Description
TeleVideo 955 RS-232 Serial Terminal CRT Monitor Vintage Dumb Terminal
The TeleVideo 955 is a standalone RS-232 serial dumb terminal built around a monochrome CRT display. It connects to a host computer or minicomputer via one of its two DB-25 RS-232 serial ports — one labeled COMPUTER for the host connection and one labeled PRINTER for a serial printer passthrough. The unit accepts both 115V and 230V AC power, making it usable in North American and European environments. This example powers on and displays; light phosphor screen burn is present on the CRT, as shown in the display photo.
Specifications & What's Included
- Make: TeleVideo (TVI)
- Model: 955
- Display: Monochrome CRT
- Serial Ports: 2x DB-25 RS-232 — COMPUTER and PRINTER
- Additional Connector: RJ-11 modular jack (side panel)
- AC Power Input: 115 VAC / 230V~, ±10%, 50/60 Hz, 1.5A / 0.75A
- Fuse: Slow-Blow (AC 100V: 1.5A; AC 230V: 0.75A)
- Power Switch: Front-panel rocker switch (I/O)
- AC Inlet: IEC C13-style connector (rear)
- Country of Manufacture: South Korea
- Form Factor: Desktop with swivel/tilt base
- Condition Note: Light phosphor screen burn on CRT — see photos
- Included: Terminal unit only — no keyboard, cables, or manual
Applications
The TeleVideo 955 is a classic 1980s-era dumb terminal designed for use with minicomputers, UNIX workstations, and multiuser operating systems of the period — systems such as those running UNIX System V, Xenix, CP/M-86, or proprietary minicomputer OSes from DEC, HP, Wang, and similar manufacturers. TeleVideo terminals were widely deployed in offices, data centers, universities, and government installations throughout the late 1970s and 1980s as the primary interface for time-sharing systems. The dual RS-232 ports allowed a single terminal to connect both to the host system and to a local serial printer simultaneously — a common setup for transaction processing and clerical workstations. Today the TVI 955 is sought by vintage computing collectors and enthusiasts restoring period-correct computing environments, as well as hobbyists connecting to BBS systems, retrocomputing setups, or RS-232 serial devices via a modern terminal emulator bridge.
This TeleVideo 955 RS-232 Serial Terminal is in used condition. The CRT displays a light phosphor screen burn, visible across portions of the display surface as a faint ghosted image — this is shown clearly in our screen photo. The beige housing is intact with age-related yellowing typical of 1980s-era plastics, and the unit shows normal shelf wear overall. Both DB-25 RS-232 ports (Printer and Computer) appear intact. No keyboard or cables are included with this unit. Please view our full photo set and contact us if you have any questions.
Warranty Information
Additional Information
Brand: |
TeleVideo |
Model: |
955 |
MPN: |
955 |
Type: |
RS-232 Serial Dumb Terminal |
SKU: |
8500 |
Display Type: |
CRT (Monochrome) |
Interface: |
RS-232 Serial |
Number of Ports: |
2x RS-232 (Printer + Computer), 1x RJ-11 |
Connector Type: |
DB-25 RS-232, RJ-11, IEC AC inlet |
Power Requirements: |
115 VAC / 230V~, ±10%, 50/60Hz, 1.5A/0.75A |
Country/Region of Manufacture: |
South Korea |
Form Factor: |
Desktop |
Seller Notes: |
Terminal only — no keyboard or cables included. |
Compatible With: |
RS-232 serial hosts, minicomputers, UNIX systems, BBS |
Condition Notes: |
TeleVideo 955 RS-232 Serial Terminal in used condition. The CRT has light phosphor screen burn visible across the display. Housing shows age yellowing and normal shelf wear. No keyboard or cables included. See photos. |
California Prop 65 Warning: |
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including lead and lead compounds, and DEHP (a phthalate), which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Go to P65Warnings.ca.gov |