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A Predicta mounted on a "barber pole" stand
The Philco Predicta is an American television made in several models by the Philco company in the late 1950s. It is arguably the most iconic television set in existence and is to many people the "classic" 1950s TV set—although with its trademark detached picture tube, it could not be more atypical of an early television set.
Many Predictas were produced for the Holiday Inn hotel chain; but the design was considered too radical by everyday consumers, and many sets languished at television dealers. Slow sales, lack of a color model and very poor reliability eventually drove Philco into bankruptcy and sale in 1960.
Due in part to their 1950s styling and rarity of working examples, they are now highly sought-after collectibles. They have been featured many times in movies, TV, and music videos. Telstar acquired the rights to the name and now produces brand new sets with larger, color screens and modern internal electronics. Although they have not produced much during recent years.
