When it comes to passion projects and preserving pieces of tech history, few stories capture the imagination quite like Shank Mods’ epic quest to re

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2024-12-23 20:00:02

When it comes to passion projects and preserving pieces of tech history, few stories capture the imagination quite like Shank Mods’ epic quest to rescue the mythical Sony KX-45ED1 CRT TV. In his latest YouTube video, Shank takes us on a whirlwind adventure spanning continents, history, and incredible dedication to saving what might just be the Holy Grail of CRT collecting.

The Sony KX-45ED1, also known as the PVM-4300, was a 43-inch CRT television released in 1989. Weighing a staggering 440 pounds without its stand, it was more engineering marvel than practical home appliance. Retailing for $40,000 (over $100,000 today), it pushed the boundaries of what CRTs could achieve, offering professional-grade performance. For years, this massive CRT was thought to be a myth, with scant evidence of its existence—just a few photos and an incomplete manual. The TV had become the 'Bigfoot' of CRTs, sparking debates among collectors over whether any had actually survived to this day.

Shank’s story begins with a clue—a photo of the KX-45ED1, allegedly taken seven years ago in the waiting room of a soba noodle restaurant in Osaka, Japan. When Shank’s friend Derf tracked the image to a blog, they discovered the restaurant was set to be demolished in just a few days. The urgency was palpable. With no time to lose, Shank posted a call for help on Twitter, hoping someone in Osaka could investigate. Enter Abebe, a stranger who volunteered to check the location. Against the odds, Abebe found the CRT still in place, fully operational, and confirmed that the restaurant owner was looking for a way to get rid of it.