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In a world where our devices seem to be getting bigger and bigger screens, a company has decided to go in a different direction – by making the world’s smallest TV.
TinyCircuits, an electronics company, has unveiled two new prototypes in its TinyTV range, including one with a 0.6-inch (15 mm) screen.
The TinyTV 2 has a 1.0-inch (26 mm) screen and sits atop a 0.6 by 0.4 inch (16 by 9 mm) front-firing speaker.
True to its retro aesthetic, the adorable television comes with two rotary knobs that adjust the volume and ‘switch channels’ between videos.
Its even smaller brother, the TinyTV Mini, is the size of a postage stamp, but still has an hour of playtime per charge.
They are currently the subject of a Kickstarter campaign, which has raised over £111,650 ($128,640) to date.
TinyCircuits, an electronics company, has unveiled its latest prototypes in its TinyTV range, including one with a 9.6in (15mm) screen
The TinyTV 2 has a 1.0-inch (26 mm) screen and sits atop a 0.6 by 0.4 inch (16 by 9 mm) front-firing speaker
While both models can be controlled with built-in buttons or buttons, TinyCircuits has also made an optional infrared remote control
Videos can be loaded by the user or streamed through the TinyTV using a USB-C cable to connect it to the computer.
Both TinyTV 2 and the grape-sized TinyTV Mini come with an 8GB microSD card installed, which can hold more than 10 and 40 hours of footage on the respective devices.
They come pre-installed with some open source videos, including a roaring fireplace.
However, users can load their own favorite movies, shows, and TikTok videos by plugging it into their computer and dragging the files in.
These videos must first be converted to a TinyTV friendly format using free software from TinyCircuits.
This software also allows the user to add effects to their videos such as static and video looping.
While both models can be controlled with built-in buttons or buttons, TinyCircuits has also made an optional infrared remote control.
This can turn on the device, change the volume or change the video playback.
The TinyTV range is created by Ken Burns, the founder and president of TinyCircuits, and is manufactured in Ohio, USA.
The small electronics company launched its first project, a miniature computer processor called TinyDuino project, in 2012.
True to its retro aesthetic, the adorable television comes with two rotary knobs that adjust the volume and ‘switch channels’ between videos. Pictured: TinyTV 2
Videos can be loaded by the user or streamed through the TinyTV using a USB-C cable to connect it to the computer. Pictured: TinyTV 2 dimensions
Both TinyTV 2 and TinyTV Mini come with an 8GB microSD card installed, which can hold more than 10 and 40 hours of footage on the respective devices. Pictured: TinyTV Mini
The TinyTV range is created by Ken Burns, the founder and president of TinyCircuits, and is manufactured in Ohio, USA. Pictured: TinyTV Mini Dimensions
Next came TinyScreen, a companion display unit, in 2014, before being combined into the Tiny Arcade game console in 2015.
About five years ago, a Japanese man named Yashusi Enari bought the next generation TinyScreen+ and started making his own miniatures with it.
He 3D-prints a miniature television set called MAME-TV, which was so successful that it caught the attention of TinyCircuits, and they began working together.
Unfortunately, Yashusi was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2018 and the following year doctors found a tumor that prevented him from continuing with the project.
He passed away on May 1, 2019, but requested the TinyCircuits team to continue working with his MAME-TV, leading to the TinyTV DIY Kit.
The small electronics company launched its first project, a miniature computer processor called TinyDuino Project, in 2012. Then came TinyScreen, an accompanying display unit, in 2014, before combining them into the Tiny Arcade game console in 2015.
About five years ago, a Japanese man named Yashusi Enari bought the next generation TinyScreen+ and started making his own miniatures with it. He 3D-prints a miniature television set he called MAME-TV, which was so successful it caught the attention of TinyCircuits, and they started working together
Launched in late 2019, the TinyTV DIY Kit allowed customers to build and customize their own TinyTV, but also formed the basis of the TinyTV 2 and TinyTV Mini
Launched in late 2019, it allowed customers to build and customize their own TinyTV, but also formed the basis of the TinyTV 2 and TinyTV Mini.
These two new models promise a brighter screen, louder speakers, a USB-C port and come pre-assembled for those who might not be handy with a manual.
The black-and-gray TinyTV 2 and all-black TinyTV Mini are available to order via Kickstarter for a pledge of $49 (£43), while clear versions of both require a pledge of $59 (£51).
You can order an infrared remote for an extra $10 (£9) and you can even request a name for inclusion in a special credits screen programmed into every TinyTV 2 and TinyTV Mini.
The black-and-gray TinyTV 2 (left) and all-black TinyTV Mini (right) are available to order via Kickstarter for a pledge of $49 (£43), while clear versions of both require a pledge of $59 (£51)