Practical, original guides to retro television: what RetroTVs are, how CRT screens work, how to buy a vintage set, how the decades differ and how to play classic games on a tube.
What Are RetroTVs? A Beginner's Guide to Retro Television
What are RetroTVs? Learn what retro TV means, how vintage sets and online simulators work, why people love them, and how to start channel surfing the past.
How CRT TVs Work: Scanlines, Static and Phosphor Glow Explained
How do CRT TVs work? Learn how electron beams, scanlines, phosphors and interlacing create the retro TV look, and why static and glow feel so nostalgic.
How to Buy a Vintage CRT TV: Checklist, Red Flags and Setup Tips
Thinking of buying a vintage CRT TV? Use this checklist to test picture, inputs and safety, spot red flags, plan shipping and set up your retro TV correctly.
Retro TV Decades: A Nostalgic Timeline From the 1950s to the 2000s
Explore retro TV decade by decade, from 1950s rabbit ears to 2000s digital screens. See how sets, shows, remotes and viewing habits changed over six decades.
Retro Gaming on a CRT: Why It Looks Better and How to Set It Up
Why do retro games look better on a CRT? Learn about scanlines, low lag, light guns, the best cables and how to get the CRT look on a modern TV with filters.
Want to see retro TV in action?
Try the free simulator with static, scanlines and channel changes.
Open the simulator