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A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11In the United States, start with local listings—especially Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, OfferUp, and neighborhood or retro-gaming groups. A local CRT is easier to inspect and collect than a shipped one, but the right purchase depends on what you want to connect. Identify the kind of display and its inputs first, ask for a live picture test, and plan the move before agreeing to buy.
Where to look for an old CRT
Search several local sources rather than waiting for a specialist shop to have the right set. Availability varies by region: a free consumer television may be easy to find in one area and uncommon in another.
Start with local listings
Facebook Marketplace’s CRT TV category is a useful first stop. Also try Craigslist and, particularly in larger U.S. metro areas, OfferUp. Expand your search to nearby cities and check both electronics and free listings on Craigslist. These platforms are most useful when you can inspect and collect the set in person.
Search neighborhood groups, Buy Nothing groups, local gaming communities, and community swap pages, too. Post a wanted request that names the size and inputs you need; someone clearing out a home may not have listed the set publicly. The CRT-finding guide at ConsoleMods also identifies local groups and listings as recurring sources. Facebook’s buyer guidance recommends checking the seller’s profile and available ratings, confirming condition, and using sensible transaction practices.
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Check sales, shops, and reuse programs
Garage sales, estate sales, moving sales, flea markets, independent thrift stores, and charity shops can turn up ordinary televisions at prices set by sellers who simply want them gone. Call thrift stores before visiting: acceptance policies vary, and some larger chains restrict CRTs because they are cumbersome to handle and dispose of.
Some electronics-recycling centers receive CRTs, but that does not mean the public can take equipment home. Call first and ask whether the facility accepts televisions as well as monitors, whether working sets are available for reuse, whether appointments or fees apply, and what identification or vehicle requirements it has. Never remove a set without explicit permission. The EPA explains the federal rules and recycling context in its pages on cathode-ray tubes and CRT and CRT-glass regulation.
University surplus departments, repair cafés, electronics clubs, school or church rummage sales, and local reuse networks are further possibilities, though availability is local and policies differ.
Use online marketplaces selectively
eBay and Mercari can be useful for small CRTs, computer monitors, professional displays, remotes, parts, and listings that offer local pickup. For a large television, avoid shipping when local pickup is practical: weight, fragile glass, cabinet structure, and inadequate packaging can turn an apparent bargain into a damaged set. If considering shipment, ask exactly what was tested and read the listing’s return terms. A seller’s word “tested” does not by itself establish that every input, control, and picture condition was checked.
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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Enthusiast communities can help you find leads and identify model names. For example, r/crtgaming’s June 2026 listings thread and another regional listings thread contain user-submitted leads, not verified recommendations. Treat each listing as an unconfirmed offer and inspect it yourself.
Rank #2
- 13-inch combo TV/DVD player; measures 14.25 x 15 x 14.4 inches (W x H x D)
- Compatibility with DVD movie, CD audio,CD-R/CD-RW, DVD-R, and VCD discs
- JPEG Viewer enables you to create slideshows with digital photos stored on disc
- Digital coaxial audio output connects to your multi-channel audio/video receiver for surround sound content
- Glow-key remote control, icon-based on-screen displays, V-chip, and an auto-clock
What to search for
Many sellers do not use the term “CRT.” Try several descriptions across each platform:
- CRT TV, tube TV, old TV, old television, vintage TV, analog TV, box TV, non-smart TV, standard-definition TV
- Trinitron, PVM, BVM, broadcast monitor, computer monitor, VGA monitor
- Entertainment center, stereo cabinet, estate sale TV
Searching for “old TV” or “entertainment center” may reveal listings from people who do not know CRT terminology; it is a community-reported search tactic, not a guarantee. Search nearby towns and check listings regularly, since local inventory changes quickly.
Choose the kind of CRT that fits your use
“CRT” covers displays with different connections and purposes. Decide what you need before comparing brands or paying a premium for a famous model.
Recommended Free Tools
| Display type | Often suits | Check before buying |
|---|---|---|
| Consumer CRT television | Older game consoles, VHS or DVD playback, and a straightforward period-TV setup | Screen size, aspect ratio, composite/S-Video/component inputs, remote, and picture condition |
| Computer CRT monitor | Vintage computers and systems that output compatible RGB or VGA signals | Connector, horizontal-frequency and resolution compatibility, text clarity, and whether you need an adapter |
| Professional monitor, such as a PVM or BVM | Specialist video work or a buyer seeking particular inputs and display characteristics | Exact model, input cards or connectors, service history, condition, and price; these are specialist purchases, not automatically the best choice for casual play |
| HD CRT television | Some higher-resolution or HD sources | How it handles the specific older console and signal; HD capability does not make it an automatic substitute for a standard-definition set used with 240p-era systems |
| Rear-projection television | Some large-screen period setups | It is a projection television, not a direct-view CRT; evaluate its separate maintenance needs rather than treating it as an ordinary tube TV |
For consoles, check the system’s output—composite, S-Video, component, RGB, SCART, or VGA—and whether the TV or monitor accepts it. A television with RF only may need additional hardware. A VGA monitor will not necessarily accept a console’s composite or component output. NTSC/PAL compatibility and the desired 240p behavior also depend on the equipment and signal path; do not assume every CRT handles every signal.
For VHS or DVD, composite or S-Video inputs, working speakers, and a usable remote may matter more than specialist video features. For décor or filming, cabinet condition and reflections may matter most; if the set does not work, describe it honestly as nonfunctional.
Rank #3
- 1:10.1"TV screen is full HD
- 2:Small TV built-in, ATSC tuner to receive your favourite local free-to-air TV programmes
- 3:Main formats compatible with the TV's USB port: AVI, MOV, MPEG 1, MPEG 2, MPEG 3, MPEG4, XVID, AVC, MP4, H.264, HEVC(H.265), FLV, MKV, MP3, JPEG, WMV, RMVB, AVI, MKY, 3GP
- 4:HDMI and AV inputs:This portable TV offers enhanced compatibility with a wide range of devices.Sync up to HD 1080P video from your to this TV via HDMI/AV cable (not included). You can also connect many other devices to this small TV, such as DVD player, TV sticks, Xbox, game consoles,kindle fire, computer, camera,and more
- 5:Package accessories: 10.1inchportable TV, AC adapter, manual, remote control, antenna, car 12v cable
How to inspect a CRT before paying
Get the details and arrange a real test
Ask the seller for the manufacturer and model number, screen size, available inputs, remote, included stand or cabinet, known faults, and where the set has been stored. Ask whether it can show a live picture from an input. “It powered on the last time I used it” is not a demonstration of current working condition.
If practical, bring a known-good console or video source, its correct cables, and a power strip. Ask for a test pattern or menu with straight horizontal and vertical lines if geometry matters. A colorful game-screen photograph alone cannot establish that the set has a straight, stable picture.
Check the picture, controls, and cabinet
- Look for intermittent power, unstable sync, heavy flicker, lines, retrace lines, ringing, or a picture that drops out.
- Check whether straight lines bow, the image tilts, colors separate or blotch, or brightness and contrast behave abnormally.
- Look for persistent burn-in and listen for audio problems if you need the speakers.
- Test every input you expect to use; inspect the jacks for damage and confirm any required input card is present on a professional monitor.
- Check the remote if you need one, and look for cracked cabinet parts, corrosion, excessive dirt, smoke odor, or signs of moisture exposure.
A television can turn on while still having poor geometry, weak color, a faulty input, or an unusable picture. A well-kept ordinary set can be a better buy than an untested display priced around its brand name. Do not open the cabinet to inspect or clean it; internal CRT equipment should be handled by a qualified technician.
What should you pay?
There is no dependable national price for used CRTs. Region, size, type, inputs, condition, service history, seller knowledge, and pickup or shipping all affect the asking price. Community listings in 2026 range from free consumer sets to specialist monitors listed for hundreds of dollars, but those are individual asking prices, not completed-sale data or a reliable valuation index. See the June listings thread and regional listings for examples, not a price guide.
- Ordinary large consumer TVs may be free or inexpensive when the owner needs them removed.
- Tested small TVs, sought-after consumer models, and usable computer monitors may cost more.
- Documented professional monitors, uncommon computer displays, and serviced examples can command high asking prices.
- An untested set priced mainly on its brand or model name may be poor value if its condition is unknown.
Compare the full cost: pickup, helpers, cables or adapters, a stand, possible repairs, and approved disposal if the set fails. A cheap CRT is not a bargain if you cannot move it safely or connect your equipment.
Rank #4
- RCA to HDMI Converter: Converts analog RCA composite (Yellow, White, Red) input to HDMI 720P/1080P output on HDTVs/Monitors. Only support RCA to HDMI. NOT Support HDMI to RCA!
- Plug to Play: AV to HDMI converter doesn't need extra drivers, just plug and play, easy to use. Please hook up the USB power cable (included) to 5V power adapter when using this RCA to HDMI adapter.
- Wide Compatibility: This av hdmi converter supports for all standard TV formats such as PAL, NTSC3.58, NTSC4.43, SECAM, PAL/M, PAL/N. Provide advanced signal processing and make videos come to life.
- Extensive Use: Composite to HDMI converter widely applied to PS2, PS3, Xbox, N64, WII, STB, VHS, VCR, DVD Players and other devices with standard composite AV input.
- Attention & Package: Please ensure to connect this rca to hdmi converter to power source to make it work. Package include: 1x RCA to HDMI Converter, 1* Micro USB cable (adapter not included), 1*User Manual. Please free feel to contact us if you have any product problems.
Plan the pickup and transport
Before you collect it
- Measure the vehicle opening, doorways, stairs, and the shelf or furniture where the set will go. Confirm whether the stand is included or detachable.
- Arrange enough help for the actual size and weight. Bring moving blankets, straps, a suitable dolly, and sturdy gloves.
- Keep the screen upright, secure the cabinet so it cannot slide or tip, and do not stack heavy objects on top.
Some CRTs can weigh up to about 200 pounds, an upper-end warning cited by the ConsoleMods CRT guide, not a typical weight for every set. Ask the seller about the specific television and do not attempt a lift beyond what your helpers and equipment can safely manage.
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If the set has been moved through very cold or hot conditions, let it reach room temperature before switching it on, particularly if condensation may have formed. Keep the set closed; do not dismantle it to troubleshoot a fault.
When to walk away
- The seller will not provide a live test, and your purchase depends on the set working.
- “Powers on” is the only evidence offered, or the seller cannot identify the model and show the inputs.
- The picture has severe distortion, persistent discoloration, unstable operation, or other faults you are not prepared to repair.
- The cabinet or screen is cracked, or there are signs of moisture damage.
- The price is based on a famous name rather than demonstrated condition and useful inputs.
- You have no practical way to transport the set or no safe place to put it.
- A large shipped set has vague testing information or weak assurances about packaging and returns.
For an in-person marketplace purchase, confirm that the set matches the listing and complete the transaction only after the agreed test. Keep the seller’s messages and transaction details until you have checked it at home.
Would a modern display and scaler suit you better?
If local CRTs are unsuitable, the set is too heavy, or you need HDMI, capture, or streaming compatibility, a modern display paired with a retro-video scaler is a practical alternative. For example, the manufacturer listed the RetroTINK-2X Pro at $139.99 in its product catalog when checked in August 2026; the 5X Pro was listed at $325, and the 4K Pro at $750 on their product pages at that time. These are dated manufacturer-listed prices, not guarantees of current availability or price. The models differ in capabilities; check the product pages for current features and compatibility before choosing.
Scalers can process compatible analog signals for modern displays and simulate selected characteristics such as scanlines or masks. They do not reproduce a tube’s physical phosphor, beam behavior, motion presentation, or light-gun compatibility. Choose one for convenience and modern connections, not on the assumption that it is physically identical to a CRT.
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How to dispose of a CRT you cannot keep
Do not smash, drill, or dismantle a CRT, and do not leave it at the curb unless local rules explicitly permit that. The EPA says CRT glass contains lead, particularly in the funnel glass, and federal hazardous-waste treatment depends on the circumstances, including reuse and recycling; state requirements may be stricter. EPA also notes that CRT recycling markets have become more difficult. Contact your local household hazardous-waste or electronics-recycling program and ask specifically whether it accepts televisions, whether it charges a fee, and how to arrange drop-off. Do not assume a general electronics collection accepts CRTs or that a retailer’s program does.
The EPA’s CRT overview and regulatory FAQ explain the federal context. For thrift or resale purchases, applicable safety rules still matter: see the CPSC’s resale and thrift-store guidance and FAQ.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
