A Calgary-based electronics retailer is breathing new life into one of gaming's most coveted displays, offering professional restoration services for the legendary Sony FW900 CRT monitor that has captured the attention of retro gaming enthusiasts across Western Canada.
Abdouexpress, operating out of northeast Calgary, has become the first dedicated service centre in Alberta specializing in the restoration and refurbishment of Sony's FW900 Trinitron monitors, which originally retailed for over $2,000 when they launched in 2003.
"We're seeing incredible demand from gamers who want that authentic CRT experience," said Abdou Hassan, owner of Abdouexpress. "These monitors offer zero input lag and perfect motion clarity that modern displays still struggle to match, especially for competitive gaming and retro console enthusiasts."
The Sony FW900 features a massive 24-inch flat CRT display capable of resolutions up to 2304x1440 at 80Hz, making it highly sought after by collectors and professional gamers who prefer the instantaneous response times that CRT technology provides. However, finding working units has become increasingly difficult as the monitors age beyond their typical lifespan.
Hassan's team performs comprehensive refurbishments including capacitor replacement, tube rejuvenation, colour calibration, and housing restoration. The process typically takes two to three weeks per unit, with costs ranging from $400 to $800 depending on the monitor's condition.
"Many of these monitors are 20-plus years old now and need significant work to perform at their original specifications," Hassan explained. "We source original Sony components where possible and use high-quality aftermarket parts when necessary."
The service has attracted customers from across Alberta and neighbouring provinces, with some collectors driving from as far as Vancouver to have their monitors serviced. Local gaming communities have also taken notice, with several Calgary-area fighting game tournaments specifically requesting FW900 setups for their events.
Technology analyst Mark Chen from the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology noted the growing interest in vintage computing equipment reflects broader trends in both gaming culture and professional applications. "There's a renewed appreciation for the unique characteristics of CRT displays, particularly in competitive gaming where every millisecond matters," Chen said.
Abdouexpress plans to expand the service to include other professional CRT monitors from manufacturers like NEC and Mitsubishi. The company is also exploring partnerships with local gaming cafes and tournament organizers to provide rental services for restored monitors.
Hassan emphasizes that while modern displays have many advantages, the FW900 remains unmatched for specific applications. "It's not nostalgia driving this market," he said. "These monitors genuinely perform better than modern alternatives for certain use cases, and we're helping preserve that technology."
The restoration service operates Tuesday through Saturday from Abdouexpress's facility on 16th Avenue Northeast. Customers can schedule consultations through the company's website or by visiting their showroom, which features several restored FW900 units running classic games and modern titles optimized for CRT display.
For Calgary residents interested in exploring vintage computing options or learning more about local tech restoration services, community discussions are ongoing at Calgary Forums, where enthusiasts share experiences and recommendations for maintaining retro equipment.