Multisystem TV's vs. RGB computer monitors

[zedrein]

I've noticed that most people on this site tend to prefer using computer monitors that will accept a 15khz RGB signal and hack up a cable rather than buying a multi-system tv set that can accept RGB via SCART or Japanese 21-pin lead. Is this just because the monitors tend to be more available, or because they tend to look better than tv's?

Thanks for your time!

[jero32]

Its mostly americans that buy the computer screens. Because in america scart isnt standard. So most tv's dont accept rgb. Pal people tend to just use their tvs more. (Unless they have a proffesional monitor or something cause those wil sometimes look better)

[zedrein]

Thanks for the response. TV sets with RGB capabilities are available in America, but I wouldn't want to buy one just to find out that the picture is inferior to a proper monitor. Have you personally used both a computer or professional monitor and a TV set and been able to compare both of them?

[jero32]

Well i'd say they look about the same. If you're using a crt age is kinda important. (lots of crts go bad with age)

[viletim]

zedrein,

A mointor is just a TV without a tuner. This distinction doesn't imply any difference in quality. They're both available at either end of the range.

[antron]

if the monitor is also capable of VGA, then its low-res RGB is probably inferior to a low-res only monitor.

many people think tri-sync arcade monitors are not the opitimal choice if you are mainly playing 15kHz/240p games.

[zedrein]

zedrein,

A mointor is just a TV without a tuner. This distinction doesn't imply any difference in quality. They're both available at either end of the range.

I know that they are both monitors, but I've heard that most computer screens tend to have a little bit better pixel pitch and overall better picture quality.

BTW, what are some great quality CRT television sets that I can still get ahold of?

[zedrein]

Just tried to plug in the old 1084, damn thing won't stay on for more than 5 minutes though.

[giantgonzolez]

I just bought a European Multisystem tv on Cragislist for $26 and voltage transformer for $40, various scart RGB cables for $10 to $20 each. I made sure that they scart cables had regular RCA L/R red and white plugs to hook it up to my surround sound system. It was VERY easy and I didn't have to do any sodering or mods. My only problem now is that my N64 only does S-video not RGB.
I wish you could buy US N64s with an RGB output so the european RGB Scart N64 cable would work.

[cgm]

I know that they are both monitors, but I've heard that most computer screens tend to have a little bit better pixel pitch and overall better picture quality.

BTW, what are some great quality CRT television sets that I can still get ahold of?

The Toshiba TIMM MM20E45 is a good option, they pop up from time to time on Craigslist and ebay. This came up on a nationwide CL search for me: 

http://nashville.craigslist.org/sys/1126894520.html
http://tampa.craigslist.org/hil/for/1122109634.html
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/sys/1116705766.html

Specs (posted by me years ago) are in the wiki:  http://gamesx.com/wiki/doku.php?id=av:mm20e45

Its support of composite sync is debatable although Toshiba claims its officially supported, I know I had issues hooking my Apple IIgs with the monitor. The Mac2VGA adapter (which has a buit in LM1881)  I used solved the problem though. In terms of resolution, it does all TV-RGB sources just fine, anything above 640x480 VGA looks like crap though due to the course .58mm dot pitch. I managed to get it to do 800x600 at 60Hz (fine for DVD viewing, but not much else) and 1024x768 interlaced. A nice thing about the TV is that it uses a standard HDI-15 input for RGB, no having to hunt down SCART plugs for custom cables.