Advent VideoBeam 1000A (1975)
Three-tube CRT projection TV system with 7-foot diagonal output at 100" focal distance, designed by Henry Kloss.
Overview
The Advent VideoBeam 1000A is a rear-projection CRT television system made by Advent Corporation in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It came out in 1975, only about a year after the VideoBeam 1000 it updates. Henry Kloss designed it. The base unit throws both picture and sound at a curved matte metallic screen, and the screen reflects the image back to the viewer. Advent sold it as plug-and-play, with few adjustments, to make installation easier. An internal permanent magnet dynamic loudspeaker gives 5 watts of audio output, with a frequency response of 80 to 12,000 Hz.
Specifications
| Screen Size | 51.5" x 68.5" (7-foot diagonal) |
| Projection Type | NTSC color TV projector at 100" distance |
| Focal Distance | Fixed at 100" |
| Number of Tubes | 3 (RGB) |
| Power Output | 5 W |
| Audio Frequency Response | 80 - 12,000 Hz |
| Loudspeaker | Permanent Magnet Dynamic (PDyn) Loudspeaker (moving coil) |
| Power Type and Voltage | Alternating Current supply (AC) / 120 Volt |
| Power Consumption | 180 W |
| Projector Weight | 140 lbs |
| Screen Weight | 68 lbs |
| Wave Bands | VHF incl. FM and/or UHF |
| Tuner | US FCC standard single knob VHF/UHF tuner with AFC |
| Remote Control | Optional, wired or wireless ("big boxy remote") |
| External Input | Yes, with "Normal/External" switch next to volume control |
| Material | Various materials |
| Shape | Console |
Design
The Advent VideoBeam 1000A uses three cathode ray tubes (red, green, blue) with rear-facing 3" phosphor screens and collimating mirrors to project color images. Protective circuitry blanks the tubes if the vertical or horizontal deflection fails, or if the anode goes over-voltage. There is a contrast control and an external input connector. In low humidity the unit occasionally lets out a loud static discharge, a "ZAP". Picture and sound both come from the projector base and bounce off the dedicated curved screen toward the viewer.
Context
Advent Corporation introduced the VideoBeam 1000A in the 1970s as the successor to the VideoBeam 1000. It is described as "the grand daddy of all projection screen TVs." Advent produced 18 models in total.
Market
The Advent VideoBeam 1000A originally sold for around $3000. Nostalgic interest in these units keeps growing, and they are expected to keep appreciating in value. Common problems are failures of the vertical or horizontal deflection circuits and anode over-voltage. The RGB video output transistors have needed replacing over time. Parts such as chassis, unused RGB tubes, and new boards are reported to be available from users.
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