Eizo FlexScan T968 Buyer’s Guide: Trinitron Tube PC CRT

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Why CRTs Still Matter for Retro Gaming in 2026

The Eizo FlexScan T968 is a professional-grade 21-inch PC CRT featuring a Sony Trinitron tube—rare in the consumer market. Eizo licensed Trinitron technology from Sony and integrated it into their premium FlexScan line, targeting architects, engineers, and designers who demanded the sharpest, most accurate PC display available. In 2026, the T968 remains one of the finest consumer-grade CRTs for both retro gaming and professional work. It strikes a perfect balance: better color accuracy than gaming monitors like the Mitsubishi RDT272WLM, more accessible than broadcast-grade Sony BVM monitors.

CRT physics are immutable: an electron beam responds instantaneously to the input signal, producing zero input lag and authentic scan lines. The T968’s Trinitron tube delivers superior sharpness and brightness compared to aperture-grill competitors, making it excellent for both retro gaming and professional color work.

Specs & Provenance: Consumer Professional CRT

The Eizo FlexScan T968 is a 21-inch Trinitron CRT designed for professional PC use. The “T968” designation indicates Trinitron tube with 0.26mm dot pitch—exceptionally fine for a consumer monitor. Native resolution is 1600×1200 at 86Hz, with lower resolutions supporting higher refresh rates (up to 160Hz at 640×480).

Key specs: VGA input (D-Sub 15), native resolution 1600×1200 @ 86Hz, maximum refresh 160Hz at 640×480, professional-grade geometry adjustment, and color accuracy calibration tools. The monitor includes USB connectivity for digital adjustments and preset storage—a premium feature rarely seen on consumer CRTs. Eizo’s engineering is evident throughout; this monitor was designed to last and provide consistent performance for professional workflows.

Specification | Value
Screen Size | 21.0″ (4:3 aspect ratio)
Tube Type | Sony Trinitron (licensed by Eizo)
Dot Pitch | 0.26mm (exceptionally fine)
Native Resolution | 1600×1200 @ 86Hz
Maximum Refresh Rate | 160Hz @ 640×480, 120Hz @ 1024×768
Video Input | VGA (D-Sub 15)
Weight | 85 lbs (38 kg)
Year Discontinued | ~2005 (21 years ago)
Typical Market Price (2026) | $300–$900 (accessible consumer CRT)

Why It Matters: Trinitron Sharpness + High Refresh

The Trinitron tube is legendary for horizontal sharpness and brightness. Unlike aperture-grill tubes (Diamondtron, etc.), Trinitron uses a single horizontal wire suspension—trading slight vertical artifacts for superior horizontal resolution. At 1600×1200 native resolution with 0.26mm dot pitch, the T968 displays text and fine details with exceptional clarity. For programming, CAD work, and pixel-perfect retro gaming, this sharpness advantage is noticeable.

The maximum 160Hz refresh at low resolution makes the T968 excellent for high-speed emulation. Dolphin running at 60fps, or arcade emulation at 120fps, displays with silky smoothness. Combined with zero input lag, the T968 is one of the best CRTs for competitive retro gaming.

Where to Buy in 2026: Consumer Market Availability

The Eizo FlexScan T968 was manufactured for the professional PC market in significant quantities (relative to broadcast monitors). In 2026, availability is excellent compared to BVM-D24 or JVC DT-V1900 units.

Where to source:

eBay (dozens available globally at any time; highly competitive pricing)

Local classifieds (common in offices being retired; check regularly)

Design/architecture studios closing; check LinkedIn and local business news

Retro PC and gaming communities

Pricing: Good-condition units $300–$900, depending on cosmetics and tube brightness. Excellent units under $500 are routinely available, making this one of the most affordable quality CRTs in 2026.

Modern Accessories You’ll Need: VGA to Everything

The T968 only has VGA input (D-Sub 15), which limits connectivity options. For modern GPUs, you’ll need active DVI-to-VGA or HDMI-to-VGA converters. For console gaming, you need component-to-VGA conversion and an upscaler.

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VGA signal conditioning is critical—cheap converters introduce noise. Quality cables and active adapters ($40–$100) are worth the investment. For console gaming, pairing the T968 with an OSSC Pro upscaler allows clean 240p display with proper scaling.

Vs. Modern Alternatives: Value & Versatility

In 2026, a quality 4K LCD costs $300–$500. The T968 at similar price offers zero input lag and authentic scan lines that LCDs cannot match. For professional color work, the T968 isn’t calibration-grade (not broadcast reference), but it’s superior to consumer LCDs for consistency and geometric precision.

The high refresh rate (up to 160Hz) is a genuine advantage for emulation and competitive gaming—a capability that modern monitors achieve but at higher cost.

Compare: Dell P1130 Buying Guide, 19-Inch Trinitron Buyer’s Guide, CRT vs OLED for Retro Gaming

Pros & Cons: The Versatile Professional

Pros:

Sony Trinitron tube—superior sharpness and brightness

Excellent color accuracy for consumer CRT; suitable for professional work

Fine 0.26mm dot pitch produces crisp image

High refresh rates (160Hz @ 640×480) for smooth gaming

Professional construction; Eizo’s reputation for reliability

VGA connectivity simple and stable (fewer compatibility issues than DVI)

Most affordable quality CRT ($300–$900); excellent value in 2026

Compact 21-inch size; manageable footprint

Cons:

VGA-only input limits modern connectivity (requires adapters)

Not broadcast-reference grade; color accuracy is good but not professional color work standard

Native 1600×1200 resolution means 240p console signals don’t scale cleanly (3:1 ratio not exact)

Will need recap service ($250–$500) within 5–7 years

Tube brightness gradually dims; no replacement tubes available

Geometry adjustment less extensive than broadcast models

FAQ: Questions from Professional & Enthusiast Buyers

Is this good for professional color work?

Good, not excellent. The T968’s color accuracy is superior to consumer CRTs but not calibration-grade like broadcast monitors. For casual professional work, it’s acceptable. For critical color grading, invest in a BVM-D24 or JVC DT-V1900.

How does it compare to the Dell P1130?

Eizo T968 has superior engineering, better color accuracy, and Trinitron tube advantages. Dell P1130 is more affordable and easier to find. Both are excellent. T968 is the premium choice if budget allows.

Can I use it for both 240p console gaming and PC emulation?

Yes, with caveats. The 1600×1200 native resolution doesn’t scale 240p cleanly (you’d get 6.67x scaling, not integer). Pairing with an upscaler (OSSC Pro, RetroTink 4K) solves this. PC emulation at high resolution and refresh is excellent.

How long until recap service is needed?

Budget 5–7 years of use before capacitor aging becomes critical. Professional recap costs $250–$500. Plan ahead.

Final Verdict

The Eizo FlexScan T968 is the best accessible CRT in 2026. Superior Trinitron optics, professional-grade construction, and affordable pricing ($300–$900) make it an excellent entry point for collectors, emulation enthusiasts, and professionals. It’s not a broadcast-grade monitor, but it’s far better than any consumer LCD at the same price point.

Buy one if: You want a quality Trinitron tube CRT at an accessible price. Perfect for PC emulation, professional work, and retro gaming combined.

Skip it if: You specifically need broadcast-reference color accuracy (use BVM-D24) or want to display classic 240p signals without an upscaler (use Dell P1130).

In 2026, the T968 remains exceptional value. Stock is gradually shrinking as old office equipment is retired, making this an excellent acquisition window.

Related: Dell P1130 Buyer’s Guide: Affordable 21-Inch Trinitron Monitor, 19-Inch Trinitron Buyer’s Guide: Best PC CRTs in 2026, OSSC Pro Review: Scan-Line Magic for Modern Displays

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Looking for more on this topic? Browse the hand-picked guides below — each one applies the same scoring rubric used in this review.

Sony PVM-20M4U Buyer’s Guide: Holy Grail of Retro CRTs

Sony BVM-D24 Buyer’s Guide: The King of Broadcast CRTs

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the Eizo T968 so sought after?

It is one of the last generation of high-end professional PC CRTs, combining a large flat Trinitron-family tube with wide scan ranges and excellent factory calibration. That combination allows very high resolutions and very high refresh rates on the same display, which is exactly what retro PC enthusiasts want.

What should I inspect before buying one used?

Check for even brightness across a full white field, absence of burn-in, correct convergence in the corners, and geometry that responds to the on-screen adjustments. Ask how many hours it has run if the seller knows, and confirm the tube still reaches acceptable brightness at moderate contrast settings.

What resolutions and refresh rates does it support?

Displays in this professional class typically handle very high resolutions at moderate refresh rates and lower resolutions at refresh rates well above one hundred hertz. Consult the manual for the exact horizontal scan range, since that specification, not the maximum resolution, determines which modes will actually sync.

How do I connect a modern PC to it?

You need an analogue output, which modern graphics cards no longer provide, so a high-quality active DisplayPort or HDMI to VGA adapter with sufficient bandwidth is required. Cheap adapters cap out at low pixel clocks and will not drive high resolutions or refresh rates, which is the usual disappointment.

Is shipping a large CRT realistic?

It is risky and expensive. These monitors are extremely heavy, and the tube can crack or the internal assembly can shift if dropped. Local collection is strongly preferable. If shipping is unavoidable, insist on a pallet with proper bracing rather than a single box.