Old Big Screen Projection Tv

The market for "old big screen projection TVs" (Rear-Projection TVs or RPTVs) has shifted from a mainstream home entertainment staple to a niche for vintage enthusiasts and DIY upcyclers. While the "big box" format is obsolete, the underlying technology has evolved into modern industrial applications like holographic advertising films and high-contrast digital signage.

1. Market Trends & Insights

* Obsolescence Phase: The era of consumer RPTVs officially ended around 2012 when Mitsubishi, the last major manufacturer, ceased production Tedium. These sets were largely replaced by thinner, more efficient LED and Plasma displays.

* Enthusiast Interest: There is a small but active community (e.g., on Reddit's r/crtgaming) that appreciates the unique "soft" look of high-end CRT-based RPTVs, though they are often avoided due to their massive size and weight Reddit.

* Technological Evolution: While "projection TVs" are gone, rear-projection technology is thriving in the B2B sector. Self-adhesive holographic films Alibaba and high-contrast projection materials are now used for glass window displays and large-scale exhibition signage Alibaba.

2. Value & Resale Status

* Resale Value: Most consumer RPTVs from the 1990s and 2000s have zero to negligible resale value, often listed for free or $20–$50 on local marketplaces to avoid disposal fees AvsforumFacebook.

* Collector Exceptions: Early vintage models (1940s–1950s) can occasionally hold value for serious historical collectors, but mainstream "silver box" units are generally treated as e-waste Avsforum.

3. DIY & Upcycling (The "Second Life")

A significant modern trend involves "gutting" these sets for parts rather than repairing them:

* Fresnel Lenses: The most prized component is the front screen lens. DIY enthusiasts salvage these to create solar cookers or high-heat magnifying systems Quora.

* Cabinet Repurposing: Due to their large internal volume, empty cabinets are frequently converted into aquariums, dog beds, or liquor cabinets Facebook.

* Salvageable Components: High-quality internal mirrors and lenses are often harvested for optical experiments or DIY laser projects Quora.

4. Modern Commercial Equivalents

If you are looking for the modern "big screen projection" experience, the industry has moved toward ultra-short-throw (UST) projectors and specialized projection films: