Raspberry Pi can now stream video to your old CRT TV

Raspberry Pi can now stream video to your old CRT TV

If you still own an old CRT (cathode ray tube) TV, you may be able to stream video over UHF using Reddit user's "Devicemodder2" CRT TV project. It was made with a Raspberry Pi Zero and allows compatible CRT TVs to tune into a predetermined channel for wireless video streaming. The system is based on a Micro UHF analog transmitter, which can be purchased on Ali Express for only 16 euros, connected to the composite video output on the back of the Raspberry Pi Zero. In the image below, the yellow wire is the signal, the orange is the 5V power supply, and the blue is the ground.

Credit: devicemodder2 / Reddit According to Devicemodder2, RF-only TVs within range of 100 feet (about 30 meters) can tune into the video signal coming from the Raspberry Pi. In this configuration, the system transmits the video output on channel 29. Devicemodder2 has also clarified that the transmitter used in this project is configured only for PAL audio but the signal passing through it is NTSC. As such, there is no audio output, just a video feed.

Devicemodder2 created this project in order to test old CRT TVs that could be sold to local thrift shops or flea markets. With a battery powered Power HAT UPS Lite V1.2 and transmitter both connected to the Pi Zero, you can make sure any TV is working without connecting the Pi to power or the TV itself.

Credit: devicemodder2 / Reddit The developer also claimed that it is possible to use the Raspberry Pi Zero to show photo galleries on CRT TVs in UHF. In case you are interested, we recommend that you take a look at the original thread on Reddit for a more in-depth look at the project. Recall that, recently, we talked to you about how to install Windows 11 in an even easier way on Raspberry Pi. For more details, we advise you to read our previous dedicated article.