TV’s used to have tubes also. They had tube testers at drug stores so you could test a suspect tube and get a replacement. A TV set doubled as a heat source in the winter time.
Some of the really high end stereo equipment still uses tubes. I can’t claim to have a good enough ear to really appreciate it, but supposedly tubes give a much better sound than solid state units.
And while the tubes warmed up I remember a high pitched sound coming out of the TV that no one else could hear….of course now I hear that high pitch noise all the time…think they call it tinnitus
david_42: I remember when that MiG landed in Japan. The US propaganda machine was bragging about how advanced we were to have solid state electronics while those backward Soviets were still using vacuum tubes. Yet, every nuclear power in the world plans to open hostility with a detonation 87 miles over the enemy to wipe out communications with its EMP. There was also a rumor that before the CIA could get to it, Hasagawa was already examining it for a model kit.
I remember when TVs first got solid-state electronics. People were impressed when the TV started almost immediately. Now to get a TV on one has to start so many devices that it seems tube TVs would be faster.
firedome almost 11 years ago
indeed…although I do also have a collection of transistor radios as well…
WillardMBaker almost 11 years ago
TV’s used to have tubes also. They had tube testers at drug stores so you could test a suspect tube and get a replacement. A TV set doubled as a heat source in the winter time.
rmacprivate almost 11 years ago
Some of the really high end stereo equipment still uses tubes. I can’t claim to have a good enough ear to really appreciate it, but supposedly tubes give a much better sound than solid state units.
w2lj almost 11 years ago
Rerun!
route66paul almost 11 years ago
tubes can be bought – audiofiles love the top of the line hi-fi equipment from the late 50s – early 60s, as do anyone playing electric instruments.
Redhead55 almost 11 years ago
We had to wait for the radio tubes to warm up for the radio to come on. Now we have to wait for the CFL bulbs to warm up to have light.
rhol55 almost 11 years ago
And while the tubes warmed up I remember a high pitched sound coming out of the TV that no one else could hear….of course now I hear that high pitch noise all the time…think they call it tinnitus
hippogriff almost 11 years ago
david_42: I remember when that MiG landed in Japan. The US propaganda machine was bragging about how advanced we were to have solid state electronics while those backward Soviets were still using vacuum tubes. Yet, every nuclear power in the world plans to open hostility with a detonation 87 miles over the enemy to wipe out communications with its EMP. There was also a rumor that before the CIA could get to it, Hasagawa was already examining it for a model kit.
renewed1 almost 11 years ago
Apparently the old ways are still the best ways.
jppjr almost 11 years ago
Cars had AM radios…with tubes….
wiatr almost 11 years ago
I remember when TVs first got solid-state electronics. People were impressed when the TV started almost immediately. Now to get a TV on one has to start so many devices that it seems tube TVs would be faster.
radiocollector almost 11 years ago
visit noveltyradio.com! I have a link to some old tube radios as well!
radiocollector almost 11 years ago
I also have tubes for sale thru my website too!