Imagine strapping a piece of retro technology to your face and stepping into the future. Sounds crazy, right? But that's exactly what one innovative creator did by building a virtual reality headset using cathode ray tube (CRT) displays, a technology most people associate with bulky old TVs. And this is the part most people miss: CRTs, despite being largely replaced by LCDs and LEDs, still hold a certain charm and potential for unique applications.
CRTs, once the backbone of television and computer monitors, were phased out due to their size, weight, and complexity. However, their ability to produce sharp, vibrant images made them a favorite for retro gaming enthusiasts. Inspired by this, [dooglehead] embarked on an ambitious project: repurposing some of the smallest CRT displays ever made—from vintage Sony Watchman portable TVs—into a fully functional VR headset. But here's where it gets controversial: while most would consider CRTs outdated, this project challenges the notion that older tech has no place in modern innovation.
To achieve this, [dooglehead] had to overcome significant hurdles. The Sony Watchman displays, originally designed for over-the-air broadcasting, lacked input ports for external video signals. Undeterred, he engineered a solution to feed video into these units and used an FPGA to split the signal, ensuring each eye received its own feed. The displays were then mounted side by side in a Google Cardboard headset, paired with a location tracker and an IMU for head and spatial tracking.
The result? A CRT VR headset that weighs only slightly more than a modern HTC headset, though it lacks a protective case—a critical omission given the exposed high-voltage components of the CRTs. Despite some interlacing and focus issues, the performance was surprisingly impressive. While [dooglehead] doesn’t see it replacing his modern VR gear anytime soon, the project serves as a testament to the enduring appeal of CRTs.
Here’s the thought-provoking part: With rumors of a CRT revival circulating, could this project be a glimpse into a future where retro tech finds new life in unexpected ways? Before you toss that old CRT, consider listing it online—someone might just turn it into the next big innovation. What do you think? Is there still a place for CRTs in today’s tech landscape, or are they better left in the past? Let us know in the comments!
