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I’ve noticed that there is very little info here re CRT FP. I’m one of the only if not the only one here using it. Please read this post as it has some rough facts re this display device which still IMO outperforms all but the most expensive PJs.
CRT was the first real viable display tech as far as I know. Of late it has been overshadoed by digital in the FP arena. At first blush it would seem that this is due to a lack of performance or unavailability of CRT. I am here to assure you this is not the case. The only people able to afford these machines in their heyday were large corporations who used them for boardrooms and the odd millionaire who had them at home. With the new digital tech these PJs (in boardrooms) have been replaced with the little 1 bulb PJs.
As far as corporate board rooms go there is no question as to why the switch was made since the strengths of the digital PJs are right where the boardroom needs it. Simplicity, portability and lite output. It’s negatives are not noticed in the boardroom to any great extent.
As far as home theater goes the negatives of CRT can be easily overcome (in a lot of cases) and it’s considerable advantages exploited.
CRTs come in two classes of three flavors so to speak. There are the EM (electromagnetic) and ES (electrostatic) machines which each come in three basic tube sizes 7”, 8”, and the big boys 9”. EM focus is much preferd as it allows a smaller beamspot, electronic focus adj and basically a sharper image. As far as the size goes all 3 are suitable for home theater with the light output increasing with each size as a rule. The most popular units are currently 8” EM units from NEC, Sony, Barco and Electrohome. There are other makers but those are the big four. Barco and Electrohome are still being manufactured today but there is an abundance of parts for all 4 manufacturers as well as support scattered across North America.
I will concentrate on the 8” units here since they are the most cost effective and popular at the current time. A good 8” EM focus PJ such as an Electrohome Marquee 8000 or Barco Graphics 808 with no wear on the tubes can be had for < $2500 or as low as about $1000 if you are willing to take a chance on a used unit from e-bay or the likes. For 3K you will get a mint machine from a reputable reseller who supports his machine 100%. It’s been my experience that many of theses guys provide better support than any MFG warrentee.
An 8” EM focus Graphics grade PJ as noted above will give a usable resolution of #X 960p. The # (horizontal resolution) is not an issue with these units so I did not assign a number but I have run 1440/960 w/o any issues. Many of the units have a much higher addresable capability but in order to maintain a razor sharp image @ resolutions higher than 960p an 9” tube is generally required. Most of the 9’ ers will do 1080 P (2X HD) w/o issue on a 16/9 aspect ratio.
There are no limitations re aspect ratio with theses PJs since the raster and image size on the tubes is adj. What that means is that any of these machines will run 4/3 or 1/9 w/o loss of resolution.
Many of the machines have multiple I/Ps but most require RGBHV or RGBS and have no internal scaling. This means that an O/B scaler or HTPC is generally required to supply sync and whatever resolution the user deceides to apply. Theses scalers are also avail on the cheap and generally outperform any scaling done by a PJs internal scaling or the scaling done by a DVD player 480p. MOST machines will accept 480i via s-video but that is defeating the purpose IMO.
As far as light O/P is concerned these units are not as brite as the better digitals and req light controlled rooms. That is not to say the room must be black but if the lights are on full the image will be washed out. A good 8” CRT WILL NOT leave the regular user (with light control) needing more O/P and WILL show a greater degree of detail in the image (especially) in dark colors than ANY digital.
There have been many debates as to which is better. CRT vs Digital. The truth is that both have their place. If you are willing to spend a little more time during setup and have a light controlled room a good rule of thumb is that a EM focus 8 or 9” CRT will outperform almost all digitals. They can also be had used as I stated earlier at a sweet price and SUPPORT is avail.
If you aren’t a DIY guy or tweaker and can’t control the light in your room and want plug and play then the choice is clear. Digital. If you spend enough cash on these new digitals you can APPROACH the image quality (as far as video is concerned ) of a good CRT, but it’s gonna cost ya.
I’m guessing there will be replies to this thread flaming CRT by the digtal owners here. This is nothing new and the argument will not be won by either side. I have nothing against digital and indeed enjoy the image produced by SOME of these machines. My pref however is clear.
The Future of HT lies in FP SPREAD THE WORD
I’ve noticed that there is very little info here re CRT FP. I’m one of the only if not the only one here using it. Please read this post as it has some rough facts re this display device which still IMO outperforms all but the most expensive PJs.
CRT was the first real viable display tech as far as I know. Of late it has been overshadoed by digital in the FP arena. At first blush it would seem that this is due to a lack of performance or unavailability of CRT. I am here to assure you this is not the case. The only people able to afford these machines in their heyday were large corporations who used them for boardrooms and the odd millionaire who had them at home. With the new digital tech these PJs (in boardrooms) have been replaced with the little 1 bulb PJs.
As far as corporate board rooms go there is no question as to why the switch was made since the strengths of the digital PJs are right where the boardroom needs it. Simplicity, portability and lite output. It’s negatives are not noticed in the boardroom to any great extent.
As far as home theater goes the negatives of CRT can be easily overcome (in a lot of cases) and it’s considerable advantages exploited.
CRTs come in two classes of three flavors so to speak. There are the EM (electromagnetic) and ES (electrostatic) machines which each come in three basic tube sizes 7”, 8”, and the big boys 9”. EM focus is much preferd as it allows a smaller beamspot, electronic focus adj and basically a sharper image. As far as the size goes all 3 are suitable for home theater with the light output increasing with each size as a rule. The most popular units are currently 8” EM units from NEC, Sony, Barco and Electrohome. There are other makers but those are the big four. Barco and Electrohome are still being manufactured today but there is an abundance of parts for all 4 manufacturers as well as support scattered across North America.
I will concentrate on the 8” units here since they are the most cost effective and popular at the current time. A good 8” EM focus PJ such as an Electrohome Marquee 8000 or Barco Graphics 808 with no wear on the tubes can be had for < $2500 or as low as about $1000 if you are willing to take a chance on a used unit from e-bay or the likes. For 3K you will get a mint machine from a reputable reseller who supports his machine 100%. It’s been my experience that many of theses guys provide better support than any MFG warrentee.
An 8” EM focus Graphics grade PJ as noted above will give a usable resolution of #X 960p. The # (horizontal resolution) is not an issue with these units so I did not assign a number but I have run 1440/960 w/o any issues. Many of the units have a much higher addresable capability but in order to maintain a razor sharp image @ resolutions higher than 960p an 9” tube is generally required. Most of the 9’ ers will do 1080 P (2X HD) w/o issue on a 16/9 aspect ratio.
There are no limitations re aspect ratio with theses PJs since the raster and image size on the tubes is adj. What that means is that any of these machines will run 4/3 or 1/9 w/o loss of resolution.
Many of the machines have multiple I/Ps but most require RGBHV or RGBS and have no internal scaling. This means that an O/B scaler or HTPC is generally required to supply sync and whatever resolution the user deceides to apply. Theses scalers are also avail on the cheap and generally outperform any scaling done by a PJs internal scaling or the scaling done by a DVD player 480p. MOST machines will accept 480i via s-video but that is defeating the purpose IMO.
As far as light O/P is concerned these units are not as brite as the better digitals and req light controlled rooms. That is not to say the room must be black but if the lights are on full the image will be washed out. A good 8” CRT WILL NOT leave the regular user (with light control) needing more O/P and WILL show a greater degree of detail in the image (especially) in dark colors than ANY digital.
There have been many debates as to which is better. CRT vs Digital. The truth is that both have their place. If you are willing to spend a little more time during setup and have a light controlled room a good rule of thumb is that a EM focus 8 or 9” CRT will outperform almost all digitals. They can also be had used as I stated earlier at a sweet price and SUPPORT is avail.
If you aren’t a DIY guy or tweaker and can’t control the light in your room and want plug and play then the choice is clear. Digital. If you spend enough cash on these new digitals you can APPROACH the image quality (as far as video is concerned ) of a good CRT, but it’s gonna cost ya.
I’m guessing there will be replies to this thread flaming CRT by the digtal owners here. This is nothing new and the argument will not be won by either side. I have nothing against digital and indeed enjoy the image produced by SOME of these machines. My pref however is clear.
The Future of HT lies in FP SPREAD THE WORD
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