need advice on excellent gaming monitor

[Xenos]

Hello everyone. I need some advice on some of the best 17/19 inch Flat screen CRT monitors. I am mainly a hard core gamer and want to upgrade to a new system by first getting a new monitor. I have around 550.00 dollars to spend on one(but if I can save some of that it's fine with me :) I really like the Sony 19 ' Trinitron Monitors because they have a nice, sharp image. However, the two aperature grill "tie wire" shadows lines slighty annoy me. Is there any other monitor out there that doesn't have these lines and is either equal or better in image quality and sharpness? If it's cheaper than Sony, I am all for that because it seems Sony Monitors are expensive. If someone could tell me which one they suggest and the link where I could purchase it I would greatly appreciate it.

[NDC]

Welcome to Xtreme PC Central...

Well, all aperture grill type monitors will have these two lines (even 3 on larger monitors)... These damper Lines are what keeps the bunch of thin metal strips from vibrating and keeping them stablized. These lines are only visible on white backgrounds. However, you get used to these lines in no time where you forget they're even there... As for Shadow Mask type monitors, they use metal mesh method . One advantage aperture grill type is that they allow more of the electron beam to pass through to the phosphor; this results brighter overall picture. However, the DPI is usually lower on aperture grill monitors vs. shadow mask monitors which claim to have better image quality...

Personally, I like aperture grille monitors because of the brighter overall output and I wasn't really able to tell a difference in image quality to be honest with you... I'm currently using a KDS 19" AV-195TF (http://www.kdsusa.com/product_detail.asp?prod=168) and I'm very pleased with the quality of this monitor for the price... I believe you can pick one of these up from online stores for about $220 + Shipping...

[Xenos]

Thanks NDC for your reply. I am debating on getting a Sony Trinitron 19 inch flat screen Monitor at Circuit City or getting a ViewSonic G90FB 19 inch flat screen monitor. The specs for the view sonic are:


Technical Specifications

Description: 19IN/18.0V 25MM 1600X1200 77HZ G90FB BLACK PERFECT FLAT TCO 95


Manufacturer: ViewSonic


Detailed Specifications
Connectors: Video - 15 pin Mini D-sub (VGA)


Included Devices: Monitor Stand


Diagonal Screen Size: 19 in


Mounting: Desktop


Pitch: 0.25 mm


Refresh Rate at Max Resolution: 77 Hz


Resolution: 1600 x 1200 (UXGA)


System Type: Apple Macintosh
PC
PowerPC


Tube Type: Flat Tube


Viewable Size: 18 in


Display Type: CRT



Dimensions
Height: 18.3 in


Width: 17.6 in


Depth: 18.1 in


Weight: 48 lbs



Warranty
Base Warranty: 3 year(s)


Labor Warranty: 3 year(s)


Parts Warranty: 3 year(s)


Warranty Information: 3 year parts and labor limited warranty.





Description
The ViewSonic G90fb represents an exciting technology milestone by incorporating a PerfectFlat screen with shadow mask technology for edge-to-edge precise images, sharp focus and fine image clarity. This 19" (18.0" viewable) monitor features SuperClear® technology and an ultra-fine 0.21mm horizontal (0.25mm diagonal) dot pitch for superior display performance. And its PerfectFlat screen reduces light reflection. For the demanding user in graphic design, CAD/CAM, and general business applications, you can now find a shadow mask PerfecFlat solution in the G90fb.



Now the lowest price for this monitor is 247.00. The Sony Trinitron monitor I was looking at is 500.00(only 400.00 dollars after rebate). The specs for the sony I am not too sure about, I know it has a .25 dpi. With the Viewsonic, I save at least a 100 dollars. I like the sony's image quality, but once again, the two aperature grill "tie wire" shadows lines slighty annoy me. Is the view sonic just as good quality as the trinitron even though its shadowmask? I am new to monitor terminology. Which one do you think is better? Or they the same?

[NDC]

I like the sony's image quality, but once again, the two aperature grill "tie wire" shadows lines slighty annoy me.

If these damper lines are the only things stopping you from gettting a aperture grill monitor, don't let the two damper lines stop you... Like I said, you will get so used to it that you will need to actually look for it to find them after some time... ;)

[Mntsnow]

You know what...I actually use those damper lines to "level" things out when I'm doing drawings and such! :)

But truthfully I would have no trouble recommending either monitor as they are both great screens.

[WAGGS]

This is the one I have decided to get after much research. http://www.viewsonic.com/products/crt_p95f.htm
This is the one I would like if I can find it in stock anywhere, very popular I guess, plus I dont think they make them anymore. http://www.provantage.com/scripts/go.dll/pgrab/fp_37458

[Kurylo]

I have 19" Samsung Syncmaster 959NF and am truly happy with this one providing a clear sharp image with a bunch of various settings.
Those two lines I was noticing only for first one minute, and then just forgot them :).

[dusty]

try the Viewsonic PF790.. great 19" monitor.. Been using mine for a while and everything is still looking great..

Rick

[BBA]

I would recommend a 21" SOny E500. You can get them for about $500, it has one of the sharpest/clearest text I have ever seen. I used a P890 Viewsonic before the Sony...and let me tell you, the viewsonic is NOT as nice as you think it is, when compared to the Sony.

BTW: I have seen the Viewsonic for as little as $209 brand new with warrentee...from some of the regulars at http://half.ebay.com

[BBA]

BTW: I have the Gateway VX900 19" at home...let me tell you, it displays 2048x1536 sharper than any Viewsonic 21" monitor can display 1600x1200...so if you really want a 19", I definitely recommend the Gateway VX900 ( stay away from the Gateway EX series...those are junk ).

[BBA]

This is also an excellant monitor for a good price:
http://half.ebay.com/cat/buy/prod.cgi?cpid=1079458248&domain_id=29&meta_id=5

[Mntsnow]

BBA that p1100 is exactly what I use at work. and I currently use a HP P1120 21" for my main monitor here at home and love them.

[jadison]

Hey Xenos,
Welcome to XtremePcCentral...btw, I have the Sony Decor A200 17" Trinitron monitor (http://www.sel.sony.com/SEL/consumer/ss5/office/displaymonitors/homemultimediaseries/hmd-a200l_specs.shtml) and I'll have a complete review finished over it within the next week or so.

I must recommend this monitor over the Viewsonics. I've used several Viewsonic models (mainly 17"-19") and have to contest that the Sony has pulled through. I'm also a gamer and when it comes to brightness, clarity, and exception to detail this monitor has it all. Those "2 lines" were actually noticeable in the first few hours of use but ever since then they mask very easily into the background. I encourage you to not let that be the thing that stops you from buying such a great monitor.

And, with WinXP and ClearType tied with this monitor you can't go wrong. Text is very clear and easy to read, and all monitor functions are easily reachable from the OSD (on-screen display).

I'll have that review up for you asap to help you decide, but for now I'd definately go for the Sony. Yes, you'll be chunking more money for the Sony but that's just the way it is with them. You spend good money, you get a great product. :)

[WAGGS]

Well guys I didnt get the one I listed above but I ordered the newest Viewsonic 19" Pro series. Its cheaper, newer, brighter and I can get it in black:D Its also back ordered two weeks:( http://www.viewsonic.com/products/crt_p95fplusb.htm This should be very a impressive gaming monitor with 2048 x 1536 maximum resolution and Ultra bright technology

[Mntsnow]

Cool :) sorry about the back order :(

[ext2op]

Ive got a vote for the Viewsonic PF790 too. You can get one of the awesome monitors for around 340.00 with shipping. No 21-22" monitor will look as good as any 19" Ive got the T-shirt on that one. Had a E540 sony went back to my 19". The 21" was very faded. I still dont thank Sony monitors are all they are cracked up to be. I think Mitsubishi makes one of the best 21" monitors right now...

[skeleton]

new viewsonic professional monitors are CRAP(everything else viewsonic was crap already before). have 6 months old samsung syncmaster 959nf @home, bought viewsonic p95f+ and its (brand new!) picture is way worse than 959nf's, even after tweaking.. going to buy 1 more 959nf now ;)

sony also makes good monitors but they are too expensive..

[msbodymod]

Greetings, I am new to the gaming game. I also am having monitor problems. I just got a ViewSonic P95f+... I am suffering from bad eye strain. The monitor isn't to bad for games but when it comes to reading text,this one SUCKS!!!
This monitor has the Aperture Grille. I know alot of gamers like how bright this makes the monitor. I think it becomes a personal thing with that. I want to try one with the Shadow Mask. My eyes just can't handle what I have. SO...if anyone knows of a monitor with Shadow Masking and looks great when gaming but also has real sharp text,Please let me know.:D