TV8-301 is a small black and white Sony TV. It is notable for being the world's first fully transistorized TV without a lens for viewing with an eight-inch screen. It was also portable and had a compartment for two 6V lead-acid batteries.
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A more plausible description of the TV8-301 might be "the first portable transistor TV that Sony sold in the United States."
An advertisement in the October 1961 issue of Ebony magazine provides pricing information for this TV: the list price was $ 249.95, and the extra battery cost another $ 29.95.
The TV8-301 was truly portable, could use either an AC power supply or a 12 Volt DC power supply. The TV, as many noted, was surprisingly heavy for its size, it weighs about 6 kg, the battery weighed another 2 kg.
The TV used 23 transistors, 18 diodes, and two tube rectifiers. The four small knobs on the back are labeled Gain, Brightness, Vertical and Horizontal. The TV8-301 lacked contrast control. The TV came with a zippered vinyl cover.
Yes, the TV was expensive, but innovative in many ways. It was a luxury item, not a practical purchase. The TV8-301 was prone to frequent crashes, which is why it was called "Sony's fragile little baby." Released in 1960, it was discontinued in 1962.
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Yes, the TV was expensive, but innovative in many ways. It was a luxury item, not a practical purchase. The TV8-301 was prone to frequent crashes, which is why it was called "Sony's fragile little baby." Released in 1960, it was discontinued in 1962.
