CRT vs. LCD - Is it time to switch yet?

[DPolishSensation]

I've been pretty happy with my 21" Cornerstone p1500 CRT monitor. Its a good gaming monitor, but damn ain't it huge! I was wondering if the time was right to switch over to a LCD monitor. I really would like a shiny new LCD but I'm still worried about ghosting, picture clarity, etc. Any gamers out there who use an LCD monitor and are happy to have made the switch? I need your opinions!

 

[Xernex]

Yes its time to make the switch. I have had the Hitachi CML174SX, the first of the 16ms screens and it ROCKS. By far the best money I ever spent on a piece of hardware. And I'm a huge gamer, games I play include UT2K4, BF1942: DC and Warcraft 3 and ghosting is never an issue. Also in the time I've had my LCD I have NEVER experienced sore red eyes like I used to all the time on CRTs. As I write this its 1:30am (where I am) and I could keep going till dawn

So stop worrying and start buying, don?t listen to all the neigh sayers out there who haven?t got a clue. Just make sure you get one of the LCDs that are held in high regards, eg the Hitachi, NEC or some of the good Dell screens.

 

[DPolishSensation]

awesome! I was going to buy an LCD now and upgrade my PC at the end of the year. Good to hear you are enjoying your LCD monitor. May I ask how much you paid for your monitor and where?

 

[Kingofcomputer]

Switched 2 years ago.

 

[DPolishSensation]

so you guys don't notice a difference in performance and quality vs a CRT? I hear a lot of people say that CRT is still the best for gaming.....

 

[Cannabis]

The picture quality on my cheapo 19" Envision LCD is better than any crt I've ever used and I dont notice any ghosting in the games I play(mostly WoW, UT2004, and some WC3). Some people are more sensitive to ghosting than others and some people just act like they are.

 

[DAPUNISHER]

Originally posted by: Xernex
Yes its time to make the switch. I have had the Hitachi CML174SX, the first of the 16ms screens and it ROCKS. By far the best money I ever spent on a piece of hardware. And I'm a huge gamer, games I play include UT2K4, BF1942: DC and Warcraft 3 and ghosting is never an issue. Also in the time I've had my LCD I have NEVER experienced sore red eyes like I used to all the time on CRTs. As I write this its 1:30am (where I am) and I could keep going till dawn

So stop worrying and start buying, don?t listen to all the neigh sayers out there who haven?t got a clue. Just make sure you get one of the LCDs that are held in high regards, eg the Hitachi, NEC or some of the good Dell screens.

Just got mine this morning, this thing does rock! BTW, I live in central florida and initially switched to LCDs 2yrs ago because of the heat produced by a big CRT being a problem, even with central air. The much smaller footprint, power savings, greatly reduced radiation, and less eye strain from reading text are all compelling reasons too.

 

[DPolishSensation]

what kind of monitor did u get Punisher? The Hitachi?

 

[HeroOfPellinor]

You can see the ghosting if you're looking for it. If you just play the games, you won't see it. Color sharpness beats any CRT by a long margin.

I spend 60+ hours a week on computers and was starting to get headaches from staring at only CRTs. An LCD takes a few days to get used to but then the eye strain becomes so much less that it's worth it for that alone.

Less energy. Less space. I'd say it's a good decision at this point. I have a VP171B with full height adjustability and screen swivel and tilt.

 

[DPolishSensation]

I was leaning toward the Samsung 172x monitor. Anyone have any experience with this model?

 

[DAPUNISHER]

Originally posted by: DPolishSensation
what kind of monitor did u get Punisher? The Hitachi?

Yep. Monitorsdirect had it for $429.01 with 3yr next biz day advanced replacement warranty, 30 day satisfaction guarantee, and free shipping. It has zero dead/stuck pixels and is bright and doesn't ghost on scrolling text like my both "15 LCDs do. No ghosting in the limited 3D I've played with so far either. It's only 17" though so you may want to look at the 18" and 20" models since you have a 21" CRT right now.

 

[metalmania]

After I used two LCDs, I finally switched back to CRT. Just bought a FD trinitron.

 

[Mem]

Any gamers out there who use an LCD monitor and are happy to have made the switch? I need your opinions!

I`m very happy with my year old Samsung 191T(and no dead pixels )the image is so crisp in DVI mode compared to a CRT and perfect geometry(had to send a few 19 " CRTs back in my time because of bad geometry).

As to gaming, I find it ok for my needs,native is 1280x1024 however I can run 1280x960(with a small border) in native res,even 1024x768 still looks pretty good,remember you can get newer LCDs with even faster response times for gaming.

 

[darXoul]

I wouldn't switch. I've had experience with both CRTs and LCDs and I find CRTs much better. Power consumption? Who cares, I've seen a site with calculations stating that in order to make up for the price premium you pay for LCD, you would need 10 years of continuous use if you wanted to take any advantage from the lower power consumption. Space? Who cares, I guess you're not living in a tight container... It might matter in crowded offices packed full with stuff but at home? My CRT ain't the smallest in the world (19" Philips) and it fits on my desk easily. What would I want to place there anyway when it's a place specifically designed for a monitor? A bag of nachos or a can of coke?

As for ghosting, yep, IMHO it's visible even on the new gen devices. Just try X2 or HW2. Latency? Yep, it does matter. Even 16 ms sucks IMO. In extremely fast Q3 ProMode games I'm used to, the difference between 0 ms and 16 ms IS significant. Native resolution = in most cases IQ deterioration. Yep, you will notice that. Cranking up the res on a brand new video card might disappoint you... Colors? The often omitted and ignored truth is that most LCDs can only display up to 80% of CRT color depth. Viewing angles? Another disadvantage. Image "ripping" or blurring - often noticeable on many LCDs.

The truth behind LCDs is as simple as a wooden stick - they cost A LOT, they are easier to store and way lighter. Purest gold for the vendors that are trying to make you think you need the "latest technology".

BTW, don't misunderstand me. I'm not saying that all LCDs are crap. I'm just saying I had my experience and I know a bit about the market so I would not switch. The decision and choice are yours though, of course.

 

[johnnnny5]

basically my thoughts on it are simple:

LCD's cost more... but save space and have a set resolution at which the display will look reasonably sharp (unless this has been fixed/changed).

CRT's cost less... and are more flexible with resolution....but are bulky and heavier.

Personally while I like the look of LCD's, I don't at all mind CRT's. Plus I have 3 identical CRT monitors (for a triple-screen setup-- Radeon 9600 All-In-Wonder + Radeon 9200 PCI). The cost of the three (very good quality) CRT monitors is about equal to that of a decently sized LCD (I don't consider 17" decently sized). Although even some 17" LCD's cost the same as these 3 CRT's. If I was pressed for space though, I'd get LCD's. Also it might be different for gaming. I use my set up for programming and my server-network administration (SSH). I find I need at least 3 screens to be able to see what I want to see at the same time. However if you were gaming and wanted a cool-looking system that would be easy on space.. and don't need multiple monitors.. an LCD(s) would be worth it. Also it would make it easier to travel to lan-games (or so I assume.. not being an actual gamer).

 

[Brickster]

As for CRT...

Price is better.

Performance is better.

Any questions?

 

[Lyfer]

Originally posted by: Brickster
As for CRT...

Price is better.

Performance is better.

Any questions?

Agreed.:beer:


$99 ($199 minus $100 MIR) well spent on my KDS 19inch Xflat CRT. Gaming at 1600x1200 and higher rocks.

 

[Nebor]

It's time to switch. All these guys who say CRT is way better would swap their CRTs for a nice LCD in a second if they could. It's usually a can't or won't afford it situation with the CRT fanboys.

Go for the LCD if only for the fact that CRTs slowly degrade your vision, it's a proven fact.

 

[johnnnny5]

first of all, I just want to be clear about my statement. I'm not at all saying that CRT's are way better as the posters below me did.

In my case, if somebody offered me 3 quality comparably sized LCD's to replace my 3 quality 19" CRT's, I'd certainly take them. However that seems an unlikely event, so for the moment to not spend an unnecessary amount of money, I buy CRT's. When LCD's are more comparable in price, then I'll buy LCD's.

 

[Marth]

Originally posted by: Nebor
It's time to switch. All these guys who say CRT is way better would swap their CRTs for a nice LCD in a second if they could. It's usually a can't or won't afford it situation with the CRT fanboys.

Go for the LCD if only for the fact that CRTs slowly degrade your vision, it's a proven fact.

:roll: give me a break. I have a LCD and a CRT and CRTs are 10x better for gaming than LCDs. The only people who say LCDs are better are casual gamers who spend more time on internet forums and who refuse to acknowledge their expensive LCD isn't really that much better than a cheapo CRT

LCDs have one native resolution that everything will look good in. Outside of that resolution and the image looks like crap. You won't always be able to or will want to run your game at 1600x1200 or 1280x1024. The contrast and color are better on a CRT than a LCD. The colors on a LCD look washed out when compared to a CRT.

They both have their pros and cons but the two things that matter most are color clarity and being able to adjust to different resolutions. In those two areas the CRT wins and which is why you should go with one unless you don't play a lot of games.

 

[HeroOfPellinor]

Originally posted by: Marth

Originally posted by: Nebor
It's time to switch. All these guys who say CRT is way better would swap their CRTs for a nice LCD in a second if they could. It's usually a can't or won't afford it situation with the CRT fanboys.

Go for the LCD if only for the fact that CRTs slowly degrade your vision, it's a proven fact.

:roll: give me a break. I have a LCD and a CRT and CRTs are 10x better for gaming than LCDs.

Hyperbole?

The only people who say LCDs are better are casual gamers

That's like 98% of us. If you're a hardcore gamer, then, sure, stick with a 21" CRT because that one time you die from ghosting will ruin your life.

LCDs have one native resolution that everything will look good in.

Obvious statement of the day nomination.

The colors on a LCD look washed out when compared to a CRT.

You know there are drivers for adjusting all that? Modern LCDs have very high brightness and contrast adjustment.

They both have their pros and cons

Really?! It sure sound like the CRT has all the Pros besides size. Even then, you could use the extra size of the CRT to display your gamer trophies and pictures of your hot gf's.

 

[brigden]

My best friend is a graphic designer/photographer and he refuses to use LCD monitors. I, myself, have gamed on LCDs and I prefer CRTs. AFAIK, LCDs appear slightly fuzzy. I prefer the crispness of CRTs.

 

[jjyiz28]

not factoring costs, the best crt still has the better image quality than the best lcd.

 

[Gurck]

CRTs for me. I don't travel with it, space isn't a concern, and they're a lot cheaper. The only time I suffer from eye strain is when I've been playing video games WAY too much and should stop anyway.

 

[MobileHulk]

I'm going to switch when my trust Ilyama Visionmaster Pro 17 starts to show noticeable image quality degradation. I'm probably going to a 19" or 20" LCD. I'm ready to regain my desktop but don't want to throwout a good CRT. It's 6 years old so I can't see it staying sharp much longer.