Television - SONY ソニー Micro-TV 5-303E

SONY ソニー Micro-TV 5-303E | c.1963 Japanese Design Icon | Original Case & Accessories
WHEN THE FUTURE FITTED INSIDE A CARRYING CASE

In the early 1960s, television usually meant a large piece of furniture in the living room. Sony imagined something different: a personal television that could travel with its owner.

The Micro-TV brought that vision to life. Its miniature screen, compact metal cabinet and carefully arranged controls expressed a new approach to consumer electronics, combining portability with the precision and ingenuity that would make Japanese design internationally influential.

Presented here is a Sony ソニー Micro-TV 5-303E, made in Japan by Sony Corporation, Tokyo, dating from the early 1960s, circa 1963. It is accompanied by its original Sony carrying case, Sony-branded power cable and Sony EAC-4 external antenna adaptor.

DESIGN AND PRESENTATION

The charcoal-grey metal cabinet contrasts beautifully with the silver-tone front surround and prominent rotary channel selector. A carrying handle and folding support allow the television to be transported and displayed at an inclined viewing angle.

The telescopic antenna retains its distinctive red-orange tip, a small but particularly attractive detail of this early Sony design.

The original carrying case deserves attention in its own right. Its textured grey exterior, decorative stitching, metallic trim, Sony-branded clasp and “Tokyo Japan” marking reflect the care devoted to the complete travelling set.

Inside, the lined case features a quilted lid and an accessory pocket. Its retaining/front-protection arrangement holds the television securely in position when correctly inserted, preventing it from moving around inside the case.

A MILESTONE IN MINIATURISATION

The 5-303 series, introduced in 1962, represented a significant step in the development of compact portable television.

Sony combined a specially developed miniature CRT with advanced transistor circuitry. Silicon power transistors, including the 2SC140, offered improved thermal performance and stability compared with earlier germanium devices. The 2SC140 was used in the vertical output, horizontal oscillator and horizontal driver stages.

The design also incorporated a selenium-rectifier power supply and miniature 1DK1 high-voltage rectifier valves arranged as a voltage multiplier, providing approximately 8 kV for the CRT. Although marketed as a transistor television, the design therefore still included these small rectifier valves alongside the picture tube.

The approximately 5-inch CRT, with a diagonal of around 13.7 cm and 70-degree deflection, was designed specifically for this compact application. Its high-voltage system supported a bright, high-contrast image for such a small screen.

Sony’s engineering priorities combined compact dimensions, low weight, economical power consumption, portable operation and accessibility for servicing. The densely arranged circuit boards illustrate how much engineering was fitted into this remarkably small cabinet.

CONTEMPORARY DOCUMENTATION

The European Sony Micro-TV 5-303E was featured in Funkschau, issue 8 of 1963, pages 193–194, in an article by Karl Tetzner entitled:

“Sony-Micro-TV 5-303 E — Ein Fernsehempfänger mit 14-cm-Bildschirm”.

The article records its presentation to the German press in late March 1963 and describes the European 625-line version with VHF channels 2–11 and 220 V mains operation.

It lists 25 transistors and 20 diodes, with a further two transistors in the optional external UHF converter. The contemporary indicative price was 990 Deutsche Mark for the television and 190 Deutsche Mark for the separate VUC-5E UHF converter.

The VUC-5E converter is not included in this sale.

The National Museum of Nature and Science, Tokyo, also records a 1962 Sony TV5-303 product catalogue in its History of Japanese Industrial Technology database, reference 900490091005. This is an archival record relating to the model family, not a provenance claim for this particular television.

INCLUDED SONY EAC-4 ACCESSORY

The Sony EAC-4 is an external antenna adaptor. It connects to the television’s antenna input and provides terminals for an external antenna lead.

Its LOCAL/DISTANT selector allows the input to be adjusted for stronger local signals or weaker distant reception. It is an antenna accessory, not an external battery or a UHF converter.

The adaptor has a visible crack in its plastic housing, shown in the photographs.

TESTING AND CONDITION

The television has been tested for the following functions:

• Powers on and off.
• The CRT screen illuminates.
• Sound is audible.
• The volume control increases and decreases the sound level, although the output remains low.
• The other controls respond during testing.

Reception of a recognisable television picture with accompanying audio from a compatible external source has not been verified. The above observations describe the tests performed and should not be interpreted as confirmation that every circuit meets its original factory specifications.

The television was opened for a visual inspection. No components in an obviously precarious physical condition were observed during that inspection, and many of the visible components carry Sony markings. This was a visual inspection rather than a complete electronic overhaul or component-by-component assessment.

Overall, the set presents in excellent vintage cosmetic condition for its age, with signs of use, patina and age-related imperfections. Please examine the detailed photographs, including those of the cabinet, case, cable, accessory and internal construction.

DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT

Approximate television measurements:

• Height: 20 cm
• Width: 19.5 cm
• Depth: 19 cm
• Television weight: 2.25 kg
• Combined weight with original carrying case: 5.12 kg

Measurements and weights are approximate.

VIDEO

A video showing the television and the demonstrated functions is available here:

https://youtube.com/shorts/gq3UavFqfmU

INCLUDED IN THE SALE

• Sony Micro-TV 5-303E television
• Original Sony carrying case
• Sony-branded power cable
• Sony EAC-4 external antenna adaptor

Advertisements, circuit diagrams, museum screenshots and other historical or technical reference material shown are provided for documentary purposes only. They are not physical items included in the sale.
This is a collectible electronic device manufactured more than sixty years ago. Its condition and the scope of testing are described above. Ageing electronic components may require adjustment, servicing or replacement, and continued performance cannot be predicted from a limited test.

This is an analogue television. It does not receive modern digital television broadcasts directly; a suitable external source and compatible RF equipment are required. Such equipment is not included.

The supplied vintage cable is included as part of the set. Original electrical parts and insulation should be checked by a qualified technician before regular use. Internal servicing should also be entrusted to a qualified technician because CRT televisions contain high-voltage circuitry.

Photographs and the linked video form an integral part of the description. Photographs were taken under controlled lighting; colour and surface appearance may vary slightly depending on lighting and screen settings.

The set will be carefully protected and packed. The original Sony carrying case will itself be protected as a collectible component of the lot.

The buyer is responsible for providing a complete and accurate delivery address and for collecting the shipment when required. Delivery issues, returns and any applicable remedies will be handled under Catawiki’s rules and applicable law.

By placing a bid, you confirm that you have reviewed the description, photographs, video, stated testing limitations and included items.

Thank you for your interest in vintage electronics and for helping preserve the history of design and technology. Giving these objects a new home keeps their stories alive, allowing future generations to appreciate the ingenuity and craftsmanship behind them.