Iconic 1950s TV set retrofitted to play Netflix and YouTube

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By Ottilie Von Henning via SWNS

A man bought and retrofitted an iconic 1950s TV set so it can play Netflix and YouTube.

Kevin Martinez, 30, is an avid vintage technology enthusiast and had always wanted to own a Philco Predicta television, an iconic design first released in 1958.

When he spotted the acclaimed piece of tech at an estate sale on the outskirts of Seattle, Washington, USA, he had to have it.

The television was on sale for $600 (£470), a total bargain considering they can easily go for at least $1,270 (£1,000) on most second-hand sites.

Once he got the TV home, Kevin rigged it up to several adapters to convert his Amazon Firestick’s HDMI signal to an old-school radio frequency that the TV can understand.

The 66-year-old telly was then able to follow instructions from the Firestick and bring up Netflix, YouTube and any other streaming platform.

Kevin, a former Aviation Electronics Technician with the Navy based in Bremerton, Washington, said: “I’ve always been fascinated by vintage tech and the Philco Predicta’s design makes it a true piece of history.

“I could not believe my eyes when I saw it at this quirky collector’s estate sale.

“Especially at $600, which is a real bargain, as these can go for many thousands even when broken.

“Given how rare it is to find a working one, I didn’t hesitate to buy it.”

Kevin’s background as a technician and his long-standing personal interest in old-school technology meant he was able to hook the television up with ease.

Kevin said: “These TVs are like monitors.

“They can display anything and everything just as long as you translate it into something they understand.

“I just love mixing old and new tech.

“It’s fun and wonky.”


 

FOX28 Spokane©