1965 Zenith Roundie on Youtube

[classicradios]

I finally own a Zenith roundie and WOW am I impressed with the quality. This set is an unrestored original and still works great. I planned to do a full restoration but it works so well as is I'll work on other projects first. I posted a short clip of the TV playing the color 1957 TV special with Bing and Frank.
Check out the videos here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kcBiGttE_As
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFfG3Z8xEG0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDOwKN3pS5Y
Jim

[joemama99]

That is simply amazing-a picture like that after all these years!
Can't wait to get one of my own...

[Captain Video]

Way too cool!!!

[sampson159]

beautiful color! another roundie saved. i am happy for you and also a little jealous! congrats!!!!

[MRX37]

Its last owner must of loved that TV...

[Sandy G]

Man...There's just "something" about a roundie, isn't there ?

[compucat]

Originally Posted by Sandy G

Man...There's just "something" about a roundie, isn't there ?

Yes there is.

[compucat]

Originally Posted by classicradios

I finally own a Zenith roundie and WOW am I impressed with the quality. This set is an unrestored original and still works great. I planned to do a full restoration but it works so well as is I'll work on other projects first. I posted a short clip of the TV playing the color 1957 TV special with Bing and Frank.
Check out the video here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dFzSW1vMCxo
Jim

That looks like the same chassis that is in mine. I can tell you from experience that is a good set. I restored mine in June and it is doing well in regular service. The color is simply amazing. I like the cabinet on yours too. Just yesterday I was thinking of posting a video of mine on YouTube. You beat me to it.

[classicradios]

Originally Posted by compucat

That looks like the same chassis that is in mine. I can tell you from experience that is a good set. I restored mine in June and it is doing well in regular service. The color is simply amazing. I like the cabinet on yours too. Just yesterday I was thinking of posting a video of mine on YouTube. You beat me to it.

It's a 25MC33 chassis, I followed the posts and progress on your 65 Zenith, great set! Please post a video, I would like to see a restored one in action. It is difficult to get an accurate reproduction of color with a camcorder, compressions etc.. I had the best luck using a bright light directly above the tv, Dim lights in the room and knocking down the exposure slightly on the digital camcorder.
Jim

[classicradios]

I've updated the youtube video and link above.
The original video was squashed because I had the wrong video dimensions. The new video is longer and has various date appropriate clips.
Jim
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFfG3Z8xEG0

[Tony V]

What an awesome picture! Great subject matter on it also. I hope the Zenith roundie i just got will play as nice when i'm done with it.
-Tony

[compucat]

Originally Posted by classicradios

It's a 25MC33 chassis, I followed the posts and progress on your 65 Zenith, great set! Please post a video, I would like to see a restored one in action. It is difficult to get an accurate reproduction of color with a camcorder, compressions etc.. I had the best luck using a bright light directly above the tv, Dim lights in the room and knocking down the exposure slightly on the digital camcorder.
Jim

I really enjoyed the revised video. I watch Star Trek on my roundie too as well as Bewitched, I Dream Of Jeannie, etc. I will have to set up my video camera and try to get a good video of it working. The problem I have is that any attempt to film or photograph a color tv picture always turns out too blue. I can't properly capture the warm color tones these round sets naturally have. I will try to work on it though. Was your picture tube rebuilt or original? I had Hawkeye rebuild mine.

[ybaolywa]

That video brought back lots of memories. Thanks for posting it! This is one of my favorites AK threads even though I know absolutely zero about restoring those vintage TVs. I've made it a goal to score one (mint of course) in the new year.

[fsjonsey]

Absolutely stunning picture quality for a 40 year old roundie in original condition. Beats any new set by a long shot!

[classicradios]

I am amazed at how good the picture looks after 40 years. As far as I know the CRT is original (21fjp) I haven't tested the CRT yet but suspect it may be weak. The brightness needs to be turned up all the way and there's too much contrast, right now the contrast is turned all the way down. I also notice images or backgrounds that should look crisp white have a more gray tones than white. But I'm not complaining, how many tv's today will still produce any kind of picture in 40 years??? I'm always searching for new programs to watch on my vintage sets, I think color episodes of Get Smart or Lost in Space are must haves. "Great pianists/Violinists of the Bell Telephone Hour 1959-67" DVD's are nice to watch on roundies and were shot in color.
Jim