The Journey to Save the Last Known 43-Inch Sony CRT

Shank Mods’ Epic Quest

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.

A Mythical Behemoth of CRT History

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.

A Lead from a Japanese Soba Restaurant

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.

What follows is a race against time to coordinate the TV's extraction, involving logistics experts, a moving team, and a mountain of paperwork.

An Unbelievable Extraction

From there, the race was on. Shank had to coordinate an international rescue mission to save the CRT from demolition. The challenges were immense. First, he needed to convince the owner to part with the TV. Then, the 440-pound beast had to be moved from the restaurant’s second floor to a safe location. The mission, required crating, air shipment to the United States, and transport to Shank’s garage. Throughout this process, Shank relied on an incredible network of helpers, including Abebe and Mr. Takahashi, a logistics expert who facilitated the move. The CRT was carefully wrapped, padded, and carried down the stairs by a team of movers, eventually making its way to a warehouse for shipment.

The Holy Grail of Retro Gaming

Once the CRT arrived in the U.S., the restoration process began. Despite being in working condition, it required extensive calibration and repairs to address convergence issues, geometry problems, and the beginnings of CRT cataracts. Shank enlisted the help of experts, who spent hours dialing in the TV’s settings. They uncovered a failure in the dynamic convergence circuit, which was ultimately repaired. After weeks of meticulous work, the KX-45ED1 was fully operational, providing a stunning display perfect for retro gaming.

A Global Community Effort

Throughout this journey, Shank’s video highlights the incredible contributions of his community. Abebe, the man who made the rescue possible, turned out to be the director of Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon. His selfless dedication during the final months of the game’s development exemplifies the power of shared passions. Other contributors, like Mr. Takahashi and the CRT experts who assisted with restoration, played vital roles in making this dream a reality.

This story isn’t just about a TV; it’s about preserving history and celebrating the people who make it possible. Shank’s journey serves as a reminder of the lengths we’ll go to honor the past and connect through shared enthusiasm.

Don’t Miss This Epic Tale

Ready to experience the full adventure? Click here to watch the video on YouTube and see how Shank Mods saved the legendary KX-45ED1 CRT TV. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to Shank Mods to support more incredible projects like this.