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We have a total of 9 Philco Predictas and 2 Safaris (the portable, solid state Safari came out in 1960, the same year as the last Predictas). We actually have an example of every model they made. We find them to be enjoyable and fun to watch. They were made in 1959 "G" series (all 21") and 1960 "H series" (17" and one 21"). The 1959 sets (all with wood cabinets) are not as good as the 1960 models. The '59's have the tubes wired in series, thus no transformer and are slow to warm up. Almost all of the '59's have or had vertical problems. The '60's had a transformer power supply and just worked better. The biggest problem with the '59's was the 21" picture tube...Philco literally replaced 50% of the picture tubes under warranty. Most would go dim and burn out within the first 6 months. It was the first 110 degree deflection tube and had a 2.36v filament. The filament was weak and the cathode lost emission quickly. This severely damaged Philco's reputation for quality. The 17" and 21" tubes were much improved and last as long as any other make. The 17" 1960 sets all had metal cabinets. The "Rocket ship" set (their only 1960 wood cabinet, named "Continental") was the only 21" set in '60.
When a Predicta chassis is restored, they have a very good picture and nice sound. And are actually quite stable. And the wood cabinets are no worse, IMHO, than any other "painted finish" cabinet from the era. The swivel picture tube is neat and are always a conversation piece. It almost has an eerie look to the picture, 'floating" above the cabinet. For those of you looking for the "2 piece" unit (called "Tandem"), it is a 1959 model. One thing for sure....they have become the icon for '50's televisions.
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