The article by Jed Margolin explores the workings of XY Monitors, focusing on the CRT electron optics, deflection types, deflection amplifiers, high voltage supplies, screen phosphors, color CRTs, and alternatives. He delves into the intricacies of electron beams, grid structures, deflection angles, and pincushion distortion correction methods. One surprising aspect is how Atari’s early color XY games like Tempest performed pincushion correction on the game board, while later games like Star Wars utilized specially designed yokes for correction. This in-depth analysis highlights the complex engineering behind XY Monitors, shedding light on a lesser-known aspect of arcade game development.
https://www.jmargolin.com/xy/xymon.htm