Display ghosting, a common issue in arcade machines, manifests as faint, trailing images or shadows on the screen, detracting from the gaming experience. This phenomenon is primarily associated with Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) monitors, the classic display technology in vintage cabinets. Preventing and resolving it requires a methodical approach. The most common and effective methods are outlined below.

The first and most crucial step is Degaussing. CRT monitors are susceptible to magnetic field interference, which can magnetize the shadow mask and cause color distortion or ghosting. Virtually all arcade CRT monitors have a built-in degaussing coil that automatically activates when the machine is powered on. You hear a loud "thump" and see the screen shake briefly—this is the degasser working. If ghosting appears during gameplay, simply turning the machine off and on again to trigger a manual degaussing cycle can often solve the problem. For persistent magnetic fields, a professional hand-held degaussing coil may be necessary to thoroughly neutralize the interference.

Secondly, inspect all Video Cable Connections. A loose, damaged, or improperly shielded video cable can lead to signal degradation, which may appear as ghosting. Ensure the connection between the game's PCB (printed circuit board) and the monitor is secure. Examine the cable for any visible crimps, breaks, or fraying. Replacing a low-quality or damaged VGA cable with a well-shielded one can significantly improve signal integrity and eliminate ghosting caused by electrical interference.

Another vital area is Monitor Calibration and Adjustment. Internal settings on the monitor's chassis can drift over time. Accessing the monitor's service menu (exercise extreme caution due to high voltage risks) allows you to adjust key settings. Fine-tuning the Focus and Screen (G2) potentiometers can sharpen the image and eliminate blurry trails. Furthermore, adjusting the Contrast and Brightness to appropriate levels is essential; settings that are too high can exacerbate ghosting effects.

For recurring issues, Component Replacement might be the solution. Over decades, the electronic components on the monitor's chassis can wear out. The most common culprits are aging capacitors (caps). Dried-out or leaking capacitors cannot filter voltages effectively, leading to various display problems, including ghosting. Replacing these capacitors, a process known as recapping, is a standard restoration practice for experienced technicians. Additionally, in rare cases, a weak video output signal from the game PCB itself could be the source, which may require repair or replacement of the board.

Finally, consider the Physical Environment. Strong external magnetic sources, such as unshielded speakers, power transformers, or even the earth's magnetic field depending on the cabinet's orientation, can interfere with the CRT. Position the arcade machine away from such sources. If the cabinet has been rotated, it may need to be degaussed again to compensate for the change in magnetic alignment.

In summary, preventing display ghosting involves a combination of routine maintenance (degaussing), ensuring solid connections, proper calibration, and addressing aged hardware. Starting with the simple step of power cycling the machine for degaussing and progressively moving to cable checks and internal adjustments will resolve the majority of ghosting issues in arcade cabinets.