Vintage Micro TV

Welcome!, please also see pages two through five in drop down menu tab above, for continuation of collection, new arrivals, miscellaneous items and the last page, VIEWERS TELEVISIONS, you can see viewers sets and tutorials. You can also search for a television or topic in the search box.

Dick Tracy two way wrist radio/TV, Captain Kirk’s communicator, pocket television, hang on the wall flat screen television and 3D television. These things were fantasy and science fiction when I grew up in the late 1940’s and 1950’s. Now they are all a reality. On July 1, 2010 Direct TV began broadcasting full time, 24/7 3D television.

April 17, 2010, I have collected pocket televisions, transistor radios and extraordinary gadgets since 1956. It all started with my fascination with crystal radios in the mid fifties. I lack the technical skills to repair the televisions I collect, having pursued a different career, but I have always enjoyed the cutting edge technology devices that were introduced over the past decades, such as Sony’s tiny micro IC radios, the Hamilton Pulsar LED digital watch, pocket TV, the first home VTR’s, first projection television, LaserDisk, CD, DVD, Flat TV, HD, BluRay, holograms, holographic television and so much more to numerous to list. I have been fortunate to acquire these devices in my life time. Now, finally have the time to work on this website and share my collection with you.

The digital switch in the United States flipped on June 12, 2009, but that will not take away the desirability of these amazing micro televisions in the age of miniaturization for consumer electronics. The Federal Communication Commission (FCC) allows low power UHF stations to continue broadcasting the analogue signal with no termination date set as of this writing. A collector can make good use of these sets with a digital converter box. Better yet, one can install a low power ” home transmitter ” with little expense and simple to hook up. Just connect your modulator to your favorite video source and set the desired channel, any channel, extend the pocket TV antenna, tune to the channel you set on your modulator and your in business. You can now walk around your house, take your pocket TV to the patio/yard and watch video and sound from your favorite video source connected to the modulator/transmitter.

Dedicated to an accurate Time Line of vintage micro televisions. Having been there, watching and purchasing these sets as they became available, gives me a perspective that I would like to share with other collectors. Many of the sets you see on these pages were purchased new, by me, as they were introduced. Exceptions are noted. In the months ahead, will be actively working to supplement my collection with historically significant television models.

Some images can be downloaded in full 1600 x 1200 wallpaper format, just click on them as on this one and they are noted herein.

I can’t show all the sets in my collection, they are to numerous and many just variations or duplicates. I show a historical time line with the most significant micro televisions introduced to the U.S. market. I understand that models vary from country to country and there are many models introduced elsewhere in the world that are not shown. Have I missed a model that should be shown? I’d like to hear from you, and if you see something in error please let me know so I can correct.

The screen shots shown were scaled to be actual size on my current 1600×1200 resolution monitor. If viewed on a larger monitor such as 1920×1200 the screen shots will be smaller then actual size and conversely, if viewed on a smaller monitor, such as a 1024×768 monitor, which is still the most used size in the world, the images will be larger. Except as noted, all screen shots shown were created by imputing a ATSC digital over the air signal converted to NTSC analogue, fed by an outboard digital converter directly to the television antenna input. All screen shots were captured on the fly without the aid of freeze frame or stabilization from a tripod. The camera used to capture is a Sony DSC-M1 5 megapixel, settings: Macro, Auto.

I present my Micro Television Collection.

HISTORY

These wonderful devices of the 80’s, 90’s and beyond would not be possible without the invention of the liquid crystal display. Liquid crystal effect was discovered in 1888.

Based on a discovery by Richard Williams in 1962 and six years of research and development by a team led by George Heilmeier, the first LCDs were presented to the world in May 1968 at an RCA press conference. The project was shrouded in secrecy and in the photo below, George Heilmeier outside the Princeton Labs in New Jersey in 1966, is showing an LCD television. You can see the test pattern on the screen. (most likely, a static image) Kept under wraps for another two years, this secret accomplishment helps explain why RCA representatives at liquid-crystal conferences expressed a sometimes-unseemly pride prior to May 1968.

Heilmeier, thought a full color, hang on the wall flat panel television was just around the corner. In fact, it would take 25 years until the Sharp Corporation of Japan, introduced a 14 inch, color, TFT, active matrix, back lit television receiver announced on June 24, 1988. It was 27 mm thick. The television industry took notice, and realized the dream of a flat panel, hang on the wall, color television was a reality and the major corporations launched extensive R&D. LCD was then taken out of it’s niche market for small displays, calculators, watches and pocket TV’s. By 2000 the LCD industry had caught up to the giant cathode ray tube (CRT) industry.

RCA received the first Patent in 1967 for Liquid Crystal Display, however failed to exploit their research and development, perhaps because of their long success with CRT televisions, they did not want to undermine their products with new competing technology. This would prove to be a mistake. Research continued in the UK and Europe and Japanese companies, Cannon, Casio, Hitachi, Seiko, Sharp, Sony and others, all continued research on LCD and as you will see in these pages, introduced the world’s first liquid crystal televisions starting in 1982.

George Heilmeier discovered four new electro-optic effects in liquid crystals in the 1960s and pioneered the first liquid crystal displays. Heilmeier was credited as the inventor of LCD by the IEEE. In November 2005, Heilmeier was honored for his LCD innovations with the Kyoto Prize, Japan’s version of the Nobel Prize.

Editor’s note: The Magazine Cover, Mechanix Illustrated May 1963, showing the RCA prototype pocket TV, on Page Five may have been based on the research by Heilmeier’s team. It was never produced.

TEN YEARS LATER, 1978

Based on the pioneering work by George Heilmeier’s team, the first LCD televisions begin to appear. Here, Panasonic demonstrates a prototype black and white LCD television utilizing a method called “dynamic scattering mode”, (one of the electro-optic effects discovered by Heilmeier) with 57,600 pixels in a 2.4 inch screen, consuming only 4.6 volts. Hitachi and Seiko were also working on early development prototypes.

1981 REFINED LCD PROTOTYPE

Toshiba demonstrates a two inch LCD prototype television with zoom switch to enlarge the central portion of screen.

1982, INTRODUCTION OF THE WORLD’S FIRST LCD TELEVISION AND FEATURED WEBSITE TELEVISION

Seiko T 001 TV Watch

Perhaps the most desired TV for collectors. This TV watch introduced in 1982, is the worlds first 100% solid state television and the first LCD television. It is a VHF/UHF and FM receiver with full time keeping functions.

The receiver connected with the watch by a thin cable. The cable plugged in to the top of the receiver and the other end snapped on to the six contacts you see in the photo. The idea was, if you wore a jacket, one could place the receiver in your pocket and run the cable down the sleeve of the jacket to the wrist. The supplied stereo headphones acted as the antenna. This was the introduction of LCD (liquid crystal diode in a TV device) technology to the world. Field-effect guest-host (an electro-optic effect discovered by George Heilmeier at RCA) liquid crystal with 31,920 pixels. The display is small but very easy to view in bright sunlight, a marvel of technology in 1982! The first one piece LCD TV would come one year later, the Casio TV 10. More about that later.  Seiko TV Watch retailed for $495.00.

Roger Moore wore this watch in one of the James Bond films and Tom Hanks could be seen wearing this watch in the movie Dragnet. I purchased this set new in 1983 and is fully functional today.

Click on the image for a full wallpaper 1600×1200 for your computer.

Screen shot from my television of the movie Dragnet. Here, a scene of Tom Hank’s wearing the Seiko TV watch.

Next up, Philco Safari

START OF COLLECTION TIME LINE

1959

Philco Safari

It all started here with the 1959 Philco Safari

The worlds first transistor portable television. Philco beat Sony to the market by eleven months. Sony founder (and President at the time) Masaru Ibuka, proudly announed to the world on Christmas day, December 25, 1959 the production ready Sony TV 8-301W, but it was first released for sale in May, 1960.

This set is anything but micro, weighing in at over 15 pounds and 15 1/2 ” h x 7 7/8″ w x 5 3/4″ d. It still had two miniature high voltage rectifier tubes. Fully self contained with a built in 7.5 volt rechargeable battery. Philco engineers had to reduce the battery drain, so they came up with a two inch upward firing CRT (cathode ray tube) which reflected off of a silvered mirror and out though a 5″ x 7″ projection lens. A projection TV just like the very old vintage console models! One could view a virtual 14 inch image from 3 1/2 feet away, but if one were not directly in front of the TV, the image faded out. Field tests published show that the Safari was a strong performer picking up distant broadcasts that larger console models of the day could not pick up with a surprising clear image. The transistors were custom designed for this TV. It has a protective sun shade. It did not sell in big numbers largely because of it’s expensive $250.00 1959 dollars, however sales were brisk across the country in anticipation of the 1959 World Series. ( for the first time, no worries about a power cord) The Los Angles Dodgers beat the Chicago White Sox, four games to two. :-)

Emil I. Harman (1897-1982) was an extremely talented designer who came to U.S. from Germany right after WWI. He designed the Safari TV. He filed for U.S. Patent on June 16, 1959 and Patent issued May 22, 1962.

I first saw this set as a boy, 12 years old in my native Milwaukee neighborhood. I remember walking in a store on a bright sunny summer day in 1959,  attracted by a transistor radio in the window. My jaw dropped when there was this strange looking TV, set up in it’s own display stand. I had never seen anything like it. Indeed, after that day, I never saw one again or thought about it until just recently after my retirement, there she was shinning and new looking at an estate sale.

A 51 year reunion and ironically, the model number is H 2010 !

The photos you see are as purchased. It displays a full raster, beyond that, I have not tested it. Only VHF 13 channels, no UHF. I plan to have it electronically restored.

Next up, Philco Safari Black

1959

Philco Safari Black World’s First Transistor Portable Television Debut June 1959

Just arrived, 1959 Philco Safari, this time in black leather cowhide. Acquired May, 2010. Hooked a digital converter box to it and it works and displays a very nice clear image. The previous owner removed the chrome strip that fastens down the lens/optic top portion to the chassis, probably to service the unit. I will try to find a replacement for this strip. The leather case is pristine.

The little two inch CRT, fires upward and reflects on a mirror which directs the image light out through the viewing projection lens. Philco stated that one would see a 14 inch image 3 1/2 feet away. A bit optimistic, the Sony KV 4000 shown for comparison purposes has a 3.7 inch display and the photo was taken 4 1/2 feet away, more accurately it looks like 6 to 7 inches. The CRT is actually very clear but not as good as the Panasonic TR 1010, 1020 or 1030 shown on these pages. The Sony KV 4000 from 1980 in left hand corner has over scan, the Safari has severe over scan, about 25% of the image is lost compared to today’s modern televisions with pixel by pixel image mapping. Severe over scan was common in early television. All in all, not bad for 51 year old technology!

This photo shows the two inch CRT below and the reflected image. I could not get my camera to focus on the image as it focus’s 4 inches behind viewing screen . My camera’s infrared focused on the viewing screen. It is actually very clear and the further one pulls away from the set the larger the image appears.

Reflected image.

Next up, Sony TV 8-301W

1960

SONY TV 8-301W

The worlds first direct view transistor black and white, fully portable (no power cord, the battery connected into the recessed area at the back of the set) television and the first imported to the United States by Sony. On the internet, you may see this set quoted as being the first all transistor TV. Not true, this set also used miniature high voltage rectifier tubes. It has a 8 1/2″ CRT. In the 60’s, Sony would market a number of black and white televisions sometimes referred to as ” Tummy TV ” or ” Walkie Watchie ‘ in advertisements.  They became smaller with 5 and 4 inch CRT’s. Television miniaturization is underway, but these sets were to large and heavy to carrying around as a personal device. That would change soon.

Click on image for full view.

The classic Sony 8-301W arrived today, June 14, 2010, 50 years and 1 month after it went on sale to the U. S. and the world in May, 1960. Eight and one half inch (8 1/2″) black and white CRT, I just have the television and power cord, no accessories. The original battery pack contained two 6 volt batteries and attached to the rear of set. Very organic, retro looking solid all metal construction. It has an adjustable sun visor, two antenna inputs and two earphone inputs. It has a 6 inch oval speaker that fires downward. Weighs 13 1/4 lbs; 23 transistors, 2 high voltage rectifier tubes, it is not all solid state. Built for easy servicing with snap out printed circuit boards. This set is in very good condition cosmetically, no dents, cracks or chips, just a few minor scuffs. The chrome is bright and clear, the operating indicators light up. Antenna is straight and in good condition. The three white push buttons look and feel like porcelain and give great feedback in the form of a satisfying snap. Retail price in 1960, $249.95. For that kind of money, one could buy a full size console TV for the family viewing room. One had to be a well heeled individual to afford a set like this one. Reports say that this television firmly established Sony in the American culture as a reliable manufacture of electronic equipment, while others report that this set set was not reliable and prone to failure. I believe history sides in favor of Sony. The set powers up and when I attached a digital converter box to the 75 ohm input, I received a broken unstable image with sound. The bottom portion is cut off. This TV will require restoration for proper operation.

The set measures 10″ d x 8 1/4″ w x 7 3/4″ h excluding the projecting handle.

I had this television restored to about 90% of original performance and initial impressions start with significant over scan as was typical of sets in this time period, focus could be better and blooming is evident. There is some buzzing in the sound and the image wants to tare on scene shifts on today’s high contrast high definition telecasts. The picture tare was removed by adjusting the gain control.

Below, screenshots from the television series Bonanza, Season 2, Episode 16: The Courtship, original air date, January 7, 1961, broadcast on the NBC
network. These shots captured on the fly, not a DVD, July 13, 2011 from the Me TV network. This is what you might have been watching on this set back then. This television went on sale in May, 1960.

One more screenshot.

See VIEWERS MICRO TELEVISIONS page for additional screenshots and information on restoration of this television.

Up next, Sony Micro TV 5 303-W

1962

Sony Micro TV 5 303-W Black

Introduced in 1962, this was Sony’s second micro black and white television with a five inch CRT, also know as the “Tummy TV” in Sony advertisements. It was designed for operation in automobiles and used new, more stable circuits and transistors, 25 total, 5 Silicon, 3 Epitaxial, 20 Germanium and 3 high voltage rectifier tubes. (Yes this set is not 100% solid state) The set runs hot. It is said that Sony learned from some of the problems of their first TV, the 8-301W in 1960 and this set has a reputation for being more reliable. A 12 volt battery pack was available but it was large and heavy and not designed to be attached to the set. I learned from Sony’s Global website that the word ” Micro ” was first used for this set. This television measures 7 5/8″ W x 4 1/4″ H x 7 1/4″ D and weighs 8 lbs. It has an external antenna input and two earphone jacks. The cabinet is constructed from a single sheet of metal and has an adjustable stand underneath the set for better viewing angles. It has a side way firing three inch speaker and above the speaker, four holes for service adjustments. It also has an illuminated channel indicator and was available with silver face plate and light gray cabinet. This set retailed for $229.95 reduced to $189.95 one year later.

I purchased this TV in July, 2010 at an extremely reasonable price. It came with it’s own travel style suitcase which is lined and even has an expandable pouch for accessories. Nice touch, Sony. Power cord, car power adapter, earphone and owners manual. The clip that holds the rod antenna is broken, otherwise in great cosmetic condition. To my delight, after connecting a digital converter box, the set works well, with bright, stable image, good contrast and sound. Only a slight alignment problem, the image is tilted to the right, you can see this in the live screen shot below. I should be able to correct this once I find out what the four service adjustments do. A service manual is needed.

1962

Sony Micro TV 5 303-W Gray

Here is the identical television as the model above except in the alternate color combination. I found this set April, 2011 in excellent cosmetic, working condition with all available accessories and complete paperwork.

Prior to 1965, virtually all televisions in the U.S. were sold with VHF (very high frequency) channels 2 through 13 reception capability only. With early television in the U.S., there were typically only 3 channels available in major cities, one for each television network, ABC, American Broadcasting Company, CBS, Columbia Broadcasting Company and NBC, National Broadcasting Company. Later, independent stations appeared and then PBS, Public Broadcasting Service. PBS was funded by viewer donations. My home town of Milwaukee as an example in the 1950’s, had channels 4, NBC, 6, ABC and 12, CBS. Later, channel 10, PBS and one UHF station, 18. Do to television station expansion, over crowding, interference and technical issues, the FCC (Federal Communication Commission) opened up a new air wave for these stations called UHF (ultra high frequency) channels 14 though 83. If you wanted to receive these new independent stations, one had to purchase an optional UHF converter box which attached to the television. Congress in 1961, passed the All-Channel Receiver Act (ACRA) and the FCC mandated that after 1964, all future televisions would have to be sold with built in UHF band reception with no converter required. These converters were rather ungainly looking devices that sat on top of televisions much like cable converter boxes. The FCC later restricted the UHF frequency to channels 14 through 69.

This Sony shows the optional UHF converter box Model VUC-4W, Channel coverage A14 to A83, converted channel A2 or A3, attached to the television as an example of these converter boxes. Most of the time they were cumbersome and could not be attached as neatly as this Sony set. It sold for $49.95. It could easily be detached and stored in the travel case Sony provided. Future Sony televisions and all others, would have the mandated UHF tuners built in as you can see by scrolling down this Time Line.

The UHF antenna in collapsed position.

UHF antenna in open position. The UHF dial scale is replicated on the “T Bar”. The signal could be optimized by sliding the T Bar up or down the scale. The T Bar expanded as it reached the top of scale for lower frequency’s and retracted when moved to the bottom of scale. The four rods locked into place, aligning with the four arrows. The bottom rod simply plugged into the receptical at the top of the converter box with free 360 degree rotation. When not in use, the unit unplugged and collapsed for easy storage. Typical detailed Sony engineering, effective, but not very attractive as you might imagine. Where have you seen a UHF antenna like this? UHF converter boxes would soon disappear from the television landscape.

Sony travel case detail.

Up next, Sony Micro 5-307UW Black

1964/1965

Sony Micro 5-307UW Black

After the All-Channel Receiver Act was passed by Congress and mandated by the Federal Communication Commission, Sony modified the design of the original model 5 303-W shown above, with this model introduced late 1964 to incorporate the built in UHF band tuner.

A Japanese collector informed me that this model was introduced in Japan in 1963. Sony was still advertising the model 5 303-W in national publications in the U.S. such as Life Magazine in 1964, so my best guess is that this model became available late 1964. Essentially unchanged, but now you can see the vertical UHF dial incorporated into the front panel. The on-off rocker switch was eliminated and incorporated with the volume control and the illuminated rotary channel selector was moved to the bottom of the panel. Unfortunately, we now have three exposed screw heads on the front panel. The former model just had one. Not typical of Sony detailing. Only minor trim changes on the set, with thicker sheet metal on the front trim band. The UHF tuner increased the width to 8 3/8 inches. The depth was reduced to 6 11/16 inches and the height remains the same.

The set has been professionally restored and cleaned and I acquired this set April, 2011, in beautiful condition with great image quality for a television of this time period. Sony advertised that the scanning lines of this CRT are not visible, indeed they are not. See photos and screen shots below. Click on first photo for full view.

Next up, Sony 4 204UW Television

1964/1965

Sony 4 204UW Television

Introduced in 1964, this 3.7 inch black and white, was nick named “Walkie Watchie” and Sony proudly proclaimed in full page news paper and magazine advertisements, that this set was  ” The Smallest Television In The World “.  Indeed it was at the time. Powered by self contained batteries, AC or auto 12 volt. It has a neck strap that doubles as an antenna so one can watch without extending the built in rod antenna. A built in UHF tuner was added for the second time. (Sony made available a snap on UHF tuner module for the above model 5 303-W after that set was introduced) This set also available in black with silver trim. It has a protective snap on cover for the entire front of set. Measures 8 7/16″ w x 3 3/16″ h x 7″ d. I was keenly aware of this TV in my fourth year of high school, but could not afford one. Acquired April, 2010 and it works!

Click on image for full view and download wallpaper.

Next up, Sony Model 4-203UW

1964/1965

I found this black and silver version of the above model, identical except the color and trim. Acquired June 16, 2011. Near mint condition. I prefer the black case over the not very realistic wood grain case of the above Sony 4-204UW. Click on image for full view.

Next up, Sony Micro TV-500U

1967

Sony Micro TV-500U

The third generation 5 inch black and white micro television from Sony. I found this one with the rare detachable, rechargeable battery compartment base BP-12, in November, 2011. The television uses 9 “D” size cells or rechargeable cells from Sony and operates perfectly. Similar to the originals above, but Sony dressed up this model in premium leather, brushed metal and chrome accents in the same style as the soon to be released Sony KV 7010UA color Trinitron introduced one year later in 1968. (See Page Five) Details abound, such as the aluminum channel selector with channel numbers stamped out, allowing soft back-lit illumination. The set has a protective, tinted viewing screen with a carrying handle that folds and locks neatly and unobtrusively into the top of the cabinet as well as a concealed stand at the bottom of the cabinet. 22 transistors including newly adopted NPN SEP silicon types, together with AGC and AFC. Newly adopted direct heating cathode for instant picture and sound. I have all the accessories including paper work, instructions, tags, warranty card and red polishing cloth. Measures 5 5/8″ H (7” H with battery base attached) x 8 1/8” W x 8 5/8” D, weighs 9 lbs. 8 ozs; looks new and operates well. Click on first image for full view and see screen shots below.

Scrolling text in this screen shot caused blur.

Next up, Symphonic TPS-5050

1967

Symphonic TPS-5050

This television reclaimed the title “World’s Smallest Television” in 1967 from Sony’s 4 204UW model, both in CRT size, 3 inches (actual 2.85 inch) and cabinet size.

This television was also available as model numbers TPS-30, TPS-5011 and under the Standard brand, SR-TV3A. Standard was better know for their beautiful Micronic Ruby transistor radios. A very nice looking, well designed TV, with VHF, UHF reception, tinted protective screen lens, collapsible carrying handle, earphone and 75 ohm antenna jacks and full range of controls conveniently located in front, below the screen. Fully portable the set requires 9 “C” size batteries or can be used with the included AC adapter/charger or 12 volt car battery. The television measures 7 3/16″ H x 6 1/8″ D x 3 7/16″ W.

I found this television in March, 2011, remembering it well from the early days when it went on sale for $169.95 in local stores. This set is in “like new condition” cosmetically and when I attached a digital converter box, unfortunately the image is cut off indicating bad capacitors. The picture is clear and stable however. The TV came with the AC adapter, owners booklet, warranty card and original wiring schematic all in mint condition in a plastic envelope.

Click on the second image for full view.

Next up, SONY KV 9000U

1969

Sony KV 9000U

This is the third Trinitron model introduced to the United States in 1969. The first model was a seven inch, KV 7010UA, the second, a twelve inch, KV 1210U, both introduced in the fall of 1968 and both purchased in Spring of 1969. This model has a nine inch CRT. The Trinitron system employed a one gun (instead of three in conventional sets) inline three beam tube with one large lens instead of three small lens in conventional color sets. The three inline beams, red, green and blue, focused though the center of one large lens instead of using almost the entire lens times three in conventional sets. Photographers understand the concept, one achieves the sharpest image when the lens is closed down, IE; using only the center portion which is the sharpest with least distortion. Because the beams were inline, Sony created color phosphor strips instead of the conventional triad arrangement. To match this new phosphor arrangement, Sony re-invented the shadow mask, calling it an Aperture Grill which also were arranged in vertical, unbroken slots to match the color strips. This allowed more light to pass though. RCA sets from the 50’s blocked 85% of the light with their shadow masks. Sony’s aperture grill design of 1968, blocked only 25% of the light. Additionally this new vertical alignment of phosphor and aperture grill gave the tube a new, appealing look. The tube was vertically flat and reduced vertical reflections. This new system was a revelation improvement in picture quality. Folks noticed immediately the increased clarity, focus, brightness and color quality. Additionally, because the Trinitron only used one gun and one lens, they greatly reduced the convergence requirements over conventional color TV. I have owned numerous Trinitron TV’s, not one required convergence adjustment. In the day, the difference was almost as big as high definition is to standard definition. The rest is history, becoming the most successful color television and even winning an Emmy award for technical excellence in 1973. Advancements led to a flat screen CRT which eliminated distortion and reflections, a new phosphor for increased contrast and super fine pitch. These high end models were used in hospitals and professional fields. The Trinitron CRT was imitated but never equaled and sold in sets with 3.7 inch all the way up to 40 inch. (a 43 inch model was available in limited quantities) An interesting side note is that Apple Corporation used the Trinitron CRT in the classic MacIntosh computer. Sony’s patent expired in 1996 and other companies were free to use the design. With the advent of flat panel television, Sony shut down production in early 2008.

I acquired this set at a church rummage sale. There was a plastic bag tied to the TV. When I opened it at home, the owner thoughtfully threw in a digital converter box, all for $5.00! This set originally retailed for $309.95. It looks unused, having no ware and image is bright and clear as new. Below, a 1973 Sony advertisement describing the benefits of the Trinitron one gun, one lens system.

Next up, Panasonic IC TV MODEL TR-001

1970

Panasonic IC TV MODEL TR-001

World’s first true pocket television, introduced March, 1970. All transistor black and white. Still a bit chunky, but one could actually place in the coat pocket. Measures 6.25 x 3.95 x 1.90 inches and weighs two pounds. This set was marketed as having an integrated circuits, 11 IC’s and 52 solid state devices, perhaps because of it’s amazing size for the time. Indeed the words “integrated circuit” is inscribed on the side of the set. It has a self contained rechargeable battery and came with a AC adapter/charger, soft case, carrying strap and snap on magnifying lens. The screen is 1 1/2 inches. It sold for $299.95.

This set’s construction looks crude, almost like a prototype, not yet ready for prime time. The first production run did not have the screw in socket in the bottom for the optional circular base. This set does not have the socket, so among the very first released. Panasonic sold this set for approximately three years and can be seen still for sale in 1972 dated sales brochures. It was removed from the market and would take nine years before they re-introduced the set as the Model TR-1010P. More about that later.

I purchased this set in spring of 1970. I remember the date well because I had just been discharged from the Navy in April. I was on a mission to buy this set, having read about it’s coming introduction in publications in 1969. It was a marvel to hold in hand and a strong performer. This set is still functional, however the set specific battery no longer accepts a charge. I have learned that in subsequent production runs, Panasonic offered a choice of rechargeable battery or an adapter for standard AA batteries X 4. My set in spring of 1970, did not have this option.

Up next, Sinclair Microvision MTV 1

1977

Sinclair Microvision MTV 1

According to New Scientist magazine, this television was introduced in London on January 10, 1977 and at the Consumer Electronics Show in Chicago on January 13, 1977. The Sinclair Microvision MTV 1 was Sir Clive Sinclair’s first micro television, a product of England. Sinclair showed a prototype in 1966 and wanted to put into production this set soon thereafter, but problems and delays plagued the introduction for ten years. You may have read that this was the first pocket television in the world, but as described just above, the Panasonic TR-001 was introduced seven years earlier. Both sets are near identical in size, this set measuring 6 1/4″ D x 4″ W x 1 9/16″ H with solid heavy duty steel, powder coated case, weighs a hefty one pound 12 ounces. This set is a multi-standard television that can receive U.S., Europe and UK broadcasts, 525/60 and 625/50 scanning format. Two inch (actual size is 1 3/4 inches) black and white tube made by German AEG Telefunken, electrostatic deflection and 1250 volt acceleration. Advanced circuits for the time, permitted low battery drain. (Three custom designed IC’s built by Texas Instruments and two IC’s designed by Sinclair.) It has built in rechargeable batteries, with a switch in rear of set for 6 or 12 volt operation. Separate UHF loop antenna, folds neatly under the case. External antenna and earphone inputs. Supplied with a high quality zippered, leather case and sun visor. The owners manual states that this set could receive broadcasts from 79 countries with only France, parts of Belgium, Monaco and Luxembourg the exception.

I acquired this television in September, 2010, the set and leather case are in excellent cosmetic condition. This set was manufactured April, 1977 according to the red label on bottom of set. Serial number 000978 is engraved in rear panel, so this is one of the very early sets. My fear is that the 33 year old rechargeable batteries have leaked and damaged the circuits, * however I can receive a clear image from a weak UHF station still broadcasting NTSC analogue signals in my area. Very sensitive tuner, produces the clearest signal of any set in my collection. See screen shot below. The image is not as sharp as it’s Japanese counter parts and the image almost washes out in day lit rooms. This was in part, to save power, the picture tube was not aluminiumized which would require higher acceleration voltage to operate. I wonder how practical this set is as a portable with such a dim picture. (It has a bright and sharp control in back of set) Additionally, I noticed imperfections in the tube’s glass face, it looks wavy. Good news, the batteries are accepting and holding a charge and the set also accepts a signal from my digital converter box.

* Update, June 12, 2011. The set is still operating normally and the internal battery’s, being 4 rechargeable AA Ni-Cads are still accepting a charge sufficient to run the set several hours. An examination of the red manufactures label located underneath the television, shows the label intact and unbroken. This label covers two access screws which require removal to open the case for servicing. This indicates the unit has not been opened and serviced in it’s life time. There is a tutorial in the VIEWERS TELEVISIONS section on how to swap out the internal battery to prevent leakage and subsequent damage to the circuits.

This television was very expensive at $395.00 in the U.S. and lost large sums of money for Sinclair. Wholesale mail order companies, like JS&A of Northbrook, Ill. bought thousands of these sets and began marketing them in the U.S. in 1979 for $ 249.95. A lower cost UK only version was made available in 1978, followed by a monitor and the flat black and white CRT model FTV1/B, in 1983, shown on Page Two of this Time Line.

SEE PAGE TWO, VINTAGE MICRO TELEVISION FOR CONTINUATION OF TIME LINE