The circa 2000ish CRT I got from my Dad years ago had a component input that I didn't realize was there! RGB is a literal and figurative game changer - I have never seen CRT images look so clean. One of the things I love about the MiSTer project is that it can output nearly all of its cycle accurate cores through its RGB component output while simultaneously sending an upscaled HDMI signal.
@@GenesHand The problem is, no one today uses the best stuff, just like anything that's 15-20 ish years old or older in the mass market. Basically if it ain't HDMI (Specifically 2.1, 2.0) or DisplayPort (Soon to be 2.0) or USB-C, It's all the really cheap stuff. Cheaper the stuff, worse the quality.
@@panchigancedo6247 Yeah I've heard good things about those cables, only that you need to be careful because they generally fit extremely tight. Another good option is grab ,Xbox 360 cables that are abundant and of very good quality and convert them to the console you need. I have made OG Xbox, PS2 and Wii cables this way.
I'm still playing on a CRT, have it setup next to my 4K tv, and I love it. I've been playing PS1 games lately and am so glad to have the CRT ready to go whenever I want to play some old school games.
If you grew up playing video games on a CRT playing old skool console's on a modern tv they just don't look as good, in my opinion anyway. I've just finished playing Xenogears on my 29" Sony Trinitron and no way would I swap
I still have an early 00's 27in curved glass Panasonic CRT with component input(it was my parents who where going to trash, so I snagged it), and stereo output sitting in the corner of my game room right next to my 50in Samsung HDTV, and have it hooked into my 5.1 surround sound setup, that I use for everything PS2, and older with a remote controlled component switch box, and it's freaking awesome, even the Roku Express+ hooked into the front composite inputs is nice for a 2nd screen during college football season, or when I want to watch 2 different wrestling shows at once. Some stuff just does not work on an HDTV like light gun games, so I'm keeping my CRT till it dies, and can no longer be repaired, and I have 2 Emerson 19in models in storage in my shop, that I got for free from the local recycle drop off ready to replace it if need be, but sadly they don't have component input, or stereo output, but free is free.
@@AgosLive I have 2 fairly mid range computers at home(main gaming rig in the home office, and HTPC in my game room), and yep I end up playing more games as of late on my Switch Lite, and 3DS laid back on my double recliner couch in my game room with my in ears, and a headphone amp hooked to them.
The best thing about CRT TV's and monitors is the motion clarity. It's just so pleasant to play games without the inherent sample-and-hold motion blur that you will get with every LCD panel.
I find it really hard to go back to a CRT, namely due to the flicker with interlaced sources. My eyes are rather sensitive to it (& DLP rainbow effect) so I'm quite happy to leave CRT's in the past.
@@dreamcazman Thankfully TV's have gotten a lot better since the plasma days, it's great to not have to 'need' CRTs if it's causes issues for some people. I want to see more people in the retro space talk about OLEDs and the colour reproduction they can do with the old games - CRTs could be washed out and blurry but you'd be hard-pressed to find a bad looking OLED out there.
I'm getting a CRT television next weekend from family that found one buried in their attic and were going to throw out. It supposedly has a component connection, so I'm looking forward to hooking up my old systems to it.
Once you see what retro games look like on a CRT with a component cable you will never go back to using a LCD. Also if it has a s video cable input then you can use that for your GameCube, n64 and snes, those 3 consoles look much better on a s video cable than composite cables.
That's really exciting! Hopefully the tube is in healthy condition... because if so you'll never want to use lcd again, especially for Ps2, which generally looks like shite on an lcd.
I still rock a good old CRT in my game room and I use it for everything up to 480i. It's also not a flat screen one, because I noticed a lot of games distort the corners of the image to compensate for the regular rounded screens that most people had. On the flat screen those distortions become too apparent. Two games that made me notice this were Mario 64 and Ocarina Of Time.
Im gonna look for it on my flat CRT, the big downside whit rounded TV´s for me is that is harder to find one whit component inputs :( ... greetings Dan!! Im subscriber :)
Also the _Nerd_ said many years ago that Light guns don’t work on flatscreens. Never tested one out when I had the chance back then but they run flawlessly on the round ones i’ve seen over the years.
@@bryanssj3949 Look for a Panasonic CRT from the early-mid 00's as I have a 27in model my parents use to own, and it has curved glass, component input, and stereo output, so I have it wired into my 5.1 surround setup sitting next to my 50in Samsung HDTV. Panasonic to me was like the working man's Trinitron as you got a bigger screen for less money that was close to the same quality.
@@ThatOldSchoolMagic I have one and it does work. Mine isn't super precise tho. It's probably the light gun but its possible it's the flat screen i guess.
I have a baby one of those! It’s superb! Just make sure it’s on a surge protector, not dusty and not near a heat source. That should help it last longer.
my crt that i had for almost 6 years died on me this past christmas eve. it took me a few weeks but i was able to get the same model a few weeks later. i just cannot dream of retro gaming without one! ive also been playing wwe2k14 on my ps3 through my crt and i tell you what it looks really amazing and feels great. something about the art design and the filters they use to mimic 80s and 90s wrestling is really magical
@@xXfrankreynolds69Xx I'd definitely recommend doing so while there are still shops and CRTs available to get repaired. I'll probably get a Sony Trinitron when I've got the money, as it's one of the best CRTs ever made.
@@lockey88 That is one thing I love about running everything through RGB and an Extron switcher. You can run 8 consoles and send them to 8 different outputs with no issues. A friend and I have fun booting up the same game on both the SNES and Genesis and playing them simultaneously to see how they differ.
I have been saying for years now that if you want to really enjoy old SD consoles. That you should consider having a good CRT in the mix. It awesome that you talked about the gcompsw (g comp switch) here. I have been thinking about getting it and changing all my setups from SCART and JP21 over to complete Component to simply everything on the BVM. Awesome video! Thanks MJR!
The best resolution you will see is either s-video or component on a lcd.. just because you grew up on a crt doesn't mean it is the be all and end all, unless you have access to trinitron high dot matrix screens..
Looks good! So many options with cables and upscalers nowadays. I'm from Europe so I'm using SCART RGB directly on a "newer" old LCD-TV that has 4:3 aspect ratio. Clean picture quality with super sharp pixels. And even considering I have that, I'd still like to get a CRT again for the feel.
I actually have basically this exact setup lol. It took me years of savings to be able to buy this stuff, but yeah I have a crt I bought years ago on one side of the room, and then the second output to a modern tv through an ossc on the other side. It gets expensive quick.
Going the purist route gets expensive super quick. never mind all the waiting lists you'll be sitting on while you slowly collect all the high-end cables and equipment.
I'm this way with guitars, amplifiers, pedals, etc. It's the one hobby that I've outspent my gaming collection with, and I have a ton of games too. I already have a few guitars in mind that I want to pick up this year lol
@@MetalJesusRocks Which is probably a good call. You get progressively less and less for more money when you go past that point. And games being as expensive as they're getting, there's not always a lot of money for other things.
I got my gcomp switch back in October and I love it. I have it outputting to my Sony Trinitron and my XRGB Framemeister via HDRetrovision Component cables. Looks so good.
Definitely an upgrade! :D It starts with a cheap cable, and before you know it, you will spend lots of money on finding the right cables and switches or upscaler/something to hdmi etc. And at the end you should have bought the right tool from the beginning...
Exactly how it went for me! The next thing I knew I had all manner of RGB cables, console mods for RGB, Extron switches, and PVMS. After a year I currently have 11 consoles running RGB.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE my gcompsw. I no longer have to switch the TV between several inputs, hooked up to several switchboxes. I just turn a console on and it works :)
I have a 27" Sony Trinitron with 11 consoles connected to it, all with S-video or component with the exception of the NES which I have connected via composite for now. Several of the component systems including Genesis, SNES, Saturn, and PS1 are connected with HD Retrovision cables. Everything looks amazing. I'm using some old Philips component/s-video mechanical switch boxes, one that I bought in the early 2000s and the same model that I bought on eBay about 3 years ago. Spent like $20 each on those and they're excellent. I also have a Wii emulation box connected to a 13" PVM as a secondary setup with tons of console and arcade games available. Modern displays with correct equipment for these old consoles can look great, but there's nothing like a high-quality CRT for my money.
Ouch... $240? I’m pretty happy with my $18 manual composite switcher feeding into my CRT and RetroTink2x. I can also do modern TV and old CRT at the same time.
I've explored tons of different options for playing retro consoles on modern TVs - but I always return to my good 'ol late 1990s 27" Trinitron (w/component cables). No matter how good the upscalers and converters get, the fact remains - older games were designed for CRTs. My rule is: use a CRT for any console that's 6th generation or below.
Sounds like what the retro community needs is a SDTV manufacturer, like new models of these tvs maybe with smart features built in, but dedicated to old media. Idk seems like a good business venture.
It's both upgrade AND overkill - but I LOVE my g-comp. I have the G-scart too so that all of my retro consoles are constantly hooked up to the TV with perfect cable management and full auto-switching/auto-signal detect. No messing with inputs or wires and all consoles hooked up to my OSSC with high-quality Scart or component RGB cables from retro gaming cables here in the UK. The results are INCREDIBLE when compared (with the OSSC pass-through option) to what the image would look like without it. Plus this setup lets me pass my xbox 360 through the OSSC via component so that I can add scan-lines to the Cave shmups which I think looks amazing. When these g-scart/g-comp devices are paired with an up-scaler - the results are fantastic. That's my use-case anyway. a fully automated setup that is as close to CRT look as possible but at 65" OLED quality. Yes it's expensive. yes it's totally worth it.
I only watch anime/cartoons and full screen TV shows on my CRT. I don't like widescreen movie DVDs because of the smaller screen and loss of detail. I find that widescreen movies are preferable on a 1080p plasma
I still rock a 32" sony trinitron for my retro consoles with a switcher., MJR. I won't play them any other way. I want to experience them the way they were designed, on the TV's they were made for...as you said. If the console supports HDMI natively, then I have those on an HDTV. Otherwise the old analog connections go on a CRT and nothing else.
I’m glad someone finally showed you the light! I got a nice new powered Phillips component switcher from eBay that works great on my Toshiba CRT for $55. Plus I have two PVMs...and one is in tate mode strictly for shooters :-). Great video!
I have this thing. I’ve had it for a little under a year. I absolutely love it. I bought all retrovision cables for all my consoles. It wasn’t cheap at all but I am absolutely about it. This device is awesome
Wow, I think I’m going to have to try this myself. Definitely a big improvement and would make it easier for guest to play without having to set everything up.
My CRT doesn't support component, but S-video is such a massive leap in quality over composite that I'm more than happy with it. Plus way more consoles support S-video with official cables and there are cheaper options for switches. Splitting it and using a RetroTINK for live streams looks great as well, especially for 16-bit games.
@@onkelberra3166 Per the website. "April 02/2020 UPDATE: I sincerely apologize for the delay in some of my customer’s shipments. I have failed to provide the service that I work hard every day to provide. I strive to provide a quality product and service. Please be aware that I have currently been locked out of a few of my accounts due to someone trying to reset my passwords or just cause me headaches. Orders are still shipping and I know a few of you have been waiting. I am working hard every day and will get them all completed ASAP. I promise you I won’t let you down. I will do my best to get access back to my email and FB to reply to each of you directly. Also considering the events of covid-19. I have been social distancing for a few weeks once it started. I have taken every step to insure a clean and healthy work environment in my home. (NOT infected, I just took it seriously from the start) Some of you may not be aware, but I am a 1 man operation and I whole-heartily appreciate your support and understanding. Sincerely, -Adam Harry" designeddna.shop/?product=nintendo-lcd-cartridge-pre-order Note: I am no way affiliated with this so YMMV. My guess like everyone else COVID hit him hard and shipping delays and stuff. I don't think he's scamming everyone I think its just slow to get them out. But, I dunno unless Team 974 replies with more info.
@@TheRetroPitstop he hasn't updated that since April 2nd...that's almost 10 months ago. I feel like if he got that far behind he'd want to send out another update when there's rumors about people getting ripped off, unless you were ripping people off 🤷🏻♂️🤷🏻♂️🤷🏻♂️
Greetings from Sweden. I have a CRT (Lumatron) for my Snes. Found it about ten years ago upon helping a friend with a move. Somebody just put it out in the building entrance with a note saying "free to take". Figure I´d try it out and it still works great. Also gives more of the nostalgia feeling from your childhood when using it.
I picked up a 27" Sony CRT that I needed for a MAME cabinet I built last year. MJR is not kidding when he talks about how good it looks and did a great job describing it. I was blown away when I fired it up for the first time after looking at HD screens for such a long time. Play something like Megaman 3 and head to Sparkman's stage to see seizure iducing goodness with the true intended effect. I agree if you can find a good solution it will be well worth playing on it that you won't regret!
I still have the crt from my childhood a daewoo manufactured in the year 2000, it has a big crack on the top corner but still works great and allows me to enjoy my snes while playing super star wars :)
My component splitter/amplifier costs much less. I bought a used CLabs SW104HD for like $60 on Amazon. It’s 4in 2out. Crystal clear and great for playing on my CRT and streaming/recording with the retrotink going into my computer
A lot of people will defend this company but I won't. They con a lot of people out of their money but get great reviews from CZcamsrs and others means.
I always love to have an authentic experience for when I play my retro consoles. Which means hooking up my 80s consoles and computers to a 1984 14" Ferguson TX via a manual aerial cable (the only input it has). I can see why people want the best from their old systems (I do have a Mega Drive connected via RGB to a modern LED TV and it looks great) but there's something about time-tuning the signal for the best picture and still getting fuzzy, oversaturated versions of your games
I kinda want this for no other reason then you know being able to keep all systems plugged in and ready to play when I feel like it. and it would be a single cable going into the tv thanks to this. or more like a single set of cables. Edit: I kinda wish it had the possibility to ether chose the color of the plexiglass or have some sort of plug for light strips if you wanted to light it up. you know just cause they could have and everything more or less have to have rgb now days apparently at-least if you look at pc gaming.
I did something similar with a smaller version of the same switcher you have with my CRT and I absolutely love it, have my retro systems all hooked up and they look fantastic. There’s really nothing better than playing retro games on a good quality CRT television.
100% agree. My hobby is art and I just got an Apple iPad 12.9 + Apple Pencil. I was like do I need this thing? Is this overkill? Hell yeah, but it is lovely and fun. My hobby thanks me.
I love that quote! So do my 5 H.I.S.S. tanks, piles of Cobra Commander, Snake Eyes, Starscreams and Optimus Primes- at least Hasbro loves me loving them!).
I have about 5 CRTs in my house still. I use 3 of them for retro gaming consistently. The other 2 are backups for when these eventually fail. I cannot overstate how much better these games look (to me) on a CRT. This was the technology these were designed for. :)
I dropped one of those on my foot once. Was taking it to the tip. It’s screen was all gone. Strange colours. I think it’s shadow mask had gone funny. I have a baby Trinitron now given to me by a neighbour. They was tipping that too. Now it’s mine, bwahhh
I'm also glad I still have my CRTs as I play my older consoles much in the same way you are here MJR. There's nothing quite as satisfying as playing an old game on the hardware it was made for :)
"That’s been one of my mantras-focus and simplicity. Simple can be harder than complex; you have to work hard to get your thinking clean to make it simple." - Steve Jobs
@@MetalJesusRocks - My comment was a poor attempt at a Bethesda saying / joke lol. But jokes aside, the device is awesome. I also run a similar switcher on my CRT for all my old consoles, and I also have an RGBPi device hooked up to my CRT's RGB port also, looks fantastic.
Just wanted to say that I LOVE watching your videos. Look like a rocker, sound like nerd(in a good way) and just come off as a really nice, cool dude. I'll admit, I think I'm having withdrawal from the lack of you and Reggie getting together with more of your new game pick-ups...but such is the situation we are forced into at this time. Here's hoping that before too long, you'll be able to actually get together with your crew again, and bring back many of the good times you all seem to have together. Hope they're all doing well. Be safe, and thanks for keeping the content coming, even through these trying times.
I got a CRT as a gift a few years back and I loved playing stuff on composite. Especially things that require quick reflexes like Battletoads or Punch-Out, a CRT really helps. Then recently it dawned on me that the CRT has a component input as well. Ever since, I’ve been working to get every console that supports it hooked up through component and that’s where the gcomp comes in. It is exactly what I need. Thanks for the review.
Update: my gComp was delivered. I have my Wii, Gamecube, PS2, Genesis, and SNES hooked up through HD Retrovision cables; for the Dreamcast I got component cables from Retro Gaming Cables UK, and the original Xbox just some good quality generic component cables. That’s seven consoles all going to my CRT’s one component input, but also to my retrotink 5X and that goes to the HDTV and ElGato. I even have one more slot available if I ever mod my N64 or NES. It all looks stunning. Was it cheap? Not really, no. But it is worth it to me
Dude I have a 36” Trinitron as well and yeah, it’s an absolute monster to move anywhere. Someone on reddit told me that the best stand for holding up a Sony Trinitron is another bigger Sony Trinitron lol
@@adamwilson1691 ha! I actually bought some metal shelving from Lowes, it's rated pretty heavy... but I'm also finding that not all Trinitrons are equal? I have the KV-36FS17, it was free and in great condition so I took it. It's 242lbs, so I know the 27" and smaller are hard to find since people keep them, since they can move them easily.. I just don't know if the model # I have is considered desirable..
I regret losing my 32" JVC CRT, a family member left it outside whilst cleaning up the conservatory, light rain came and it stopped working. It was indestructible but very bulky, sound was fantastic and was perfect for retro gaming especially as I still play my PS2, Xbox and Wii.
Amen! Now, given that I live in New Zealand, all I need is a month off work and a whole chunk of spare change. I could probably get a month off work, but as for the money..... 🤪
I have a 32" Sharp CRT with S-Video set up in a bedroom closet actually lol. I got the TV for free about 6 years ago. Someone was trying to just get rid of it, and I gladly took it off their hands. The closet, by the way was the only place where it would fit in the house. It is where I play my NES, Super NES, and Playstation 1 and 2 games. We even have a VCR connected to it with some old movies to watch from time to time like the original Star Wars Trilogy. It's great honestly. It is really hard to go back to playing those games on an HD TV when you have the actual hardware connected to a CRT TV. It just looks great. You're right: cables are everything in these setups. I went through a few I bought off of Amazon before I was able to settle on something I liked. I have them all going through a GE A/V switcher. I highly recommend going through the hassle of finding a regular old TV and connecting your old systems to it. It's a far better solution than up-scalers IF you have the room for it.
yo MJR, quick tip for your Wii setup; If you ever need to boot it up on a tv that can't handle a 480p image, you can hold down the power button for ~10 seconds while turning it on to set it back to interlaced mode, helped me a bunch when testing multiple TV's
I love that they make this, I no longer run a CRT because the last one I had was destroyed and I couldn't justify replacing it. I share my gameroom with my family and I had to reduce my footprint for a while due to the indelicacy of my son and his friends. Now that he's a little older and misses retro gaming with me I'll probably just focus on upscaling everything and running it on a single modern TV. I do love that this product exists though and that things like this are being made for those of us who prefer playing on the original consoles.
@MetalJesus , just so know if you reset the Wii with the AV cable disconnected it will reset to 480i display so it will show on your CRT! Then you don't need to plug it in to a different progressive scan display!
I am planning on getting one of these as soon as I save up. Thanks for the video my friend. I was wondering about this. My Sony Trinitron will thank me.
I saved a CRT from the tip/refuge. I was chatting with a neighbour about old games. I asked him if he had anything he didn’t need anymore and he said he had an old TV that his wife was him to throw away. He said oh it’s just a little one, Sony I think. I was like, sure I’ll take that. I might be able to use it. Playing it cool. For me to have a Sony Trinitron CRT is like finding gold. We used to have a big one in the lounge. This was like a baby one, and ideal for my bedroom. I have on it PS2 and an original XBOX through SCART. I have a SCART to HDMI converter if I want to capture some footage. LONG LIVE RETRO!
I have a Sony 55 inch CRT from 2005, mainly for the Wii, GameCube and Mega Drive. You are right, there is something special with gaming on good 'ol 4:3.
I have a CRT that I bought new in 2003 around the transition to flat screen. I only use it for gaming with an A/V switcher and it is by far the best experience for retro gaming.
I got a 32" Sony trinitron to play my retro stuff, and even with just the regular cables that came with the console it still looks awesome, love the sound it makes when i turn it on it sounds like an airplane taking off xD
I had a giant CRT I bought specifically for Guncon games, and boy was it awesome. It was one of those giant TV´s they´d use in schools, must have weight about 40 KG, if not more (it was a lot of fun carrying that beast up 6 flights of stairs).
very much agree with your buddy, nothing better than the original hardware. I use a neat little black switch with buttons in front -wii(for gamecube games) and ps2 is on component on a gorgeous sony lcd 20" 4:3.
I live in a small 2-room appartment with my wife at the moment. As soon as we find a bigger flat I'm gonna buy an CRT and give this thing a shot. Looks awesome!!!
Glad you're finally one of the converted, MJR. The truth is if you're serious about retro games, you NEED to play them on a CRT. All of these quality cables certainly help enhance the experience, and I would recommend them, but even using just Composite cables on any pre-HD consoles looks better on a CRT than on a HDTV.
I own one of these. Sat on a waiting list for like 90 days but it was worth it for my setup. All my retro systems are outputting a component signal through the switch box into my 27" Trinitron CRT. Having the second input is great if you have both a CRT and an older flat panel that can do 480p without much lag. You could even feed that second component input into an upscaler (OSSC, RetroTink, Framemeister)and convert to HDMI.
I've always used a CRT for everything pre-360 and I've always loved how it looks. You can get a solution together comparable to this for much less. Buy old, used component or s-video switcher boxes off eBay for $5-15. Then buy the cheapest s-video or component cable available for every system. Jumping up to use component for every console with the retrovision cables and adapters is extremely expensive and is a negligible upgrade over s-video. I have 12 systems hooked up to my CRT and I would say it cost me about $100 ($30 for switch boxes, $60 for console cables, $10 for cables to TV from switch boxes).
I was interested in this giant switcher but my eyes immediately widened when you said AUTOMATIC. Awesome video, thanks for bringing this forward MJR 🤟 Looks like a great device
I was gifted a CRT by my local Community Theatre. It’s only a rinky dink 9 in and only has RF in but it’s great for testing NES consoles and games I’m working on and cleaning up.
The video feed captured here looks blurry and awful. But I don't doubt for a second the CRT view is really crisp and clear. That's how it works, very different way of displaying the graphics. And when you get high quality signal, with proper resolution for you CRT TV (a good one), it can look exceptionally clear. Something that takes A LOT more workarounds to do on modern TVs.
I got a 27inch Toshiba flat screen CRT and I absolutely love it for all the old consoles. I may have to look into these cables as it does have the component input on it.
I still have my 27” RCA CRT and so glad I kept it! The difference is as huge as you say! I also drove past a neighbor’s house with a 13”-14” Sylvania with a “free tv (NOT THE CHAIR!)” sign, (I thought it was funny) so I grabbed it in a flash. It had been drizzling out, but Joy! It still works! I have it on a barstool in my living room so i can game on it or my Vizio 65” QLED, which is an *awesome* 4k (m657-G0), but everything pre-Dreamcast (I’ve got the VGA box for it) looks WAY BETTER on my free little CRT than my 65” QLED! Even with the original composite cables. I also have 2 17” flatscreen CRT computer monitors, but the console I can hook up is my Dreamcast with the (absolute must-have for DC fans) VGA box. It’s gorgeous! I’d love to see how my other older systems look on the PC monitors, but I don’t know how to convert my Saturn, Genesis, SEGA CD, Master System but I don’t know how to adapt them to vga (any advice? Anyone? I’d appreciate it!). Thanks Metal Jesus! You Rock!
I have a 65" 4k and a 27" crt, mostly play on the 4k but it's easy enough to unplug and hook a console up to the crt whenever I'm feeling like it. Definitely a game room upgrade
I really want one of these things. I have a CRT. To this day I have not found a solution that allows me to play punch out well other than on a CRT. On most games it doesn't bother me and I can't see any delay at all, but punch out is sooo precise for me any kind of delay makes it much harder. Maybe I'm just getting old hahah! Not to mention all the great light gun games! I love Time Crisis and virtua cop. the PS1, N64 generation just looks so good on a crt!
Excited to see this video. I have one of these getting delievred tomorrow. Have a few HD Retrovision cables on order, supposed to ship this month. Will be pairing all of this with my Retrotink I just got.
The bad thing about this setup is that CRT TVs are endangered species, in some places find a nice quality CRT in good condition can turn a pain in the ass, and in a near future will be almost impossible.
If you can I would be checking your local recycle drop off for one that looks in good condition, that's how I got 2 working 19in Emerson CRT models from the mid 00's, as backup to my 27in Panasonic CRT with component inputs, the old guy who runs my local recycle drop off point gets a kick out of what I find in the e-waste bin, and I manage to get working again. Salvation Army stores are another good place to check along with other thrift store in your area.
You can still find them if you go out for 5 mins on trash day. No one is looking to selling them they just put them outside. Trash men can’t lift them so they just sit there
I tend to find the newer ones look the worse with RGB, a rule of thumb I have is to only go after the portable ones as the tubes tended to be sharper - probably why I saw a lot of people who used them as CCTV monitors back in the day.
I use a "mechanical" switch for hooking up the component cables, it does not require power and it's very cheap (80 RMB which is about 12 USD). 8 input and 1 output. The product is called "仝丽 DSW81" and you can find it on Taobao. I personally recommend it. Search for it if you are looking for a component switch, trust me on this :)
“I need this!”
“It’s $240.”
“I don’t need this.”
Hehe
😂💀
I’d rather take that $240 and put that towards a PS5
ya that's my reaction too
@@albertwesker2283 I'd rather put $240 towards a MiSTer
The circa 2000ish CRT I got from my Dad years ago had a component input that I didn't realize was there! RGB is a literal and figurative game changer - I have never seen CRT images look so clean. One of the things I love about the MiSTer project is that it can output nearly all of its cycle accurate cores through its RGB component output while simultaneously sending an upscaled HDMI signal.
Component isn't RGB even though the plugs are red, green and blue. But in picture quality Component isn't much worse than RGB (SCART)
Component signals are YPbPr, and yes it looks amazing with good quality cables.
@@GenesHand The problem is, no one today uses the best stuff, just like anything that's 15-20 ish years old or older in the mass market. Basically if it ain't HDMI (Specifically 2.1, 2.0) or DisplayPort (Soon to be 2.0) or USB-C, It's all the really cheap stuff. Cheaper the stuff, worse the quality.
@@GenesHand Monster cables still deliver. Found some put away the other day. Swapped them in and yowza!!!
@@panchigancedo6247 Yeah I've heard good things about those cables, only that you need to be careful because they generally fit extremely tight. Another good option is grab ,Xbox 360 cables that are abundant and of very good quality and convert them to the console you need. I have made OG Xbox, PS2 and Wii cables this way.
I'm still playing on a CRT, have it setup next to my 4K tv, and I love it. I've been playing PS1 games lately and am so glad to have the CRT ready to go whenever I want to play some old school games.
This is funny since i have a high end pc and i end up playing more on my ps3 and 3ds 🤦♂️🤷
If you grew up playing video games on a CRT playing old skool console's on a modern tv they just don't look as good, in my opinion anyway. I've just finished playing Xenogears on my 29" Sony Trinitron and no way would I swap
I still have an early 00's 27in curved glass Panasonic CRT with component input(it was my parents who where going to trash, so I snagged it), and stereo output sitting in the corner of my game room right next to my 50in Samsung HDTV, and have it hooked into my 5.1 surround sound setup, that I use for everything PS2, and older with a remote controlled component switch box, and it's freaking awesome, even the Roku Express+ hooked into the front composite inputs is nice for a 2nd screen during college football season, or when I want to watch 2 different wrestling shows at once. Some stuff just does not work on an HDTV like light gun games, so I'm keeping my CRT till it dies, and can no longer be repaired, and I have 2 Emerson 19in models in storage in my shop, that I got for free from the local recycle drop off ready to replace it if need be, but sadly they don't have component input, or stereo output, but free is free.
@@AgosLive I have 2 fairly mid range computers at home(main gaming rig in the home office, and HTPC in my game room), and yep I end up playing more games as of late on my Switch Lite, and 3DS laid back on my double recliner couch in my game room with my in ears, and a headphone amp hooked to them.
@@AgosLive I have a pretty potent 2 year old PC and a 360, but skipped out on anything newer because I play my Dreamcast 90% of the time!
The best thing about CRT TV's and monitors is the motion clarity. It's just so pleasant to play games without the inherent sample-and-hold motion blur that you will get with every LCD panel.
I remember when LCD flatscreens made it into mainsteam and I could only tell that the picture was somehow different to CRT that was only around.
Black frame insertion helps this a lot, but nothing compares to that zero lag zero motion blur CRT.
I find it really hard to go back to a CRT, namely due to the flicker with interlaced sources. My eyes are rather sensitive to it (& DLP rainbow effect) so I'm quite happy to leave CRT's in the past.
@@dreamcazman Thankfully TV's have gotten a lot better since the plasma days, it's great to not have to 'need' CRTs if it's causes issues for some people. I want to see more people in the retro space talk about OLEDs and the colour reproduction they can do with the old games - CRTs could be washed out and blurry but you'd be hard-pressed to find a bad looking OLED out there.
I'm getting a CRT television next weekend from family that found one buried in their attic and were going to throw out. It supposedly has a component connection, so I'm looking forward to hooking up my old systems to it.
Nice! It's gonna be a great feeling I'm sure
Great find! I love that’s lofts/attics 👍🏻
Once you see what retro games look like on a CRT with a component cable you will never go back to using a LCD. Also if it has a s video cable input then you can use that for your GameCube, n64 and snes, those 3 consoles look much better on a s video cable than composite cables.
That's really exciting! Hopefully the tube is in healthy condition... because if so you'll never want to use lcd again, especially for Ps2, which generally looks like shite on an lcd.
Glad that you've given the good old CRT a proper try.
Can I eat from your Lunchbox?
Crt > Lcd
No motion blur, no fixed pixels so no upscale blur, virtually zero lag etc
I still rock a good old CRT in my game room and I use it for everything up to 480i. It's also not a flat screen one, because I noticed a lot of games distort the corners of the image to compensate for the regular rounded screens that most people had. On the flat screen those distortions become too apparent. Two games that made me notice this were Mario 64 and Ocarina Of Time.
Im gonna look for it on my flat CRT, the big downside whit rounded TV´s for me is that is harder to find one whit component inputs :( ... greetings Dan!! Im subscriber :)
Also the _Nerd_ said many years ago that Light guns don’t work on flatscreens. Never tested one out when I had the chance back then but they run flawlessly on the round ones i’ve seen over the years.
@@ThatOldSchoolMagic they do work, but maybe in the corners they are not as precise, not sure bc im using a generic lightgun
@@bryanssj3949 Look for a Panasonic CRT from the early-mid 00's as I have a 27in model my parents use to own, and it has curved glass, component input, and stereo output, so I have it wired into my 5.1 surround setup sitting next to my 50in Samsung HDTV. Panasonic to me was like the working man's Trinitron as you got a bigger screen for less money that was close to the same quality.
@@ThatOldSchoolMagic I have one and it does work. Mine isn't super precise tho. It's probably the light gun but its possible it's the flat screen i guess.
I really hope my 32" Trinitron never dies on me...please...
I have a baby one of those! It’s superb! Just make sure it’s on a surge protector, not dusty and not near a heat source. That should help it last longer.
@@vivanecrosis oh ya, I have everything even moderately expensive going through a surge protector, don't want heartbreaks...
I’m one of the rare people that has a Sony Trinitron still unopened in its original box. I’ve left it sealed since 2004.
@@RealSuperNintendan that is insanely cool! Omg, I'm super jealous!!!
@@RealSuperNintendan Post a video
my crt that i had for almost 6 years died on me this past christmas eve. it took me a few weeks but i was able to get the same model a few weeks later. i just cannot dream of retro gaming without one! ive also been playing wwe2k14 on my ps3 through my crt and i tell you what it looks really amazing and feels great. something about the art design and the filters they use to mimic 80s and 90s wrestling is really magical
if you still have nonworking one, get it serviced! youd be surprised how many tvrepair shops there are, and how many that still work on CRTs.
@@xXfrankreynolds69Xx I'd definitely recommend doing so while there are still shops and CRTs available to get repaired. I'll probably get a Sony Trinitron when I've got the money, as it's one of the best CRTs ever made.
@@SmallSpoonBrigade my friend has 3 :D
I got the gcompsw just for the auto-switch between component consoles. Just turn on the console; no need to change inputs.
What happens if you have more than one console on at the same time?
I had a friend of mine who was quite seriously into AV. This kind of simplification is just the kind of thing he'd have loved 👍
@@lockey88 That is one thing I love about running everything through RGB and an Extron switcher. You can run 8 consoles and send them to 8 different outputs with no issues. A friend and I have fun booting up the same game on both the SNES and Genesis and playing them simultaneously to see how they differ.
I have 3 PVM monitors and a Gscart lite. A good PVM is your next step up from a crt, the picture is stunning !
I have been saying for years now that if you want to really enjoy old SD consoles. That you should consider having a good CRT in the mix. It awesome that you talked about the gcompsw (g comp switch) here. I have been thinking about getting it and changing all my setups from SCART and JP21 over to complete Component to simply everything on the BVM.
Awesome video! Thanks MJR!
The best resolution you will see is either s-video or component on a lcd.. just because you grew up on a crt doesn't mean it is the be all and end all, unless you have access to trinitron high dot matrix screens..
I adore my GCompSW paired with HDRetrovision cables on a CRT. Perfection!
Looks good! So many options with cables and upscalers nowadays.
I'm from Europe so I'm using SCART RGB directly on a "newer" old LCD-TV that has 4:3 aspect ratio. Clean picture quality with super sharp pixels.
And even considering I have that, I'd still like to get a CRT again for the feel.
Too bad the PAL format runs in slower 50Hz lol, I would take worse picture quality over slow running hardware.
@@dingletang7256 Agreed about that. My PAL consoles are all modded to be region free and 60hz however. Getting the best of both worlds.
They also make the GScart switcher
try plasma.. flat big and cheap to get
@@RobertAmine with a whole bunch of input lag and looks like absolute shit! Nice!
I actually have basically this exact setup lol. It took me years of savings to be able to buy this stuff, but yeah I have a crt I bought years ago on one side of the room, and then the second output to a modern tv through an ossc on the other side. It gets expensive quick.
Same here but it is worth it.
Same here. Totally agree. This and getting an RGB modded NES and 1chip SNES = pure beauty.
Going the purist route gets expensive super quick. never mind all the waiting lists you'll be sitting on while you slowly collect all the high-end cables and equipment.
You’re right on the money with the audiophile analogy. When you’re trying to have the greatest experience you can, eventually money is no object.
Yeah, I typically fall in the middle somewhere. I don't spend the crazy amounts of money on audio equipment, but don't get the cheap crap either.
I'm this way with guitars, amplifiers, pedals, etc. It's the one hobby that I've outspent my gaming collection with, and I have a ton of games too. I already have a few guitars in mind that I want to pick up this year lol
@@MetalJesusRocks Which is probably a good call. You get progressively less and less for more money when you go past that point. And games being as expensive as they're getting, there's not always a lot of money for other things.
I got my gcomp switch back in October and I love it. I have it outputting to my Sony Trinitron and my XRGB Framemeister via HDRetrovision Component cables. Looks so good.
The frameister has input lag. That doesn't bother you? I had to stop using mine
Definitely an upgrade! :D It starts with a cheap cable, and before you know it, you will spend lots of money on finding the right cables and switches or upscaler/something to hdmi etc. And at the end you should have bought the right tool from the beginning...
You’re absolutely right.
Exactly how it went for me! The next thing I knew I had all manner of RGB cables, console mods for RGB, Extron switches, and PVMS. After a year I currently have 11 consoles running RGB.
@@kg-lg6vw is it that worth it if you already have a nice upscaler like retrotink 5
I LOVE LOVE LOVE my gcompsw. I no longer have to switch the TV between several inputs, hooked up to several switchboxes. I just turn a console on and it works :)
"$240? Damn, are those made out of gold?" 😵
- "Yes"
"Ah" 😐
I have a 27" Sony Trinitron with 11 consoles connected to it, all with S-video or component with the exception of the NES which I have connected via composite for now. Several of the component systems including Genesis, SNES, Saturn, and PS1 are connected with HD Retrovision cables. Everything looks amazing. I'm using some old Philips component/s-video mechanical switch boxes, one that I bought in the early 2000s and the same model that I bought on eBay about 3 years ago. Spent like $20 each on those and they're excellent.
I also have a Wii emulation box connected to a 13" PVM as a secondary setup with tons of console and arcade games available. Modern displays with correct equipment for these old consoles can look great, but there's nothing like a high-quality CRT for my money.
3:58 YES!!! Psi-Ops.....spent about 20 hours just in that tutorial room goofing around.
Such a cool game! Way ahead of its time
@@MetalJesusRocks Dude YES! Psi-Ops is the biggest un-talked about gem for the PS2. So sad about the lawsuit, I hope one day we get that sequel :(
Ouch... $240? I’m pretty happy with my $18 manual composite switcher feeding into my CRT and RetroTink2x. I can also do modern TV and old CRT at the same time.
Bout time more people discover this :)
Now we gotta optimize your capture workflow!
It seems like only Retrorgb's Bob, Voultar, and citrus3000psi knew.
I've explored tons of different options for playing retro consoles on modern TVs - but I always return to my good 'ol late 1990s 27" Trinitron (w/component cables). No matter how good the upscalers and converters get, the fact remains - older games were designed for CRTs. My rule is: use a CRT for any console that's 6th generation or below.
Totally agree 👍.
The Pelican System Selector Pro is rare, but I am quite happy with mine as a Component switcher. Maybe someday I’ll be able to afford a gcomp.
Sounds like what the retro community needs is a SDTV manufacturer, like new models of these tvs maybe with smart features built in, but dedicated to old media. Idk seems like a good business venture.
Me and my ole lady still have our gaming CRTs. Component and S video in.
It's both upgrade AND overkill - but I LOVE my g-comp. I have the G-scart too so that all of my retro consoles are constantly hooked up to the TV with perfect cable management and full auto-switching/auto-signal detect. No messing with inputs or wires and all consoles hooked up to my OSSC with high-quality Scart or component RGB cables from retro gaming cables here in the UK.
The results are INCREDIBLE when compared (with the OSSC pass-through option) to what the image would look like without it.
Plus this setup lets me pass my xbox 360 through the OSSC via component so that I can add scan-lines to the Cave shmups which I think looks amazing.
When these g-scart/g-comp devices are paired with an up-scaler - the results are fantastic. That's my use-case anyway. a fully automated setup that is as close to CRT look as possible but at 65" OLED quality.
Yes it's expensive. yes it's totally worth it.
Next you should check out how good a regular old DVD looks through component on a CRT. You might be surprised how good the hold up.
I watch old movies on my CRT and it looks better than on my modern TV. I even have my kids watching Disney movies and it looks nice and crispy.
@@amuntvalencia7827 I've heard the new OLED 4K HDR TV's get pretty close to mimicking the picture quality of the late Sony Trinitrons.
@@cynical8330 Didn't know that. I'm going to check it out since I'm on the market for a 4k TV. Thanks
I only watch anime/cartoons and full screen TV shows on my CRT. I don't like widescreen movie DVDs because of the smaller screen and loss of detail. I find that widescreen movies are preferable on a 1080p plasma
I still rock a 32" sony trinitron for my retro consoles with a switcher., MJR. I won't play them any other way. I want to experience them the way they were designed, on the TV's they were made for...as you said. If the console supports HDMI natively, then I have those on an HDTV. Otherwise the old analog connections go on a CRT and nothing else.
I have the same tv and honestly between how its so bright and glows like a campfire, there's nothing like looking at a screen made of glass.
Have a small collection of CRTs, there really is a big difference to me compared to using a scaler.
I love your retro-video game videos explaining this kind of hardware stuff! Great job!
Hey, thanks!
I’m glad someone finally showed you the light! I got a nice new powered Phillips component switcher from eBay that works great on my Toshiba CRT for $55. Plus I have two PVMs...and one is in tate mode strictly for shooters :-). Great video!
Me too, buy not one, two of them on ebay, same price and awesome quality. This thing is overpriced as hell.
I have this thing. I’ve had it for a little under a year. I absolutely love it. I bought all retrovision cables for all my consoles. It wasn’t cheap at all but I am absolutely about it. This device is awesome
Wow, I think I’m going to have to try this myself. Definitely a big improvement and would make it easier for guest to play without having to set everything up.
My CRT doesn't support component, but S-video is such a massive leap in quality over composite that I'm more than happy with it. Plus way more consoles support S-video with official cables and there are cheaper options for switches. Splitting it and using a RetroTINK for live streams looks great as well, especially for 16-bit games.
Just FYI, that guy who makes nes cartridges displays that you mentioned “dna designs” ended up scamming everyone sadly.
The hell. Got a link to the news?
@@onkelberra3166 Per the website. "April 02/2020 UPDATE: I sincerely apologize for the delay in some of my customer’s shipments. I have failed to provide the service that I work hard every day to provide. I strive to provide a quality product and service. Please be aware that I have currently been locked out of a few of my accounts due to someone trying to reset my passwords or just cause me headaches. Orders are still shipping and I know a few of you have been waiting. I am working hard every day and will get them all completed ASAP. I promise you I won’t let you down. I will do my best to get access back to my email and FB to reply to each of you directly. Also considering the events of covid-19. I have been social distancing for a few weeks once it started. I have taken every step to insure a clean and healthy work environment in my home. (NOT infected, I just took it seriously from the start) Some of you may not be aware, but I am a 1 man operation and I whole-heartily appreciate your support and understanding. Sincerely, -Adam Harry"
designeddna.shop/?product=nintendo-lcd-cartridge-pre-order
Note: I am no way affiliated with this so YMMV. My guess like everyone else COVID hit him hard and shipping delays and stuff. I don't think he's scamming everyone I think its just slow to get them out. But, I dunno unless Team 974 replies with more info.
@@TheRetroPitstop he hasn't updated that since April 2nd...that's almost 10 months ago. I feel like if he got that far behind he'd want to send out another update when there's rumors about people getting ripped off, unless you were ripping people off 🤷🏻♂️🤷🏻♂️🤷🏻♂️
@@TheRetroPitstop or he got COVID-19 and died. Fuck if I know
@@TheRetroPitstop yeah people ordered 2019, he posted April 2020, and as if 2021 he is just ignoring all people and emails. Check his Facebook page.
Greetings from Sweden. I have a CRT (Lumatron) for my Snes. Found it about ten years ago upon helping a friend with a move. Somebody just put it out in the building entrance with a note saying "free to take". Figure I´d try it out and it still works great. Also gives more of the nostalgia feeling from your childhood when using it.
Where are the HD retrovision cables for the Dreamcast? Been waiting a while.
Same
I bought a Hyperkin HDMI cable for Dreamcast and it looks beautiful but need to get my aspect ratio changed up.
I love your channel MJR. Ive been watching for years now and you always brighten up the day
I appreciate that
Still rocking a crt in my game room. A Loewe. Nice high end unit.
I picked up a 27" Sony CRT that I needed for a MAME cabinet I built last year. MJR is not kidding when he talks about how good it looks and did a great job describing it. I was blown away when I fired it up for the first time after looking at HD screens for such a long time. Play something like Megaman 3 and head to Sparkman's stage to see seizure iducing goodness with the true intended effect. I agree if you can find a good solution it will be well worth playing on it that you won't regret!
I still have the crt from my childhood a daewoo manufactured in the year 2000, it has a big crack on the top corner but still works great and allows me to enjoy my snes while playing super star wars :)
@Dat Boii yeah this tv its my childhood (cartoon network mostly) and the same to your sweet crt buddy.
My component splitter/amplifier costs much less. I bought a used CLabs SW104HD for like $60 on Amazon. It’s 4in 2out. Crystal clear and great for playing on my CRT and streaming/recording with the retrotink going into my computer
I ordered Genesis and SNES cables almost 4 months ago, and still haven't got them from Castlemania....
Get yo money back if service is that bad
they tend to take a while on those cables in particular, HD Retrovision has a hard time keeping up with the demand
A lot of people will defend this company but I won't. They con a lot of people out of their money but get great reviews from CZcamsrs and others means.
@@Ji99i3 yeah they're more like a celebrity youtube company that has taken advantage of retro gamers through their favorite youtubers
@@MSDGAMEZ very glad somebody else realized it.
I always love to have an authentic experience for when I play my retro consoles. Which means hooking up my 80s consoles and computers to a 1984 14" Ferguson TX via a manual aerial cable (the only input it has). I can see why people want the best from their old systems (I do have a Mega Drive connected via RGB to a modern LED TV and it looks great) but there's something about time-tuning the signal for the best picture and still getting fuzzy, oversaturated versions of your games
I kinda want this for no other reason then you know being able to keep all systems plugged in and ready to play when I feel like it. and it would be a single cable going into the tv thanks to this. or more like a single set of cables.
Edit: I kinda wish it had the possibility to ether chose the color of the plexiglass or have some sort of plug for light strips if you wanted to light it up. you know just cause they could have and everything more or less have to have rgb now days apparently at-least if you look at pc gaming.
you can buy a RCA splitter for like $20
@@darrell5363 but I have like eight consoles I wanna plug into one jack so it's gonna be this any way.
@@KristofferEk so do I i actually have many more than 8
get 2 splitters then
@@darrell5363 I still rather not chain spliters
I did something similar with a smaller version of the same switcher you have with my CRT and I absolutely love it, have my retro systems all hooked up and they look fantastic. There’s really nothing better than playing retro games on a good quality CRT television.
When its your hobby.....its never "overkill"
100% agree. My hobby is art and I just got an Apple iPad 12.9 + Apple Pencil.
I was like do I need this thing?
Is this overkill? Hell yeah, but it is lovely and fun.
My hobby thanks me.
Actually it’s his career and he makes money off it, so it’s definitely not overkill
I love that quote! So do my 5 H.I.S.S. tanks, piles of Cobra Commander, Snake Eyes, Starscreams and Optimus Primes- at least Hasbro loves me loving them!).
Get the gcomp directly for 200. It does not cost anything close to 240.
I have about 5 CRTs in my house still. I use 3 of them for retro gaming consistently. The other 2 are backups for when these eventually fail. I cannot overstate how much better these games look (to me) on a CRT. This was the technology these were designed for. :)
I have a 36” Trinitron and it’s perfect for multiplayer gaming goodness. Heavy as hell though
I dropped one of those on my foot once. Was taking it to the tip. It’s screen was all gone. Strange colours. I think it’s shadow mask had gone funny. I have a baby Trinitron now given to me by a neighbour. They was tipping that too. Now it’s mine, bwahhh
Yes my 36" sony weighs a freaking ton and a definite nut buster.
Thank you so much for listing the games shown in your description! Been a long time request.
thats a straight up. upgrade love your channel btw keep it up
I'm also glad I still have my CRTs as I play my older consoles much in the same way you are here MJR. There's nothing quite as satisfying as playing an old game on the hardware it was made for :)
"It just works' - Metal Jesus 2021
''16 times the detail''
"That’s been one of my mantras-focus and simplicity. Simple can be harder than complex; you have to work hard to get your thinking clean to make it simple." - Steve Jobs
@@MetalJesusRocks - My comment was a poor attempt at a Bethesda saying / joke lol. But jokes aside, the device is awesome. I also run a similar switcher on my CRT for all my old consoles, and I also have an RGBPi device hooked up to my CRT's RGB port also, looks fantastic.
@@MetalJesusRocks Just giving you some slack, I love your vids xD No one can resist memeing on ol Todd
Just wanted to say that I LOVE watching your videos. Look like a rocker, sound like nerd(in a good way) and just come off as a really nice, cool dude. I'll admit, I think I'm having withdrawal from the lack of you and Reggie getting together with more of your new game pick-ups...but such is the situation we are forced into at this time. Here's hoping that before too long, you'll be able to actually get together with your crew again, and bring back many of the good times you all seem to have together. Hope they're all doing well. Be safe, and thanks for keeping the content coming, even through these trying times.
I hope you are staying healthy through COVID!
I got a CRT as a gift a few years back and I loved playing stuff on composite. Especially things that require quick reflexes like Battletoads or Punch-Out, a CRT really helps. Then recently it dawned on me that the CRT has a component input as well. Ever since, I’ve been working to get every console that supports it hooked up through component and that’s where the gcomp comes in. It is exactly what I need. Thanks for the review.
Update: my gComp was delivered. I have my Wii, Gamecube, PS2, Genesis, and SNES hooked up through HD Retrovision cables; for the Dreamcast I got component cables from Retro Gaming Cables UK, and the original Xbox just some good quality generic component cables. That’s seven consoles all going to my CRT’s one component input, but also to my retrotink 5X and that goes to the HDTV and ElGato. I even have one more slot available if I ever mod my N64 or NES. It all looks stunning. Was it cheap? Not really, no. But it is worth it to me
Dang, I love this... exactly what I need.. now if I could only get my 36" Trinitron upstairs to my game room... lol
Trinitrons were still some of the best tv's I've ever owned, and the flattest crt tubes you could get at the time.
Dude I have a 36” Trinitron as well and yeah, it’s an absolute monster to move anywhere. Someone on reddit told me that the best stand for holding up a Sony Trinitron is another bigger Sony Trinitron lol
@@adamwilson1691 ha! I actually bought some metal shelving from Lowes, it's rated pretty heavy... but I'm also finding that not all Trinitrons are equal? I have the KV-36FS17, it was free and in great condition so I took it. It's 242lbs, so I know the 27" and smaller are hard to find since people keep them, since they can move them easily.. I just don't know if the model # I have is considered desirable..
@@BCZF they really hold up well if taken care of, that's for sure
I have the kv36fv310 and have read our sets are very desirable as they are the pinnacle of Sony commercial grade standard definition crt. Good score!
I regret losing my 32" JVC CRT, a family member left it outside whilst cleaning up the conservatory, light rain came and it stopped working. It was indestructible but very bulky, sound was fantastic and was perfect for retro gaming especially as I still play my PS2, Xbox and Wii.
Man, I'd love to have a visit in your videogames room.
Amen! Now, given that I live in New Zealand, all I need is a month off work and a whole chunk of spare change.
I could probably get a month off work, but as for the money..... 🤪
if i did that, i'd never leave, totally envy MJR tbh
I have a 32" Sharp CRT with S-Video set up in a bedroom closet actually lol. I got the TV for free about 6 years ago. Someone was trying to just get rid of it, and I gladly took it off their hands. The closet, by the way was the only place where it would fit in the house. It is where I play my NES, Super NES, and Playstation 1 and 2 games. We even have a VCR connected to it with some old movies to watch from time to time like the original Star Wars Trilogy. It's great honestly. It is really hard to go back to playing those games on an HD TV when you have the actual hardware connected to a CRT TV. It just looks great. You're right: cables are everything in these setups. I went through a few I bought off of Amazon before I was able to settle on something I liked. I have them all going through a GE A/V switcher. I highly recommend going through the hassle of finding a regular old TV and connecting your old systems to it. It's a far better solution than up-scalers IF you have the room for it.
Great video MJR!! Love a game room update make em more often!
@@antonmakkonen I meant generally bro
Thanks! Will do!
yo MJR, quick tip for your Wii setup;
If you ever need to boot it up on a tv that can't handle a 480p image, you can hold down the power button for ~10 seconds while turning it on to set it back to interlaced mode, helped me a bunch when testing multiple TV's
Ah! Very good to know. Thanks!
leaving my like and sharing this video before watching it, because when it comes to MJR, I know it is going to be an interesting content
Same. I always like the video before watching 😂
I love that they make this, I no longer run a CRT because the last one I had was destroyed and I couldn't justify replacing it. I share my gameroom with my family and I had to reduce my footprint for a while due to the indelicacy of my son and his friends. Now that he's a little older and misses retro gaming with me I'll probably just focus on upscaling everything and running it on a single modern TV. I do love that this product exists though and that things like this are being made for those of us who prefer playing on the original consoles.
Being happy with emulation on a device with hdmi output has saved me an enormous amount of hassle and cost.
@MetalJesus , just so know if you reset the Wii with the AV cable disconnected it will reset to 480i display so it will show on your CRT! Then you don't need to plug it in to a different progressive scan display!
32" trinitron here, I use it for anything ps2 and earlier
6.30 "It's like voodoo" - actually, for sprite-based games, it's the scanlines. :-)
Nothing better than playing games on a big ole crt
I am planning on getting one of these as soon as I save up. Thanks for the video my friend. I was wondering about this. My Sony Trinitron will thank me.
MetalJesus, I have an AV switch box.
yah me too but its not component. it does have svideo though but i dont use it..
I have a CRT Sony KV-29FS310 to my retro consoles and l love it, with composite cables its awesome. Great topic for the video. Congrats!
Considering your game room is an entire floor of a house, I'm going to say its not overkill.
I saved a CRT from the tip/refuge. I was chatting with a neighbour about old games.
I asked him if he had anything he didn’t need anymore and he said he had an old TV that his wife was him to throw away.
He said oh it’s just a little one, Sony I think. I was like, sure I’ll take that.
I might be able to use it. Playing it cool. For me to have a Sony Trinitron CRT is like finding gold.
We used to have a big one in the lounge.
This was like a baby one, and ideal for my bedroom.
I have on it PS2 and an original XBOX through SCART.
I have a SCART to HDMI converter if I want to capture some footage.
LONG LIVE RETRO!
Where all my Extron boys and girls at?
I have a Sony 55 inch CRT from 2005, mainly for the Wii, GameCube and Mega Drive. You are right, there is something special with gaming on good 'ol 4:3.
"REST WHY" Throw away thousands of CRT TV away a day🤯😡
I have a CRT that I bought new in 2003 around the transition to flat screen. I only use it for gaming with an A/V switcher and it is by far the best experience for retro gaming.
WHAT'S WRONG WITH OVERKILL?!
I was listening to "The Electric Age" by Overkill just the other day 🤘
@@MetalJesusRocks i listen to overkill by men at work.
I have 2 Sony CRT TVs and i love them when i play my retro games, bcoz there is no input lags unlike the HD TVs
I got a 32" Sony trinitron to play my retro stuff, and even with just the regular cables that came with the console it still looks awesome, love the sound it makes when i turn it on it sounds like an airplane taking off xD
I had a giant CRT I bought specifically for Guncon games, and boy was it awesome.
It was one of those giant TV´s they´d use in schools, must have weight about 40 KG, if not more (it was a lot of fun carrying that beast up 6 flights of stairs).
very much agree with your buddy, nothing better than the original hardware. I use a neat little black switch with buttons in front -wii(for gamecube games) and ps2 is on component on a gorgeous sony lcd 20" 4:3.
I live in a small 2-room appartment with my wife at the moment. As soon as we find a bigger flat I'm gonna buy an CRT and give this thing a shot. Looks awesome!!!
Glad you're finally one of the converted, MJR.
The truth is if you're serious about retro games, you NEED to play them on a CRT. All of these quality cables certainly help enhance the experience, and I would recommend them, but even using just Composite cables on any pre-HD consoles looks better on a CRT than on a HDTV.
I own one of these. Sat on a waiting list for like 90 days but it was worth it for my setup. All my retro systems are outputting a component signal through the switch box into my 27" Trinitron CRT. Having the second input is great if you have both a CRT and an older flat panel that can do 480p without much lag. You could even feed that second component input into an upscaler (OSSC, RetroTink, Framemeister)and convert to HDMI.
I've always used a CRT for everything pre-360 and I've always loved how it looks. You can get a solution together comparable to this for much less. Buy old, used component or s-video switcher boxes off eBay for $5-15. Then buy the cheapest s-video or component cable available for every system. Jumping up to use component for every console with the retrovision cables and adapters is extremely expensive and is a negligible upgrade over s-video. I have 12 systems hooked up to my CRT and I would say it cost me about $100 ($30 for switch boxes, $60 for console cables, $10 for cables to TV from switch boxes).
I was interested in this giant switcher but my eyes immediately widened when you said AUTOMATIC. Awesome video, thanks for bringing this forward MJR 🤟 Looks like a great device
I was gifted a CRT by my local Community Theatre. It’s only a rinky dink 9 in and only has RF in but it’s great for testing NES consoles and games I’m working on and cleaning up.
The video feed captured here looks blurry and awful. But I don't doubt for a second the CRT view is really crisp and clear. That's how it works, very different way of displaying the graphics. And when you get high quality signal, with proper resolution for you CRT TV (a good one), it can look exceptionally clear. Something that takes A LOT more workarounds to do on modern TVs.
I got a 27inch Toshiba flat screen CRT and I absolutely love it for all the old consoles. I may have to look into these cables as it does have the component input on it.
I still have my 27” RCA CRT and so glad I kept it! The difference is as huge as you say! I also drove past a neighbor’s house with a 13”-14” Sylvania with a “free tv (NOT THE CHAIR!)” sign, (I thought it was funny) so I grabbed it in a flash. It had been drizzling out, but Joy! It still works! I have it on a barstool in my living room so i can game on it or my Vizio 65” QLED, which is an *awesome* 4k (m657-G0), but everything pre-Dreamcast (I’ve got the VGA box for it) looks WAY BETTER on my free little CRT than my 65” QLED! Even with the original composite cables.
I also have 2 17” flatscreen CRT computer monitors, but the console I can hook up is my Dreamcast with the (absolute must-have for DC fans) VGA box. It’s gorgeous!
I’d love to see how my other older systems look on the PC monitors, but I don’t know how to convert my Saturn, Genesis, SEGA CD, Master System but I don’t know how to adapt them to vga (any advice? Anyone? I’d appreciate it!).
Thanks Metal Jesus! You Rock!
I have a 65" 4k and a 27" crt, mostly play on the 4k but it's easy enough to unplug and hook a console up to the crt whenever I'm feeling like it. Definitely a game room upgrade
I really want one of these things. I have a CRT. To this day I have not found a solution that allows me to play punch out well other than on a CRT. On most games it doesn't bother me and I can't see any delay at all, but punch out is sooo precise for me any kind of delay makes it much harder. Maybe I'm just getting old hahah! Not to mention all the great light gun games! I love Time Crisis and virtua cop. the PS1, N64 generation just looks so good on a crt!
Excited to see this video. I have one of these getting delievred tomorrow. Have a few HD Retrovision cables on order, supposed to ship this month. Will be pairing all of this with my Retrotink I just got.
The bad thing about this setup is that CRT TVs are endangered species, in some places find a nice quality CRT in good condition can turn a pain in the ass, and in a near future will be almost impossible.
If you can I would be checking your local recycle drop off for one that looks in good condition, that's how I got 2 working 19in Emerson CRT models from the mid 00's, as backup to my 27in Panasonic CRT with component inputs, the old guy who runs my local recycle drop off point gets a kick out of what I find in the e-waste bin, and I manage to get working again. Salvation Army stores are another good place to check along with other thrift store in your area.
yeah CRTs are going to be extinct one day, but as long as they can be found, peeps gonna use them.
It's crazy now how we all just threw them out or gave them away thinking that they were just crap old TV'S.
You can still find them if you go out for 5 mins on trash day. No one is looking to selling them they just put them outside. Trash men can’t lift them so they just sit there
I tend to find the newer ones look the worse with RGB, a rule of thumb I have is to only go after the portable ones as the tubes tended to be sharper - probably why I saw a lot of people who used them as CCTV monitors back in the day.
I use a "mechanical" switch for hooking up the component cables, it does not require power and it's very cheap (80 RMB which is about 12 USD). 8 input and 1 output. The product is called "仝丽 DSW81" and you can find it on Taobao. I personally recommend it. Search for it if you are looking for a component switch, trust me on this :)