Sorry to tell you this, but you have missed the boat. A few years ago you could pick up a CRT TV or monitor for next to nothing – I got a massive 26″ Sony Trinitron from eBay for a pound – you can read all about that in our recent How to Start collecting article. These days, idiots have cottoned to the fact that we want this obsolete tech so are hiking the prices, so even that old portable TV from your grandparents is going for silly money now.
I do beg you to hunt around for a bargain before paying an obscene price for something which, while will enhance your retro gaming ten-fold, could stop working because of its age at any minute.
With that said, while any CRT will get you on the way to the retro set-up of your dreams, they certainly aren’t all made equal. Some, which we will examine below, such as Sony PVMs, demand such a high price these days, it’s almost not worth it, as the gains on a traditional home TV rather than this rare formerly used broadcast TV equipment do not equal bang for buck. We will list them here, but don’t bankrupt yourself, because that would be very silly.
CRT TVs provide the best experience for retro gaming, offering native resolutions, vibrant colors, and zero input lag. Here are the top brands and models to consider.
Things to consider before buying a CRT
Let’s start with inputs and, importantly, what you intend to play on it. CRTs are perfect for old, original hardware, but you still need to think before you act. Has the CRT got SCART – has your console got a SCART output? Older consoles such as the Intellivision or the VCS will only have a shockingly bad RF signal output.
None of these can be attached to something like a PVM without extra, non-standard wiring. It is a minefield.
If you are intending to use multiple consoles on the same TV are they all SCART and in that case I would advise looking for a SCART switcher box so you can flick between machines without fiddling around the back of the TV every time, and also because these things are old so the less stress you can apply to their ports the better.
Also consider if you are purchasing without seeing it working, CRTs are susceptible to screen burn, this is where a static image was displayed for so long it has burnt itself in and remains visible even with the screen off. I had an old arcade monitor which was next to useless as it had been used on a Commando machine and the scores were permanently burnt in. This can happen with things such as the PVMs, which may have displayed the same image consistently. It is less likely with a TV model.
Also keep in mind that TV tubes used to pack in even back in the day – now we have added another 30 or so years of life onto them as well – CRTs die all the time and are getting rarer. Run that thought through your head before you drop £500 on the Sony PVM on eBay.
Best types of CRT for retro gaming
Sony PVM Monitors
Sony PVMs are professional-grade monitors with sharp visuals and RGB input support. Models like the PVM-14M4U and PVM-20L5 stand out for their image quality and input options. These are highly sought after and can be expensive.
Sony Trinitron CRT TVs
Trinitron TVs feature aperture grille technology for bright colors and strong contrast. The WEGA series from the late ’90s and early 2000s is especially popular, but even older models perform well for retro gaming.
JVC CRT TVs
JVC CRTs are durable and offer excellent color reproduction, often at lower prices than Sony models. The D-Series and I’Art models are solid choices, with some supporting RGB via SCART.
Bang & Olufsen CRT TVs
B&O TVs, such as the BeoVision MX series, offer high-end image quality, RGB SCART support, and superior built-in audio. These are premium options and can be hard to find.
Toshiba CRT TVs (2001 and Later)
Late-generation Toshiba CRTs feature component inputs for better picture quality and are ideal for consoles like the GameCube, PS2, and Xbox. The Cinema Series is particularly well-regarded.
Panasonic CRT TVs
Panasonic CRTs provide reliable performance with good colour accuracy and minimal input lag. Quintrix models are known for their durability and solid visuals.
Any other CRT you can get your hands on
If all of these branded makes above can’t be got for a decent price, don’t be afraid to snap up one of the cheapo brands such as a Bush, Amstrad or Philips from back in the day. In all honesty, unless you are the nerdiest of nerds you probably won’t even notice the difference anyway, but what you will enjoy in the lag-free glorious colours from the CRT’s tube, rather than that “high-tech” flat panel you may have been playing on previously.
Conclusion
Sony PVMs offer the best image quality, Trinitron TVs are a great consumer-grade option, and JVC, Toshiba, and Panasonic models provide strong alternatives but like we say above, if you are moving from a flat screen you are going to hugely feel the benefits of literally any CRT, especially if you are playing on real hardware.
Which CRT TV do you think is best for retro gaming? Let us know in the comments!
