Fun things to do with old TVs

[Garrard201]

I've heard that some people are going to turn their old TVs into aquariums after the digital switch. These are people who plan to buy a new set, of course, rather than a converter. Any other ideas? I hate to just throw mine out, and don't really need them. And some of them don't really have provision for a converter (i.e. black and white with pretty poor external antenna contacts). Thoughts?

[RetroHacker]

You can hook any TV up to a converter. Any TV. You don't need composite input, as the converters can output RF over channel 3. And the two screw-type 300 ohm antenna terminals have been the defacto standard for YEARS, only within the last 20 years have they been replaced with F connector screw-on co-ax connectors. All you need is a 300 ohm to 75 ohm matching transformer (available at Rat Shack or elsewhere, a couple bucks), and a length of coaxial television cable. That's it. Just put the matching transformer on the VHF terminals, and hook the coax up to it.

-Ian

[Garrard201]

OK, everyone- I am NOT saying I can't hookup to a digital box. I know how, but I don't need to spend the money to convert dozens of plain jane, black and white TVs with already dying tubes and ratty 300 ohm connectors.

So, please stick to my original question: what would you do with a TV (aside from an aquarium)? Let's just assume the TVs don't work and aren't ultrarare collectibles or anything.

[Wigwam Jones]

Originally Posted by Garrard201

OK, everyone- I am NOT saying I can't hookup to a digital box. I know how, but I don't need to spend the money to convert dozens of plain jane, black and white TVs with already dying tubes and ratty 300 ohm connectors.

So, please stick to my original question: what would you do with a TV (aside from an aquarium)? Let's just assume the TVs don't work and aren't ultrarare collectibles or anything.

You don't understand. You're suggesting that people cannibalize old TV sets to repurpose them. That's like asking for the myriad of ways you can make party favors out of a crucifix to Catholics.

You are about to be debagged and radished by the outraged purists.

Incoming in three, two, one....

[Sandy G]

Uhh, Podner, around here, a bunch of us like to collect & fix up old TVs..."Making an Aquarium" out of one is kinda like raisin' a question about our Mama's morals...

[Tony V]

I knew Unca Sandy was going to step in Not a very good topic to post unless your prepared to get some backlash. My opinion would be if you dont want to use them...whether with a converter or not, give them to somebody who does instead of cannibalizing them. Once their gone theres no turning back later.
-Tony

[OvenMaster]

I refuse to be an unfeeling, irresponsible idiot and suggest target practice. That's just wrong!
Unknown Poster

[wa2ise]

Someone in this forum, who lives nearby, will probably be happy to take that old TV off your hands.

[Garrard201]

WOW- not one suggestion. Just for that, I'm turning them ALL into aquariums.

[bgadow]

I have never seen anything done with an old tv that made it better than it being an old tv.

A decorator idea that isn't too bad, I recall someone selling such a set on ebay once: pull the safety glass and tape onto the screen a big black and white photo of a screenshot, something typical like Ralph Kramden or Lucille Ball. Put the safety glass back. You have destroyed nothing, and made a genuine decorator item which will look great next to a shabby-chic end table or a Chinese particle board grandfather clock.

[AnalogDigit]

I wish I still had my old black and white TV. It was a GE portable and it was red, white and blue for the Bicentennial of 1976.

If I had one, I would hook up a VCR or DVD to it and just watch old shows. It would be like a nostalgic trip. As for my other color sets, I'm planning to buy an converter box. I like the stations I get over the air in Chicago, and by being over at my friends houses where they had cable or Dish network, I'm not really missing that much. I can't beat the price neither. Free!

[radiotvnut]

Originally Posted by Garrard201

WOW- not one suggestion. Just for that, I'm turning them ALL into aquariums.

Please try to find someone who is into old TV's to take them off your hands. Even if they are in bad shape, there may be parts in there that could be of use to someone.

[Eric H]

Why don't you tell us exactly what you have, makes, models, then maybe we'll have some ideas but unless they're late model import junk don't expect anything but flames.

[fotno]

[jpdylon]

Great pic Steve. I love it!