Old boxy TVs for retro gaming
Gamers looking at childhood games as an adult might think nostalgia remembers games looking better than they are. But they actually did look better then, and can still— on the displays the game's meant for.
On a modern screen, you can see an old game pixel-by-pixel, but this isn't the case on a CRT.
For examples: see Retro Games Really Did Look Better Back In The Day
There are many reasons not to use a tube TV. They are heavy, fragile, and can be dangerous if violently damaged. Do not pick one bigger than you can handle and risk dropping it!! They are hungry for electricity, and can keep a big charge[^1] even while powered off. And the air pressure situation due to the vacuum in the tube makes it extra explodey if busted on impact.
Also, it's important to keep magnets and most speakers away from a CRT. This will hurt your display. Mild damage can be repaired by degaussing, but too much can permanently damage it.
I warn against shipping these due to expense and fragility. Check out local marketplaces for pickups: facebook, craigslist, etc. You will find something. If you're looking for something special, be willing to make a day trip. Gas will probably still be cheaper than shipping ;) Even if you are personally willing to take the shipping risk, please reconsider, the supply of CRTs is finite.
Since they are so heavy, I'd go as small as you are comfortable viewing. Mine is 13” and I can carry it under one arm. The 32” we plucked from the curb was so tough for two people. It didn't work for long, and it's taking up a shit ton of space because getting it out will be harder than getting it in; I have regrets.
When CRTs stop functioning, it is NOT responsible to just put it on the curb. I know it's not realistic to dispose everything responsibly all the time. These can become hazards if knocked around so it's extra important to do so, you just gotta. Unfortunately, a lot of e-waste drop-off spots won't take them, for the same reasons they should. You might have to drive it personally to a solid waste authority.
But, if your broken TV is highly sought after, someone may gladly pick it up to have it fixed. (you can list it for pickup like this: nonworking TV for parts/recapping)
If you're not up for all this, some emulators use graphics to re-create the CRT effect.
[^1]: this is partly responsible for many of the unique old TV sounds... and the intense static attraction quickly pulling in dust and animal hairs.
HELPFUL INFO FOR SELECTING YOUR SCREEN: You don't have to worry about getting the best tube you can find. Any random tube set will be better than today's normal screens.
It can all be adapted, but it's best to choose a TV with the right inputs for your console— RCA is rarely best, but will work in most but not all situations.
Inputs from best quality, decreasing:
Composite, the last hurrah for analog video cables, these are red green and blue for video. With red & white for audio, total 5. A great picture with composite inputs is the best CRT you can ask for.
S-video, a better alternative at a time dominated by component, more likely to be found on TVs starting mid-90s. Hard to describe, but resembles the round parallel ports used for peripherals before USB.
Component/RCA: yellow for video, red & white for audio. Probably the most likely output/input you'll run into, by the 90s these are on nearly everything.
RF: looks like a cable jack. The only input you can count on in older TVs. Consoles after the 16 bit era (~90s) will require an RF modulator. This is a separate box to take your other outputs (probably composite/RCA) and output RF. New RF modulators might attempt to upscale, but vintage Radioshack boxes are inexpensive.
BRANDS
Obviously, picture quality is more important than brand, but brand is a start. It's best to look up the model, too, but if you're going by a picture from somebody's garage this might not be an option. VERY rough guide (in USA) of notable brands, with better on top:
- Sony Trinitron: you will probably have to pay a lot for this, if not, grab it immediately.
- JVC: before 2000 generally better, still many good ones after that.
- Panasonic
- Toshiba: best before 2001, still not bad after.
- Phillips/Magnavox: better before and after late 90s.
- Hitatchi: great in late 80s.
Detailed Guide for individual models & more brands
Computer monitors can also be a great option. They are harder to find, but will have better pictures (and be smaller) on average. They can connect to a TV console with some know-how. Be sure to get informed on PC input types (which I have not covered) and how to convert them to your console's outputs. Or build a retro PC too, for a bigger challenge and bigger flex in vintage collecting.
TEST YOUR CRT, IF YOU CAN
If you can, bring your console/s along and make sure it looks great before buying. If you have a flash cart, you can run a CRT test suite.
RELEVANT VIDEO When Worse Graphics Are Actually BETTER