Summary

The L series PVMs were the last CRT professional monitors produced by Sony, with the 14L2 roughly equivalent to the PVM-14M2U from their previous generation. It uses the same 600 TVL tube as its predecessor, with a redesigned chassis. The power supply and deflection sections are both on the main board, with the video processing on a side-mounted PCB.

The L2 monitors also have a slot for optional input cards cards that provide extra capabilities such as SDI or an additional RGB input.

Literature

• User Manual
• Service Manual
• Sales Brochure

Notes

The 14L2 suffers from a quirk where the menu occasionally will not display when scanning in 240p. This is usually related to screen position and geometry, and unfortunately tends to occur when the monitor is optimized for game consoles. The simplest way to deal with it is to bring back the menu by pressing the "underscan" button, which will allow you to navigate and choose options. The menu will disappear once underscan is disabled, but it is still possible to change settings while it's invisible.

When using component video (YPbPr) on default settings, the Pr signal is out of phase with the luma signal, causing blurriness and misaligned colors. To correct this problem, open the service menu and select SIG, then Decoder Color, then set DEC LPF to 0.

Unlike the L5 series, the 14L2 and 20L2 have the input card slots on the very back of the case. The mounting screws project outwards by an extra half inch, which can be a nuisance. Reproduction slot covers with ordinary screws can help reduce its profile.

The BKM-129X input card needed for an extra RGB input on this monitor is difficult to find. Fortunately, however, it has been reverse engineered by Martin Heijnfelt and clone cards are now available from Retro Upgrades in the UK.

Flyback Compatibility

All of the standard definition 14" and 20" L series PVMs use the same model of flyback transformer (NX-4525). This includes the PVM-14L1, 20L1, 14L2, and 20L2 (plus the medical and SSM variants). They are compatible with each other, so any model in the series can be used as the donor for another. However, the 14" models do not use the integrated focus pot, as the focus and screen voltages are generated elsewhere.

When transferring the flyback from a 14 to a 20" model, it is necessary to add a focus lead. This can be taken from the old flyback of the recipient monitor. If that isn't available, a length of solid core 20 gauge wire with a rating of 20 kV can be used. To install it, push it into the hole leading to the uppermost flyback pot and it should lock in place. It's important to use solid core wire, or else it may not fit securely.