Hold Off on Recycling Your CRT: 4 Retro Uses that Outshine Flat Panels for Gaming and TV Viewing!
If you’ve come across an old CRT PC monitor—perhaps it’s a relic from your grandfather—it’s easy to dismiss it as just an outdated device. You might be tempted to recycle it, assuming it serves no purpose. However, that’s a misconception!
First off, if your CRT monitor is functional and you’re considering disposal, think again; you might be able to sell it. You’d be surprised at the number of enthusiasts who are eager to acquire such hardware. But if you’re open to creative ideas, a quality CRT monitor can enhance your display setup or serve as a foundation for several enjoyable projects.
The Classic Choice: Retro Gaming
Experience Gaming Like Never Before
As a fan of retro PC gaming, particularly games from the ’90s, I understand the struggle. Many iconic games from the ’80s and ’90s appear poorly on modern flat screens.
While retro gaming enthusiasts have developed various solutions to improve the visuals of old PC games, the results often fall short. This is particularly true for 2D games like Diablo, Commander Keen, and Fallout, which look significantly better on a CRT with resolutions such as 640×480 or 800×600.
Modern TVs often introduce ghosting issues with side-scrolling games, making them virtually unplayable. Personally, I can only truly enjoy classics like Jazz Jackrabbit on my CRT.
Unexpected Uses: Retro TV Shows
Better Than I Remember
For productivity, I typically use the Pomodoro technique, also known as the “Animedoro” method—where I take breaks to watch short episodes of anime or classic cartoons.
Many of my cherished animated series from both the US and Japan lose their appeal when displayed on a large LCD or OLED screen. That’s why I keep a CRT monitor on my desk; it significantly enhances the viewing experience for both animated and live-action SD shows.
Additionally, platforms like Spotify offer a plethora of high-quality 4:3 music videos, allowing me to create a nostalgic playlist to enjoy while working.
Play Your Dreamcast as Intended
A Unique Advantage for Dreamcast
Most retro gaming consoles designed for CRT TVs output signals that aren’t compatible with PC CRT monitors. For instance, systems like the original NES or PlayStation provide a 240p signal, which is generally not supported by computer monitors. Similarly, the PlayStation 2 outputs a 480i signal, resulting in noticeable flickering.
In contrast, the Sega Dreamcast offers a true 480p signal. Sega produced a dedicated VGA box for the Dreamcast, and various third-party adapters are readily available now. Using a VGA CRT monitor is often regarded as the optimal way to play Dreamcast games using original hardware, which makes keeping that CRT monitor a wise choice.
Create a Virtual Aquarium
Interactive Displays Made Possible
You might have seen DIYers transform the shell of old CRT TVs into actual aquariums. However, if your CRT monitor still works, consider setting it up as a virtual aquarium instead.
This trend is popular with flat screens, but the characteristics of a CRT—coupled with the thick glass in front—make it an enhanced viewing experience. Using 60fps footage with a CRT’s natural motion blur properties yields stunning results.
There are plenty of high-quality aquarium videos online, though many are in 16:9 format. I use a browser extension to stretch the video to fit my 4:3 CRT—while this may crop the corners, it still delivers an impressive visual. Plus, my setup costs less to maintain than a real aquarium!
CRTs: A Diminishing Resource
Unlike traditional CRT TVs, most CRT monitors are energy-efficient, light, and fairly usable. My Sun Microsystems CRT offers a resolution of 1152×900, which makes it an effective secondary display.
Unfortunately, with each CRT monitor that is scrapped or disposed of, the remaining supply dwindles. This is concerning as a significant amount of content continues to be best viewed on these screens. So, think twice before tossing out that vintage monitor that once held sentimental value for your family.
