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Whats the best Universally usable CRT Monitor for computers all trough the 80s and 90s? (lemmy.blahaj.zone)

submitted 8 months ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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With my little Computer Collection ever growing, I think its time to get myself an actual Monitor to use these Machines. So im wondering, what Monitor has most if not all Connection Types and modes of operation to be compatible with most/ if not all Computer from the 80s till the 90s?

I heard good thing about the Commodore 1084 series, though looking online I've seen multiple versions with some connection types missing or that Monochrome mode only sometimes being there. Are there specific Models in that series perhaps? Or should I look for entirely different monitor types? Thoughts?

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[–] Tash 9 points 8 months ago (2 children)

If you can get any kind of multiscan monitor you're usually set for computers of that era. Connectors can be handled by passive adaptors if needed, but it is actually the refresh rate that is not always supported by the common VGA CRT (specifically the 15 kHz horizontal refresh rate).

Multiscan monitors had various names depending on the manufacturer. MultiSync, DiamondTron, SyncMaster, etc... so if you can get any CRT with 15 kHz support, you're set.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 8 months ago* (last edited 8 months ago) (2 children)

You seem to know your stuff, so I have a question - growing up, we had a monochrome CRT monitor with a sepia tint to it, and I've been looking for such a monitor for a long time, with no luck. Most of the mono monitors I've come across online are either greyscale, amber or green. I can't find a sepia tinted one. I know my monitor wasn't unique since I clearly remember some of my friends having similar sepia tinted monitors, so I'm sure mine wasn't a glitchy or something.. but I can't seem to find any evidence such a monitor even existed. Any ideas if this was really a thing, or have I somehow mixed up the colors in my memories?!

[–] Quazatron 3 points 8 months ago

I remember a sepia monitor being used with an early IBM PC clone, it was not black and white or amber, and it was not an anti glare protection. I remember that detail because the phosphor tint was very different from the standard black and white TVs of the time.

I can confirm they existed but any other details have long left my memory.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 8 months ago

It could have been another colour with an anti-glare screen/film over the top with a tint to it.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 8 months ago

Heh I already got a SyncMaster which I've been using as either my third monitor or Retro Computer Monitor of choice, though since its a Flatish Screen and a different format I've been looking for something more CRT yknow

[–] [email protected] 4 points 8 months ago* (last edited 8 months ago)

For compatibility, I would look at multsync/multiscan monitors with a wide range of supported resolutions and frequencies, preferring those for which you can find some record of consistent praise, of course.

For picture quality, I would look for aperture grille models, most of which were Sony's Trinitron brand. I think Mitsubishi and maybe a few other brands made them later on.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 8 months ago

I heard good thing about the Commodore 1084 series,

Yep. I hooked all kinds of things up to my C64 monitor for decades. I wish I still had one.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 8 months ago

The Microvitec M1438 is the one I remember always being recommended.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 8 months ago

The https://dfarq.homeip.net/commodore-1084-monitor/ was great