Restoring a RCA 21CT55

[etype2]

1954/55 RCA 21CT55 VS 2004 SONY KD-34XBR960.

How does the first RCA 21 inch color television compare to the highly regarded Sony HD KD-34XBR960? We assembled a few comparison photos to find out. Both sets were adjusted to display the best possible images to my eyes. The Sony was in the factory “Pro” picture setting mode and it was not ISF calibrated. Please excuse the stretched 4X3 to 16X9.

We found while using the Sony A6300, the best method for shooting screen shots, was Shutter Priority 1/15 sec., ISO 1000. The settings reduced the shutter bar and moire effects.











Edit: June 11, 2018. Sony white balance set to “Sun” on Marilyn and Dorothy photos.

[WISCOJIM]

Originally Posted by etype2

1954/55 RCA 21CT55 VS 2004 SONY KD-34XBR960.

Looks like the RCA can't produce any black.

.

[old_tv_nut]

Originally Posted by WISCOJIM

Looks like the RCA can't produce any black.

.

There's a psychophysical effect involved in direct viewing that won't show in the side-by-side pictures on your computer. The older CRT faceplate is more reflective than the modern set, causing the shadow detail contrast to be compressed; but fortunately the simultaneous contrast effects of the eye cause the shadows to look darker and more black than they really are. Unfortunately, the details in the shadows are still masked. The picture may actually look better in person if the black level (brightness control) is raised slightly to make the details more visible. The camera sees this as grayish blacks, but the simultaneous contrast effects in direct viewing keep them looking fairly black.