In what looks like the beginning of the end for picture-tubes, Thomson (the parent company of RCA) has closed down its last U.S. CRT manufacturing plant in Circleville, Ohio. While Thomson will continue to produce some tubes in other countries, the smaller 25″ to 36″ tubes made in the 50-year-old plant will likely be purchased from other manufacturers. Tubes aren’t going to go away completely, but as LCDs continue to improve in quality, they’re going to become more of a niche item.
