In the past, Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) TVs were the top choice. They were everywhere until the mid-2000s. Then, sleek flat-panel HD TVs took over. Yet, CRT TVs are making a comeback, thanks to retro gaming. These old TVs are perfect for classic video games which newer TVs can’t match.
Famous movie people, like Michael Bay and Martin Scorsese, still love CRTs. They’re part of a trend, like Polaroid cameras and vinyl records, that’s coming back. Everyone from young musicians to serious gamers is jumping on this trend. They’re all discovering or rediscovering CRT TVs. Let’s dive into why these vintage TVs are getting popular again.
History and Evolution of CRT TVs
The story of cathode-ray tubes starts in the late 1800s. It’s a key part in TV development history. Scientists such as Julius Plücker, Johann Wilhelm Hittorf, and William Crookes made important discoveries. These discoveries led to big changes in how we experience visual media.
Early Development
The late 1800s were filled with major discoveries in particle physics. The electron was discovered by J.J. Thomson, which was crucial for understanding how cathode-ray tubes work. Then, Ferdinand Braun invented the Braun tube in 1897. This set the foundation for future screen technologies.
By the early 1900s, technology had advanced further. In 1922, the hot cathode was introduced. This made TVs easier to produce. By 1934, Telefunken in Germany started making the first electronic TV sets with CRTs. The 1930s also saw TVs that could last for 1,000 hours thanks to Allen B. DuMont.
Milestones in CRT Technology
CRT technology kept improving over the years. In 1954, RCA launched the first color CRT TV. It had a brighter screen. TVs got bigger too. By 1989, screens were up to 43 inches.
Sony introduced the Trinitron in 1968. It had a brighter screen and a unique cylindrical shape. Zenith made flat CRT screens for monitors in 1987, improving image quality. The 1990s brought CRTs with HD resolution, showcasing the peak of this technology.
The last CRT TVs were made in 2015, ending an important chapter. Although overtaken by newer technologies, CRTs are still cherished. They’re especially loved in retro gaming and for certain professional uses.
The Market Shift: CRT to Flat-Panel Displays
In the early 2010s, the TV market changed a lot. People started buying flat-screen TVs instead of old CRTs. Flat-panel TVs like LCD, plasma, and OLED were better than CRTs in several ways.
Why CRTs Fell Out of Fashion
CRTs were once everywhere. But then, people stopped liking them. They were big, heavy, and hard to move. CRTs were made of glass and needed a lot of space because of their deep parts.
They were tough to hang on walls or put where you wanted. As tastes changed, folks wanted thinner, lighter TVs. So, CRTs began to disappear.
Flat-Panel Displays’ Advantages
Flat-screens fixed CRT problems. They used tech like LCD and OLED to be slimmer and fit better in rooms. These TVs saved space, were lighter, and looked better. They also had clearer pictures and were cheaper to make and use.
People liked bigger flat-screens for a home movie theater feel. You couldn’t do that with CRTs. OLED tech kept making colors and pictures better, making flat-screens even more popular.
Switching to flat-panel TVs was a big change for home fun. It met the demand for cool, efficient, nice-looking TVs. This change improved how we watch TV and what TVs are like now.
Are CRT TVs Still Made?
If you’re curious about CRT TVs, you might want to know that they are no longer made. Flat-panel displays have taken over because they are smaller, lighter, and use less energy. So, CRT TVs have been phased out from the mainstream.
No new CRT TVs are being produced anymore. This marks the end of an era that lasted over 65 years. The big factories in places like New York and France have stopped making CRTs.
Now, people who love CRT TVs find them through secondary markets. These vintage sets are sought after by collectors and retro gaming fans. They are loved for their vibrant images, thanks to around 50 different phosphors used in them.
Back when CRTs were still being made, quality control was very important. Various testing methods ensured each TV met high standards. This included optical measurements and using tools like RGA.
The manufacturing of CRTs was also improved over time with the Six Sigma process. Even with the tech world moving on, some repair experts keep the CRT spirit alive. Among them are Andy King and a self-taught expert named Nutter.
Even though PVM CRT displays started to be recycled in 2015, there’s still a market for them. Nutter fixes about one TV per day in his garage. He has clients from all over, including film and music video set designers. His work is booked way into 2023.
Some repairmen now work with video art installations made for CRTs. Andy King runs CRT Database and gives tips on modding CRT TVs and fine-tuning them. Their dedication keeps the legacy of CRT technology alive for fans everywhere.
The Resurgence of CRT TVs in Retro Gaming
In recent years, CRT TVs have made a comeback in retro gaming. These TVs are key for a vintage video game experience. They are loved for making old games look as they were meant to. CRTs have scanlines that make pixel graphics look great. This feature is something retro gamers really like.
CRT displays also show colors more like the original classic games. They have almost no input lag. This is very important for games where timing is everything. They work great for games made for the 4:3 screen size. They keep the game looking right. This and the feel of old hardware explain why CRT TV demand is up.
Popularity Among Retro Gamers
The love for old games has made CRTs more popular. High-quality models like Sony’s Trinitron, and others, are in high demand. They have great image quality and color. PVMs are made for video professionals and have very sharp pictures. BVMs give even better quality, making them rare and sought-after.
Market Prices and Availability
The desire for CRT TVs has made their prices vary a lot. BVMs are rare and can be expensive. But, you can find other CRTs at places like thrift stores, often for less money. Looking for these TVs is exciting for fans.
Conclusion
The world of TV tech has changed a lot, but CRT TVs are still loved by many. They are hard to find, but collectors and fans of retro gaming love them. This shows how important they are in both tech and culture.
CRT TVs bring back memories and are important historical pieces. Although not many are left, they mean a lot to people who love old-school gaming. I have four CRTs – a 14″ Panasonic, two 24″ Panasonics, and a 28″ Toshiba. Each has its unique story and place in my heart.
Yes, CRT TVs are big and use lots of power. They can also be hard to fix and don’t connect to modern tech. But, they’re still a big topic among retro gaming fans. Looking for repair shops and dealing with image issues shows how much people care. Finding and maintaining CRT TVs proves their lasting value in our nostalgia for TV tech.
