CRT:Sony CR1 Chassis

Description

The Sony CR1 Chassis family was the final evolution step of high-end FD Trinitron PC CRT monitors. Compared to the previous G1 generation, the CR1 features:

• Much simpler internal layout with one central motherboard and an input board
• Operational time counter measuring in hours, accessible by press-and-hold of the front panel button (varies by model) on a NO INPUT screen
• Dynamic convergence adjustment through WinDAS
• Higher factory set horizontal and vertical frequencies

The actual cathode ray tubes are identical (and interchangeable) vice versa to the units in G1 chassis monitors (see notes for more detail). It is generally observed that the CR1 generation (albeit with noticeable cost-cutting measures in its internals) is a more reliable design, with the G2 voltage drift and the typical green hue being not so pronounced.

Models

With the CRT monitor market already on the decline during the introduction of CR1 family, it has not been rebranded for such variety of customers as the previous generations like G1 or N3. Variants that were sold under different brands were based on CPD-G520 model, with minor differences in inputs and OSD menu, using either common G520 rear casing with different front panel, or proprietary casing with custom design. Notable models include:

21" variants (21CR1):

• Sony GDM-F520
• Sony GDM-C520K
• Sony CPD-G520
• Sony CPD-G520P
• Sony CPD-G520R
• Sony CPD-E530
• Sony CPD-E540

Rebranded models:

• Dell P1130
• IBM P275 (Model 6652-U3N/T3N/U3S/T3S)
• HP P1130 (Model P4819)
• Fujitsu Siemens 21T3
• MIRO / OEM GDM-5502
• SUN Microsystems GDM-5510
• SGI CPD-G520K

19" variants (19CR1):

• Sony GDM-F420 (Exists according to WinDAS, not sold or extremely rare)
• Sony CPD-G420
• Sony CPD-G420S

Notes

Models of the CR1 chassis were manufactured in Japan and Mexico.

All 21CR1 variants (except for the GDM-F520 with the 0.22 M50LRB16X), use 0.24 dot pitch Aperture Grille FD Trinitron tube M50LRB15X carried over from the G1 chassis, with metallic coating antiglare. Based on numerous observations among the users, it is speculated that these tubes were binned at the factory, with the best specimen reserved for the more exclusive units, such as GDM-5510. There is, however, no written evidence from the manufacturer to support this.

Interchangeability of the tubes between G1 and CR1 monitors is possible within same size class and dot pitch.