A console modder and retro gaming enthusiast has successfully saved an extremely rare 43-inch Sony Trinitron KX-45ED1 CRT TV from a Japanese noodle restaurant’s demolition, which was set to tear down the building due to earthquake-ready construction concerns. The TV, weighing over 440 pounds, was shipped from Japan to the US after being retrieved by Shank Mods, who spent weeks working with local contacts and experts to ensure its safe removal and setup.
The Sony Trinitron KX-45ED1 is considered one of the largest CRT TVs ever sold to consumers, featuring a 43-inch visible diagonal on its 45-inch tube. Due to its massive size and weight, only a few units were produced, making it extremely rare. The TV was originally priced at $40,000 in 1989, adjusted for inflation to around $100,000 today.
Shank Mods’ journey began when a friend alerted him to the TV’s presence in an Osaka restaurant. After verifying its authenticity and arranging for its removal, Shank Mods turned to Twitter, where he received help from a stranger named Abebe, who visited the restaurant on the last day before demolition. The TV was still intact and powered up, and it was subsequently shipped to the US.
Shank Mods spent weeks servicing and adjusting the TV’s alignment and technical issues, working with experts from around the country to get it fully functional. After several hours of work, the TV was finally dialed in, except for one major issue: a failed dynamic convergence amplifier circuit. To fix this, Shank Mods sourced replacement components.
The Sony Trinitron KX-45ED1 has been restored to its former glory and is now ready for use by retro gaming enthusiasts. Its incredible picture quality and lag-free performance make it a highly sought-after collector’s item.
Source: https://www.tomshardware.com/monitors/console-modder-hunts-down-worlds-largest-crt-tv-saves-it-from-noodle-restaurant-demolition-death-half-the-way-around-the-globe