Why retro video games look better on a CRT TV

  • CRT TVs smooth out pixels, creating a more natural, less pixelated picture.
  • CRTs have no input latency, offering a smoother gaming experience.
  • Retro game graphics were designed for CRT, taking advantage of its display characteristics.
  • Modern TVs can distort the image, affecting visual quality and gameplay.

CRT-vs-LCD

When we play classic video games, we seek to relive the nostalgia of those times when we spent hours in front of the screen. However, many players notice that The visual experience is not the same when using modern televisions. Why is this happening? The answer lies in screen technology CRT, which were the standard in the golden age of retro gaming.

The CRT televisions offer a more accurate image to that of the time. Unlike current screens, which are usually LCD or LED technology, CRT monitors use a electron beam that scans the screen line by line. This method of visualization creates an effect that Smoothes the edges of pixels and generates a more natural image, making graphics look better without the need for additional filters.

The way games were designed affects the image

The way games were designed affects the image

One of the main reasons why classic games look better on a CRT is because were specifically designed for this type of screens. Developers of the era took advantage of CRT visual characteristics such as natural blur and interlacing to disguise the graphical limitations of the time. This intentional design makes pixels appear more rounded and colors blend more harmoniously.

When these games are run on modern screens, Visual effects may appear too sharp or artificial, which causes graphics to appear disproportionate or with dull colors. Today's televisions use a much higher resolution, which causes pixels to appear rigid, losing the natural smoothing effect of CRTs.

Latency and response times

Another fundamental aspect to consider is the input latencyModern TVs process the image before displaying it on screen, which adds a slight delay between the player's action and the game's response. On CRTs, this delay is virtually non-existent, offering a smoother, faster experience, which is essential for precision-intensive games like PC titles. platforms or fight.

Players who have tried to play fast-paced titles on current televisions have noticed that their reactions are not as precise as they remember, which can negatively impact the gaming experience compared to a CRT.

How CRTs handle resolution for retro games

Retro video games look better on a CRT TV

Retro games were meant to run at low resolutions, such as 240p, which fits perfectly with the way a CRT draws the image. Modern TVs, not supporting these native resolutions, force a rescaling which can cause distortions, pixelated edges, and even response time issues.

Some players They try to solve this by using filters or external devices that simulate the effect of a CRT. on a modern screen. However, while it can get pretty close to the original result, Nothing matches the authentic experience of a CRT TV.

The rise of CRTs in the retro community

Rise of CRTs in the Retro Community

As interest in classic video games has grown, so has the demand for CRT televisions. Many gamers are looking for old monitors from brands like Sony, Panasonic o JVC to enhance your gaming experience. Professional models, such as the well-known VAT o BVM from Sony, have become authentic cult objects among collectors and retro gaming fans.

In addition, on second-hand sales platforms, CRT TV prices have risen considerably in recent years, reflecting the growing interest of players to recover their original gaming experience.

For those looking to relive the magic of retro gaming as it was intended, A CRT TV is still the best optionIts technology allows for smoother graphics, perfect response times, and visual fidelity that modern TVs simply can't fully replicate.


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