I got a new CRT set today! A Toshiba CZ1484, which as best as I can tell is their top of the line model from the mid-1980s. It's beautiful:
Apparently the FST/Blackstripe TVs could rival Trinitrons in quality but I can't find much info about these CZ- models online.
One cool feature is that the front control panel pops out and works as the remote control!
The remote doesn't seem to be working, but that's still really cool!
Check out the back connections:
IT HAS RGB! It's a type of connector I'm not familiar with, I'm HOPING it might be possible to make a converter so I could use a SCART cable with it for my Sega Genesis or Saturn or something.
I've had to give this thing a SERIOUS cleaning; the front glass comes off to be washed but the screen behind it was filthy too.
I'm not wild about the reflection caused by the glass cover, but the image quality from composite video NES looks pretty great and it isn't too distracting in person. I think the glass still needs more cleaning.
It also seems that the internal speakers are totally dead. Not a huge problem since I've got an external speaker that works fine, but it's a bit of a drag.
I'm going to get in touch with the repair shop in the region that fixed my Trinitron when it stopped working to see if they can get the sound and remote functioning. But even if they can't, I'm very happy with this thing!