I recently uploaded a trailer for the summer blockbuster, Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, onto a TinyTV. Despite its small size, the screen delivers a clear image with sharp details, capturing elements like text from documents and even the tiny space under Tom Cruise in that infamous vault scene from the original Mission: Impossible.
However, the TinyTV does come with its quirks. A video I tried with white text on a black background was readable, but there was some motion blur. Everything appeared grainy, making it tough to catch finer details. The speaker is another downside; at only 0.6 inches wide, it struggles to be heard in a noisy environment, making soft dialogue hard to follow even in quiet settings.
In comparison to today’s advanced televisions, the TinyTV feels like a nostalgic nod to simpler times. Modern TVs are massive, vibrant, and packed with features. We’ve traded bulky knobs for sleek remotes and mounted screens instead of old, wobbly legs. Each innovation comes with its own set of tech terms that can be overwhelming.
Despite its limitations, the TinyTV serves up a dose of whimsy. People are getting creative with it. Some use it for decoration in dollhouses, while others make it a quirky desk accessory or a fun device to share holiday greetings with family. Mike Burns from TinyCircuits even mentioned its appeal for various uses, from office desk toys to family videos.
Personally, I’ve set up my TinyTV in my office to play footage of my dog having fun, reminiscent of home movies. I also loop a calming video of one of my favorite local waterfalls.
Interestingly, the TinyTV packs an 8GB microSD card that can hold around 10 hours of video. While swapping out the storage is technically possible, it requires some disassembly of the device.
As our main TVs turn into advertising machines, the joy of the TinyTV is in its simplicity. It may not be a traditional TV, but it captures the essence of what TVs are meant to do: bring people together for shared entertainment.
For those curious about changes to our viewing habits, a recent survey showed that 70% of viewers prefer streaming over traditional cable. It’s fascinating to think how far we’ve come in how we consume media, but sometimes, it’s nice to enjoy something that harks back to simpler entertainment.
For more information on changing TV trends, check out this report from Statista.












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