CRTs are big, heavy, power hungry, contain hazardously high voltages and flicker in a way that can be quite abrasive to modern LCD tuned eyes.

However they also extrude a literal nostalgic glow that to nerds of a certain vintage attracts them like moths to a flame.

I had a cheap Alba 14" CRT for several years which I didn’t really use much. When I finally dug it out to take to a SWAG event recently, it threw in the towel and retired permanently.

It was only then that I realised I much preferred playing C64 or Amiga games on an CRT over an LED. I had to find a replacement…

However the nature of these devices means that although you can find them on eBay, transporting them safely is an expensive and risky business.

But as luck would have it, I found that an established TV and audio shop in a local town had decided to part exchange old TVs when they made a sale on a new TV. They’d then put the second hand TVs up on eBay for pickup only.

With further luck I found that a 14" Philips CRT in what seemed like solid condition was for sale. I promptly arranged a visit to see it in person and was instantly won over by the clear, crisp image.

After a sensible sum of cash had changed hands, I was the proud owner a solid and portable (in relative terms!) CRT which I’ve welcomed into my retro gaming attic space.

Now the fun can really begin!