VHS Combo TVs debut with screen, old and new I/O, and a full videotape recorder in one — ‘Binge-watch like it's 1999’ says RetroBox

A new VHS Combo TV is on its way for folks who want to ‘Binge-watch like it’s 1999.’ We were interested because this could also be a product that appeals to retro computer and retro gaming aficionados, mixing old and new input standards like HDMI, AV Component, & S-Video. The VHS portion of the all-in-one RetroBox entertainment device seems fine, but we were slightly deflated to learn that the CRT is emulated. Let’s take a closer look.

RetroBox is promising to deliver its eponymous products shortly, with its “first drop coming soon.” However, media releases by the company, showing prototypes and work in progress, appear to be at a rather early stage.

We have a few specs that appear to be set in stone already. The product pages say that the RetroBox features HDMI, Composite, S-Video, RF, Component YPbPr, ATSC inputs. It also supports 240p, 480i resolutions NTSC 4:3 natively. Retro computer and console users will also probably note the 15 kHz Horizontal scan, and 60 Hz vertical scan rates. We’d like to see explicit PAL 288p/576i support, and a SCART connector, and 50 Hz vertical scan, if this product ever gets to Europe.

RetroBox admits that CRTs represent “an amazing piece of technology” for retro TV and video gaming enthusiasts. But this product is destined to use modern display panel tech “because CRTs are heavy and fragile, difficult to source, and require specialized knowledge to repair safely, they are not practical for modern production.” The firm also cites environmental concerns around CRT production.

The makers of this product are “CRT lovers,” though, and want to mimic the qualities of CRTs “as close as possible.” They aren’t alone in this quest, but doing a good job with this aspect of the product will be extremely important. In this case, the creators are “College Students and Newly Weds seeking to re-create a special experience from our childhoods,” but this isn’t the kind of detail and experience we were looking for, to build confidence in this $399+ product.

We aren’t saying RetroBox can’t make a compelling product, with their resources, at the price, but think it is probably best to wait and see, rather than click through any of the 'Presale' or ‘Shop Now’ buttons. Folk would be advised to wait and see reviews of the finished product and its performance.

In the meantime, readers might instead look at well regarded monitor adaptor products like the RetroTINK series, designed to let you “experience your favorite vintage games on today’s screens.” There are other retro TV and monitor solutions available, too.

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