Found today:Sharp 26LV96 "Visual Integration System" TV
 

Hiya,

I found a cool 80's TV at the thrift today. It's still in my car, so I haven't grabbed a picture of it yet. It's got a display that is somewhat larger than a 19 I think, but what makes it unusual is that is is a wedge shape rather than a box shape. That means when you put it down, the screen is on an angle - kind of like a monitor speaker on a stage in a rock club. The cabinet is very stylish and very 80's (the TV says it was manufactured in 1988). It also doesn't appear to have a tuner - just a RCA composite in an loop out. It also comes on via a great big button on top.

It's not part of a video wall as the viewing surface doesn't go all the way out to the edges. It does have a smoked glass front than can come off. It also has some picture adjustments behind a panel (door is missing - damn), so no remote necessary to operate it. My guess is that it's a monitor for an in-store display. Perhaps it was on a stand or bracket of some kind - or perhaps it's supposed to be on a cool angle (I haven't even checked the bottom yet to see if there's a mount or rubber feet showing that it was intended to be used this way).

Anyway, it's very slick in that 80's techno way. I have a feeling I'll be using it for Atari games around here. I can't find any info on the net about this model number or even product line. Does my description ring any bells?

Sharp 26LV96 "Visual Integration System" TV

:worthless

Oh c'mon, don't be mean... ;) I said it was still in my car! I was just so curious, I couldn't wait - I was hoping someone would have an inkling. I'll pull the *heavy* guy out today or tomorrow and get you some pics. Thanks for reading!

Okay - finally got those pics. I also wrote it up at Retro Thing. My best guess is that it's part of a retail kiosk type display, or that it's part of a fancy integrated system of components. One of the commenters at Retro Thing pointed out that Sony had a similar high-end stereo/TV system that even had a similar look and feel to this TV.

I should point out that I'm in the US and the TV is UL listed. The SCART connector on the back might make you think otherwise, but I think that perhaps Sharp was using this connector in the USA as part of this integrated home entertainment idea just to make wiring easier? Just a theory...

I'd love to hear your thoughts, and I'm happy to send some more pictures. It was just so cold in the basement, these pics weren't very good. ;)

That is a neat and interesting looking set. Something I have never seen.