Cathode ray tube

A cathode ray tube (CRT), also known as a "Tube TV" is a display device that was manufactured until 2007, when it was replaced with LED screens. A CRT displays an analogue signal from a video outputting device by emitting light from top to bottom every frame through colored combs.

In gaming, a CRT is considered a more faithful than a pixel accurate display for displaying older games that were developed and intended to be played on a CRT.


Sharp Pixels on EmulatorRGB via PVM-20L2MD
notice the detail that emerges on the chest of the statue, as well as how the knee is rounded.

Sharp Pixels on EmulatorN64 Composite via Toshiba 13A23
The edges of Saria's body blends well into the background giving a smoothed look.

Sharp Pixels on EmulatorN64 Composite via Sanyo DS-13320
The tone shift on the skin, and highlights blend together making a night and day difference.

Sharp Pixels on EmulatorN64 Composite via Sony KV-13TR20
Low bitrate FMVs of the era especially gained benefit from the display technology of the time. Notice how jpeg artifacts become invisible like magic.

credit to @CRTPixels on twitter