Don't use the built in CGA. You could have gotten one of those little adapter boards from Mike's Arcade or similar that go from the classic video connector to VGA style. Then you would have been able to use the color pots on those to adjust the saturation/brightness down from the hot video signal. Another option is to go GBS-8200 in between. That helps a lot with the screen size and color issues.
Thanks a ton for this video. I watched the RetroRGB vlog and was a bit disappointed. I also have a Neo Geo 25" cabinet I was considering grabbing one of these as a spare for. Because this should exactly mimic my use case, I'll probably pick one up for safe keeping. Fingers crossed I can keep that CRT going as long as possible though!
We are working on accessories for mounting etc we are committed to improving The Phoenix Series ULM26 Arcade CRT Replacement LCD Monitor. We are working on the actual connector 5pin to 10pin connector. Also looking into VESA mount and standard mounting brackets to actual mount into the CRT Monitor frame only need to remove the actual CRT from the frame. This a labor of love for us here at Unico USA, Once again we apologies for the mess up on the resolution we were incorrect on the specifications and once we confirmed it we have apologized via our Facebook for this mistake on our part :( As Neocvera mentions it is a true 4:3 monitor the very first resolution you get in windows is 1024x768 which is 4:3. We are also working on better OSD controls for better color, brightness, contrast along with ability to turn off auto adjust/scaler.
I already have 5, but I would be down to buy more especially with these enhancements. I am eagerly awaiting a restock. My hope is this work is profitable/rewarding enough to continue to develop.
@@ebayseller6040 We have shipped out first ones for testing to.we can fix any thing we missed or need to improve or add. Todd of RetroRGB is one of those testing.
I love the crt it will always looks better but they don't last. Between players slaming the buttons and cheap parts they go out. Even if your luckly to find somebody that knows how to repair crt the right way. And if your running a arcade why lose money on reapirs and down time.
Awesome video! Cool to see it in real world action! I have one and it’s not 5:4, simple math dictates that the screen ratio is indeed 4:3. I’ve used it via emulation but also VGA from a Dreamcast and I’m happy with it. Look forward to future videos!
Easy to fix most CRTs with a little bit of education and research. Can also do a tube swap from an old tv. Most of these LCDs are garbage. Everyone is looking for a cheap fix these days.
Not always. I've come across several models of CRT that don't have any replacement parts available (such as flybacks - or the Chinese flyback replacements are such trash that they fail almost immediately) and neck replacements are hardly what I would call easy. Yes there can be tube swaps but that also isn't something that is always worth the trouble. For as sacred and holy as CRTs seem to be, odd that I can't give away a bunch of tubes and have had to send some to a smelter because no one will take them and I've exhausted the means to get those particular tubes working. If you were running a business and had to keep the doors open, spending $400+ on repairing a CRT for a game that might make $5/wk if you're lucky, is poor management and will not keep your bills paid for very long. The people who give a crap about CRT quality rarely patronize arcades with actual dollars. I've been doing this long enough and have done enough experiments to see that it makes zero difference in earnings.
@@arcadeheroes_coinop I won’t waste my money going to a barcade that uses LCDs. No point, might as well use an emulator at home. Apart from vectors, it isn’t hard to keep CRTs working. Most of the arcades in the 80s could do it. Having authentic CRTs gives you a competitive advantage over those that use LCDs displaying the wrong resolution/image. Nostalgia brings in the punters. I have done numerous drop in tube swaps using k7000s that have saved rescued cabinets from LCDification. It’s not hard. If you go the LCD route might as well fill the arcade with Arcade1up’s.
That's what I've done :P I never received any formal training on CRTs or LCDs. But, someone who has is certainly in a better spot to be installing this sort of thing so that it looks good and you don't end up making an expensive mistake.
Been watcing a lot of vids on this monitor today. The primary fix that people have done for the contrast is using one of those $12 adapters (not the GBS 8200) that converts the CGA to a VGA output port. It doesnt convert the signal, but sends the CGA signal up to the monitor's VGA port. That route seems to fix a lpt of issues people are having with this.
I don't know why RUclips keeps deleting this comment? But there's a small company that still produces CRTs called Dotronix. Museums are his primary customers. If your Neo Geo or Street Fighter is having CRT issues, then maybe you could get a brand new CRT from them. It Would be interesting to see your review on them in a future video.
I've not heard of them but have heard of a Chinese manufacturer or two who makes new CRTs. Problem is that no one I've heard of has had any luck in hearing back from them yet. If a distributor in the states were to grab a bunch, then that would make it easier to handle. I'd also need to see the price before deciding if it's worth it or not (if the same as an LCD, I'd probably just go for the LCD as repairing that when it fails down the road would be easier)
@@arcadeheroes_coinop - Thanks for the reply. Dotronix is in the USA. I think he has a website and some interview videos up on RUclips. He's said he's interested in getting involved in making a line of arcade specific CRTs, but isn't sure there's enough interest from the retro community. But since Dotronix is located in the USA, it should be easier to get information from than from some company in China. That is...if CRTs still hold any interest to you. I know you are business to run and have to take cost into consideration too. Have a nice day.
@@TheBigExclusive There might be enough interest among collectors but I imagine he'd need to go into those forums and post some polls - ultimately just depends on the price. I can't say that installing one is super exciting, given the weight but it is good to know that they are still out there. Appreciate the info!
Even before I started in the arcade biz - before LCD conversion were a thing, I've been hearing that "emulation is good enough." I went around surveying people in 2007, asking how they would feel about an arcade in the area. Most seemed enthusiastic but once in a while I'd get the response "What's the point of an arcade? I have a modded Xbox at home with thousands of arcade titles on it already." Same could be said for official ports - hardcore gamers already gave up on arcades ages ago because what you have at home is "good enough" for the joystick games. In part this is why the industry has been moving away from joystick games for the past 25 years or so. A CRT isn't a good enough draw for a hardcore gamer who already emulates what they want, has Arcade Archives of their favs, or has an Arcade 1up in their mancave. You need different controls and cabinets, something else to draw players in. I've operated both CRT & LCD conversions for a while now (several years in some instances). Looking at my numbers of a game I converted over to LCD, there's been no difference as casuals don't care and hardcore guys rarely set foot in my place (when they do, they usually shower me with praise, may look at the remaining CRTs and comment on how cool they are, then walk out never to be seen again). I suppose I need to do a better job at touting what's exclusive vs. what isn't.
@damoebius as an arcade operator myself finding CRT monitors in this day and age is very hard and expensive to ship if we do find one. These $300 monitors are great replacement and I’ve been praised by people just for the simple fact that it keeps the 4:3 aspect ratio. Majority of our clientele are casuals that don’t understand frame rate so playing with this monitor is enough for them.
Damn this is bright, can't you reuse the older bezel on top of it ? Do you think a 29" version of this would fit inside the Neo Geo Cabinet ? I don't think Unico lied about the resolution but instead they've blindly trusted their Chinese manufacturer and passed it along CRTs were less sharp than LCD displays in the first place so the mismatch in resolution does accidentally brings that level of blurriness back
Unfortunately I don't have the OG bezel, it was missing in this case. As for the 29", not sure. It would be good if they released the measurements (and made sure they were accurate) in advance in that regard.
As a person who plays games every day without fail, I don't understand the CRT vs LCD stuff. I do think it's fun to play on CRTs and it makes things feel "right" since that's what the games were built for, buuuuuuut does it really matter that much? Not to mention the curve on a CRT can be super annoying depending on the game 😂
Don't use the built in CGA. You could have gotten one of those little adapter boards from Mike's Arcade or similar that go from the classic video connector to VGA style. Then you would have been able to use the color pots on those to adjust the saturation/brightness down from the hot video signal. Another option is to go GBS-8200 in between. That helps a lot with the screen size and color issues.
This is the way
Thanks a ton for this video. I watched the RetroRGB vlog and was a bit disappointed. I also have a Neo Geo 25" cabinet I was considering grabbing one of these as a spare for. Because this should exactly mimic my use case, I'll probably pick one up for safe keeping. Fingers crossed I can keep that CRT going as long as possible though!
We are working on accessories for mounting etc we are committed to improving The Phoenix Series ULM26 Arcade CRT Replacement LCD Monitor. We are working on the actual connector 5pin to 10pin connector. Also looking into VESA mount and standard mounting brackets to actual mount into the CRT Monitor frame only need to remove the actual CRT from the frame. This a labor of love for us here at Unico USA, Once again we apologies for the mess up on the resolution we were incorrect on the specifications and once we confirmed it we have apologized via our Facebook for this mistake on our part :( As Neocvera mentions it is a true 4:3 monitor the very first resolution you get in windows is 1024x768 which is 4:3. We are also working on better OSD controls for better color, brightness, contrast along with ability to turn off auto adjust/scaler.
Very glad to hear that and I look forward to seeing the updates!
I already have 5, but I would be down to buy more especially with these enhancements. I am eagerly awaiting a restock. My hope is this work is profitable/rewarding enough to continue to develop.
is the firmware been updated to adjust vertical and horizontal sizes?
@@ebayseller6040 We have shipped out first ones for testing to.we can fix any thing we missed or need to improve or add. Todd of RetroRGB is one of those testing.
I love the crt it will always looks better but they don't last. Between players slaming the buttons and cheap parts they go out. Even if your luckly to find somebody that knows how to repair crt the right way. And if your running a arcade why lose money on reapirs and down time.
Awesome video! Cool to see it in real world action! I have one and it’s not 5:4, simple math dictates that the screen ratio is indeed 4:3. I’ve used it via emulation but also VGA from a Dreamcast and I’m happy with it. Look forward to future videos!
oh no don't let the Retro community see this video.. They will go Crazy.. But yeah sucks they were misleading people with the specs.
yep lol
Too late. I am here and I am VERY disappointed 😊
Easy to fix most CRTs with a little bit of education and research. Can also do a tube swap from an old tv. Most of these LCDs are garbage. Everyone is looking for a cheap fix these days.
Not always. I've come across several models of CRT that don't have any replacement parts available (such as flybacks - or the Chinese flyback replacements are such trash that they fail almost immediately) and neck replacements are hardly what I would call easy. Yes there can be tube swaps but that also isn't something that is always worth the trouble.
For as sacred and holy as CRTs seem to be, odd that I can't give away a bunch of tubes and have had to send some to a smelter because no one will take them and I've exhausted the means to get those particular tubes working.
If you were running a business and had to keep the doors open, spending $400+ on repairing a CRT for a game that might make $5/wk if you're lucky, is poor management and will not keep your bills paid for very long.
The people who give a crap about CRT quality rarely patronize arcades with actual dollars. I've been doing this long enough and have done enough experiments to see that it makes zero difference in earnings.
@@arcadeheroes_coinop I won’t waste my money going to a barcade that uses LCDs. No point, might as well use an emulator at home. Apart from vectors, it isn’t hard to keep CRTs working. Most of the arcades in the 80s could do it.
Having authentic CRTs gives you a competitive advantage over those that use LCDs displaying the wrong resolution/image. Nostalgia brings in the punters.
I have done numerous drop in tube swaps using k7000s that have saved rescued cabinets from LCDification. It’s not hard. If you go the LCD route might as well fill the arcade with Arcade1up’s.
Clearly is not natively displaying low res, there are too many lines. It would have scanlines if it was showing it in actual 240p on that size screen.
will that neo geo tube go in the streetfighter
Fantastic video. I always look forward to seeing you upload. I hope to open my own arcade one day.
Do you think someone with no prior experience doing maintenance could learn it alone starting an arcade business?
That's what I've done :P I never received any formal training on CRTs or LCDs. But, someone who has is certainly in a better spot to be installing this sort of thing so that it looks good and you don't end up making an expensive mistake.
Just build all the arcade cabs yourself from MAME. Run them on PCs and use LCD screens. You’ll never have to do maintenance
Been watcing a lot of vids on this monitor today. The primary fix that people have done for the contrast is using one of those $12 adapters (not the GBS 8200) that converts the CGA to a VGA output port. It doesnt convert the signal, but sends the CGA signal up to the monitor's VGA port.
That route seems to fix a lpt of issues people are having with this.
I don't know why RUclips keeps deleting this comment? But there's a small company that still produces CRTs called Dotronix. Museums are his primary customers.
If your Neo Geo or Street Fighter is having CRT issues, then maybe you could get a brand new CRT from them.
It Would be interesting to see your review on them in a future video.
I've not heard of them but have heard of a Chinese manufacturer or two who makes new CRTs. Problem is that no one I've heard of has had any luck in hearing back from them yet. If a distributor in the states were to grab a bunch, then that would make it easier to handle.
I'd also need to see the price before deciding if it's worth it or not (if the same as an LCD, I'd probably just go for the LCD as repairing that when it fails down the road would be easier)
@@arcadeheroes_coinop - Thanks for the reply. Dotronix is in the USA. I think he has a website and some interview videos up on RUclips. He's said he's interested in getting involved in making a line of arcade specific CRTs, but isn't sure there's enough interest from the retro community.
But since Dotronix is located in the USA, it should be easier to get information from than from some company in China.
That is...if CRTs still hold any interest to you. I know you are business to run and have to take cost into consideration too. Have a nice day.
@@TheBigExclusive There might be enough interest among collectors but I imagine he'd need to go into those forums and post some polls - ultimately just depends on the price. I can't say that installing one is super exciting, given the weight but it is good to know that they are still out there. Appreciate the info!
i understand it, but i wouldnt play super turbo on a lcd in an arcade. it s an experience i have at home.
Even before I started in the arcade biz - before LCD conversion were a thing, I've been hearing that "emulation is good enough." I went around surveying people in 2007, asking how they would feel about an arcade in the area. Most seemed enthusiastic but once in a while I'd get the response "What's the point of an arcade? I have a modded Xbox at home with thousands of arcade titles on it already." Same could be said for official ports - hardcore gamers already gave up on arcades ages ago because what you have at home is "good enough" for the joystick games.
In part this is why the industry has been moving away from joystick games for the past 25 years or so. A CRT isn't a good enough draw for a hardcore gamer who already emulates what they want, has Arcade Archives of their favs, or has an Arcade 1up in their mancave. You need different controls and cabinets, something else to draw players in.
I've operated both CRT & LCD conversions for a while now (several years in some instances). Looking at my numbers of a game I converted over to LCD, there's been no difference as casuals don't care and hardcore guys rarely set foot in my place (when they do, they usually shower me with praise, may look at the remaining CRTs and comment on how cool they are, then walk out never to be seen again). I suppose I need to do a better job at touting what's exclusive vs. what isn't.
@damoebius as an arcade operator myself finding CRT monitors in this day and age is very hard and expensive to ship if we do find one. These $300 monitors are great replacement and I’ve been praised by people just for the simple fact that it keeps the 4:3 aspect ratio. Majority of our clientele are casuals that don’t understand frame rate so playing with this monitor is enough for them.
Damn this is bright, can't you reuse the older bezel on top of it ? Do you think a 29" version of this would fit inside the Neo Geo Cabinet ?
I don't think Unico lied about the resolution but instead they've blindly trusted their Chinese manufacturer and passed it along
CRTs were less sharp than LCD displays in the first place so the mismatch in resolution does accidentally brings that level of blurriness back
Unfortunately I don't have the OG bezel, it was missing in this case. As for the 29", not sure. It would be good if they released the measurements (and made sure they were accurate) in advance in that regard.
What size crt did you have in that cabinet?
CRT or death period!
This was painful to watch.
Booooooooooooooooo
As a person who plays games every day without fail, I don't understand the CRT vs LCD stuff.
I do think it's fun to play on CRTs and it makes things feel "right" since that's what the games were built for, buuuuuuut does it really matter that much?
Not to mention the curve on a CRT can be super annoying depending on the game 😂