Give me a CRT over an 80" 4K TV anyday of the week. They have much more character, and they tap into the nostalgia of my childhood perfectly. That's why creators and newlyweds Daniela and Chase have created the RetroBox, a CRT VCR combo TV with some modern touches to bring back the special moments of their, and our, childhoods.
And before you read on, I just want to highlight that their marketing slogan is 'Binge-watch like it's 1999.' These guys have got my vote already!
The RetroBox looks exactly like the classic boxy shape that we all remember from our childhoods. It has a fully functioning VCR and will play every VHS tape in existence, including the VHS tapes that you made at your mate's birthday party back in the day or your parents' wedding. The modern screen emulates the same visuals as the CRT for that grainy, classic cathode-ray-tube feel.
I'm more interested in the fact that this TV can be used for retro gaming on all manner of devices, however, especially because it comes with AV Component, RF, ATSC, Composite, Component YPbPr, S-Video, and HDMI inputs. Yes, an HDMI on a CRT - now we're talking!
The RetroBox TV has a native resolution of 240p/480i, a vertical scan range of 60Hz, and of course, a 4:3 screen aspect ratio. It comes in a variety of different colours, including Red, Green, and Pink, with the option to have your own colour made up too! Retro Dodo purple would look pretty cool if you ask me!
These CRTs cost $399 USD, which works out at £297 and €343, just so you have an idea of the conversion. It's a lot of money, but if the product works well and it becomes a one-stop shop for all retro gaming consoles and modern machines emulating old hardware, then it could be a game-changer. And they do have a bundle that you can buy with old VHS tapes to get you started watching films like the good old days!
Fingers crossed, we'll get a unit in to review for you soon, but for now, head to the RetroBox website to check out the full range!
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