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Old 05-20-2018, 06:32 AM
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dr.ido dr.ido is offline
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Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: SE Melbourne, Australia
Posts: 550
19" color LCD computer monitors are common and are almost free for the taking, but they are almost all 5:4 ratio 1280 x 1024 resolution. 20" - 21" 4:3 ratio color LCD computer monitors in either 1400 x 1050 resolution or 1600 x 1200 resolution are available, but these are less common and more sough after by retro gamers for use both on old gaming PCs and arcade games - so the price is higher (typically 2-5x the price of a 19" 5:4 monitor depending on the seller). 21" 4:3 monochrome LCD monitors made for medical imaging applications are available, but these are expensive ($500+ used) as they are still used for their original purpose.

A couple of other options -

Some early 20-21" LCD TVs used 4:3 panels (either 640 x 480 or 800 x 600). These panels are typically made by either Sharp or LG (even if you find them in a cheap no-name TV - there were no cheap no name panels when these were made - back then even the cheapest no name LCD TV was $500+ and had a brand name panel inside). I like these a lot. Obviously they are not HD, but the SD picture is very good. I've hoarded a few Sharp Aquos complete with spare backlights and inverters. They don't seem to have caught on with the retro gamers yet as they often sell for a less than a Samsung 20-21" 4:3 PC monitor.

Seeing as you are starting with an empty cabinet anyway - Is there any reason not to use a plain old 20" color CRT TV? or depending on the source you plan to display on it - a 20" CRT computer monitor? A conventional convex CRT even if it is color will look more "original" than any LCD panel...
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