NEC PC-TV353

Andy King
November 14, 2022, 12:24 pm

Summary

The PC-TV353 is the only model without a JP21 SCART port or Digital RGB port in the PC-TV35X series. It only supports analog RGBHV via DE-15, Composite video and RF (Japanese regional tuning only).

The easiest way to connect non-HV sync sources such as game consoles is to use a sync separator that can convert csync or composite sync to HV sync. One of the ways to do this would be using an Extron 164xi or similar.

NEC PC-TV Series

The NEC PC-TV series is a Japan-exclusive series of monitors that were intended to be an all-in-one display for your games and TV. All of them have an RF tuner (only compatible with Japanese regional channel mapping - channel 13 on this tuner will work with any US equipment on channel 14).

Most PC-TV models support the unique 24kHz scan frequency for arcade boards such as the Sega Model 1/2 and PC-88/98 computers. Some even support 31kHz VGA, making them an extremely versatile multisync monitor capable of working with the famous Sharp X86000 and anything else non-HD you want to throw at it. The name PC-TV encapsulates this unique ability to be both a TV with a tuner and a PC monitor capable of displaying RGB signals of varying frequencies (depending on model).

The other interesting characteristic of these monitors is their 15" and 20" NEC Japan-made M-class (high TVL) tubes, which are pretty much unheard of on the US market.

PC-TVs are designed to run on 100v Japan-standard AC power. While they are capable of running off US power, for longevity I recommend buying a 100v step-down transformer with the proper wattage for this TV to prevent any unnecessary overheating in the power supply from the extra 20v being fed to it.

Video Input Notes

PC-TVs are NTSC-only. They do not support PAL.

If your PC-TV has a SCART port then you can use that for csync/composite sync sources.

The PC-TV 15-pin RGB port will only accept HV-sync. If your RGB port has a toggle switch above it, it must be switched ON (to the right) for the RGB or Composite inputs to work. Otherwise you will only be able to see the TV Tuner input.

The pinout for the 15-pin RGB port is as follows:

  1. Red
  2. Red Ground
  3. Green
  4. Green Ground
  5. Blue
  6. Blue Ground
  7. Not connected
  8. Not connected
  9. Not connected
  10. Audio L
  11. Audio R
  12. Audio Ground
  13. 5v*
  14. H Sync
  15. V Sync

General Maintenance Advice

The factory soldering on these was done very poorly and did not withstand the test of time. Most of these will need to have the whole board touched up with fresh solder for reliability. You will likely run into issues the first time you remove the rear cover of the monitor and allow the main board to flex under its own weight. This minor bending is enough to break the poor and fragile solder joints.

Literature

  • Service Manual is unavailable - please send a copy if you have one.

Notes

Gallery

NEC PC-TV353 NEC PC-TV353 NEC PC-TV353