Katarzyna Petru
An older couple from Guatemala had used a Samsung CRT television for 39 years, purchased in 1987. The set operated almost daily, from morning news to evening films, and even broadcasts of the fall of the Berlin Wall were watched on its screen. Only after nearly four decades did the equipment start to falter, which is why the family decided to donate it as part of the Eco Trade-In programme and exchange it for a new LCD model. Samsung not only accepted the device but also preserved it after restoration as a symbol of the durability of past constructions. This story resonated widely, as such longevity is now a rarity.
39 years is a lot, but the record is even older
Although the case from Guatemala is impressive, there have been even more extreme examples in the history of television. In 2011, a working television by Marconi from 1936 was sold at auction for £16,800, which is about $22,900. This means it had been functioning for around 75 years from the time it was produced. This is an absolute niche, but it shows how solid old constructions could be.
Why did old CRTs last for decades, but today they last 5–7 years
The durability of cathode ray tubes was due to their analog simplicity, easier repair, and better heat management. Modern LCD and OLED televisions are significantly more technologically complex, reliant on LED backlighting and software. Today, the average lifespan of televisions is often described as around 5–7 years, sometimes a decade under favourable conditions. In practice, repair often becomes unviable, so equipment is replaced faster than it is serviced.
The story of 39-year-old Samsung is not just a curiosity, but a strong contrast to modern electronics. In the past, televisions were bought for decades, whereas today they are more often purchased for just a few years. This specimen shows that durability was once a real value and not just a marketing slogan.
source: techradar.com
