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19-Inch Retro Checkmate IPS Monitor Review: The Best Retro Monitor?
The 19-inch Checkmate IPS is a customizable and modular retro monitor, ideal for retro gaming thanks to its wide range of inputs and support for various resolutions and frequencies. Although it is a niche device with a high price, its performance and versatility make it an excellent option for retro gaming enthusiasts.
1. 📺 Introduction to the Checkmate IPS 19-Inch Retro Monitor
- ✅ The Checkmate IPS 19-inch monitor is a customizable, hand-built retro monitor designed to cover all retro gaming needs.
- ✅ It is a modular monitor that has replaced other retro monitors (except CRTs) in the presenter's setup.
00:01 - 00:35
1. 📺 Introduction to the Checkmate IPS 19-Inch Retro Monitor
- ✅ The Checkmate IPS 19-inch monitor is a customizable, hand-built retro monitor designed to cover all retro gaming needs.
- ✅ It is a modular monitor that has replaced other retro monitors (except CRTs) in the presenter's setup.
00:36 - 02:01
2. ⚙️ Design and Key Benefits of the Checkmate Monitor
- ✅ The monitor features a 19-inch flat panel, similar to 19-inch Dell monitors with a 5:4 aspect ratio.
- ✅ The main benefit of the monitor is its wide range of inputs, which makes it stand out.
02:02 - 03:31
3. 🔌 Variety of Inputs and Capabilities of the Monitor
- ✅ The monitor offers a wide variety of inputs, including composite, HDMI, and 31 kHz VGA with VGA audio input, ideal for retro PCs and Sega Dreamcast.
- ✅ The monitor's zero slot immediately meets many input needs.
03:32 - 05:29
4. 🔄 Modularity and Appy's RetroScaler
- ✅ The Checkmate monitor is modular, allowing modules to be swapped and added.
- ✅ Appy's RetroScaler module offers additional inputs such as SCART, component, S-Video, and RGBI, including an RF input.
- ✅ This combination of zero slot and RetroScaler inputs provides all possible inputs you could want.
05:30 - 06:25
5. ⚡ Resolution Testing and Professional Performance
- ✅ The monitor was tested with games like Agony to evaluate resolution switching.
- ✅ Appy's RetroScaler switches resolutions quickly and smoothly, proving to be a professional display with these modules.
06:26 - 07:34
6. 💰 Premium Price and Availability of the Checkmate Monitor
- ✅ The Checkmate monitor was originally a Kickstarter project that took a couple of years to complete.
- ✅ It is a niche retro device with a premium price, suitable for enthusiasts who know what they are looking for.
- ✅ Monitors can still be ordered at checkmate1500plus.com, but it's not a cheap device.
07:35 - 08:43
7. 🛠️ Initial Problems and Solutions
- ✅ Initially, the monitor had backlight bleed issues, which were resolved by adding washers to the bezel assembly inside the case.
- ✅ The backlight bleed issue has been fixed in manufacturing.
08:44 - 11:20
8. 🌟 Unique Features and Monitor Support
- ✅ The monitor has a beige-white look reminiscent of 90s nostalgia and comes with 4-inch stereo speakers.
- ✅ The monitor supports 15 kHz, 50 Hz, and 60 Hz, covering PAL and NTSC needs, and works with arcade boards that only support 15 kHz.
- ✅ The monitor supports PAL and NTSC and works with various systems, including the original Xbox.
- ✅ Input latency is less than one frame, providing a good gaming experience.
11:21 - 12:35
9. 🎥 HDMI Output and Final Recommendations
- ✅ The monitor has HDMI output, allowing the signal to be captured in a one-to-one ratio, even for composite or RF signals.
- ✅ The Checkmate 19-inch retro monitor is a great option for retro enthusiasts looking to get the most out of their systems.
- ✅ While not cheap, the Checkmate 19-inch monitor is a great option for those who want to use their old retro devices on a single screen.