RetroTV
A tiny television for modern nostalgia. Streams, plays, hacks, and just looks good on a shelf.
Portable internet television built around an ESP32-S3. It streams internet video, plays local media and runs small apps, all inside a minimal, retro-inspired case.
Built with: ESP32-S3 · ESP-IDF · LVGL · HLS · FFmpeg
What it is
RetroTV is a self-contained, Wi-Fi connected television built around an ESP32-S3. It streams internet video, plays local media and runs a handful of simple apps.
Everything lives inside a small case designed to sit on a desk or a shelf and look like it has always been there.
Why I made it
I've always loved the look and feel of old TVs. They make even mundane content feel a little special.
RetroTV is my way of combining that nostalgia with modern, open technology: a small, joyful object for everyday use, not another screen that wants your attention.
Hardware
At its heart is an ESP32-S3 driving a 3.5" LCD, a small speaker and two rotary knobs. The 3D-printed enclosure keeps it compact and tactile.
- ESP32-S3
- 3.5" display
- Speaker
- Li-Po battery
- Rotary encoders
- 3D-printed enclosure
Software
Custom firmware built with ESP-IDF. It handles HLS streaming, media playback, a tiny app launcher and an interface designed for a small screen and two knobs.
- ESP-IDF
- LVGL
- HLS
- FFmpeg
- Wi-Fi
Development
A few moments from the build log.
Live SX3 streaming working.
Live channels play smoothly on the ESP32-S3. A small, quietly huge milestone.
First HLS tests.
Segments download, decode and drop frames in roughly that order. Buffer tuning next.
First video output.
A test pattern on the 3.5" panel. Ugly, but promising.
Enclosure v3 printed.
Softer corners, deeper bezel, knobs that click. Found a shape that feels right.
Gallery
