There's something to be said for not sending the TV to the landfill, and I imagine these use less power than a typical incandescent bulb.

But more importantly, there's some je ne sais quoi that you just can't get from an e-ink display. Hacking old things and giving them new lives is a pleasure in itself, I suppose.

Author of the OC here: yes, the TV consumes 850 mA at 12 V DC, plus the extra dollop needed for the Pi, so it's drawing about 11 Watts — less than a typical CFC, let alone an incandescent :).

The TV shown has modest power requirements. And CRT displays are fun.

Whether anyone does this or not will have basically zero impact on energy concerns.

> And CRT displays are fun

CRT + Magnets are fun and interactive!

Yes indeed!

I need to make a vector display. I have CRTs and just need to find the time. They are my favorite.

But, I do really like this project. It is pretty great art.