Started re-watching the first season of Fringe so I can get caught up with the later seasons, spotted a Panasonic "Quintrix" set in the Pilot Ep and a "Viking" in Ep1.

I had a similar (probably older) Panasonic back in the late 70's that I bought from K-Mart, it crapped out after two weeks though, seems it had been a demo set for two years before I got it, got a refund at least.

The Viking looks like an early 80's set, wonder who made it? The tuner arraignment is similar to a GE I had.

The Panny says "Color Pilot" on the front panel and the Viking says "One Knob Tuning" What's a knob? :D

They were actually displaying the pictures, no special effects.

Fringe is basically a newer version of X-Files and they really don't make any secret of it with obvious nods to that show.

that panasonic reminds me of a 19'' magnavox color ,i had yrs ago that tv had it share of trouble . i think it was a 75 - 76 i have not seen another one.

Your Panasonic woes reminds me of a problem Zenith that was on our service route. My Uncle sold it new, and as you know.. I love Zenith and they usually didn't give us any trouble.. except for this set. It must have been built on a Monday morning, but what a DOG it was (4 tube hybrid) We had to go out on call for it many times. Didn't help when the little old lady spilled water in it (while watering her violets). My Uncle gave her a Chromacolor 2, and that set ended up in the trash. He was embarrased by it, and never wanted to see it again... lol

I had one of those Panasonics and, at the same time, I had a last-gasp Motorola Quasar 19". You could really tell that they were kissin' cousins. Very similiar cabinets.