CRT HDTVs combined analog cathode-ray display tech with HD-capable inputs (720p/1080i). They offered deep blacks, good motion response, and competitive pricing in the 2000s, but bulky form factors and the rise of thin, energy-efficient flat panels led to their exit from mainstream consumer markets by the early 2010s. CRTs remain relevant for retro gaming and certain niche applications.
What is a CRT HDTV?
CRT HDTVs are high-definition televisions built on cathode ray tube (CRT) technology. Unlike modern flat-panel displays, CRTs form images with electron beams striking phosphor-coated screens. In the 2000s some CRT sets accepted high-definition signals (commonly 720p and 1080i) and marketed themselves as CRT HDTVs.
Why CRT HDTVs stood out
At the time, CRT HDTVs offered several advantages over early flat panels. They delivered deep blacks and excellent motion rendering with minimal blur, because the display was inherently analog and scanned quickly. Many models included built-in tuners and multiple component inputs to accept DVD players, game consoles, and HDTV set-top boxes.
Manufacturers such as Samsung, Toshiba, Hitachi and Sony produced CRT HDTV models in a range of screen sizes. Historically, CRT sets were often less expensive than comparable plasma or early LCD HDTVs, which helped them compete in the market.
Why the technology declined
Flat-panel technologies - LCD, LED-backlit LCD, and later OLED and QLED - offered much thinner, lighter, and more energy-efficient designs. They also scaled to larger screen sizes and higher pixel counts (4K and beyond). As a result, consumer CRT production largely faded from mainstream retail by the late 2000s and early 2010s.
CRT sets remained bulky, heavy, and difficult to wall-mount. They typically consumed more power and took up more living-room depth than contemporary flat panels.
Where CRTs still matter today
Although new consumer CRT HDTVs are effectively absent from the mainstream market, CRTs persist in a few niches. Retro gaming enthusiasts prize CRTs for their low input lag, native handling of older console resolutions, and authentic scanline look. Some collectors and professional restoration shops also maintain CRTs for specific video workflows and legacy equipment compatibility.
Practical notes for anyone considering a CRT
If you find a working CRT HDTV secondhand, check for working tuners and inputs, reliable picture geometry (no severe convergence issues), and ask about repair history. Be prepared for heavy lifting and higher power draw compared with modern flat panels. For most viewers today, modern LED/LCD or OLED TVs offer higher resolutions, slimmer cabinets, and better availability of warranties and service.