Paweł Koper
The American startup RetroBox has presented an unusual device that promises to transport users straight back to the golden era of video cassettes and the first gaming consoles. Although at first glance it appears to be a classic 'television with a player' set, beneath the casing lies technology adapted to today's standards.
Digital Soul in an Analog Body
As reported by Mike Wheatley from the HDTVTest portal, the RetroBox is not a typical cathode-ray tube television it appears to be. The device is equipped with a modern LCD display with a 4:3 aspect ratio, which, thanks to advanced emulation software, mimics the appearance of a traditional CRT screen. Users can expect the characteristic 'graininess' of the image, scan lines, and a specific atmosphere reminiscent of childhood, while simultaneously eliminating the drawbacks of old CRTs – their large weight, flickering, and unreliability.
Connectors? A Mix of Old and New
The RetroBox is a real treasure for collectors, offering a wide range of connectors:
Older: AV Component, RCA, S-Video inputs, and coaxial ports allow for connection of iconic consoles such as the NES or Sega Genesis.
Newer: The presence of an HDMI port means that this retro monitor can even be connected to a PlayStation 5 or a streaming device, although the image will be displayed in nostalgic 240p or 480i resolution.
Interestingly, the device features a built-in, fully functional VHS player, allowing for the revival of old film collections.
According to the philosophy of its creators, RetroBox is meant to be a “physical” experience. The device does not have a remote control, which forces the user to interact directly with the casing. Want to rewind the tape or change the channel? You have to get up from the sofa, which additionally enhances the sense of realism reminiscent of the 90s. Currently, the product is available for pre-sale in the American market at a price of 399 dollars. At this moment, RetroBox only supports the NTSC standard (60 Hz), which means that European PAL format tapes will not work correctly on it. However, the manufacturer does not rule out creating a version dedicated to the European market if there is sufficient interest in the project.
Source: HDTVTest.co.uk, https://retrobox.us/
