because i was hooked on Everquest

[fiddlepaddle]

You'll be able to buy a used, good quality CRT TV for many, many years. At least as long as you'll be able to find a good used VCS, Genesis, or even N64. There are soooo many extra TVs out there, I don't have any worries about that issue.

 

Regarding RCA, I bought a 25" about five years ago... it's a real POS.

 

Regarding Sony? POS, POS, POS! But PS2 is proprietary, so what are you gonna do? Bite the bullet and get a new one every time it breaks, at least until it's emulated.

[gdement]

You'll be able to buy a used, good quality CRT TV for many, many years. At least as long as you'll be able to find a good used VCS, Genesis, or even N64. There are soooo many extra TVs out there, I don't have any worries about that issue.

Maybe, but I'm not sure about the large, family room sized ones. Those are the first to get upgraded, and nobody has room to leave them sitting around. Even a thrift shop is likely to trash them I bet.

[fdurso224]

Hi guys,

 

If your want to play classic games on modern television screens, try low-rent corporation brands like Symphonic, Emerson, Sansui, Apex, etc. These low rent brands (TV wise) are usually are modern, low tech TV'S that are excellent in picture quality & sounds for classic gaming. Buy them in Conventional, or LCD versions. Try them there worth looking.

 

I'll give in example. In 2002, I purchased a 3-in-1 Symphonic 20 inch TV/DVD/VCR combo at Wal-mart at an amazing price of $199.99 (plus tax). The unit itself was cheap looking, but the price spoke for itself. So I took a shot.

 

The units DVD/VCR eventually broke on me 6 months later,but the TV kept going strong. The sound, sharpness, and color looked better then the quality name brand electronics and despite the flaws of the DVD/VCR issue The TV itself was beautiful for picture quality. I eventually brought a Sylvania soon after, and the Symphonic was thrown out. I still miss that unit because of the quality for gaming. The rest you can forget.

 

Give these companies a try.

 

Anthony....

[Rik]

Sony products are highly overrated.

Edited August 30, 2008 by Rik

[Prodos8]

Also, avoid Toshiba. They've been slacking to.

Really?

 

I've got a 19" wood grain Toshiba set from 1982 that still works and another 27" one from 1989 that works great. I've had the most problems with JVC TVs. Never really had a Sony TV but do have a Sony DVD player from 1998 that's still going strong.

[dreamcastrip]

Really?

 

I've got a 19" wood grain Toshiba set from 1982 that still works and another 27" one from 1989 that works great. I've had the most problems with JVC TVs. Never really had a Sony TV but do have a Sony DVD player from 1998 that's still going strong.

Thank heavens for someone not trashing Sony's rep for once!

 

My Sony appliances:

 

* I owned a 28" CRT for five years and it worked perfectly. A friend now owns it and she's happy with it too

* I currently own a Sony 40" 1080p and its been absolutely fine

* A DVD player since 2002 (free with the TV) and it works perfectly well still

* A launch model PS3 which has been perfectly reliable so far

* A launch model PSP which has been fine

* My PlayStation from 1997 which works fine still (although it needed repairing under warranty)

* Owned two Walkmans as a child which were problem-free

 

As I never bought that POS PlayStation 2 I don't have an axe to grind...