Unicat retro TV channels the 1940s, bidding now underway

How does technology a half-century old manage to be this sexy? We're not certain. But this one-of-a-kind, handmade retro television -- which seemingly combines an old desktop lamp and a giant magnifying glass -- definitely tugs at our heartstrings. With a 5.5-inch monochrome CRT screen and no inputs to speak of, you won't be watching Blu-rays on this set, and its PAL standard and 220V plug mean non-Europeans might not be bothered to try. Still, for an old over-the-air TV, it's remarkably full-featured, with knobs for volume, band (VHF-L / VHF-H / UHF), brightness, contrast and V-sync, and we can't get over its clean, handsome design. If your Nixie tube collection is getting lonely, check out the auction at our source link; bidding starts at €300.

UNICAT retro television set by DJ Design

[Thanks, Alex]

[MoonWalkerCTE Posted Apr 12th 2010 9:52AM]

Quite cheap for 300.

[friendly0ne Posted Apr 12th 2010 10:02AM]

I love it.

[RyanLN Posted Apr 12th 2010 10:10AM]

It looks like something that came straight from the set of Terry Gilliam's Brasil. Even though I have no use for it, I still want it....

[kenjennings Posted Apr 12th 2010 1:13PM]

@RyanLN

Exactly what I was thinking. Though, what it really needs are more ducts...

[Smart People Play Tuba Posted Apr 12th 2010 10:11AM]

What does a heart with strings in it look like? Sounds gross . . . kind of like those disgusting "Heart plugs" David Lynch invented for "Dune."

[Smart People Play Tuba Posted Apr 12th 2010 10:16AM]

Not as gross as the Baron's boils, but still gross.

[peepeeland Posted Apr 12th 2010 10:41AM]

Toooooooooooooooo bad there's no video input, cuz this is the kind of thing one wants to properly present their end-of-the-world-nuke speech.

[HazardVane Posted Apr 12th 2010 10:51AM]

@grapeDrank

Then you should get at it quick, and start making some for all of us!

I'll pay 100% your investment, and purchase one for $40 from you.

Deal?

[fstien Posted Apr 12th 2010 11:03AM]

It's really good. But the bid is expired. Anyone could give a new clue to get it? Thanks in advance!

[hollowpoint Posted Apr 12th 2010 11:10AM]

Thats proper old school! Damn sexy!

RF video modulators is dirt cheap now a days, so an aux input is easy to make.

[andreilupen Posted Apr 12th 2010 11:22AM]

that is from one Romanian site caled "okazii.ro" , in the last picture is one show called "carcotasii " .Good job romanian guys !!!

[Center Posted Apr 12th 2010 11:58AM]

Looks like something you find in Bioshock.

[adewolf Posted Apr 12th 2010 11:59AM]

Looks like it would suck out your brain through your nose.

[Rod Posted Apr 12th 2010 12:16PM]

How very 'Brazil'.

[dosguy Posted Apr 12th 2010 1:39PM]

Bidding has expired. :(

[shoxite Posted Apr 12th 2010 1:48PM]

Does it have an HDMI input? LOL

[dj moon Posted Apr 14th 2010 12:45PM]

A mini-itx dream!
Would love to find a broken one to mod.

[djdesign Posted Apr 15th 2010 7:25AM]

Thanks for your feedback. It means a lot for me. This retro tv was created from a defect analog tv + an ebonite analog multimeter + a recovered 30kv probe + a funnel + 2 defect flashlights + one shower hose + a medication pet + 4 cable plugs + a valve button + another recovered buttons + aluminium + plexiglass + 2 weeks work ... see another personal creation: http://www.okazii.ro/catalog/39965877/UNICAT-RETRO-RADIO-home-made.html

[djdesign Posted May 31st 2010 3:03PM]

Now on eBay, too!
http://cgi.ebay.com/UNIQUE-RETRO-TV-homemade-handmade-Romania-/260611342514?cmd=ViewItem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cada580b2