Dorri Partain
Contributor

Need a traveling companion? Then this Claybrooke Model #20734 8-in-1 TV Companion may be just what you need.

“Ideal for home, office, car, boat, camping, tailgating and travel,” this portable unit can be powered three ways: by nine C batteries, a 120V AC power adapter (included), or the 12V DC power adapter (also included).

The array of functions includes an AM/FM radio, flashlight, floodlight, compass, thermometer, siren, weather radio, and television capable of tuning in both VHF signals (channels 2-13) and UHF (channels 14-83). With the exception of the compass and thermometer, which do not rely on electric power, only one function can be in use at a time. Users could not turn on the flashlight and watch a TV program at the same time.

For those who preferred a companion that did more or less, Claybrooke also offered the 5-in-1 unit with TV, radio, flashlight, thermometer and compass. The 10-in-1 model included a removable flashlight and high-frequency mosquito repeller, and the 11-in-1 also included a CD player.

Just like any analog television with a CRT (cathode ray tube), the picture may need to be adjusted with the controls for vertical hold, contrast, and brightness, located under the screen. The 5.5-inch screen could only display as black and white, even if the program was in color.

All the Claybrooke models were manufactured in China and distributed by the May Department Store company of St. Louis, Mo. The small chain was founded in 1877 and became part of Federated Department Stores in 2005, with all May locations closing.

The 8-in1 TV Companion is dated copyright 2001. The last CRT television was produced in 2015.