Sony SDM-V72W: A Real-World Retrogaming Review
1. Introduction: How I Ended Up with a Sony SDM-V72W in 2025
It wasn't nostalgia. It was boredom.
One night, I was aimlessly scrolling through used-item websites when this Sony SDM-V-V72W appeared at a ridiculously tempting price. I had never seen one like it in Argentina. It had all the analog inputs that modern monitors lack. And besides… it was a Sony.
What could go wrong?
I asked the seller for a couple of photos, he showed me the basics, and since it was so cheap, I bought it without insisting on more details. My mistake.
Always ask for photos, people. Always.
When it arrived, it had a stain on the panel. It wasn't huge, but it was there. Instead of getting angry, I took it as an opportunity: if it already had a defect, at least it would serve as a good subject for an in-depth analysis of how this old monitor performs with retro consoles.
And that's exactly what you're about to read.
2. Model Features
The Sony SDM-V72W is a multimedia monitor manufactured in February 2003, right in the middle of the transition from CRT to LCD. It includes practically all the analog inputs used at the time:
🔵 VGA (RGBHV)
The cleanest and most stable signal on the monitor. Ideal for retro PCs, emulation, TV boxes, or consoles with a VGA adapter.
🟡 Composite (A/V)
Yellow (video) + red/white (audio). The worst possible quality for retro consoles on an LCD.
⚫ S-Video
Much better than composite, ideal for N64, PS1, or NTSC SNES. It's rare to find an LCD with a still-functioning S-Video input.
🔴🟢🔵 Component (YPbPr)
Theoretically the best analog input. On this monitor, it works, but with limitations: dull brightness and interference depending on the source.
🔌 External Sony 16.5V Power Supply
Standard for the era. Easier to replace than repairing internal power supplies.
🖤 "Anti-Cable" Rear Casing
Includes a detachable cover that hides the cables for a clean look. A detail no longer found in modern monitors.
🔩 VESA Mount
Another plus for mounting it on a wall or an articulated arm.
3. Actual Condition on Arrival (Panel Damage)
As soon as I turned it on, I noticed a branching stain on the right side. After testing with A/V, VGA, component, and different consoles, it was clear that:
- it doesn't move
- it doesn't change with the image
- it's not dependent on the cable
- it's not caused by interference
- it's always in the same place
Diagnosis:
Panel damage due to humidity or polarizer delamination.
Repairable by a technician, but not a trivial fix. Since I bought it used, this conditioned the entire analysis.
4. Retro Console Tests
I tested real signals and compared the Sony LCD against a Sony WEGA CRT, using the same cable and the same console for a fair comparison.
4.1 SNES via A/V (Composite)
On the LCD:
- video noise
- static
- washed-out colors
- jagged edges
- enlarged pixels
- poor 240p to 480p scaling
On the CRT:
- perfect smoothness
- integrated dithering
- natural colors
- no harsh pixels
The CRT wins by a landslide. Composite on LCD was never good.
4.2 PS2 (RGB / Component / VGA)
VGA
The best quality on this monitor. Vibrant color, true sharpness, zero interference.
Component
Acceptable, but dull. May show interference or "double lines" depending on the signal.
Composite
Inefficient, just like with the SNES.
4.3 Emulation (PC via VGA)
Excellent:
- clean image
- accurate colors
- good stability
- acceptable input lag
Ideal for 8/16-bit emulators.
5. Direct Comparison: LCD vs. CRT (Same Console, Same Cable)
I did the most honest test: SNES via composite, on both the LCD and CRT, in the same room, with the same cable and conditions.
LCD
Shows all the flaws: noise, hard pixels, ugly scaling, interference.
CRT
Absolute smoothness. The composite signal is integrated as it was designed to be. The colors are organic.
This is the test that confirms why retro consoles were designed for CRTs.
6. How This LCD Handles 240p
Poorly, like all old LCDs.
- it doesn't detect 240p
- it interprets it as 480i
- it applies generic deinterlacing
- it loses sharpness
- artifacts appear
It's not the Sony's fault; it's the technology's fault.
7. Real Advantages and Disadvantages for Retrogaming
🟩 Advantages
✔ Excellent VGA Quality
It shines here. Perfect for retro PCs, TV boxes, and emulation.
✔ Acceptable Component
It works, but it looks dull and can have some interference depending on the source.
✔ Built-in Speakers
Decent sound, no distortion. Good enough for a kitchen or desk.
✔ Nice and Rare Design
Attractive for Sony and retro tech collectors.
✔ VESA Mount
Perfect for hanging or using with an articulated arm.
🟥 Disadvantages
✘ Composite (A/V) Looks Bad
Like any LCD from that era.
✘ Component Doesn't Perform as It Should
Dull brightness and occasional interference. VGA is still better.
✘ Handles 240p Poorly
It deinterlaces and loses sharpness.
✘ Not Ideal as a Main Monitor
Viewing angles and brightness are far inferior to modern monitors.
🟦 Who Is This Monitor For?
✔ For Sony Fans
As a collector's item, it's beautiful.
✔ For Exclusive VGA Use
It performs really well in this mode. With a TV Box → great. With a retro PC → great. With emulators → great.
✔ As a Secondary TV
For the kitchen, workshop, or desk. Lightweight, okay speakers, VESA mount.
❌ For Retrogaming via A/V
No.
❌ For Retrogaming via Component
Usable, but poor compared to other options.
❌ As a Main Monitor
Not worth it.
🟦 Final Conclusion
Sony is Sony. This model has its charm and history, but the unit I reviewed was not new and came with a screen defect. That affects part of the experience.
If you're going to buy one used, see it in person or buy it knowing you can return it. LCDs from that era were already known for their subpar analog inputs, and this confirms it.
Still, if it had arrived without the stain, I probably would have kept it: if it survived until 2025, it's because it still has a long life ahead of it.