The Sony PVM 2030 Trinitron - How to set up & get the most out of this Iconic CRT

[@RetroTechUSA]

The movie clips are from Star Trek II on VHS. The games featured are Super Metroid, R-Type III and Ken Griffey Presents Major League Baseball on the Super Nintendo. Please see the links, time stamps and other important details in the video description. Thanks for watching!

[@reddit4life693]

How do i contact you i need help with one of my crt's?

[@ifeetz7612]

I have blown the fuse on my PVM 2530, I have the fuse in my hand and it is fried! The fuse is a 125V 7A fuse! I cannot find this exact fuse anywhere. I find 250V 7AMP but not 125V. Do you have a specific fuse to recomend? And, can I place a lower amp fuse like a 5A where a 7A should go?

[@marginaliaposting]

bless you Retrotech i had lost all hope trying to figure out how to play a video on this very specific type of TV for my job, you have earned your seat in karmic paradise (to me) !!

[@travisbowmanmusic]

PVM nerds are grateful for you, man. Thanks for taking the time to do specific videos like this!

[@rumpbuns]

I lucked out and picked one of these up in 2018 for $50 with the square Sony speakers. Works great and, like you said in the video, is very good to watch laserdiscs on.

[@FinalBaton]

The 2030 and 2530 are the best Sony pro monitors for gaming IMO. they've got the most pleasing picture of the bunch for these old graphics.

[@dauntae24]

I had a 2530 for a year or so. I sold it for $400 (I paid $300). It seemed a bit washed out to me.

[@badreality2]

@@dauntae24 After 30+ years, they need recalibration and sometimes new caps. I own a PVM 1340 with PERFECT geometry, but the same color issue.

[@NeoWeaponog]

just picked up this monitor, you're expertise and videos have been super helpful, much thanks!

[@richm4100]

On the UK model it has another 'RGB' knob on the back which controls the contrast and also has a Scart input as opposed to the d-sub 🙂

[@andresbottazzi5907]

Thank you very much the video was very informative and your attitude was very warm and friendly. I really enjoyed it.

[@RetroTechUSA]

Thanks

[@futuristicentity2417]

Anyone else here for the nostalgia from your childhood? I am salvaging some things I enjoyed growing up. I can handle CRT TVs most older games won't scale properly on a SmartTV you should have the option if you want a regular TV hopefully CRT TVs make a comeback one of these days.

[@dudeguy7347]

I have a 2530 and it's almost identical to this in terms of buttons, controls, inputs, etc. I really want to see you do an in-depth adjustment of the potentiometers though because I am having numerous minor issues with my picture. Would be great to know exactly how to safely and correctly adjust the picture because I've heard of people wrecking their tube by adjusting the pots and not knowing what they were doing.

[@gr3shan]

I know. I broke one of my potentiometers off the board. The ‘Y-Cross’ I believe. Luckily I’d calibrated before this happens but I’d love to see Steve talk about this kind of thing. I have a 2730.

[@FairyKid64]

I'm considering getting a 2530. Seems like it's in pretty good shape. Do you think it's worth $600?

[@JoeRetroWorld]

Now this is a really good. You explained it all perfectly, thanks for that.

[@djsonic6533]

One day I'll get one of these. In the past I did have the pleasure of trying out a 32 inch version of one of these and I fell in love. Too bad people want too much $ for these.

[@Lastcookie]

Love tuning in to your videos . Great looking bit of kit thank you for sharing. I picked up a sliver Sony Trinitron wide screen.

[@MultiMarvelGeek]

Oooooh! What model, dude?

[@Lastcookie]

@@MultiMarvelGeek I had to look it up online because when I got it last July it was so dusty I got my father to power wash the back casing. Online it say it's a wega wide-screen 32" kv32x68 . Was cheap am in Belfast NI . On the look out for a better model to play retro games . 🤓

[@Demokirby]

Awesome guide and hope to see more for most popular pvm models

[@marvz71]

I actually have a Sony VTR cable brand new in the box somewhere. Took me a while to get a commercial VHS unit that had that output, Laserdisc players with it are even more rare.

[@turbouno969]

I own 2 of these exact models. One in grey and the other in black. Both are from 1987 so there’s no s-video option. Still though, picture and color look great. Paid $40 each at Goodwill so I’m happy with the price as they even came with attachments to ceiling mount them.

[@KindaCool]

Loving the Terminator Sega CD intro song!

[@darrenwinn22]

Nice Steve, thanks. I do miss my 2130QM, for the ease of Scart & audio, but mostly for the iconic good looks. Sold on to a gamer though, so it went to a good home and I replaced it with a 20F1E, so can't complain. This video has made me a bit misty eyed tough... particularly love the light up front buttons.

[@RetroTechUSA]

Thanks for the story. You are upgrading to the best analog CRT ever according to many.

[@darrenwinn22]

@@RetroTechUSA Yep, the F1E is amazing and I saw that Pat said it was his favourite BVM, so that’s reassuring. I have a Mitsubishi 2070SB for 30Khz and above so bases covered. Would dearly love a Sony Multiformat that did it all, but they’re so damn expEnsive and honestly I think I’m good with what I have. 👍

[@hankhill7827]

Wow are you me? I did the exact same thing. 2130 was the first big PVM for me. I bought it at an auction the sells off studio equipment then bought an F1E a couple of years later and sold my 2130 to the guy who runs the theblock dot art website. He let me into his warehouse and it was like a jungle of PVMs stacked head high.

[@darrenwinn22]

@@hankhill7827 Haha - maybe... 😆 I got my 2130 from a production company in Surrey, U.K. and they’d had it from new. Came in a bespoke wheeled flight case all for the princely sum of about £200. I got the F1E (with control unit) plus a faulty G1E and 10x 10inch JVCs from a London Studio for £500. That was a good day. 👌

[@rickg8109]

THANKS! I just got one and almost all my retro consoles I have Scart cables for and was running through a ossc to a modern TV, or just normal component/composite or s-video to my CRT's depending on console.

[@rickg8109]

man, I am NOT having any luck finding a sub rib sync cable to scart. Everything is console specific which I already have all the specific cables from console to scart, was just hoping for a cable to run basically a scart extender into the PVM

[@RetroSho]

Heya, thanks for the video! Really will come in handy for setting up and adjusting my 2030 after I move! I scooped up one of the OEM controllers earlier in the year for a couple of bucks. It should be model Sony RM-739.

[@SamsungS-or1qf]

This CRT seems almost brand new 😊. Can you explain digital vs analog rgb?

[@noelblaschke]

20:45 Which devices do you have in mind for external geometry adjustments?

[@Scarflix]

Thank you for the video. I have a Sony 2030 and after using it for about half an hour this loud terrible ringing starts coming from the unit and I have to power it off for a few seconds to stop it. I have no idea why this happens.

[@1903tx]

I have the same problem with mine. I think it's the red box on the back of the tube that goes in between the flyback and tube failing, but I haven't been able to find a replacement to test it with.

[@v4l913]

Hi do you have any links for the d sub adapter I can’t find them anywhere and I just picked up a pvm 2030 thank you so much

[@warnerg80]

Great video reviewing this monitor 🤙 do you know where to get 25 pin connector to scart adapter?

[@clivehenry5750]

If you switch one of these on without anything plugged in at the back will you see a picture of any kind ? Turning up the volume should a counter appear on screen or something ? Came across one at work gathering dust just sitting there,plugged it in and powered up with static on the screen but no indication of a pictcure on screen ?

[@PabloAvilaEstevez]

These pvms are gorgeous, I like em a bit more than the 1354q style pvms but I've never used one myself unfortunately. Would be a real treat i tell ya

[@czr5014]

Could you explain how to get the computer input working, it’s green(sync on green) and I don’t know how to get it back to normal

[@RobertoCarloRojas]

Can You share where to find that RGB cable ?

[@devinking9779]

So is it possible to use a snes through composite with a bnc male to rca female adapter or only through rgb? I’ve been trying to use it with a bnc adapter only but have gotten no luck on any display

[@TheChrisBeans]

Awesome screen. I love mine… not super versatile though. It’s currently perfectly adjusted for my Mega Drive, but if I connect anything else I have to take the back off to adjust the geometry. With a supergun it needs opening up every time I change PCB. Fine with the occasional change, but if you want it for multiple inputs/a switcher, it’s a pain to work with.

[@movichd7766]

Hello brother, I have the same TV, when I turn it on for a while, the picture disappears and the sound remains. What is the reason for that, if possible?

[@gr3shan]

Steve, have you ever covered potentiometers?

[@RiverCityRansom]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but the voltage related data grouping, e.g. (120v 50hz/60hz 150w) isn't talking about the video frequency (PAL vs NTSC) it's talking about the supported Alternating Current frequency: 50hz vs 60hz.

[@SuperPerfectFGC]

Hi. I bought one of these and just realized I don't know how to hook up the speakers. I have the Sony SS-X6A speakers that come with it. I see two screws on each speaker where I assume wire is meant to be connected. I'm having a hard time finding information on the internet about how to hook up this kind of speaker. I don't even know what the kind of wire I need would be called. Could you point me in the right direction?

[@SuperPerfectFGC]

I figured it out! Wow, learning about older technology is really hard when i dont know what anything is called lol! Im going to try using 16 gauge speaker wire

[@davef113]

I had one of these and an Olympus OEV203 literally fall in my lap recently. I want to keep them or at least keep the PVM but I don't even know where to start.

[@anth123456]

Hi Retro Tech, I've got a 2530 version of this monitor. I wish I could get it to work, the power button no longer brings up the lights on either side and I can't get any picture to display.

[@MrSilentvid]

Hey there, great video. I have a 2130QM and have always wondered is the 2130 just European/UK version of the 2030? I noticed that the 2130 has separate s-video and VTR inputs, with s-video having a passthrough too. It also displays what region of signal it is receiving (PAL, NTSC, NTSC 4.43) on the bottom left underneath brightness, sharpness, etc. Also has SCART input instead of CMPTR input. I am also struggling to find a date for when the 2130QM/2030 was produced and how much it would have cost at the time.

[@JohnyTheWizKid]

Where do you get the D sub adapter or whatever it's called for component?

[@s0nnyblaz32]

Where did you buy the d-sub to scart adapter?

[@pedroTFP]

I’ve a 2730qm. How many TVL it is? Service manual says 420TVL and 600TVL for RGB (computer via DB15). I can get RGB via Scart 21pin too. Would I get any benefit inputting video signal from classic console via DB15?

[@mariokart8715]

Did you do a video of the calibration for this monitor?

[@RetroTechUSA]

yes, there is a full playlist in the description with a few calibration and recapping videos on the 2030

[@alanwong3980]

Hi there, could you help us? This pvm is 9300k color temperature. Could you demonstrate how to calibrate to 6500k, please?

[@SkyScourgeGod]

Can you feed Component video into the RGB's DB port for this PVM using some sort of passive Component to DB adapter or does it only accept RGB? I need to know this because my setup uses absolutely no SCART cabling, only Component or S-Video.

[@RetroTechUSA]

Sorry, no. This won't support component

[@SkyScourgeGod]

@@RetroTechUSA Oh well, that just means I have to use some sort of converter like like a Comp2RGB from retrotink. Thanks!

[@ChrisSkitch]

I recently picked up the very similar 2130QM specifically for Tate retro gaming. Image is near perfect in horizontal mode, but when I turn the tv on it’s side I end up with colour purity issues in one corner. Have tried unplugging, leaving it rest for a time etc but it doesn’t seem to like being on its side. The degaussing circuit seems fine, I can hear it trigger when I turn the tv on. Any ideas? Maybe I should try those magnetic tabs?

[@GrandemagicoWall]

Just bought a 2130QM and the image on analog rgb is shifted all the way to the left. I guess I'll have to open it and turn a potentiometer. I was hoping I didn't have to do anything like that, I already have other projects going.

[@jasonplaysretro8364]

As far as I know, The notch filter is a composite video comb filter

[@FinalBaton]

Indeed and notch filters are terrible (for games at least). Better leave it off. Dinamic Picture is a circuit that contribute to the good picture, so I'd leave it on at all times for sure.

[@MrAlan1828]

The official remote is a RM-739 , My 2030 has does not have left sound coming from the speaker, its not the cable or input I think its from the inside?!

[@Age_of_Retro]

Hey man. Thanks for all of your videos they are really helpful. I am having a hell of a time with my 2030 and retro consoles. I am kind of new to this and I am able to run SNES, Saturn, Genesis, CD, 32X fine. I have struggled with a PC, Gamecube, PS2. Anything that requires component really. Any ideas?

[@RetroTechUSA]

Sorry dude. This PVM won't support Component. Only RGB, Composite and svideo

[@Age_of_Retro]

@@RetroTechUSA damn. Ok cool. Thanks for getting back to me.

[@karldunne5595]

Totally mint condition 👍🏻😎.

[@robsmashed]

What's a good price for this monitor in your opinion? I got the chance to get it for €350/400, local pickup.

[@RetroTechUSA]

That's a really good price in my opinion if one is working. I'd buy it.

[@retro-reels5652]

Serial number 29278 gives you an idea of how made of these were manufactured and it’s a shame how few exist today...

[@lullylew9083]

Heya do you have a forum or a discord community server where we can all congregate and ask for advice and guidance?

[@mariokart8715]

What is a computer adapter?

[@rolandbaron5813]

Is the 2030 the best pvm out there?

[@SamsungS-or1qf]

20L5 is considered the best 20" PVM.

[@williamtinnemans1022]

Great video! But I'm missing some important things. Which resolutions and formats can i display on this monitor? 240p, 256p, 480i, 480p? PAL, NTFS, secam? You talk about a Computer input, but does that mean it supports 31KHz? Which scan rates does it support? 15KHz, 31KHz? Or both? Nobody talks about these things but I think the resolution support and the inputs (AV, S-video, RGB etc.) are the most important things to know about a monitor. You explained a lot about the inputs but noting about the resolutions or supported formats. Can you help me, please?

[@arcadeages3917]

It’s a 15khz monitor. Supports 60hz and 50hz signals.

[@RWL2012]

NTSC, not NTFS.

[@liljaygray]

Know any way to hook up the Dsub25 to a VGA output?? Been looking to hook up my computer to my 2030 but having some trouble finding a way!

[@arcadeages3917]

Is your VGA signal 15khz?

[@liljaygray]

ARCADEAGES yes

[@richm4100]

I've got that chance to buy one of these...but it's always a risk. these things are 30 yrs old, need caps replacing and are only adjustable via pots inside the chassis ☹️

[@axi0matic]

Have you seen the particular unit powered up? How does the image look? Are you able to test it with a console? It may not necessarily need recapping or calibration to enjoy. It also comes down to price. If paying top dollar I'd expect it to be recapped and calibrated, but if the price is more reasonable you can always get it serviced later. Replacing through-hole capacitors is not a difficult job, and any competent electronics technician would be able to do this - they don't need to be a CRT specialist. You can buy suitable packs of capacitors.

[@richm4100]

@@axi0matic I bought it in the end, I managed to get a good deal on it. Picture looks fairly good so I'm not sure it needs a recap just yet all being well

[@tyroneslothdrop9155]

How much did you pay for this?

[@LOSTOKYO]

Queue the 2030 prices skyrocketing

[@N8_THN]

my college has one sitting on a shelf doing nothing, however, they aren't willing to sell it cuz they need it to "show pictures." :(

[@BellamyMacadam]

985 Bauch Ramp

[@Charlie-Cat.]

The 2030. What a marvelous unit it is after all these years. It was my first in PVM that I really said to myself, that Sony made a gem of a unit for sure Steve. 8^) Anthony..

[@RetroTechUSA]

It sure is wonderful. Thanks Anthony!

[@rsuryase]

$800 for that? I'll pass.