CRT or LCD?

[srjudoz]

i know CRT used to be better than LCD for gaming because it had faster response but now LCD is kinda the in thing. if i was building a gaming rig which would be the better way to go, can someone fill me in?

Many thanks

[EzyStvy]

How to Buy a Monitor
http://www.pcworld.com/howto/bguide/...,page,2,00.asp


LCD v CRT

"In general, graphic artists prefer CRT monitors because they show truer colors and greater nuance, whereas people who work mostly with text gravitate toward LCDs because pixels on an LCD have well-defined edges, resulting in sharply focused letters. Gamers prefer CRTs, too, because LCDs redraw their screens more slowly, and as a result, moving images can sometimes leave visible trails or appear blurry."



Faster and "The In Thing" are probably two different things.

[kram 2.0]

I personally prefer LCDs more, since I like my monitors lighter on the eyes - CRTs are as you mentioned, pretty heavy duty. And plus, it's smaller

kram

[pam123]

There are good LCD screens for gaming ( grab the recent MaximumPC edition for the reviews) but if you're on a budget then the crt will still give you more tech for the buck.
I'm not willing to pay the (inflated) price for an LCD but I do note that the price is dropping, sharply, so it seems no one else is either.
Wait till fall or winter and you may get a 17" LCD that's great's for games at a price that won't have you eating ramen noodles.

[Spartan]

LCD all the way. If you are the type that can tell the difference between vinyl and CD's then maybe a CRT, but for most people I would say LCD.

-Spartan

[RJ]

Yep. The TFT technology has advanced so much. I have a TFT for over 4 years now and I would never go back to CRTs.

You just need to make sure to get a good one, as poor TFTs will disappoint you. Look for Samsung, Philips, NEC, these are examples of good brands. Stay away from Viewsonic.

RJ

[Techdec42]

CRT monitors are better in gaming and other programs because the better refresh rate but if you have limited space i would go for the LCD

[IntegraGSR]

If you LAN a lot, LCD monitors can save you some aches and pains from moving it around (CRT's are monsters to carry around). LCD's will get much cheaper in a reletively short amount of time, and the technology will get better, color clarity and sharpness will improve, and I believe they will be the new standard.

IMO of course

[pop-tart]

Having played heavy duty games on both CRT and LCD monitors, i'd say go with the LCD. You can hardly tell the difference between the two (in my opinion) except the LCD is more warm in the coloring, WAY easier on the eyes, and you can't beat the size. After carrying around a large and heavy CRT it was really nice to go to a Lighter and less space consuming monitor.

Just be sure to get one at 16ms+

[jeoL]

Originally Posted by pop-tart Just be sure to get one at 16ms+

um i believe for gaming you want a monitor with 16ms or less response time
you also want one with a 0.264mm or less dot pitch

[Force Flow]

Speaking as a graphic artist and gamer, I have yet to see an LCD that has been able to totally satisfy me.

If anything, the smaller footprint of an LCD is, without a doubt, very nice compared to a CRT.

[TpGun2424]

Well I would say it's kinda hard to go wrong with a crt, just make sure you have ample space. And also look around and see what people think of the monitor before you get anything.

[Force Flow]

You'd be surprised at some of the poor quality CRT's I've seen. horrible contrast, color balance, and not to mention washed out looking.

If you stick to some of the better brands, you can't go wrong.

[RJ]

um i believe for gaming you want a monitor with 16ms or less response time

16ms is nothing special. 30ms or less is good.

you also want one with a 0.264mm or less dot pitch

Dot pitch doesn't matter at all when looking for a TFT. The native resolution is what matters and currently I've seen all TFTs of the same size having the same.

RJ

[rave]

it matters how much strain your eyes can take. if you are a true gamer you might spend more than 4 hours playing games, not to mention all those hours looking at a screen during work. LCD would be a better choice because it looks COOL and its easier on the eyes. but a CRT has betrter colours and does not "lag" like an LCD which redraws slower.

[i486]

For a gaming monitor:
viewsonic 22" CRT or
viewsonic 18" LCD

SUN micosystems makes very high-quality, but expencive monitors. www.sun.com

[mystvearn]

Good think I read the INQ first. Somone did a comparison LCD vs CRT.
Here:
http://theinquirer.net/?article=17179

There is a pdf in that link.

[i486]

My favorite monitor is the sun 24" lcd. It has replaceable lamps, 13w3, hd15, s-video, composite and dvi-d connectors, as well as a 4 port usb hub. retail price: $3600

[Zick Boy]

I prefer CRT. The image looks sharper, especially when gaming.

[RJ]

The image looks sharper

That's only the case if you don't run the TFT at its native resolution. TFTs aren't as flexible as CRTs with different resolutions, but a TFT has a native resolution where the image is sharper than any CRT could dream of.
CRTs, on the other hand, provide equal sharpness at different resolutions, though it's not as great as on a TFT at native res.

I always run my TFT at native res. Some older games can't, so they're a bit blurry, but I can live with that.

RJ

[Gizmo]

I'd put it down to personal preference. I personally prefer CRT over LCD.