RCA Model 9-PC-41 Projection Television

This 1949 projection TV has been referred to as ‘buffet style’. Radios were once made in this style also. The idea was that the TV was actually a dual purpose piece of furniture. Some electronics disguised as furniture even had storage room for things such as dishes and looked liked they belonged in the dining room or living room of a late 1940’s home. This model looked appropriate since it had a deep mahogany finish which was all the rage in post WW-II furniture style.  The TV projection screen is made to fold down and disappear, leaving no indication that this beautiful piece of furniture is hiding a modern television inside. Even the controls were hidden in a front cavity with its own drop-down panel. The TV also came with a remote control for those who wanted the ultimate in comfort.

The actual television tube that receives and displays the image has a diameter of only 5 inches (image diameter of 3”)  and it points down, not up. That image is aimed at a spherical reflector that then reflects the enlarged image back up and through a large correcting lens. The correcting lens focuses the image on a tilted mirror which then projects the final image (size: 21-1/2” x 16“P”) onto the front viewing screen. The viewing screen incorporates a layer called a Fresnel lens which has layers of material that increase the intensity of the light so as to produce a brighter image.

Our TV has labels on the back that certify  that the unit includes the “Eye Witness Picture Synchronizer” and the famed RCA “Golden Throat” sound system. These certifications were made and signed by “D. D. Cole, Chief Engineer”. There really was a D. D. Cole and if you are curious you may read an article by him.

Cost in 1949: $798.61 (several sources).
Warranty : 90 days
Vacuum Tube Count: 41

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