I’m working on a write up about aspect ratios on newer square pixel displays and calling out to the community for help on one element I can’t do on my own. Putting together a gallery of photos of as many CRTs as possible displaying some ratio patterns in the 240p test suite. If interested and willing to contribute read the instructions below (and a massive thank you!)
If under the impression that your crummy CRT can’t possibly be useful here that couldn’t be further from the truth! Whether it is a cheap kmart special you’ve had for years or a fancy professional monitor everything helps. A range of CRTs will build a fuller gallery of what these displays actually looked like. If you are willing to help but don’t have a flashcart let me know and we can work out an alternate sample (ex. the moon from Chrono Trigger)
What you’ll need
- CRT
- Decent quality camera (if all you have is a phone camera that works!)
- One of the following consoles: NES, SNES, Genesis/MD, TG16/PCE
- Flashcart, or other nefarious means to load the test suite rom, for said console
Instructions
Load up the 240p test suite (links for all of those consoles available there) and choose Test Patterns > Linearity. Hitting the ‘A’ or equivalent button should bring up a grid. They look like this. I’ll need a photo of both patterns.
If you have a tripod set it up straight-on, with as little angle as possible, and as close as possible while also getting the full frame of the television visible so that any potential cropping or bordering due to overscan is fully visible. Ideally getting some of the bezel on all sides of the screen. Otherwise do your best freehanding it.
Something like this…
As opposed to this…
Post the photos in as high resolution as possible with the following information to help categorize it.
- Console used and region (NTSC/PAL)
- Region of the CRT (NTSC/PAL)
- Connection method: composite, component, SCART, etc…
- Size of the screen, manufacturer, and model
- Describe any special adjustments made such as adjusting for overscan, or any other considerations you feel may be applicable about your CRT.
And a massive amount of appreciation for anyone who contributes.
