From arcade cabinets and retro gaming handhelds to repurposed vintage camera flash gadgets, you can bring old technology back to life using a Raspberry Pi computer. Initiatives like these 10 Raspberry Pi projects to explore in 2025 are an excellent starting point, but if you’re looking to equip your home with vintage tech, consider projects such as the TVArgenta, a CRT-style television powered by a Raspberry Pi computer.
TVArgenta, featuring elements like a classic TV casing and a channel-switching knob, is crafted by Ricardo Sappia. This endeavor is a heartfelt project aimed at showcasing beloved Argentinian commercials from his youth in the 1990s. Now residing in Germany, Sappia created TVArgenta to cherish those memories and introduce to children the advertisements that evoke his nostalgia. While initially made for commercials, TVArgenta offers numerous possibilities for those with a creative spirit. Although it’s a complex project that necessitates several components and 3D-printed elements, it remains a delightful, innovative demonstration of what can be achieved with a Raspberry Pi.
How does TVArgenta function?
If you’ve lamented discarding your old CRT television, TVArgenta resembles and operates similarly to the one you recall, albeit on a smaller scale. Simply power it on and use the knob to switch channels. However, the technology enabling this feature is far more advanced than that of traditional CRT TVs. For this creation, Sappia utilized the following components:
– Raspberry Pi 4
– 4.3-inch display
– Rotary encoder
– Compact audio amplifier and speaker
– Custom 3D-printed casing
– Power source, SD card, and mounting hardware
For a complete inventory of necessary components, alongside the 3D files for printing the enclosure on your 3D printer, you can visit the project on Maker World. Additionally, you can check out the TVArgenta project on GitHub to obtain the required files for the Raspberry Pi.
After configuring TVArgenta on your Raspberry Pi and assembling the display and other components within the enclosure, you can utilize the web UI to control content. As TVArgenta functions entirely offline, you’ll need to engage the web UI to upload content. You can also label content and create designated channels that organize material, which makes turning the knob on the TV feel authentic. Switching channels also generates a hint of static and noise to enhance the experience. If desired, you can arrange channel introductions that play every time you switch to a specific channel. Once you’ve tailored everything to your preferences, you’ll hardly need to adjust it again unless you want to add more material or create new channels.
What can you do with TVArgenta?
The main purpose of TVArgenta is to play nostalgic commercials in the background, but if commercials don’t catch your interest, there are alternatives. TVArgenta is not restricted in terms of content types it can present. The device stores information locally, allowing you to upload any video content through the web UI, including films, anime, iconic football games, F1 races, or your preferred YouTube videos. The potential is virtually limitless.
TVArgenta is undoubtedly impressive. It serves as a conversation piece that merits a distinguished spot in your home or workplace. You can keep the device running on your desk with classic “Simpsons” reruns, or place it on your kitchen counter to stream “Iron Chef” episodes that inspire you to cook. Regardless, once you construct a TVArgenta, how you choose to utilize it is entirely your decision — it’s a delightful way to repurpose an old Raspberry Pi.
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