I've seen these red Sharp monitors around for a while and they're usually pretty pricey. They were produced for the X1 line and come in a cherry red and a wine red. I had imagined I would prefer the cherry red, but that's neither here nor there; they're both typically quite expensive.

But this kind of oddball auction came up. It included a wine red X1 monitor and a considerable amount of original and copied X1 games on tape. The weird thing about it to me is that it didn’t actually include an X1 and it seemed like the items would be better off on their own in that case, but perhaps for that exact reason, I got a pretty good deal on it. I can't say which I like better at this point because I've only seen the wine red one in person, but it sure is a beauty. No regrets!

The monitor was tested to a TV static screen, which I generally take as a good sign. Tube is functional, no vertical or horizontal collapse, no pincushion problems, the only major cause for concern should be with digital RGB itself. Granted, that would be major, alright! But worth the risk. Sure enough, it worked!

Although designed for X1, digital RGB in Japan is totally standardized. Sort of. In any event, there are many systems it can connect to. It can also connect via composite or RF. Here it is, attached to my MZ-1500 via digital RGB, playing Mario Bros. Special and Burgertime, followed by my Pasopia7 to show text mode in action. The screen is super crisp. Great find! Problem is, there’s honest to God no room for it. Like, even when I whittle down my stuff to be auctioned, the only place to put it will be the floor. But it's really pretty, so I am going to try to find a way!

Update: there's only one red, and it's the wine red. But most of Sharp's own marketing material displays a much more vibrant, cherry-red type color, so it's their fault.