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I think there is still a market for CRTs, esp. with retro-gamers. Vector displays in particular.


There's certainly a market, but the process of manufacturing and recycling them is difficult to do in compliance with modern environmental regulations. In particular, the leaded glass is problematic to export for recycling.


Leaded glass is not required for CRTs. In the case of color CRTs, it was only used for the backs and sides, because x-rays make leaded glass turn brown. The faceplates used barium-strontium glass, which I assume was more expensive. This sample chapter from "Image Performance in CRT Displays" by Kenneth Compton provides some details:

https://spie.org/samples/TT54.pdf

I see no reason why you couldn't make the whole thing from barium-strontium glass.


The existing regulations assume that all CRTs are leaded, so you'd have to lobby multiple governments to treat your product differently.


yeah, but I don't think production and sales of CRT-tubes could be called a "market" in an economically sustainable sense today.

If someone would find a warehouse full of Trinitron tubes: Yes, a nice opportunity to cater to a retro-gaming market.

Setting up the production chain to BUILD tubes at scale: Not really.


It’s also not just about the economics of it, they’re actually kind of dangerous to produce and involve a fair bit of hazardous materials IIRC. Tinkering with them is a good way to stop your heart too.


Love me some crisp scanlines




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