The early 1980s were a wild time for technology. While the personal computer revolution was brewing, the world of home entertainment was also pushing boundaries. Enter the Sampo 9519 Tri-Screen 19″ Color TV, a television that dared to ask: why have one screen when you can have three?
A TV Unlike Any Other
The Sampo 9519, released in 1981 by the Sampo Corporation of America, wasn’t your average living room centerpiece. It boasted a 19-inch main color screen, flanked by two smaller, 5-inch black-and-white screens. Each screen had its own tuner and controls, allowing viewers to watch three different channels simultaneously. Imagine the possibilities! A sports fanatic could watch the main game on the big screen, while keeping an eye on two other games on the smaller screens. Or perhaps a stockbroker could monitor financial news while catching up on their favorite shows. This was multitasking before the term really existed!
Ahead of Its Time (and Maybe a Little Too Much)
While the concept was undeniably innovative, the Sampo 9519 wasn’t a commercial success. Several factors likely contributed to its limited appeal:
- Size and Weight: This TV was a beast, reportedly weighing around 200 pounds. Moving it would have been a workout!
- Price: As a premium product with cutting-edge features, it likely carried a hefty price tag.
- Niche Appeal: While the idea of multiple screens was intriguing, it catered to a very specific audience. Most households probably didn’t need to watch three channels at once.
- Technical Limitations: Only the main color screen had sound output. The smaller black and white screens were silent.
A Relic of Retro-Cool
Despite its commercial shortcomings, the Sampo 9519 has become a sought-after item for collectors and retro-tech enthusiasts. Its quirky design and ambitious functionality make it a fascinating piece of television history. It’s even made appearances on shows like The Price Is Right, showcasing its unique charm to a new generation.
Sampo: A Company with a History
Sampo Corporation, the company behind this unusual TV, is a Taiwanese manufacturer with a long history in electronics. They’ve collaborated with major brands like Sony and Sharp, and continue to produce a range of household appliances. The Sampo 9519, however, remains their most memorable and unconventional creation.
The Legacy of Tri-Screen Tech
While the Sampo 9519 didn’t spark a tri-screen revolution in home entertainment, the idea of multiple displays has certainly found its place in the modern world. Today, multi-monitor setups are common among gamers, programmers, and anyone who needs to juggle multiple tasks on their computer. The Sampo 9519 may have been ahead of its time, but it foreshadowed our current obsession with screen real estate.
If you ever stumble across a Sampo 9519 at a thrift store or online auction, you’ve found a true piece of retro-tech history. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most interesting innovations are the ones that dare to be different, even if they don’t quite catch on with the masses.
