'81 Realistic 5" B&W portavision

[compucat]

I have one of those Realistic portable sets, the same model. I can tell you that they were a quality set back in the day. i too remember when they were new in the Radio Shack stores and I wanted one so bad. The reason they are so heavy is that there is a power transformer inside as well as metal brackets for various components. There are at least two circuit boards inside for sweep and signal. There is an assembly for the dial stringing. The cabinet is seriously doubt at DTV converter board can be made to fit inside. It is sad that apart from the radio these sets are now table top use only. The picture quality is great and they are well made. I am keeping mine in my collection. They show up on Ebay occasionally so you can get parts. I say fix it up and at least display it. It is from a time when portable black and white TVs were still considered a premium electronic product. Because of the DTV transition my vintage portable TVs are doing shelf duty but I do have a quality digital portable with a 16:9 wide screen. There is still great portable sets out there, they just don't have those cute little CRTs anymore.