A 1958 Philco Predicta television.
The 1958 Philco Predicta television is one of the most iconic and futuristic-looking TVs ever produced, especially for its time. Here’s a detailed overview
Design & Features:
Manufacturer: Philco (Philadelphia Storage Battery Company)
Model Year: Introduced in 1958
Notable Feature: The swivel screen, which was a major innovation—many models had a separate picture tube mounted above the main cabinet, allowing it to pivot for better viewing angles.
Styling: Mid-century modern, space-age design aesthetic with clean lines and bold experimentation in form.
Cabinet Types: Offered in several styles including:
Tandem (screen and tuner separated)
Holiday (more traditional all-in-one console)
Continental (sleek pedestal base)
Technical Specifications:
Screen Type: Cathode Ray Tube (CRT)
Screen Size: Most models had a 21-inch screen (some 17″ or 24″ variants existed)
Resolution: Standard definition for the era (525-line NTSC)
Tuner: Analog VHF only
Power: Vacuum tube technology (solid-state was still years away)
Cultural Significance:
The Predicta is often considered a design icon of the 1950s, symbolizing post-war optimism and the dawn of the television age.
It appeared in films and shows set in retro-futuristic or atomic age environments.
Though cutting-edge in appearance, the Predicta was notoriously unreliable and had a high failure rate, which hurt its sales and reputation at the time.
Collectibility:
Today, original Predictas are highly collectible and command premium prices depending on condition and model.
Several companies and hobbyists restore or even modernize Predictas (e.g., installing flat-panel displays inside the original housing).
