RGB modding a TV: Revisited.

I don't know how many of you remember me asking about doing an RGB mod to my TV a while back. (It is a Toshiba 20AF41 for those wondering.) That never happened. Life got in the way...

So I've been hunting FleaBay down for some type of older CRT tube set with RGB inputs. I found in the arcade line many chassis for various models. I noticed many of these seem to have the same plug for the HV Anode and the multiwire Cathode as my TV set.

So this is my question: How much compatibility is there when it comes to swapping the main guts around and using different tubes? Any chance of using an arcade driver board on this tube since many are dirt cheap and will have the legendary 15K RGB input? I know I'll be losing my channel tuner, composite, s video, component, and audio by going this route but I can live with that. I kinda wanted to keep my current tube since it has an extra layer in front that makes the screen flat like an LCD and I rather like that feature.

Composite, S, and component video to RGB converters exist. I don't even use the channel tuner anyway so it can go bye bye. I have an external stereo system. That leaves the only real input being needed is true 15k RGB.

Or should I throw in the towel and spend the money for a 16" JVC Professional Color Monitor I found on my FleaBay bargain hunt adventure?

Before anyone says anything about high voltages from the flyback and shit, I know. I've been hit before. Not fun...

I want to get this done since all my consoles minus the Xbox have RGB output. Might as well as go for the gusto if I'm gonna be a retro gamer.

 

I'm glad you have asked this, I just got a 24AF41 and would love to use it as an arcade cab monitor, I've been reading up on just feeding it RGB straight to the neck board but I get some interference and haven't been able to solve it. So if I could find an arcade monitor chassis that would work, that would be even better.

 

You'll find the chassis used in arcade monitors are normally pre-configured to operate with a number of tubes, but not necessarily the same ones found in domestic TV sets. Some other factors come into play, such as scan coil impedance/ voltage matching, high voltage/ X-ray safety, mains isolation etc.

Just save yourself the trouble and get that JVC PVM instead.

 

Bought a 20" Sony PVM. Screw the Toshiba.

 

Hey Sonicdude, I was a little bit disappointed with my 38 vega trinitron tv.
So I managed to get a 38 inches eago arcade monitor. The image is way better.
I still don't think the PVM series is that outstanding to sacrifice 18 inches. If I managed to get the 29 or 32 inches model that would be a different story.

I'm just saying there are very cheap options to get RGB on USA with great results.

 

There's a 32" PVM CRT for sale on FleaBay but it's $500 and local pickup. Too much for me and I'm not local to location. Besides that, where I live a 20" is about as big as I need for my set. I'm all of 5 foot away on the couch so that size is plenty big for me.

And for the record, my current Toshiba set is 20" as well as my Sony PVM. I aint losing nothing but my money here.

 

read this and was going to reply if you could have sourced a european version of the same model tv boards it would have had RGB scart input prehaps, but meh.

im looking for a 2nd tv for gaming and just missed out on a free 29" set as i was unable to pick it up at the time. doh!

 

So I didn't get the 20" Sony PVM. (Turns out it was auction and got outbid...) So I have some replacements lined up. The one that puzzles me is this thing here:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ikegami-TM-...277?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item257770d53d

It is claimed to be working but damned cheap. Anyone know if it is any good or not? This thing is perfect with the RGB/ component inputs. I know I can get the needed 75 ohm terminators for the unused plugs very easily.

The issue is this, is the quality of video in RGB and component mode good or no better than composite?




If things continue the way they're going ATM I'm gonna get a big 24" VGA CRT monitor, various adapters including RGB to VGA, and call it a day. Play my Dreamcast in true VGA quality this way.

Then I'll have excuse to do the Xbox VGA mod...

I want the CRT for classic games that use light guns since they no worky on LCD screens...

 

Seems a steal at that price, but you'll find they're usually discounted as they take up a lot of space, and often the sellers are companies who specialize in getting rid of old studio equipment for their clients. I guess it's better for them to get something for it than have equipment sent to recycling (which would probably cost more!).

Ikegami are a solid brand when it comes to PVM's. Of course you'll get a much crispy-clean natural looking picture via RGB and component. If you're only used to seeing Composite and RF feeds then you're in for a shock!

That one there seems to be in pretty decent condition. If you can pick it up yourself then do so, as delivery would probably cost you a lot more. Be careful when handling these as they weigh a ton, and wear gloves as the metal can be a bit sharp in some areas.

 

Shipping is $77 and change. Imma getting this thing then.

 

Just be careful how they package it up, as these kinda things are easily damaged in transit. You best ask the seller some questions regarding that before going ahead with the purchase.

 

I'd be a bit wary of buying a monitor like that for so cheap. There might be something wrong with it.

 

PVMs are worth every penny especially when you get lucky and score a 20" and a 10" for $25 total.

You can't expect to use them as your main living room TV though.