Just to add to my comment below, Sony TVs in the 90s were absolute gems with there solid black construction and because CRT's have a large depth to them the casing acts as a bass tube, I have 1999 sony 28" wide screen CRT and that even has a real subwoofer located in the rear of the case, they don't make teles like they used to, they feel cheep and nasty, plus a CRT will last yeeeeaars providing you look after them by de-dusting the inside out every couple years.
This particular sony TV was gold back in the day very very nice tv, I remember them making a 21", 25" and 28" in this model, I have the 25" version, bought it back in 1998 and bought the 25" over the 21" because the 25" has a front S-video socket that I needed for my Panasonic 3DO at the time, I thought the 28" was a bit too big and the 25" displayed a cleaner image than the 28" I too use it for my old consoles, the sound on this set is bloody amazing, I've never heard a set like it since
got one of these the other day £10 on ebay, its unbelievable how much better retro consoles look on it compared with hd tvs, also the sound quality is amazing, perfect for games like street fighter alpha on the saturn.
I just got one of these old boys off ebay. Picture is OK, colours not as bright as Id thought thed be but generally OK for its age. Think I need the service menu tho as the picture is a bit too far to the left. I wish thed start making them again, just in limited numbers even, they would sell.
I wish I had planned ahead and bought a couple of new CRTs before they went out of production. I'm scavenging the used market now. My favourite console is the N64 and I have huge collection of games for it, and I've realized too late that my collection is useless if I one day find myself without a working CRT. And it just isn't the same experience on emulators.
@TheNervousRobot I hear you. I'm aware myself that if my CRT were to go then I'd be snookered! There's a fair few used on Ebay etc... but it's fact that in the future they'll eventually be a thing of the past.
@TheNervousRobot I feel the same. I don't understand how people still didn't realize that. Not only the experience with consoles is much better on a CRT (N64, PS2, mega-drive, etc.), but the problems is also on DVDs.
@iechromefox Spot on. All older content on crt looks better, scales better(on computer monitors) and responds better; They still measure input lag on modern monitor against a crt today. They retired crts well too early to save some space on desks and living rooms =/. And don't give me that save the planet crap because the earth has survived solar storms, meteorites!, nukes the lot. It will be here long after humans have gone.
Our only hope is for lcd technology to catch up before crts are gone.
@TheNervousRobot u can play almost every retro system that uses composite,rgb and not rf on lcd ! its just that alot of people prefer the feeling of crt tvs
Hi Ian, great review - I've been on the lookout for a trinny locally for a while now and just found one advertised for £25. It's a 29" - KV-29X5U, I enquired about it and learnt it was going to the dump that weekend and I could have it for free along with a TV unit! Just picked it up and it's a great set the picture is superb as you say. These X5U Sonys really work well with consoles. The TV was a beast to transport though!
NIce TV, and a bargain too! I've got a Sony Bravia 32" LCD for the PS3/360 and a cheap Proline CRT for my PS2. I got the CRT for nothing as a friend's sister was throwing it out. It would be nice to have a Sony CRT as well though...
I really love sony. I own a Sony Vaio laptop, A Sony Bravia flatscreen television, and a Sony Playstation 3 :D Well plenty of other SOny products/games as well.
@a3HeadedMonkey I already have RGB scart it looks ok but i have seen the results of recent videos by faginrs500 and trust me watch them and you will see your hdtv doesnt look as good as you think.
Of course as Ian says you cant beat a CRT for SEGA megadrive gaming :)
I hope the CRT is still going strong in that one, I do TV repair and mid-90s Sony sets are absolute crap in the picture tube life dept, they go bad in less than 10 years which is bullshit and there's nothing you can do about it. OTOH my 1989 KV-2140 is as good as new after these 22 years, quite a difference in build quality right there.
Glad you've featured your Sony Trinitron, they deserve the respect IMO! Had my 14" Trintron for 20 years now, can't beat them. £20 Ian, you lucky bugger, hehe!!! :)
@darrenwalshsock Honestly mate you can't go wrong with Trinitrons. The picture quality is superb as far as i'm concerned. Just avoid the 1993 tilt base model because you don't get the additional composite video connections unlike models prior/after for some reason. GOOD LUCK with your hunt if you decide on this range. :D
I had a computer monitor with a Sony Trinitron tube, it was great except it had these lines a 1/3 down and 2/3 down (where the 3 crts meet). Bearing in mind I set far closer to a computer monitor than I would a TV. Were they all like that?
Sony CRTs are the way to go for retro gaming, no idea what model mine is off the top of my head but its good. I'm a big fan of sony products, although my main LCD is a samsung because when i bought it it was vastly cheaper than sony and seemed better picture quality
This was actually a very well done and interesting video Ian, you thought you might bore us with this video when in fact you actually had us all glued to the screen.
Is your TV compatible with your NTSC Jap Mega Drive?
Just curious because i'm assuming it's a PAL TV and i'm not sure if they made PAL TV's compatible for NTSC playback in the late 90's. My TV is from 2003 and it's a PAL 60Hz TV but it supports NTSC playback like NTSC DVD's and I suppose a Mega Drive running in NTSC 60Hz.
its cool to see you do a video on your tv, Ian. it deserves being shown off because your mega drive games always look superb on it on your mini reviews.
Not to mention if you want to play any sort of light gun games for the retro systems you need to have a CRT. This looks like a nice TV for retro gaming. I always loved the picture and color quality of these Sony Trinitron sets
Sony Trinitrons were simply the best.I always had Trinitron TVs and sony products in general.perfect for retro gaming.but in new TVs,I'd say Panasonic plasmas are superior.(although I have a sony bravia).
@alak58 I have found a 34" Sony Trinitron on craigslist for 100 bucks should I pick it up? I need a no input lag hd fix and I think that would be perfect.
@whONeEDZNaDeZ yes,you can't go wrong with Sony Trinitrons for retro gaming.they are the best.especially (once) high end models they used to cost a fortune in their time but can be picked up very cheap.
Nice video matey - can't go wrong with the Sony CRTs... I use the 32" Sony Wega and its superb for my consoles... am still keeping an eye out on Ebay for a 21" Sony but its just a case of striking it lucky on Ebay with finding one locally... :)
Nice! I'm all for using a 90s CRT TV for retro games. My old old Sharp Linytron (a copy of Trinitron) is destned for my new games room. I'm also after a Mitsubishi CT-21M1TX - the set I played all my games on in the late 90s.
Great stuff Ian! I have the same tv in my arcade cab connected to a pc via s-video cable and i can't fault it! Plus i only paid £6 from a second hand shop : )
Just to add to my comment below, Sony TVs in the 90s were absolute gems with there solid black construction and because CRT's have a large depth to them the casing acts as a bass tube, I have 1999 sony 28" wide screen CRT and that even has a real subwoofer located in the rear of the case, they don't make teles like they used to, they feel cheep and nasty, plus a CRT will last yeeeeaars providing you look after them by de-dusting the inside out every couple years.
ElvisRocksVinyl 2 weeks ago
This particular sony TV was gold back in the day very very nice tv, I remember them making a 21", 25" and 28" in this model, I have the 25" version, bought it back in 1998 and bought the 25" over the 21" because the 25" has a front S-video socket that I needed for my Panasonic 3DO at the time, I thought the 28" was a bit too big and the 25" displayed a cleaner image than the 28" I too use it for my old consoles, the sound on this set is bloody amazing, I've never heard a set like it since
ElvisRocksVinyl 2 weeks ago
.......That's my dream new TVs SUCK with Original xbox
BlueShadow463 4 weeks ago
Sony Trinitron KV-21X5U vs. KV-29C1A?
KV-29C1A Win!!! bwuhuhauhauhaua :D
DigiDavidex2 2 months ago
I swear! In every game developing studio used that type of TV!
Well, from all the documentaries I've seen.
Morahman7vnNo2 3 months ago
got one of these the other day £10 on ebay, its unbelievable how much better retro consoles look on it compared with hd tvs, also the sound quality is amazing, perfect for games like street fighter alpha on the saturn.
Langly06 4 months ago
| W T F |
\ / \ /
TrinitronPL 4 months ago
love playing pokemon 64 on a crt
AshandirNG 5 months ago
@sonyguy094 1999 I think :)
ianwilson1978 5 months ago
Man, I wish North America would've adopted RGB SCART. :P
scottievand 8 months ago 2
@scottievand
component is a bit better since it can display progressive
igorbog88 7 months ago
I just got one of these old boys off ebay. Picture is OK, colours not as bright as Id thought thed be but generally OK for its age. Think I need the service menu tho as the picture is a bit too far to the left. I wish thed start making them again, just in limited numbers even, they would sell.
MOSTechnology 8 months ago
I wish I had planned ahead and bought a couple of new CRTs before they went out of production. I'm scavenging the used market now. My favourite console is the N64 and I have huge collection of games for it, and I've realized too late that my collection is useless if I one day find myself without a working CRT. And it just isn't the same experience on emulators.
TheNervousRobot 8 months ago
@TheNervousRobot I hear you. I'm aware myself that if my CRT were to go then I'd be snookered! There's a fair few used on Ebay etc... but it's fact that in the future they'll eventually be a thing of the past.
ianwilson1978 8 months ago
@TheNervousRobot the salvation army near me has tons and tons on crt tv's for like 20 bucks lol
tallyhoman911 8 months ago
@TheNervousRobot I feel the same. I don't understand how people still didn't realize that. Not only the experience with consoles is much better on a CRT (N64, PS2, mega-drive, etc.), but the problems is also on DVDs.
iechromefox 5 months ago
@iechromefox Spot on. All older content on crt looks better, scales better(on computer monitors) and responds better; They still measure input lag on modern monitor against a crt today. They retired crts well too early to save some space on desks and living rooms =/. And don't give me that save the planet crap because the earth has survived solar storms, meteorites!, nukes the lot. It will be here long after humans have gone.
Our only hope is for lcd technology to catch up before crts are gone.
MrDrew872 1 month ago
@TheNervousRobot u can play almost every retro system that uses composite,rgb and not rf on lcd ! its just that alot of people prefer the feeling of crt tvs
Leoooonard 4 days ago
My code on my Trinitron is KV-25F1U i have just realised its not 21" like i had presumed,no wonder it was so heavy :)
darrenwalshsock 8 months ago
@darrenwalshsock Ha that made me laugh mate! :)
ianwilson1978 8 months ago
Hi Ian, great review - I've been on the lookout for a trinny locally for a while now and just found one advertised for £25. It's a 29" - KV-29X5U, I enquired about it and learnt it was going to the dump that weekend and I could have it for free along with a TV unit! Just picked it up and it's a great set the picture is superb as you say. These X5U Sonys really work well with consoles. The TV was a beast to transport though!
hargcore 9 months ago
@hargcore Cool- glad you got sorted. I hope my X5U is with me for many years! :)
ianwilson1978 9 months ago
NIce TV, and a bargain too! I've got a Sony Bravia 32" LCD for the PS3/360 and a cheap Proline CRT for my PS2. I got the CRT for nothing as a friend's sister was throwing it out. It would be nice to have a Sony CRT as well though...
anderai 1 year ago
I really love sony. I own a Sony Vaio laptop, A Sony Bravia flatscreen television, and a Sony Playstation 3 :D Well plenty of other SOny products/games as well.
mistertitanic 1 year ago
@mistertitanic Same here- this Sony CRT, another 24" CRT, Bravia 40" LCD, 5.1 Surround sound and PS3! I've always liked Sony products.
ianwilson1978 1 year ago
@ianwilson1978 Yes. So have I. They sure make quality products. Unlike Microsoft.
mistertitanic 1 year ago
I so wish i could fit a CRT tv into my living room.
The solutions to hdtv issues with retro consoles are expensive :)
darrenwalshsock 1 year ago
@darrenwalshsock No they're not. Get s-video & RGB cables for all your old consoles. Makes them look great on an HDTV
a3HeadedMonkey 1 year ago
@a3HeadedMonkey I already have RGB scart it looks ok but i have seen the results of recent videos by faginrs500 and trust me watch them and you will see your hdtv doesnt look as good as you think.
Of course as Ian says you cant beat a CRT for SEGA megadrive gaming :)
darrenwalshsock 1 year ago
@darrenwalshsock Ha ha i didnt last long before i made the room :)
darrenwalshsock 8 months ago
I hope the CRT is still going strong in that one, I do TV repair and mid-90s Sony sets are absolute crap in the picture tube life dept, they go bad in less than 10 years which is bullshit and there's nothing you can do about it. OTOH my 1989 KV-2140 is as good as new after these 22 years, quite a difference in build quality right there.
133MHzz 1 year ago
Glad you've featured your Sony Trinitron, they deserve the respect IMO! Had my 14" Trintron for 20 years now, can't beat them. £20 Ian, you lucky bugger, hehe!!! :)
MENDEZ1628 1 year ago
@MENDEZ1628 Im thinking of buying a 14" Sony Trinitron CRT tv :)
darrenwalshsock 1 year ago
@darrenwalshsock Honestly mate you can't go wrong with Trinitrons. The picture quality is superb as far as i'm concerned. Just avoid the 1993 tilt base model because you don't get the additional composite video connections unlike models prior/after for some reason. GOOD LUCK with your hunt if you decide on this range. :D
MENDEZ1628 1 year ago
@MENDEZ1628 Cheers mate i will keep my eyes peeled :)
darrenwalshsock 1 year ago
Had one of this.
Menace1979 1 year ago
I had a computer monitor with a Sony Trinitron tube, it was great except it had these lines a 1/3 down and 2/3 down (where the 3 crts meet). Bearing in mind I set far closer to a computer monitor than I would a TV. Were they all like that?
TruthBeyond 1 year ago
Does it have an s-video connection?
a3HeadedMonkey 1 year ago
Sony CRTs are the way to go for retro gaming, no idea what model mine is off the top of my head but its good. I'm a big fan of sony products, although my main LCD is a samsung because when i bought it it was vastly cheaper than sony and seemed better picture quality
ReplayRetro 1 year ago
@xTHExSTIGx Know where your coming from mate, if I didnt have the games room I'd be pushed to fit it in anywhere!
ianwilson1978 1 year ago
I have the Sony Trinitron 25" CRT TV (KV-X2533E) it got 2 scart RGB and S-VID
and front A/V ports :D
These tv's are Really nice.
FritoFredrik 1 year ago
@FritoFredrik Sounds nice, having 2 RGB inputs is cool. Love the Trinitron's :)
ianwilson1978 1 year ago
This was actually a very well done and interesting video Ian, you thought you might bore us with this video when in fact you actually had us all glued to the screen.
Is your TV compatible with your NTSC Jap Mega Drive?
Just curious because i'm assuming it's a PAL TV and i'm not sure if they made PAL TV's compatible for NTSC playback in the late 90's. My TV is from 2003 and it's a PAL 60Hz TV but it supports NTSC playback like NTSC DVD's and I suppose a Mega Drive running in NTSC 60Hz.
Adam060756 1 year ago
@Adam060756 Yeah the TV is NTSC compatible so it works fine. Cheers for the comments.
ianwilson1978 1 year ago
very nice telly Ian! Never guess what...coinciendence...see my latest video (up tomorrow evening)....!!
futurematt5 1 year ago
@futurematt5 Eyes peeled tonight :)
ianwilson1978 1 year ago
its cool to see you do a video on your tv, Ian. it deserves being shown off because your mega drive games always look superb on it on your mini reviews.
mevans1182 1 year ago
@mevans1182 When I first used the RGB connection back in 2009 I couldnt believe the difference compared to using RF as a kid!!
ianwilson1978 1 year ago
Not to mention if you want to play any sort of light gun games for the retro systems you need to have a CRT. This looks like a nice TV for retro gaming. I always loved the picture and color quality of these Sony Trinitron sets
spegma 1 year ago
Happy owner of a 40", 20", 10" Sony Trinitron by the way the 40" is a XBR aswell Sony's top of the line I agree these are the best CRT tvs.
MGSF4N4TIC14 1 year ago
@MGSF4N4TIC14 Quite the family! Sony ftw ;-)
ianwilson1978 1 year ago
@ianwilson1978 Hahahaha I guess you can call it a family.
MGSF4N4TIC14 1 year ago
That's a composite video input, not component.
GOLightzer 1 year ago
@GOLightzer That's what I meant! Cheers :)
ianwilson1978 1 year ago
Sony Trinitrons were simply the best.I always had Trinitron TVs and sony products in general.perfect for retro gaming.but in new TVs,I'd say Panasonic plasmas are superior.(although I have a sony bravia).
alak58 1 year ago
@alak58 I've got a Sony Bravia LCD as well, just love Sony products in general.
ianwilson1978 1 year ago
@alak58 I have found a 34" Sony Trinitron on craigslist for 100 bucks should I pick it up? I need a no input lag hd fix and I think that would be perfect.
whONeEDZNaDeZ 10 months ago
@whONeEDZNaDeZ yes,you can't go wrong with Sony Trinitrons for retro gaming.they are the best.especially (once) high end models they used to cost a fortune in their time but can be picked up very cheap.
alak58 10 months ago
Nice video matey - can't go wrong with the Sony CRTs... I use the 32" Sony Wega and its superb for my consoles... am still keeping an eye out on Ebay for a 21" Sony but its just a case of striking it lucky on Ebay with finding one locally... :)
XFile2708 1 year ago
@XFile2708 Some people on Ebay may consider posting it mate- or you might hit lucky like me. £10 hand delivered from Perth!
ianwilson1978 1 year ago
Very good TV. I have a decent 21" but I don't use it atm. Can't go wrong with Trinitron.
PSI236 1 year ago
Nice! I'm all for using a 90s CRT TV for retro games. My old old Sharp Linytron (a copy of Trinitron) is destned for my new games room. I'm also after a Mitsubishi CT-21M1TX - the set I played all my games on in the late 90s.
P5ychoFox 1 year ago
Great stuff Ian! I have the same tv in my arcade cab connected to a pc via s-video cable and i can't fault it! Plus i only paid £6 from a second hand shop : )
oldiron82 1 year ago
awesome i used to have a 29 inch trinitron it was used till it could eb used no more but it was pixel sharp best picture i ever saw from a SD telly.
RallyDon82 1 year ago
The old Sony Trinitrons and Wegas are awesome for gaming! ^_^
Nice CRT.
BigDaddyDarth 1 year ago