Television technology has undergone significant changes in recent decades, offering consumers a wide range of options. From different types of display panels to screen sizes exceeding 100 inches, the choices are diverse. However, approximately 35 years ago, Sony surprised the world with a TV featuring a screen of more than 40 inches.
As reported by the French magazine Joystick, Sony introduced the KX-45ED1 in the early 1990s. The TV was quite remarkable, measuring 41 inches in length, 30 inches in depth, and 36 inches in height. Concealed within its black box, typical of devices from that era, was a cathode ray tube (CRT) that powered a 43-inch screen.
A TV That Practically Never Left Japan
For quite some time, Japan was a leader in technological advancements. Brands would launch their innovative devices in Japan first before branching out to other markets, such as the U.S. or Europe. The KX-45ED1, however, wasn’t widely available in many countries, likely due to its prohibitive price.
One of the markets where the 43-inch CRT TV did arrive was the U.S., shortly after its launch in Japan. However, it came with a hefty price tag of $40,000, which was enough to buy two new cars. But the price wasn’t the only bump in the road: Due to its size and weight, getting it into your living room or bedroom was also quite challenging.
The TV weighed 440 pounds and, despite its presumed sturdiness compared to today’s technology, had to be handled with extreme care during transportation. According to The Verge, it was so large that it couldn’t fit through a standard door frame. However, once you had it installed, you could enjoy Enhanced Definition TV with excellent picture quality.
The TV was equipped with RGB and S-Video inputs, as well as audio inputs, allowing you to connect devices of that time, such as a gaming console or a VHS player. It’s worth noting, though, that this TV was originally introduced as a professional monitor under the name PVM 430 in the late 1980s at the Consumer Electronics Show.
Image | Sony
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