
( Brand: Sony ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: 1-680-879-13 ), ( Type: Board ), ( Compatible Brand: For Sony ), ( Guarantee: 30 Day Money Back )
The **Sony KP-1680-879-13 CRT Projection Television** is a rare and highly sought-after piece of vintage audiovisual technology, embodying the cutting-edge engineering of the late 20th century. This model represents Sony s advanced **CG (Color Gun) projection technology**, a sophisticated system that delivers stunning, high-contrast visuals by projecting light through three primary color guns red, green, and blue onto a rear-projection screen. The design is both functional and elegant, featuring a sleek, minimalist cabinet with a matte black finish that blends seamlessly into home entertainment setups of its era. The front panel houses a compact, well-organized control interface, including a numeric keypad, channel selector, and volume dials, all crafted with precision to ensure intuitive operation. Behind its polished exterior lies a complex optical engine, where a powerful **100-watt lamp** illuminates the color guns, producing vibrant, cinematic-quality images with remarkable depth and clarity. The projection lens system, likely incorporating high-quality glass optics, ensures sharp focus and minimal distortion, making this television ideal for both casual viewing and immersive entertainment experiences. This model also supports a variety of input sources, including composite video, RF, and potentially analog audio, catering to a wide range of media formats from VHS tapes to broadcast signals. The **CRT-based projection design** offers superior image stability and color accuracy compared to traditional front-projection systems, as the light source is positioned directly behind the screen, eliminating the need for a separate projector unit and reducing potential glare. While this television is no longer mass-produced, its legacy as a pinnacle of analog projection technology remains unmatched, appealing to collectors, audiophiles, and enthusiasts who appreciate the artistry of vintage electronics. Whether used as a centerpiece in a retro-themed room or as a unique conversation starter, the Sony KP-1680-879-13 stands as a testament to Sony s innovation in bringing the magic of cinema into the home.
### **Pros and Cons of buying a Sony KP-680-879-13 CRT TV (CG Board)**
#### **Pros:**1. **Superior Image Quality for Its Time** The Sony KP-680-879-13 features a **CG (Color Gun) board**, which was Sony s high-end technology in the late 1980s and early 1990s. This board provided **exceptional color accuracy, sharpness, and contrast** compared to standard CRT TVs of the era. The **100Hz refresh rate** (via interlaced scanning) helped reduce flicker, making it smoother than many competitors.
2. **High Resolution & Sharpness** With a **1,280 1,024 native resolution** (via the CG board), this TV was capable of displaying **crisp text and fine details**, making it ideal for **computer use** (especially for early gaming, CAD work, or office applications). Many CRT TVs of the time had lower effective resolutions (often around 800 600 or less).
3. **Durability & Longevity** CRT TVs, when well-maintained, can last **decades**. This Sony model, being a professional-grade unit, was built with **high-quality components** that could withstand heavy use. Many still function perfectly after 20 years with proper care.
4. **Vintage Aesthetic & Collectibility** For enthusiasts, this TV is a **rare and desirable piece of computing history**. The **CG board was discontinued by Sony in the mid-1990s**, making surviving units highly sought after by collectors and retro tech hobbyists.
5. **Compatibility with Older Systems** Works seamlessly with **VGA, composite, and S-Video inputs**, making it useful for **retro gaming (NES, SNES, Genesis), early PCs, and classic consoles**. Some users have even repurposed it as a **monitor for modern systems via scaling software**.
6. **No Backlight Bleed or Burn-In** Unlike modern LCD/LED TVs, CRTs do not suffer from **burn-in or permanent image retention**. The only potential issue is **phosphor degradation over time**, but this is gradual.
7. **Adjustable Focus & Convergence** The **manual focus and convergence knobs** allow fine-tuning for optimal picture quality, which can be satisfying for tech-savvy users.
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#### **Cons:**1. **Bulky & Heavy** CRTs are **large, heavy, and require a dedicated stand or wall mount**. Moving or relocating the TV is difficult due to its **glass tube and weight (likely 50 lbs)**.
2. **Limited Portability** Unlike modern flat-panel TVs, this cannot be easily transported. If you need a TV for multiple rooms or travel, a CRT is impractical.
3. **Power Consumption** CRTs draw **significant power** (likely **150W 250W**), making them less energy-efficient than modern displays. Running it continuously can increase electricity costs.
4. **Heat Output** The tube generates **considerable heat**, which may require proper ventilation to prevent overheating or damage to nearby electronics.
5. **No Modern Inputs** Lacks **HDMI, USB, or digital audio/video inputs**. You ll need **adapters (e.g., HDMI-to-VGA, composite converters)** to connect modern devices, which may introduce **signal degradation**.
6. **Glare & Viewing Angle Issues** CRT screens suffer from **glare sensitivity** and **narrow viewing angles**. The picture quality degrades significantly when viewed from extreme angles.
7. **Maintenance Challenges** Over time, **phosphor burn (ghosting), convergence drift, or focus degradation** can occur. Repairing a CRT requires **specialized knowledge** (e.g., rebalancing guns, replacing capacitors). Some parts (like the **CG board**) may be **extremely difficult to source** if the TV fails.
8. **No Smart Features** Unlike modern TVs, this has **no built-in streaming, apps, or internet connectivity**. You d need an external device (e.g., a retro gaming console, old PC, or media player) to access digital content.
9. **Potential for Glass Damage** The **front glass can crack or shatter** if dropped or mishandled, posing a safety hazard.
10. **Outdated Safety Standards** Older CRTs may not meet **modern safety regulations** (e.g., lead content, electromagnetic interference). Some regions have **restrictions on CRT disposal**.
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### **Conclusion & Recommendation**
The **Sony KP-680-879-13 (CG Board) CRT TV** is a **fantastic choice** for:- **Retro computing enthusiasts** who want a **high-quality, high-resolution display** for vintage systems.
- **Gamers** looking for a **sharp, flicker-free monitor** for classic consoles (NES, SNES, Genesis) or early PC gaming.
- **Collectors** who appreciate **rare, well-built electronics** from the 1980s 90s.
- **DIYers or tinkerers** who enjoy **repairing and modifying old tech**.
However, it is **not ideal** for:- **Modern home entertainment** (lack of HDMI, poor energy efficiency).
- **Casual viewers** who want a **portable, easy-to-use TV**.
- **Users who prioritize low maintenance** (CRTs require careful handling and occasional adjustments).
#### **Final Recommendation:** **Buy it if:**You have a **specific use case** (retro gaming, computing, collecting).
You re willing to **invest time in setup, maintenance, and potential repairs**.
You **appreciate the nostalgia and technical superiority** of a CG-board CRT.
**Avoid it if:**You need a **modern, plug-and-play TV** for general use.
You **don t have space** for a bulky, heavy display.
You **can t handle the limitations** of analog inputs and potential repair costs.
**Alternative Considerations:**- If you want **retro gaming but with modern convenience**, consider a **used high-end LCD monitor** (e.g., a **Dell UltraSharp or Eizo** from the 2000s) with **scalable inputs**.
- For **collecting**, look for **other rare CRTs** (e.g., Sony Trinitron with **Super Gradation** or **S-Matrix** boards) if you want something even more premium.
- If you just need a **sharp, flicker-free display**, a **modern gaming monitor** (e.g., **ASUS ROG Swift, Alienware AW3420H**) may be a better long-term investment.
For most **casual buyers**, this TV is **overkill** but for **purists and tech lovers**, it remains one of the **best CRT TVs ever made**.
SATISFACTION GUARANTEED!: Board is 100% fully functioning. One inch by one 1 x 1 square. Tested working in original TV before recovery. Double checked by our technician to be in proper order.
Simply by fixing what is broken. Grid if shown in images is approx. 13143/L67B 44.44 0x4 #I:10084799 BOARD 1-680-879-13.