[vcf-midatlantic] C64 CRT monitors vs LCD (was: PC speakers needed)

[Herb Johnson]

Responding to posted comments and responses. First, thanks for 
considering my propositions. Here's my responses, and that concludes my 
posting on the subject.

1) CRT monitors by exhibitors are up to them, not VCF Inc. Roganti/Brace 
exhibit is their's, not VCF Inc's. Anyway, the museum has these CRT 
monitors, they are not hard to move around the Infoage site.

  I suggest that VCF Inc amounts to a sponsor of Roganti/Brace's 
vintage-computing development, by the museum's extraordinary efforts to 
provide a large exhibit space, and big tables with big monitors from the 
museum - which consume space and electric power and of course use of VCF 
Inc equipment.

Jeff says CRT monitors aren't so easily set up; I'm responding to that. 
Specifically, for that exhibit, I suggest using LCD monitors would allow 
use of LESS space, putting the SMALLER monitors, right in front of the 
users. Old people with normal vision issues will find them easier to 
see, than big monitors many feet away and elevated.

Issues of space, electric power, and user access are reasonable for VCF 
Inc to consider. Museums often sponsor exhibition projects, even 
development, with funds, exhibit apparatus, etc. This is entirely 
between VCF Inc and the Roganti/Brace project of course. I'm responding 
to issues raised, here.

2) exhibitors should use period monitors with period vintage computers. 
Exhibitors often exhibit many, large, items....

Mostly reasonable - except, well, I'll cut to the chase here. I am old, 
Evan, and getting older. I'm driving a compact car, not a van or station 
wagon. Soon, I won't be able to LIFT heavy monitors. And big square 
monitors - or CRT terminals - take up table space too, which I need for 
other purposes. I'm already choosing LCD's over CRT terminals; if I need 
video I'll use an LCD. For many vintage computers - and this is true - 
video was not part of their product line. So how and what displays video 
(or just text), is secondary.

3) LCD TV's can still be found at thrift stores....

Correct - today. Not tomorrow, which was my point. And it depends on 
where you shop; many thrift stores just avoid any electronics. And so 
on. Also: thrift store customers want BIGGER TV's, not smaller ones - 
for our vintage computing, smaller is fine for close-up vintage experience.

Today at a flea market of tools, I bought a 14" LCD analog TV. He wanted 
$10, I paid $5. I guarantee, that guy won't bother to offer another LCD 
TV in the future. I repeat - eventually the well will run dry.

4) LCD (VGA's) seem like more work and expense, wiring up converters, 
devices....

Excuse me - I said "LCD analog TV's". They accept NTSC video, many 
accept analog RGB video too. Most just need an AC cord and an 
RCA-connector video cable. Most have their own speakers (two more RCA 
cables). They are MORE convenient than CRT monitors, that's my point!

------------

Of course, for those for whom the brand and model of video monitor is 
part of the presentation or experience - or the core of their 
presentation - the correct monitor (or terminal) matters - no argument 
from me. But there's other considerations, which I've described; and 
I've responded to counter-claims; and I'm done. Also, I gave supportive 
suggestions to the Roganti/Brace C64 multiplayer project. I hope I've 
made useful suggestions and observations.

Herb

-- 
Herbert R. Johnson,  New Jersey USA
http://www.retrotechnology.com OR .net