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Best Gaming CRT's?

post #1 of 22
7/9/10 at 7:50pm
Thread Starter 
What would be my best bet(s) for a gaming CRT that will support 720p and 1080i (or just 1080i), is widescreen, and is at least 32''. Looking around on craigslist and just wondering what models I should be keeping my eye peeled for. Looking for decent quality and no lag. I was previously considering flat panels, but I feel I will be much happier with another fatty.

I was also wondering, when did they stop production CRT TV's? Like, what would be the newest used CRT I would be able to find? 3 yrs old, 5 yrs old?

Thank you guys for any help <3
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post #2 of 22
7/9/10 at 9:53pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by nimz View Post

What would be my best bet(s) for a gaming CRT that will support 720p and 1080i (or just 1080i), is widescreen, and is at least 32''. Looking around on craigslist and just wondering what models I should be keeping my eye peeled for. Looking for decent quality and no lag. I was previously considering flat panels, but I feel I will be much happier with another fatty.

I was also wondering, when did they stop production CRT TV's? Like, what would be the newest used CRT I would be able to find? 3 yrs old, 5 yrs old?

Thank you guys for any help <3

Only widescreen sizes available in CRTs that I know of are 30 and 34 inch. Atleast widely available. I'd recommend a Sony CRT with a Super Fine Pitch Tube. The models that have that are:

34 inch
KD-34XBR960N
KD-34XBR960
KD-34XS955N
KD-34XS955
KV-34XBR910

30 inch
KD-30XS955
KV-30XBR910

The KD means digital tuner built in. KV means analog tuner. Next is the size of the TV then the series of the TV. They all support 720p and 1080i, also 480i as well. The most feature filled of them all is the XBR960(n) model. All have the Super Fine Pitch Tube. Trust me, the picture on these sets is awesome, I have the 34XS955 and it blows away my 2009 model Philips LCD by a landslide in my opinion. Good luck on your search!
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post #3 of 22
7/9/10 at 10:29pm
Thread Starter 
What about the xbr970? There is a kd-34XBR970 for sale around me at the moment. or xbr800? I'm guessing the 800 is an older model then the ones you mentioned.


edit: just looked it up and looks like the 970 doesn't have the super fine pitch, but it's apparently the newest CRT Sony made? But since its hi-scan it will not have as good of picture quality as the others you mentioned, right?.


I was also wondering, on average, what are the life spans on these TV's? When were most of the mentioned ones released? I wish they still made CRT's
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post #4 of 22
7/10/10 at 7:44am
Quote:
Originally Posted by nimz View Post

What about the xbr970? There is a kd-34XBR970 for sale around me at the moment. or xbr800? I'm guessing the 800 is an older model then the ones you mentioned.


edit: just looked it up and looks like the 970 doesn't have the super fine pitch, but it's apparently the newest CRT Sony made? But since its hi-scan it will not have as good of picture quality as the others you mentioned, right?.


I was also wondering, on average, what are the life spans on these TV's? When were most of the mentioned ones released? I wish they still made CRT's

Yeah, the 970 isn't super fine pitch, it's also lacking a few other things as well. Still a very good set, but I'd wait for the 960N if you want the best (that's what I'm currently doing).
It's really hard to say what the lifespan of these sets would be. I personally have no clue.
I have a 36xs955 and it was made in April 2005. I think the last of the bunch might have been made around a year later. I could be wrong though.
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post #5 of 22
7/10/10 at 11:44am
Quote:
Originally Posted by nimz View Post

What about the xbr970? There is a kd-34XBR970 for sale around me at the moment. or xbr800? I'm guessing the 800 is an older model then the ones you mentioned.


edit: just looked it up and looks like the 970 doesn't have the super fine pitch, but it's apparently the newest CRT Sony made? But since its hi-scan it will not have as good of picture quality as the others you mentioned, right?.


I was also wondering, on average, what are the life spans on these TV's? When were most of the mentioned ones released? I wish they still made CRT's


970 and 800 are Hi-Scan, not Super Fine Pitch. The 970 has HDMI and the 800 has DVI. The 970 is only available in 34 inch. Honestly I've never been able to compare the Hi Scan to the SFP so I wouldn't know just how big of a difference they are. I just know the SFP tubes are amazing. I have heard that the difference is definitely noticeable.

If the 970 is a good price, jump on it. It was the last HD CRT ever produced by Sony and isn't a bad set. However the 960 is a much better set. I know it's confusing too with the naming that Sony did. You would think 970 would be better than 960 but that is just not the case.

The Sony CRTs are hit and miss on longevity. However, if the set has lasted till now (5 years or so) it should last a good long time. Most of the sets will go out in the first few years of use if they are going to go out. I've heard some Sony CRTs in the past last 20 years or more. If these sets are made to the same quality maybe you can get lucky.

Also, I'd recommend bringing you a videogame system with you to test the TV on before purchasing through Craigslist. You never know what kind of problems the TV has unless you check it out yourself. Geometry issues and Convergence issues that are severe would not be obvious unless you tried out your videogame system on it. Also, you never know if the HDMI input on the set is defective. So definitely check it out thoroughly before moving that 180+ pound monster.
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post #6 of 22
7/10/10 at 2:16pm
a Tuned KVxxHS420 isnt bad either, they were dirt cheap too.
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post #7 of 22
7/10/10 at 2:43pm
Thread Starter 
Around how much would you guys say is a fair price to pay for 34'' 960 or 955 in good condition. I've found a 34xs955 local I might pick up.
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post #8 of 22
7/11/10 at 7:27am
Quote:
Originally Posted by nimz View Post

Around how much would you guys say is a fair price to pay for 34'' 960 or 955 in good condition. I've found a 34xs955 local I might pick up.

If it comes with the stand, I would say around $200-$250 depending on condition. If the set is absolutely mint, then $250 seems like a good price to me.
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post #9 of 22
7/13/10 at 7:22am
Quote:
Originally Posted by nimz View Post

Around how much would you guys say is a fair price to pay for 34'' 960 or 955 in good condition. I've found a 34xs955 local I might pick up.

I bought that exact same set from a guy for $100. The TV was in good condition as well. However, I had to move it down from a flight of stairs. Not the easiest task, lol. I'd say if you can find it for $150 to $200 I wouldn't pass it up if it was taken care of. You gotta realize there are some people who have absolutely no clue what they are selling and will sell low, like how I got mine for $100. It's rare, but it does happen. So if it's too much now, you may be able to find a guy who just wants to get rid of it and get an LCD. If only they knew what they had.
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post #10 of 22
7/19/10 at 1:22pm
Thread Starter 
Whats the difference between the ones that have a built in digital tuner and the ones with an analog tuner?
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post #11 of 22
7/21/10 at 12:49pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by nimz View Post

Whats the difference between the ones that have a built in digital tuner and the ones with an analog tuner?

A TV with a built in digital tuner will receive an HD signal over the air via an antenna. If it has an analog tuner it will require a digital converter box.
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post #12 of 22
8/25/10 at 10:07pm
I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to get a 960 for my Laserdiscs as they look crappy on my projector but living in Montana my chances are slim to none of finding one.:

Tom
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post #13 of 22
8/26/10 at 6:13am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tom Monahan View Post

I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to get a 960 for my Laserdiscs as they look crappy on my projector but living in Montana my chances are slim to none of finding one.:

Tom

You'll probably have to go out-of-state to pick one up, since you don't have a city with a high population density nearby. Montana isn't too far from the Twin Cities, MN, for a weekend drive, though. These are kind of old listings, but either set would work for you...

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hn...872931200.html

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/an...843242706.html

TLK
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post #14 of 22
8/27/10 at 12:59pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tom Monahan View Post

I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to get a 960 for my Laserdiscs as they look crappy on my projector but living in Montana my chances are slim to none of finding one.:

Tom

There's a KD-36XS955 in "perfect working condition" for $130 right now that's about 16 hours drive away from you:

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/ra...921376239.html

olxseller@hotmail.com

There's an obvious typo in the ad if you look close enough to the e-mail address. I don't know if it's legit, or not, but it's worth pursuing...

Personally, I would choose this one over the 34XS955 or 34XBR960, since it is 4:3 and the vast majority of LDs are 4:3 (I don't own a single "squeeze" LD). Letterboxed 4:3 LDs will be windowboxed on the 34XS955 and the 34XBR960 if you don't scale.

It also has the super-fine-pitch tube, just like the 34XS955 and the 34XBR960. I have a 36XS955, and I'm happy with its performance with a Pioneer CLD-1010 LD player deinterlaced with a Faroudja NRS scaler.

TLK
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post #15 of 22
8/27/10 at 12:59pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by The Lizard King View Post

You'll probably have to go out-of-state to pick one up, since you don't have a city with a high population density nearby. Montana isn't too far from the Twin Cities, MN, for a weekend drive, though. These are kind of old listings, but either set would work for you...

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hn...872931200.html

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/an...843242706.html

TLK

Thanks but do to a disibility I can't drive that far. Western Montana to Minnesota is a pretty long drive.
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post #16 of 22
8/27/10 at 1:13pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tom Monahan View Post

Thanks but do to a disibility I can't drive that far. Western Montana to Minnesota is a pretty long drive.

Oh, okay. Well nevermind then!

BTW, if you ever get an XBR960 or XS955, you will need to take a few buddies to help you pick it up. They're heavy; the 36XS955 is 240 lbs!

TLK
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post #17 of 22
8/27/10 at 1:21pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by brandonp514 View Post

970 and 800 are Hi-Scan, not Super Fine Pitch. The 970 has HDMI and the 800 has DVI. The 970 is only available in 34 inch. Honestly I've never been able to compare the Hi Scan to the SFP so I wouldn't know just how big of a difference they are. I just know the SFP tubes are amazing. I have heard that the difference is definitely noticeable.

If the 970 is a good price, jump on it. It was the last HD CRT ever produced by Sony and isn't a bad set. However the 960 is a much better set. I know it's confusing too with the naming that Sony did. You would think 970 would be better than 960 but that is just not the case.

The Sony CRTs are hit and miss on longevity. However, if the set has lasted till now (5 years or so) it should last a good long time. Most of the sets will go out in the first few years of use if they are going to go out. I've heard some Sony CRTs in the past last 20 years or more. If these sets are made to the same quality maybe you can get lucky.

Also, I'd recommend bringing you a videogame system with you to test the TV on before purchasing through Craigslist. You never know what kind of problems the TV has unless you check it out yourself. Geometry issues and Convergence issues that are severe would not be obvious unless you tried out your videogame system on it. Also, you never know if the HDMI input on the set is defective. So definitely check it out thoroughly before moving that 180+ pound monster.

I checked out the Sony SPF models and compared them to the Hi-Scan Sony models when they first came out. At the time, there were long threads on this Forum about this topic too. The consensus, and my belief as well, is that the SPF models had a very slight improvement in sharpness than the Hi-Scan models, but you had to sit very close to the TV to see it. If you sat beyond 4'-5' away from the 34"er then the small sharpness advantage becomes moot. The larger 36" 4:3 model w/SPF is another matter. Still, if you can snag a deal on any SPF model in very good condition then grab it.
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post #18 of 22
8/27/10 at 4:08pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by The Lizard King View Post

There's a KD-36XS955 in "perfect working condition" for $130 right now that's about 16 hours drive away from you:

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/ra...921376239.html

olxseller@hotmail.com

There's an obvious typo in the ad if you look close enough to the e-mail address. I don't know if it's legit, or not, but it's worth pursuing...

Personally, I would choose this one over the 34XS955 or 34XBR960, since it is 4:3 and the vast majority of LDs are 4:3 (I don't own a single "squeeze" LD). Letterboxed 4:3 LDs will be windowboxed on the 34XS955 and the 34XBR960 if you don't scale.

It also has the super-fine-pitch tube, just like the 34XS955 and the 34XBR960. I have a 36XS955, and I'm happy with its performance with a Pioneer CLD-1010 LD player deinterlaced with a Faroudja NRS scaler.

TLK

Probably 80% of my LD viewing is 1.33:1 so you might be right but due to health reasons traveling is out of the question unfortunately. Screen size is a little larger than I would like. Around 32" would be perfect. With the 960 you say you would need to scale since letterbox ld's would be windowboxed how would you do that. With your scalers zoom? There is a HS-32HS510 locally on craigslist. Would that be a good option? Unfortunately, the saeller is asking $450 if you can believe that.

Thanks,
Tom
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post #19 of 22
8/27/10 at 4:50pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tom Monahan View Post

Probably 80% of my LD viewing is 1.33:1 so you might be right but due to health reasons traveling is out of the question unfortunately. Screen size is a little larger than I would like. Around 32" would be perfect. With the 960 you say you would need to scale since letterbox ld's would be windowboxed how would you do that. With your scalers zoom? There is a HS-32HS510 locally on craigslist. Would that be a good option? Unfortunately, the saeller is asking $450 if you can believe that.

Thanks,
Tom

I don't know anything about the HS-32HS510, but I certainly wouldn't pay that much for even a 34XBR960, a 34XS955, or a 36XS955 in mint condition!

As far as how I know about the windowboxing of letterboxed 4:3 LDs on a 16:9 set... I have a 16:9 TV (a Samsung SlimFit), too! Since, 16:9 sets pillarbox 4:3 content, and if the 4:3 content is letterboxed, then the movie is ultimately windowboxed. I have a DVDO/iScan VP30 (with ABT 102 card) scaler that allows me to change the aspect ratio such that I can fill the entire 16:9 screen correctly with the 4:3 letterboxed movie. I cannot do this by using the composite/s-video input alone.

TLK
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post #20 of 22
8/27/10 at 5:23pm
Thanks for the response. I just pressed letterbox button on my scaler and and it filled the screen properly. I have been watching ld's on my projector in 4x3 due to the limitations of ld's picture quality. Anyone know anything about the HS-32HS510?

Tom
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post #21 of 22
8/27/10 at 7:34pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tom Monahan View Post

Thanks for the response. I just pressed letterbox button on my scaler and and it filled the screen properly. I have been watching ld's on my projector in 4x3 due to the limitations of ld's picture quality. Anyone know anything about the HS-32HS510?

Tom

What resolution output is your scaler set at?

What is the make/model of your LD player?

TLK
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post #22 of 22
8/27/10 at 8:02pm
Output is set at 1080p. Players are CLD-95 and LD-W1 using composite out. I'm most likely going to sell the 95 on ebay soon as I don't really see that big of a difference between the two. I need cash to feed my blu-ray collecting addiction

Tom
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