Retro & raw
CRT video wall rental for events, music videos and installations
A CRT video wall is a wall of old tube TVs that together form one eye-catching video image. Every screen has its own character, colour, distortion and retro vibe. The result is a look you just won't get from a standard LED wall or a modern screen.
At Stapel.tv we build CRT video walls for events, music videos, trade shows, photo shoots, art installations, club nights, film sets and brand activations. We supply the screens, media players, cabling, setup and technical fine-tuning.
What is a CRT video wall?
A wall of old tube TVs that together form one bigger visual whole.
You can show the same image on every screen, give each screen its own video source, or spread one big image across the whole wall. The imperfections of old screens create a raw, analogue look: slight colour differences, scanlines, curved glass, noise, flicker and distortion. That's exactly what makes a CRT video wall interesting for productions looking for something that doesn't feel slick, flat and digital.
A CRT video wall works great as a stage visual, a set for a music video, an eye-catcher at a trade show or festival, a backdrop for photo shoots, an art installation, a film set prop, a brand activation or an interactive installation.
What you can do with a CRT video wall
One big picture across multiple screens
We can spread a single video or visual across multiple CRT screens. That turns a stack of old televisions into one big canvas, with the unique texture of cathode-ray tube technology. Perfect for music videos, live visuals, stage shows, trade shows, exhibitions and product launches.
A different image on every screen
Not every screen has to show the same thing. Each TV can play its own loop, animation, logo, camera feed or text. That works really well for installations where the wall is used more as a collage or set piece.
Synchronised video loops
For installations, events and exhibitions we can play content in sync. All videos start at the same moment and the installation keeps running smoothly.
Live input, HDMI or media players
Depending on the setup, we can work with media players, laptops, HDMI sources, converters or custom-built control. We'll help you figure out the best way to get your content onto old screens before the big day.
Interaction and custom work
Want visitors to be able to influence what's on screen? Think buttons, sensors, cameras, live data or physical interaction. For that kind of thing we also build bespoke setups.
For events, music videos, trade shows and installations
A CRT video wall really shines when the image doesn't just need to inform, but also has to set the mood. Old televisions grab attention, give a space character and look great on photo and video.
Music videos
A CRT video wall instantly gives a music video a raw, retro or futuristic vibe.
Trade shows
Use the wall as an eye-catcher on your stand, with brand videos, logos or campaign visuals.
Festivals and stages
As an alternative to standard LED screens, especially for acts, VJs and themed stages.
Photo shoots
Perfect as a backdrop with loads of depth, light and texture.
Film and television
Use it as a set, prop, control room, news studio, hacker den or retro setting.
Art and museums
For installations where technology, nostalgia and visual culture come together.
From a small stack to a huge CRT wall
We build CRT video walls in all sorts of sizes. From a compact stack of a few screens to bigger walls with dozens of televisions. For every setup we look at the available space, how you want the image split up, viewing distance, power supply and technical control.
Setup
Ideal for
4 to 9 screens
Small shoot, set piece, shop window, interview setting
12 to 24 screens
Trade show stand, music video, club night, photo shoot
24 to 50+ screens
Event, stage, festival, installation
Custom
Museum, interactive installation, brand activation
How do we drive old tube TVs?
Old CRT TVs usually don't have a modern HDMI input. That's why we use a combination of media players, converters, splitters, analogue video signals and custom-built solutions.
Depending on the project, we can spread one video across multiple screens, play a separate video on each screen, start all screens in sync, run content in loops, add logos, visuals or text, use live input or a camera feed, and hook up interactive elements.
You don't have to come up with the technical solution yourself. Beforehand, we'll talk through what you want to show, how many screens you need and how the content should be delivered.
Delivering your content
Send us your own videos, animations or logos, or let us help you figure out what works well on old screens. Images behave differently on CRTs than on modern displays: high contrast, big shapes and clear motion often work better than small text or fine detail.
The practical bits: space, power, transport and setup
A CRT video wall is heavier and more technical than a modern TV setup. That's why we sort out the practical side properly in advance.
Space
We look at width, height, depth and viewing distance. We also decide whether the screens should be neatly aligned or stacked in a more playful way.
Power
CRT screens draw power and need to be connected safely. For bigger setups we estimate the power consumption and the number of circuits needed in advance.
Transport and setup
Hooking up the TVs is really easy. Often you can do it yourself just fine (or someone who's already on set can). For bigger setups we take care of transport and setup.
Safety
We make sure the screens are stable, cables are neatly tucked away and the installation is suitable for the venue and the audience.
How much does it cost to rent a CRT video wall?
A complete CRT video wall starts from just €650 for 16 TVs. The final price depends on the number of screens, the control setup you need, transport, setup, the length of the rental period and any custom software.
Curious what a CRT video wall would cost for your project? Send us the date, location, the size you have in mind and a short description of your idea, and we'll help you come up with a setup that fits.
CRT video wall examples
Music video with 24 CRT screens
A compact wall as the backdrop for a music video, with synchronised loops and glitch visuals.
Trade show stand with a vintage TV wall
A striking installation with logos, campaign visuals and moving content on each screen.
Interactive installation
A bespoke setup where visitors could influence the images on the screens.
Frequently asked questions about CRT video walls
How many CRT screens can you supply?
We can build both small and large setups. The right number depends on the location, the size you want and how the screens need to be driven.
Can all the screens form one big picture together?
Yes, they can. We can spread one image across multiple screens, or have each screen show its own video or loop instead.
Can I connect my laptop or HDMI source?
In many cases, yes, but old CRT screens don't have a modern HDMI input. So we use converters, media players or a custom setup to make modern sources play nicely with old televisions.
What kind of content works well on a CRT video wall?
Big shapes, high contrast, clear motion, bright colours, logos and short loops usually work well. Small text and fine details are less suited to old tube screens.
Is a CRT video wall suitable for a trade show or festival?
Yes. CRT video walls make great eye-catchers at trade shows, festivals, stages, club nights and brand activations.
How much power is needed?
That depends on the number of screens and the setup. For bigger projects we make a technical estimate in advance.
Can you set up the installation?
Yes. We can take care of transport, setup, technical fine-tuning and teardown.
How much does a CRT video wall cost?
The price depends on the number of screens, the rental period, location, setup and technical requirements. Get in touch for a tailored estimate.
Want to rent a CRT video wall for your project?
Tell us what you want to make: a music video, trade show stand, festival set, photo shoot, art installation or brand activation. We'll help you work out the number of screens, the technical setup and the best way to get your content onto old televisions.
What can we do for you?
