Crt Tvs With Hdmi?

[lameboyadvance]

Since my long-lasting Sony Trinitron has died, I'm looking for a new one.

It seems Sony (and a lot of other companies) are no longer making CRTs.

Since technology is advancing, but I'm not happy with the quality of (cheaper) LCDs or the size of Plasmas, I'm looking for a CRT (preferably widescreen) that supports HDMI.

I've come across a few models so far, which are listed below:

* LG 32FS2ANB - (32" 1080i WS, 1x HDMI, PIP)

* LG 32FS4D - (32" 1080i WS, 1x HDMI, inbuilt HD tuner, but AFAIK no PIP)

* Samsung WS32Z40HN - (32" 1080i WS, 1x HDMI, PIP)

I was wondering if any of you could either list other models you've found, or perhaps give reviews/opinions on already listed models.

[dames]

If I were looking for a CRT I'd be searching the second hand market. No good CRTs are manufactured now (ie: Sony Trinitron, Mitsubishi DiamondTron), all your left with now is third party rubbish. All the the TVs you linked to are the "extra slim" type as well, which are known to have geometry issues. Go take a look at the Sansui "slim" widescreen CRT at K-Mart and you'll see exactly what I mean.

I know a second hand set won't have HDMI, but it's not really necessary anyway. CRTs are analogue devices, so it's best to feed them an analogue signal (VGA for computers, component for TVs), rather then feeding them a digital signal and relying on the internal D/A converter to do it's job properly. Connections like DVI (and therefore HDMI) are only good for when the display device uses an A/D converter for analogue signals, as is the case with LCD and Plasma Televisions.

I think you would be severely disappointed with the performance of a "new" CRT, comparison to the excellent set that you've had all these years.

Edited November 3, 2007 by inm8

[RodN]

There are devices that will allow you to run HDMI to something really nice like a 36" sony HR superfine pitch display.

One is here: http://www.hdfury.com/

Another nice one is here (includes gamma adjustment): http://www.curtpalme.com/EXT-HD.shtm

[wixy1503559655]

It's my understanding that because crt tv's are analogue, hdmi would offer no improvement whatsoever in picture quality over component video connections.

Edited November 4, 2007 by wixy

[dames]

It's my understanding that because crt tv's are analogue, hdmi would offer no improvement whatsoever in picture quality over component video connections.

It's good to see that someone agrees with me

[Ponkers]

I was wondering if any of you could either list other models you've found, or perhaps give reviews/opinions on already listed models.

I bought the LG 32FS2ANB a few days ago and couldn't be happier with the quality. Thought I would let you know that it doesn't actually have a HDMI input, but the other LG model you listed does, so for a 100 bucks extra you could go for that and get the inbuilt HD tuner (though some people have had problems with this tuner - audio sync issues). I have just been running everything over component on my model and it is still top notch.

My brother owns a higher resolution LCD but when he came over to mine he couldn't believe the picture I was getting for $700, with no blurring on fast motion scenes and video games. But my suggestion would be get in quick, I went shopping around for it and many places stated that they will be discontinued soon (though this may just be Brisbane).

Anyhow there's my $0.02, hope I helped.

[lameboyadvance]

Well, the reason I wanted HDMI is that it seems to be the new RGB-killer.

Not only that, but for some totally strange reason, even though Europe still had SCART, we lost it on almost all TVs back in the early 90s. Until Component came in, we were stuck with nothing but RF, AV and occasionally S-video.

Also, while Component is second best to pure RGB, I've heard (and seen) examples where there is a probelm with the red signal.

And yes, I've seen 'flatscreen/slim' CRTs. Unfortunately CRT producers seem the think they are better. They're not. Nowadays theres almost no classic/curved CRTs. You don't have much choice.

And finally, I'm looking for a widescreen CRT. There's tons of 4:3 CRTs available, however 4:3 is out. 16:9 is in. Buying non-widescreen nowadays is stupidity. You'll only be seeing more and more devices using widescreen, so unless you like vertical black bars, a widsescreen is almost a necessity.

So unless you guys can recommend a SCART (or RGB) capable, non slimtube, 16:9 CRT TV, I guess I'm stuck with the HDMI alternatives.

*shakes fist at Sony and the death of Trinitron*

[Owen]

Component is just as good as VGA if the circuitry on the source device and display are well implemented.

I have compared the set of thin $2 (literally) Component cables that came in the box with my Sony HD STB, with a HDMI cable to connect my 70” 1080p Sony SXRD TV to the HD STB, and after both inputs where calibrated on the display I was hard pressed to see any significant difference, even when viewing 1080 HD content.

With better Component cable I would expect the differences to be even less significant.

I have also run my HTPC via both Component and HDMI with the same result, and that’s on a 70” 1080p TV viewed from less then 3 meters.

I would expect the performance limitations of a cheap short neck CRT to be FAR more significant then a video connection, in fact with a HDMI input on a CRT you are relying on a cheap digital to analogue converter in the TV, which is not likely to be as good as the D to A in a decent Player or STB.

The TV’s you mention are 1080i input compatible, they can’t display 1080i video signals with any real resolution. You will be lucky if you can get 540 lines of real resolution on screen, but for such a small display that’s plenty, unless you plan on viewing from less then 2 meters.

[lameboyadvance]

Well, I'm still hoping for a widescreen CRT with RGBS/RGBHV/SCART, but I doubt they exist anymore (besides some shoddy Kmart Chinese import).

And as for the models I listed above, I have decided against both LGs.

* 32FS2ANB: Either has PIP or Teletext, but not both

* 32FS4D: No PIP functionality.

That leaves the Samsung WS3240HN, and thats only if it can display in 50/60Hz mode (I'm a retro junkie who plays lightgun games ).

....Unless of course someone can list a WS CRT with RGBS or SCART.

[RodN]

You are right that there is little to gain if the component circuitry is implemented well. HDMI in this sense is more of a convenience feature for the new components that do most of their 'stuff' via the HDMI outputs. One advantage although is the second link I offered where GAMMA adjustment is supplied.

[sfdoddsy]

Check eBay. There's usually a few.

[lameboyadvance]

Check eBay. There's usually a few.

And what do you suggest I look for?

The point of making this thread was to gain a list of models to go and investigate.

Edited November 4, 2007 by lameboyadvance

[dames]

Well, I'm still hoping for a widescreen CRT with RGBS/RGBHV/SCART, but I doubt they exist anymore (besides some shoddy Kmart Chinese import).

There are plenty that exist...they're just not brand new

[lameboyadvance]

There are plenty that exist...they're just not brand new

...So I buy someone else's problem?

I wonder how many people eBay'd their problematic LGs.

[Colin 2905]

Samsung WS32Z40HN - (32" 1080i WS, 1x HDMI, PIP)

... or perhaps give reviews/opinions on already listed models.

Apparently I have one of these (I must do, 'cause it's in my signature )......

If you're after PIP, then there's something that you should be aware of: It only applies to the inbuilt (analogue) tuner, and composite sources. ie; It's pretty useless to most of us on this forum.

You can get into the service menu fairly easily, and tweak the geometry if you so desire. (And a lot of other things, so be careful.)

The dot spread is sparser at the sides, but I only tend to notice it when there's text scrolling horizontally across the screen (eg; Sunrise ticker).

[nis200979]

Well, I'm still hoping for a widescreen CRT with RGBS/RGBHV/SCART, but I doubt they exist anymore (besides some shoddy Kmart Chinese import).

And as for the models I listed above, I have decided against both LGs.

* 32FS2ANB: Either has PIP or Teletext, but not both

* 32FS4D: No PIP functionality.

That leaves the Samsung WS3240HN, and thats only if it can display in 50/60Hz mode (I'm a retro junkie who plays lightgun games ).

....Unless of course someone can list a WS CRT with RGBS or SCART.

You sound like you don't want to buy a new TV!!!

If you 2m back, I'd swear a TH42PX7A for $1600 or less would be a better picture. 1024x768 with a decent HD tuner integrated, and less flyscreen effect than an 86cm CRT.

If your 2m back from an 86cm CRT (you'll need to be with the 50Hz flicker and CRT flyscreen), you'll be 2.5m back from the plasma when it's pressed against the wall.

The Samsung and LG CRTs aren't that flash. There is a reason why most manufacturers can't be bothered with CRTs. BTW, my calender has 2007 on it, what's yours say?

My 2 cents worth.

[lameboyadvance]

If you're after PIP, then there's something that you should be aware of: It only applies to the inbuilt (analogue) tuner, and composite sources. ie; It's pretty useless to most of us on this forum.

I was aware of that. I'd probably have my TV on one and my VCR (displaying another channel/tape/STB) on another.

I don't have any HDMI capable devices as of yet, but that will eventually change.

You can get into the service menu fairly easily, and tweak the geometry if you so desire. (And a lot of other things, so be careful.)

I read that in the WS32Z40 thread. Another reason why I'm leaning towards the Samsung. While both the LGs and Samsung have geometry problems, as of yet only the Samsung service menu has been located.

The dot spread is sparser at the sides, but I only tend to notice it when there's text scrolling horizontally across the screen (eg; Sunrise ticker).

I noticed this on an instore model when I was able to get a quick look one time. I don't mind about fuzziness on text as much as I do straight lines which aren't straight.

You sound like you don't want to buy a new TV!!!

If by new you mean the current generation of CRTs, no I don't. The problem is buying an older more reliable model, not only would you not have any warranty, you're still likely to be buying someone elses problems.

If you 2m back, I'd swear a TH42PX7A for $1600 or less would be a better picture.

Out of my price range.

If your 2m back from an 86cm CRT (you'll need to be with the 50Hz flicker and CRT flyscreen), you'll be 2.5m back from the plasma when it's pressed against the wall.

I'm... *measures* pretty close to 2m between my face and my current (el-cheapo temp replacement) CRT. I also have about 20cm I could push it back as well, not to mention another possible metre once we have our tiling done (renovations suck).

The Samsung and LG CRTs aren't that flash. There is a reason why most manufacturers can't be bothered with CRTs.

I know these are pale imitations of the quality CRTs used to be, but with those idiots at Sony and similar thinking LCD is better (it is, if you feel like paying a couple/few thousand for it, not the same price you'd pay for a CRT), there isn't much option anymore.

BTW, my calender has 2007 on it, what's yours say?

1986, according to my NES.

[Woomera]

Well when you think that Sony's 32" KVHR32M81 finepitch widesreen CRT weighs 69kg and their LCD 32" weighs about 15kg and they can fit about 3 to 4 times as many LCD's in a shipping container or truck, and no doubt cheaper to produce than the CRT (KVHR32 CRT was $4500 when released) you don't need to be a rocket scientist to understand why Sony, Panasonic and others no longer ship CRT's.

But now owning 2 KVHRs for watching Foxtel and FTA and dvds, they can't be beat......Perfect blacks....No motion blur....No backlight problems...Foxtell looks good, thats why I bought a 2nd one when I could not find the picture quality to match it when looking to buy a flat panel. To answer your point, yes, its a crying shame you can no longer buy these great TVs new any longer.

Edited November 4, 2007 by Woomera