Shane Mason of Wrongdog Reckons built a 90s cable simulator to bring back the old-school cable TV vibe using a Raspberry Pi. Basically, the Raspberry Pi 5 is the heart of the simulator, using its power to play videos and switch channels.
The setup connects to a screen, preferably an old CRT TV or a modern one with a retro vibe, using an HDMI output. For older TVs, an HDMI-to-composite or HDMI-to-RF adapter converts the signal. A remote control system, potentially using a Bluetooth remote or custom hardware tied to GPIO pins, mimics the feel of a 90s cable box remote, like a Jerrold.
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As for the software, FieldStation42 is a Python-based program that mimics 90s cable TV. Mason gathered a collection of 90s TV stuff—shows, ads, and promos—from VHS tapes, online sources, or personal recordings, saved on an SD card. These are sorted into “stations” with metadata catalogs made by FieldStation42’s system, which checks files for details like genre and length.
The liquid-scheduler creates realistic TV schedules based on these catalogs, considering the time of day (like soap operas in the afternoon and primetime shows at night) and even seasonal content (using month-specific folders). Features like sign-off videos (like a national anthem at 3 a.m.) and off-air patterns (like test screens) make it feel super real.
Simply put, the project wants to bring back the nostalgic, laid-back TV-watching of the 90s, before streaming took over. The simulator copies the clunky 90s cable experience, with channel guides, static between channels, and interruptions like pledge drives. Want to build your own? Check out the FieldStation42 Github page here.
